At this point in our journey the cold and breakdowns and still unfinished boat had squashed us into nothing short of misery. Not 10 miles into salt water we encountered obstacles just short of disaster on many levels. No one was having fun! Existential peril! Donna, a new friend, a diver, a sailor and an all round splendid person helped us sort our selves out.

And we were off, a vacation from our vacation, regrouping, family stuff no breakdowns, fun, beaches, the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Onto Oriental, North Carolina.

It was here we lost a crewmate. Our cat Max lived to the age of 16 years. He was a splendid cat. Big, Grey, and very, very soft. He enjoyed early mornings, windows, and doors, naps, hunting, and Brians shed. He had been Alli’s cat since born and had come to know myself (tim) and 5 year old Orion in the later half of his life. He was, is, and will be dearly loved, and greatly missed.

Our vessel had new bottom paint, a completed engine compartment and marked anchor chain. From Oriental we headed south down the ICW. Days after departing we met family in Beaufort NC, though again no pictures were taken.

In the hands of Sailcraft Services. New bottom coat, new cooling system.