Hello all,

Well, Windswept IV is all put away again for another sailing season. It has been a busy 10 days since we arrived at the marina.

First we cleaned off the accumulated salt from our crossing and subsequent travels into the north wind. Gallons of water washed the decks, dive gear, anchor and chain, sails, dodger and bimini, halyards, lines etc etc. Murray was just in his element, playing in the water. Most of you have seen this phenomenon in person as water flies in all directions. He is dangerous to be around unless you are wearing a bathing suit!

Then we started to unload the boat, sorting through lockers of clothing, books, shells, utensils, tools etc to remove anything that doesn’t get used often and would be better stored at the house. We filled tubs with dressier clothes, shoes etc. Most things will not return, we hope. Meanwhile all surfaces were wiped down with a vinegar mixture to retard the growth of mildew during the hot, humid summer months.

Time was taken to drive some good friends, Ole and Sue Pederson, down to Stuart, FL to retrieve his truck. They had been headed to the Chesapeake when a family emergency brought them to Green Cove Springs. As dock space was limited, they rafted beside us for four nights before hauling out to storage. They spent another day working on the boat in storage to off-load all of their gear. It was a pair of tired people that said goodbye on Wed evening as they headed north towards Parry Sound.

Time also had to be taken to shop for house things. Since we have the trailer, it seemed silly not to fill it, right? You remember, it is a 5×10 landscape trailer and carries quite a lot.

The locker that was rented at the marina was also emptied and contents either sold, disposed of or added to the load. But, today it all came together. We were hauled out at about 9:30 and finished, showered and underway by 2 pm.

Tonight we are north of Columbia, NC on Hwy 77. Tomorrow we should arrive at Fred & Cindy’s place in Cayahoga Falls, OH just in time to have dinner with them. What a plan! Monday morning, not too early, we will continue on our way, arriving at Steve’s house in St Thomas in the late afternoon.

The first order of business is to purchase a bed and have it delivered to T’burg. Once that is in place, we will move into the house. When the telephone is installed, we will contact you all with the number.

Bottom line is ” watch out, they’re baaaack! ” Much love to you all and we look forward to seeing you soon, Heather & Murray

PS Tomorrow will be a difficult day. The Volvo wagon is loaded, with a roof box on top, also loaded. A trailer behind – heavy. Between here and Ohio are the West Virginian mountains. Today, driving in Florida and Georgia on flat ground, the Volvo consumed a noticeably increased amount of fuel. In the mountains……..?? So, Fred & Cindy, we may be later than usual arriving. We will call when we get close.