Annapolis Reality Check

boats, boats and more boats

Have you ever had that feeling that what you are doing is just not right, not meeting with the status quo.  I get this feeling every now and then when it comes to the lifestyle that Vicki and I have chosen.  You know what I mean, living on a boat, not having a Ground Zero! 
Well I had a reality check in October when Vicki and I and our good friends Christine and Terry Vos visited the Annapolis Strictly Sail boat show in Annapolis Maryland.  This is toted as the biggest in-water sailboat show in the world and so far it is the biggest boat show that I have been to.  Thousands of people walking the docks looking at all the shiny new boats and gear.  This, however, wasn't the reality check that I am talking about.  You see, Annapolis is located at the top of the Chesapeake Bay and is on the direct flight path or should I say sail path for cruisers heading south.  They pool up in Annapolis to take in the show and to purchase all their forgotten items before heading south and beyond.  You can pick them out of the masses as they zig zag through the crowds, they are intent, they have a purpose and they are on a mission.  Not like the Perfect Sailors and Boat Babes that are there just to be seen.  You know what I mean, she has the perfect hair, perfect nails, dressed to the nines and is way too perky and symmetrical for her age, not that I was looking.
We picked up our Mack Pack main sail handling system as well as a few other smaller items.  The weather was in the mid 80's all week and the sea food was the best.  I was working my way up to the raw oysters but ran out of time, maybe next year we will stay for two weeks!

Vicki loving the seafood

We hauled Zingara out of the water and  I installed a proper cover this year.  I try to forget last winter when we didn't have a cover and had to shovel our way into the boat to work on her.  The major project for this winter will be refinishing the bottom, replacing the through hauls and ball valves.  I will be re-wiring the electrical panel as well as installing the SSB and pactor modem.  I have to reinstall the A/C unit as it was installed in the aft cabin and it is a little too noisy to sleep with as well as inefficient, not to mention the fact that Vicki was losing a whole clothes cupboard!  I will be installing it under the settee in the main salon.  I have also dropped the Mast and will rewire it in the spring.  I also removed the rudder at haul out to inspect it.

Zingara covered and ready for the winter

Vicki and I are now living the life of CLOD's (cruisers living on dirt) and I for one don't mind it.  I didn't like walking like a penguin down the dock at 6 am.
Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year