Warm Sunny Days

Yes, it’s mid March and Spring has sprung, not that we had much of a winter here in the great white Northeast. I think I only got the snowshoes out once all winter. As the snow melts away and the ground begins to thaw, my thoughts turn to warm sunny days on the water. It also reminds me of the many projects waiting for me to start, and finish, before the fun can begin.

Part of this process is my annual pilgrimages to the many and varied local boat shows. Last Saturday was one of my favorites, the Maine Boat Builders Show, in Portland, ME. As I meander through the long rows of boats, tools, and accessories, I mentally rub my hands together in anticipation. Soon I will remove the protective cocoon from my sleek hibernating sloop. After a thorough spring-cleaning, we begin this year’s big project: repairing and painting the tired old topside (This is the space between the water and the railing for you non-boaters) and giving it a shinny new finish, and color. We’re thinking teal maybe. Nothing changes the look of a boat more than the color and condition of her haul.

Last year we scrapped and sanded, and sanded, and sanded, and varnished, and varnished, and varnished all the old, paint chipped teak in the cockpit. Yes it was a lot of work, but well worth the effort. It looks great and no more splinters in the butt. Owning an old boat can be challenging, but the time spent on her, both working and sailing is well worth the sweat, and blood, spilled to make her beautiful.

The sailing season is short here in Maine. For this reason we truly appreciate any time we get to spend on the water. And as far as I’m concerned, life is to short to sail an ugly boat.

So here’s to warm sunny days. May they warm your skin and our soul.

See you on the water.

For more fun in the sun download one, or all of my Salty Tails Cozy Mystery’s @ Amazon