Out of the Water ... Plans on Ice

Holden Beach 

Another in a string of great sunrises started the day, although I had to lean over the stern rail and peer around the large Kadey Krogen beside us in order to get a good glimpse. The tide was in, the current was slack, and the sun was out. A dredge passed behind us, cutting through a light layer of fog, on its way to the Cape Fear River. It was a perfect morning to be on the water. As soon as we received word we backed out of the slip and turned south. Fifty feet later we turned into the haul-out well. Today's progress was more symbolic than measurable. 

The lifting straps were positioned underneath us, careful to avoid our new stabilizer fins. The operator tensioned them to the point of lifting. As we had done so many times in the past, we attempted to step off the boat and exit onto the tracks. We were told to stay onboard and did so without question. Crossroads was lifted and began to move toward land. Then someone asked, "how are we going to get them off?" Oops. The ooperator inched Crossroads to the edge of the pit and all agreed the only escape was over the bowsprit. I volunteered to go first and, thanks to my daily yoga, smoothly made it onto the ladder. Barry thought about the process a little too long (he IS an engineer), but eventually descended safely. After that we were back on track and soon blocked in the yard.

The techs quickly gathered around our stern to inspect one of the service points to be addressed. The bottom paint we had applied in October was failing in multiple areas. Thankfully tomorrow will be warm and all the paint can be touched up under warranty. Confident that all projects were in good hands with a good plan, we bid her adieu for a few days. My Cat, the boat that has been traveling with us since Deltaville, has taken us in for a few days until Crossroads goes back in the water. We are once again disappointed with the delay, but are trying to make the most of it. Barry quickly had his hands under their helm to fix an electrical issue. Barry and I then made a grocery run before he and Don went into Wilmington on a mission to West Marine.

We sure miss being on Crossroads, but are very thankful for the assistance from friends. There's a good chance the work on Crossroads will be completed tomorrow afternoon. Once more, however, weather may throw a wrench in things. An ice storm will move through the area beginning Thursday night and last through Saturday. The experts are saying we could get half an inch of ice. Right now it looks like our first opportunity to depart will be Monday. So, I'm going to put the blog on ice for a few days until we know something definite. 

Below is a parting shot -- a reminder of why we push through all these obstacles to continue south. Moments like these when the world is still, quickly chase away memories of the chaos.