We finally got Ariel away from our slip. We really expected to spend many of our weekends this summer away from the slip, but that part of our planning did not go at all 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 had to shut it down immediately. It seems I missed installing one short but critical connection. We ventured into Jamestown to visit a dive shop. We found the dive shop, and I placed and order for a wetsuit. 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 there because the water looked very clear. This time we did much better. I had to tighten a couple of clamps, but after that, we let it run for two hours, which topped off the water tank. Next weekend, we plan to anchor again and run it for 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, the weather will be the dictating factor in the final decision.
I made my third trip up the mast this summer to replace the mount for the TV antenna. I designed and built this new mount as the original was obstructing the anchor light as viewed from the rear. This was to be a simple task, but one of the screws was frozen in place. I finally took a saw up and cut the screw head off. I spent nearly an hour doing this, as every task is much more difficult suspended in a climbing harness. As I have mentioned before, I use an ascender, which is typically used in caving, where the need is to climb back out after descending. This has worked really well as I use my own power to ascend. I am also attached to a spare halyard, which Linda keeps tight using a winch. When I am done, I detach the ascender, and I get a free ride down as Linda lowers me. Note the tight spacing between boats. This really sharpens the skills when returning to the slip. I drop the main sail, which is visible on the deck, when going aloft. I actually attach to the main sail halyard for the climb.
