It'll be another week or so before we can actually take Dolce Vento for a sail on the Bay as the stack pack (a canvas contraption along the boom that stores the main sail) is too small. Our sail maker measured for the aged, soft and easily compressed main that we replaced with the crisp and perky new one. Additionally, parts need to be added to finish attaching the main to the mast, the dodger (cockpit protection from wind and water splashes) must be reinstalled, and the Bimini (a large canvas shade over the cockpit) repairs need to be completed and the whole structure reinstalled. Lastly, we still have to inflate the dinghy and construct its harness for hanging off the davits on the boat's aft.

But, progress on the interior and mechanical repairs are complete -- gear shift cable and controller replaced, galvanic isolator installed, access panel through galley cabinet to reach the engine impeller done, sump pump electrical connections replaced, bilge cleaned, chain stopper to relieve pressure on windlass installed -- and, most importantly, the repair to our Vacuflush aft head, new duck-bills and an elbow flow joint completed. John tools are sorted into new tools bags and he finished his cabinet repair project. (I do believe that tools procreate like hangers in a closet).

Yesterday a new concern popped up -- we think there is an air lead in the lower freezer gasket because there is much icing on the chiller panels. This keeps us from trusting it to keep food frozen. We called the refrigeration guys, Shiver Me Timbers (yes, that's really their corporate name).

What thrills me is that yesterday I hung "pictures on the walls" (I should say 'Command taped' or 'screwed in' as they must be completely secure to remain on the walls when we cut through waves in a stiff wind). Whether it's a land based home or a marine one, I have a deeply embedded DNA urge to get unpacked and get 'pictures on the walls' as soon as possible. Normally I can do this within a week or two. Well, this time it took 21 days from Dolce Vento's launch day -- life flows like molasses when it comes to marine work. However, gifts and work from friends and family made decorating simple -- art by Judy Southerland and Diana Mayes, embroidered towels by Judy Ferguson, and an embroidered blanket from Elizabeth Manzolillo. I made the shams and bedspreads for the forward and aft cabins last January. It's all coming together. It'll be home for two years, so we wanted it to be as perfect as possible.

As soon as we confirm we have good refrigeration and freezing, we'll move clothes and food onto Dolce Vento, making us truly 'live aboard' ready, even though there are may small projects yet to be done. But they can wait until later. Until the last week in August, we'll commute between the apartment and boat. It's a limbo life. The apartment is starting to look a bit desolate.

Living in Limbo

Progress and Adjustments...

Sea Trial...Power systems