The Wrights at Sea

Adjustments

2010-04-06T14:19:00.001-07:00

Adjusting to life anchored to land isn't too much of an adjustment. We've been cleaning and fixing up our new little house here and there and it's been good. We have a lot ahead of us in demolishing the upstairs (which is unliveable - yikes!) but its all pretty good.

Many have asked how Will is adjusting and he is doing great! He loves his little places to hide and more places he can have all to himself. I think most of all he likes to be able to run around without hitting an obstacle or low clearance.

More adjustments - We have increased our product line for CoolCorC - we have an etsy shop and are selling handmade cork leather journals, headbands, refillable cork leather journals, envelopes (yep, made of cork paper) and wallets and more to come! Check us out: www.etsy.com/shop/coolcorc

Plus, most of our items are on our website as well: http://www.coolcorc.com/

All feedback is welcome - suggestions, critiques, you name it!

Plus, we were just accepted to participate in the Farmers Market on Market Square in Knoxville. Its very exciting and we'll keep you posted.

Josh accepted a part-time job as the Childrens Education Coordinator at our local church. We are all really excited since Josh has been looking to work with the church in some capacity for the last few years. Now that we are living in a house and not moving around as much he can!

Will is talking more and more - he can say: no! Cookie, Please, Cheese, More, Bacon, Pop (popsicle), bubba (bubbles), quack, duck, fish. Luckily he isn't saying "no" too often . . .

Thats a quick update on what we are doing. I'll try to do much better at posting on our blog!!

Heres a photo of our new-to-us house when we bought it

The Wrights Wild Ride

2009-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Nineveh is no longer our primetime home. We packed all of our belongings up (raising her about a foot or more out of the water) and went to Memphis. Josh has some projects in Memphis so its logical to stay there while we looked for a home in Knoxville, TN. We decided to look over the holidays since we were driving to Baltimore for Thanksgiving.

After looking at 6 houses or so (and plenty more on the internet for weeks prior) we decided to look at one that we weren't too excited about but we hadn't been too excited anything yet and we couldn't loose anything, right? Well, turns out we really liked the house and decided to get a signed contract! Now, it needs renovation - which we are not a stranger to - but it's in the neighborhood we like, in a good school district, and we can afford it. If the inspection goes great then we will be in our new (to us) home in early January!! I'll post photos as soon as we get some!

The Nineveh Mutiny - to Demopolis

2009-12-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

So after Bates Lake everything went fairly smooth. We adjusted to having to use the generator in the morning to start the engine and using our kerosene lamps at night for light. In the meantime we were able to meet up with Last Paradise (whom we first met in Memphis. They have been our inspiration to continue sailing with Will since they have their own little one!) and have a nice dinner. Thank you Abby, Jeff and John for a fabulous night!

The day after was when Hurricane Ida hit land and brought tons and tons of rain our way. The river ran so fast that we could only make 4 knots by hugging the bank (thank you Josh! Such a fabulous Captain!). We didn't mind having to deal with rain or only being able to go 30 miles a day - what we did mind was the change in river height and the lack of information on the bridges straddling the Tenn-Tom.

I am not lying when I say we may have had to grease up the masts to get under the bridge at mm 174. Not only did we just barely make it (we maybe had 3 inches of clearance), there was a new bridge (new bridge!!) downstream of the bridge on the map. Had we have waited to pass these bridges we would have been stuck on the river until the river height went down 5 or more feet.

What should have taken us 4 days took us 6 days. Without all the mutiny and weather the Tenn-Tom is quite pleasant and I would travel it again, but maybe not in a sailboat with her masts up!

We were so happy to make it to the Demopolis Yacht Basin - they are so nice and friendly. Great staff and a nice marina with good facilities.

