Spring must be close

Picked up the boat for spring cleaning. Looks pretty good after the work that was done last year. Will only have to apply the anti fouling paint and power wash to deck and cockpit. I purchased some used winches on e-bay. Will add them and the new blocks that I purchased last fall so that the new 150 genoa will fly better. Sun is shining but only 30 degrees with a strong North East wind so it is still pretty cold so will wait a little while before I work on the boat. I will clean up and organize the inside cabin where I can be out of the wind. Can hardly wait to put Mimsy back in the water.

Mid Winter Snows in Chicago

Seems like I spend more time on this blog waiting for the Chicago weather to thaw out so I can get back to sailing again. Just paid my 2011 slip fee that was due at the end of this month. Although I am not crazy about paying for something well before I can use it, I know that this means Spring can not be too far away.

I need to figure how to go somewhere warm and rent a sailboat to get me back in the swing. My slip opens up on March 31 which is only 2 months away but who is counting.

Great Sailing this summer

I have been away from the blog this summer because we have been so busy sailing and playing golf. The weather has been nice and hot with a lot of great air. The holiday weekend is not starting out too great weather wise but, should be better by Sunday. Plan to play golf on Saturday and then back to the boat on Sunday and Monday. Will probably need a light jacket but that is OK. Hope everyone has had a great summer also.

Spring is here

Finally have the boat all cleaned up and in the water. Very foggy first day so did not really sail. Put the boat in the water and motored to the slip. Had to listen to the fog horn and use the compass because the fog was so thick. Luckily only had a short distance to go.

Second and third time out was great. 89 degrees on land and just great on the water. Felt like air conditioning as the air moved over the water.

Glad to have the good weather back and look forward to a great sailing season.

Last Snow of the Season

Took the boat out of winter inside storage. Took it home to do some prep before putting it in the water in a couple of weeks when the Marina opens. The sun was shining. It was a warm day and Spring was just one day away. Life is good. But!!! Woke up this morning and looked out the window just to be sure the boat that I had put in the driveway was ok. To my surprise the boat and the car which I now have to keep out of the garage has about 1 inch of snow.

The good news is that if the sun comes out either today or tomorrow as we may get a little more snow, at least the small amount of snow should melt. I think I will wait a few days before I start to prep the boat for the water.

Boat out of Winter Storage

Looks like the snow has finally melted with the rain this week. I plan to bring the boat home from winter storage so that I can clean it up and get it ready to put in the water the first week in April. Only a couple short weeks away.

Great Day at the Zoo

Full sun all day and only a slight chill in the air. All of the animals were out and about. Even the 1 week old camel was out in the sun. All of the big cats were very active and as you can see in the pictures they got up close and personal with the grandchildren.