The Transition

This is a typical conversation between boaters, so it should come as no surprise. David and I loved boating on our '92 Sea Ray Sundancer 270 for our first season in 2017. We had a slip at Point Bay Marina in Charlotte, VT with electricity (rarely used) and took advantage of every possible good weather day to spend out on the lake. It might have only been a quick zip across the lake to Split Rock for dinner and a swim or kayak after work. Sometimes we took several days and headed north as far as Isle La Motte or south to Chipman's Point anchoring in secluded coves or behind small islands for protection from the wind. ONE of our favorite places was Valcour Island - for those of you have been there,  you know why. If you're cruising through Lake Champlain, don't miss this beautiful, historic island known for it's protective coves, beaches, and hiking.

So, the conversation that took place was about finding the perfect boat - a little bigger - for traveling beyond Lake Champlain. (Something about boaters, they always seem to think they need one just a little bit bigger). One day while anchored at our favorite harbor on Valcour Island, a lovely Grand Banks came creeping around the point towards us. The exact words David heard me say were, "Here comes my dream boat." He stared - I told him it wasn't polite to stare. He got in his kayak and introduced himself to the owners before they had even finished anchoring. Before I knew it we were guests on their boat. Yep - my dreamboat.

The search began for something similar that would suit us both, but not be too big for our pockets. The search should have taken 2 to 3 years, but as fate would have it, we found her in October after some disappointing looks at others. There was something about the boat that attracted both of us and when we looked at each other the decision was made to talk to the seller about a contract. Done deal - but wait! I opened the small frig and the only thing inside were two cans of Genny cream ales!!!! Sealed the deal - what!? Well, if you knew my mom, you'd get the connection. Suffice it to say, we took the Genny's as a "sign" and became the proud owners of a 1980 Albin trawler 36. Yes, it needs lots of work and a recent comment from a passerby was, "Are you restoring this boat? It's going to be beautiful!" My response was, "I guess that's what you'd call it." I'm just hoping to make it livable actually. If it gets restored, it will take a few years.

As I write this post, it's May 22, 2018. David has spent at least 21 days (7 weekends) sanding mostly, painting, and fixing all things mechanical to make her seaworthy. I have made curtains and cleaned. Graham, our son, has taken on the wiring and electronics for us and it's all looking much better already. This Friday (5/25/18) we will leave from Shady Harbor Marina in New Baltimore, NY and head north up the Hudson into the Champlain Canal to our home port of Point Bay, Charlotte, VT. Our crew will include David and I, my brother, Tom and a close family friend, Martin (Fud). It's sure to be an experience to remember.

We will also be putting our AGLCA burghee (that's a small flag) on the bow of our boat indicating that this trip will be the beginning of The Great Loop. A trip that may take us 2 years, but will include the entire eastern part of the US - from the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the InterCoastal Waterway on the east coast. Wow - that was a lot of information to catch up with where we are at today. More adventures to come!