AIS VHF FCC MMSI

Still waiting for SH to update their manual - hint, hint SH!!!!

WXYZ...now we've said our ABC's.....  I met marine electronics Guru Lester on s/v Honey Ryder so we could review the re-installation of our AIS VHF with the new FCC issued MMSI number.   (Anyone want a BoatUS MMSI number?  I've got one to sell). We also did a review of our radar.  It wasn't working on our trip down from Charleston.  I was pretty sure it was a user error-meaning me.  But even with the manual open I couldn't figure it out.  It seemed there was a step missing to get it to come on...the radar part.  Turns out I was right.  The step.....having the radar actually connected!  It had been disconnected behind the panel.  Ah-ha.  We had a discussion of "best practices" on the radar use, viewing mode and when we are away from the boat for extended periods. We wrapped up our marine electronics discussions by reviewing the SSB antenna.  We decided to move it up.  More on that later.

WAXing Poetic on Columbus Day

Leftover cheesy grits and 2 fried eggs - breakfast of waxing champs

I hit the waxing mid morn.  *Get it?  WAXing Poetic? I finished the stern and the remaining portions of the port side before it started to sprinkle.  I decided to take a break and run an all important errand to Central Hardware - one of those old time hardware stores that has the vital stuff plus a ton of really kewl stuff and knowledgeable staff.  Of course the Grog Shop is just up the street so I popped on over there as well.   Marine electronics Guru Lester rang me while I was in the Grog Shop so I dashed back to the boat to meet him.

Scrub Scrub Scrub Rise Rise Rise

The white bottle is NOT creamer!

I started the day with coffee (boat coffee is simply the best) and a few interior projects.  The dew finally dried on the deck so I headed outside to begin a thorough scrub down.  All 40 ft x 2 (both sides of the deck, cockpit included) and then the actual sides of the boat.  I had to adjust the dock lines to do the port side-untie, tug in this one, let out that one, more, again, more, again...you get the point.  I used the dinghy, hanging off the toe rail to scrub the starboard side.  Next came the waxing.

Can you see the newly waxed vs non-waxed?

I keep telling myself that I got about 1/3 completed.  But in reality it was probably more like 1/4. More tomorrow.  I finally stopped around 7pm and drug my sunscreen, bug sprayed, wax residue covered self up to the shower. Dinner of (boat made) shrimp and grits revived me somewhat. However my shoulder blades feel like they are fire.  It will be interesting to see if I can even raise my arms above my elbows when morning comes.  Another spectacular sunset with pop up Tshowers.
*Morning has arrived and while I am somewhat stiff, I can actually raise my arms.  The Tshowers flashed lightening all around last night but not a drop fell on s/v Honey Ryder.  But they did bring a slightly cooler weather today and a great morning breeze.  A quick cup of coffee and then it's back to waxing.