Since 1978 I have been fortunate to sail wooden boats. In 2006 I set out to find a Drascombe Longboat Cruiser for single-handed expedition sailing. This is the continuing story of how it came to be, our adventures, notes on the maritime world and other things I don't want to forget...


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Becky Thatcher For Sale.... again

I just found out that the man I sold my Drascombe Scaffie to 5 years ago has it for sale $3700. The boat is pretty much the same as when I had her, with Honda 2 hp, trailer, full factory tent, etc. If you are interested comment or send email. Sweet.




Monday, April 25, 2016

Wait a Little More

Today I decided to postpone my Outer Banks departure of May 1 for another week. There is a good bit of rain in the forecast and I'm hoping that waiting will give it time to clear. But who knows, weather is unpredictable in this changing season and with global warming (of which I believe)... we'll just see. Grabbed more food and batteries and continue going through provision lists. There are many that are collecting in the paperwork, some going back for just shy of forty years. One listed some 'vices' I gave up long ago. Oh well.

Just remembered: the Costa Rica coffee maker friend Terry made me. Still a vice...


Friday, April 15, 2016

Deadrise Rising

Dialing back a month or so....

In late February I drove east to see how Annie had faired during our absence and check in at the maritime museum in Deltaville. While I was away John England and crew had made great progress on a 20 foot deadrise skiff. He and Johnnie were setting frames and readying to lay in the final planks. The work was superb, like they had been turning them out for years. Here is a look from then. I'm sure they are closing in on the finish by now. Got to get back down!














Thursday, April 14, 2016

A Memorable Winter

Spring is here and I am not ready. My cruising itch has returned but my head and body has been everywhere. That's not to say that it has been static, just different. Eleanor and I spent a chunk of the winter as artists-in-residence in a small mountain town in Costa Rica. We taught kids and adults, worked on our personal projects and immersed ourselves in the community. My Spanish improved  living with a Tico family, but I am losing it just as fast. I got an app.... now to practice for our return next year.

Annie's spars are newly varnished and I am sorting through gear and stashing food stuffs for a May sail in the sounds and rivers of eastern North Carolina. Just ordered a portable charger for my phone. I don't know that I will need it, as I don't use the phone much on the boat, but one can never have enough back up.

The beginning of May looks to be a good time to set out. First to Mathews County to load up and then south through eastern Virginia and on to Hobucken, a small town that my friend Steve speaks highly of. He may be in the area at that time and we always enjoy an unplanned get-together.

In honor of this plan (and to keep me focused) ... here are some pics from past spring trips...