Sunday 25 March 2012

Year 5, day 83 & 84

Day 83.
They both turned up in the late morning. I was being moved closer to the jetty in preparation for the big event when they arrived so, whilst waiting for this to be completed, they ate their lunch in the car. Once I was in place, they unloaded the freshly laundered and ironed bedding and other items taken away at the end of last season and he hauled them up onto my deck. She safely stowed these things below. Then both my sails were refitted, water tanks replenished and my engine run-up. Satisfied that I was ready for launch, they left me and drove off to leave the car at Brixham Marina car park. After they were back I heard them talking. On the return journey their taxi had dropped them off at the Manor Inn where they had eaten a meal and washed it down with a few beers and glasses of wine. It looks like she is going into hospital on 12th April for a knee replacement.  However, the biggest surprise to me was that they've finally put the house up for sale. So the 'Plan' is still on schedule after all!
Day 84.
The big day! He got up at 3:00am thinking it was 4:00am - later claiming to have mis-read his watch in the dark . He went for a shower anyway. The morning chorus (which had been starting progressively earlier with the coming of Spring) was already underway. When he came back on board he dozed off until 5:00am. He then got dressed and made a pot of tea. It was getting light outside but there was one concern - it was foggy. In the distance we heard the engine of the launch crane burst into life - not long now. Although not due until 06:45am, they came for us 30mins early. The slings were fitted fore and aft and I was lifted off the cradle and slowly moved to the jetty. After being lowered carefully into the water, they both got aboard and he started my engine. Satisfied we would float, the slings were removed and we slowly backed out into the creek - into thick fog! We inched out of the creek and down to Dittisham following the moorings as he knew these were either side of the deeper water. By the time we got to Dartmouth the sun had risen and the fog was behind us. We cleared Castle Ledge buoy, rounded the Mew Stone and headed to Brixham. Although bright and sunny, there was a cold edge to the wind. After an uneventful journey he backed me into our pontoon. I'm back home!

Saturday 17 March 2012

Year 5, day 70

He was here early this morning, not as early as the guy next to me but early for him. He spent some time rummaging in the back of the car before getting up the ladder and starting to paint along the boot line with a paintbrush. I bet he left the masking tape at home - idiot! He donned a one-piece, disposable over-all (the same one that I'm sure he's had for four years now) and finished anti-fouling the underside of the hull with a roller. Then he re-fitted my anode and propeller before stopping for lunch. After lunch he re-fitted the raw water impellor removed at the end of last year, tightened the drive belt and ran up my engine - all fine. He 'phoned home - normal conversation about 'getting home' time - and then mentioned 'estate agent'. What are they up to? Anyway, next time they'll both be down and it looks like I'm being re-floated - can't wait!

Year 5, day 63

At last, he's come to see me. I hadn't seen him since October last year when he put me to bed for the winter but I've been expecting a visit about now. He always comes alone for the first few visits of the new season. He's been coming back about this time for the past six years so I've been eagerly awaiting his return although this year he's a bit late. I noticed that he's put on a bit of weight since I last saw him too. He brought a new telescopic ladder so we didn't have the annual wobbly ladder dance. Gave me a good wash on the outside and then checked inside to make sure nothing was wrong below decks. Off  loaded more gadgets in a box as well but nothing big like he'd brought in previous years. Wonder what they've both been up to since they left me here last year? Just before they went there was lot's of talk about this year being 'Year 5' whatever that means.
He had visitors this afternoon - Charles and Kit came calling - and although nothing was said directly, I think he's planning something particularly unusual for this year.