What Did The Groundhog See?

Beaufort  

I'm not sure what the local groundhog reported this morning, but from the progress made here today we may in fact have only a short bit of winter remaining in our future. Our day began much like the others this week with a fresh coat of varnish applied to our name boards. We've called seven coats of the UV protectant good enough. Combined with our new canvas covers to protect them when we're at the dock, we should have several years before we have to repeat this project. All that remains is to reinstall our navigation lights and put them back atop the pilothouse. Eric arrived at 9:00 and he and Barry finished drilling, tapping, and bolting the new bimini and solar panel frames. It is now impressively strong and sturdy and sparkled in the bright afternoon sunshine. 

We cleaned up a bit, taking old and busted parts to the dumpster and parts that we may have a need for someday to the Escape for the trip back to our garage. Time went by quickly and the sunset snuck up on us. The clouds and still water made for some nice reflections, but we were both drawn to the billowing cloud of smoke coming from the other side of the bridge. The continual sound of sirens filled the air from all directions as multiple fire companies were called upon for assistance.  

As I watched the sun sink below the horizon, the smoke wafted toward the ocean. We later found out a storage unit in Morehead City was ablaze. It is unfortunate how plans can change in the blink of an eye. I've always been more wary of fire than of wind ... and we know first-hand what wind can do. On the bright side, two of our big projects are now done. On Monday, the measurements will be made for the canvas bimini top. Barry and I will install the solar panels before the canvas comes back for installation. Soon we'll have to start looking at getting the Escape home and then weather planning. Tomorrow, however, we'll take a little break and do a bit more exploring.