Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Another change of plans

Well it seems the only constant in our life is change. We have been released from Montana. We leave in the morning. We will stop by Indiana for a few days on the way back to Morgan. The money was good here, but it feels so good to be headed back to Morgan. I can't wait to get back and get her ready for our trip to St. Thomas.
I ordered a cruising guide last night called "The Gentlemens Guide To Passages South". It is supposed to be the bible of cruising guides. I hope so, it cost $42. I also ordered a new snorkel mask with my prescription built into it. Can't wait to try it out.

Mike

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Missing Morgan

Well I'm sitting here in Montana listening to Bob Marley looking at pictures of Morgan and our adventure so far, I can't wait to get home to her. We are going to get her a new motor when we get back in December, and maybe a new bottom job as well. While we were here we bought another solar panel and a new Manson Supreme anchor. Wish I was there now to work on her. This anchor is a new generation anchor, and is supposed to be about the best money can buy. We shall see. A friend we made in Ocean Springs named Ken Jackson told me once the two things on a sailboat that you don't skimp on is rigging and ground tackle. After thinking about it a while, I agree with him. Morgan's rigging is in very good shape, but I felt we were a little light in the ground tackle area. We had two Danforth style anchors, but that was it. The Manson will be a great addition.
                                           Rachels got her grandma's smile.
                                          Michelle happy to be on the boat.
                                           Oh, the good times.
                                            Can't wait to get back.
                                             Cap'n Sharon not in a good mood.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Mixed emotions

     Well, I have mixed emotions, we are still working the oil spill in Montana. I found out today that I made the last cut. So we will be here at least until the end of October, and possibly till Thanksgiving. I have mixed emotions about that. I really want to get back to Morgan, but the money is so good that I can't pass it up. We have been here since July 2nd, and so far we have a years wages in the bank, plus we have paid off the car, one bank loan, and Demeanors hospital. If we do get to stay until Thanksgiving, we will return to Morgan debt free and with a years wages in the bank.
     We plan on leaving for the Bahamas around December 1rst. (just after hurricane season ends)  The thought of leaving with no debt and a year in the bank is almost too much to comprehend. The only thing better than cruising, is cruising debt free. It is only by God's grace though. We tried to buy a couple of different motorhomes, one in Minnesota. I called the guy to make a down payment over the phone and he had left for the day. I called the next morning, and someone had already put a deposit on it. One was in Indiana, we made the deal, then the next time I talked to him, he said his wife thought it was worth more money. Then we decided, well lets just get a bigger boat. We made an offer on one in Panama City, they made a counter offer, but we felt we could not quite swing it.
     We eventually came back around to our original plan of paying off our debt first. We paid off three debts before we changed our minds again. I can't tell you how good that felt. I think we now have the resolve to follow it through. With the news today, it is actually possible to reach the goal of being debt free and cruising the Caribbean. I must admit I had my doubts there for a while, but it finally looks like everything is coming together.