The world pandemic has found me under
my own forced convalescence. As some of you know, I was near fatally
injured in a car accident forty years ago. Prosthetics and orthotics
have made it possible for me to live a full, eventful life
regardless, some of which we've all shared here in these pages for
almost thirteen years(!).
Two years ago I suffered a stoke, which
impaired my balance enough that eventually a dramatic fall last
October began an extended period of convalescence, from then until
now. Growing old is not for the faint of heart.
But, determined to carry on, I fully
intend to come out the other side stronger, despite being the target
age of this debilitating world disease. With that in mind, I'd like
to share with you some projects underway in the Doryman boatyard.
The last post found Doryman floundering
under a capsize in the
worthy faering, Saga. Although she saw
service through the rest of last summer, she'd been abused and
misused, much the same as her skipper. Some parts and pieces were
lost in the capsize and her finishes suffered. Though no lasting
damage resulted, she is in need of love, which comes apace. I love
this little boat. We've been through a lot together, most of which
was pure joy. She's a challenge to sail, the older I get, but I'm not
ready to give up yet, we have more time to share.
Here's a shot of a
debilitated Doryman at the helm, after the capsize last summer. That
timid posture is the result of doing more than I should with a recent
spinal injury from the fall I mentioned earlier. Hurts my back just to look at it.
Ouch.
Right now, there are no restrictions on
sailing from the marina I live in so the plan is to launch Saga
by May Day, in the Puget Sound, Salish Sea.
Travel is pretty restricted here, since
the Canadian border to the north is closed to boaters and most
marinas are closed. But for me it's all one ocean, as my friend
Webb
is wont to point out from time to time.
Restrictions imply impermanence, which
brings us to some exciting news;
Chebacco.
About that time, I came upon the same
design, but with lapstake planking. Unfortunately the price was too
steep for me, which was a shame, since I'd come to love the boat by
then.
Fast forward to last month. The same
boat is still for sale. Well, no longer, because my friend, Doug and
I went and picked it up.
Disabilities be damned.
More anon...