Update on the Madness

This pic pretty much sums up how much stuff we have left to do.

It always seems as though there's plenty of time to get things done - that is, until you realize that the project you thought would only take an hour actually took 10. Strange how that works. Anyway, I'm sure you'll all be happy to know that the flurry of activity surrounding our departure is culminating into some real results. Yesterday, we got our shots (which I totally forgot about until last week!!), registered the eprib, stowed more stuff, got the solar panel installed, and thanks to Vlad's dad who is here helping us we now have a new homeport on the stern. I also passed my next level ham test, still without having any clue as to how to use the radio. Nevertheless, I keep trying to get Vlad to salute me while saying, "General Hamster." He hasn't been super cooperative on that front, though.  

Today, I get to finish the bimini top, while Vlad gets the engine in tip top shape and his dad does some general maintenance on our batteries. And then, I get to vacuum seal all of our dry goods. It's all coming together somehow, someway and despite my increasing panic attacks. One good thing about all this extra stress is that I haven't been able to feel the least bit anxious about heading out into the Gulf. Everyone around here describes it as an uncomfortable ride, akin to being tossed about in a washtub, but to be honest that sounds kind of nice and relaxing right now.

Oh, and a huge thank you to Vlad's dad who has been a machine. Because of his hard work, we've been able to get our shots and do a couple of other errands without completely falling behind.