Away from our slip - finally

We finally got Ariel away from our slip. We really expected to have spent many of our weekends this summer away from the slip, but that is one part of our planning that did not go anything like we expected. It was a short trip to Dutch Harbor in Jamestown, RI for just one night at anchor. It was peaceful and provided for some much needed relaxation. We started the water maker for the first time, but immediately had to shut it down. It seems I missed installing one short but critical connection. We did venture into Jamestown to visit a dive shop there. We found the dive shop and I placed and order for a wet suit. After it comes in I will test it in their on site pool and also add a weight belt to the order.

After returning to our slip I corrected the missing connection on the water maker and we decided to test it at the slip as the water was looking very clear. This time we did much better. I had to tighten a couple clamps but after that we let it run for two hours which topped of the water tank. Next weekend we plan to anchor again and run it several hours as the tank will be near empty by then.

I finally ascended the mast again this week to replace the broken VHF antenna. That change went amazingly well. We are in really good shape to leave at this point, other than stocking food provisions. At this point we are targeting Labor Day to set off on our adventure. We assume everyone else will be returning from Block Island that day so the crowd will have dissipated. Of course weather will be the dictating factor in the final decision.