The Nineveh Mutiny - Mobile to Bates Lake

2009-11-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

We leave Grand Mariner Marina in Mobile on Saturday November 7, 2009. Everything is going great - we get through the Mobile Bay and into the Mobile river (which is much calmer than the bay). Soon we realize that our batteries are not charging and Josh checks the alternator - which is obviously not working. We turn off everything except our depth finder to try and conserve as much of our batteries as possible. I am convinced, as is Josh, that The Nineveh is rebeling from being dry docked at Demopolis. She knows what is coming and is screaming and kicking. We push as far as we can and hand anchor on the Tensas River at mile marker 45.

Josh checks the alternator and the engine and finds a series of unfortunate events has unfolded - the water pipe (which has been just fine for as long as we have lived aboard) burst immediately next to the alternator. It shorted out and therefore couldn't charge the batteries. It also meant that our water pump had been pumping water into the bilge for however long and we now didn't know how much water we had left. We turn on only the anchor light and Josh raised a portable anchor light as well just in case.

The next morning - a Sunday - Josh calls the Coast Guard (who couldn't get enough of us on the Gulf) who recommended calling our insurance. Our insurance was as helpful as could be - finding someone in Mobile who might help. Only that company would charge us 6 hours (at $150/hour!!) just to come out and charge our batteries. This is on the offchance that our alternator would work after this charging. Boo. We decide this isn't an option and Josh figures he will take the dinghy to shore and try to find someone to help.

Let me tell you right now that the hunters and bass boaters of the river are the volunteer Coast Guard and should be respected and upheld for being good people. We flag down a bass boater who offers to take Josh to shore to get the starter battery charged. Josh and I accept and this wonderful hunter/bass boater not only helps us charge our starter battery but also takes Josh to AutoZone to get a generator!! Too sweet. They return, Josh gets the generator aboard and realizes he left the oil onshore. But we have enough onboard and are fine. We get the batteries charged and set off to try and get even 10 miles up river (the alternator is now working - hmm). Only one mile or less up the river another bass boater flags us down and pulls up beside us to give us the oil we left ashore! They found us on the river to give us our oil for the generator. Too awesome!

We anchor at Bates Lake (mm 54) - we use our oil lamps during the evening and have only the anchor light on. We are now on "conserve battery" mode even with a generator. I write very little down in our log hoping to not upset The Nineveh. I have quickly become quite supersticious.

New Orleans to Mobile

2009-11-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

Our trip from New Orleans to Mobile went smoothly - thanks to our crew! Plus the weather was very nice - maybe a little chilly with the wind.

We didn't sail our first day because there was not enough wind. However we did have plenty of action. We were boarded twice (twice!) by federal agents. First by Customs (en route) and then by the Coast Guard (once anchored). We saw dolphins and jellyfish! Very cool - the jellyfish were very numerous. It was like a school of jellyfish going around our boat. Better than any aquarium!

Our first night we anchored behind Ship Island and had a beautiful sunset. Unfortunately, our anchorage was great for the wind (coming NNE) but bad for the waves (coming east) - so we rocked and rolled all night.

The next day we decided to push through to Mobile. We were able to sail for about 2 hours and then the wind died. Boo.

Close to Mobile we were approached by Marine Enforcement (why are we getting picked on?) but they just asked us to be careful and didn't board. We approached Mobile during sunset - which was very pretty except that the wind had picked up blowing perpindicular to us and huge huge ships were entering the channel as well. They didn't bother us too much (they look out for the little guy unlike on the Mississippi river). However, we had to find an unlit channel to Fort Morgan Marina. A fabulous little marina that has new facilities and great people working there. But try to get there in the daytime - the channel is clearly marked but not lit.

Our awesome sailor enjoying the wind and not minding his Magic Jacket.

Under way sailing!

The Nineveh at anchor south of Ship Island.

Daddy and Will enjoying the sunset in the cockpit.

Entering the Mobile channel.

A huge THANK YOU to Lil and Katherine for their help during the leg of this trip!

The Last Great Adventure

2009-11-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

I will have to post photos later as technology is not cooperating this morning - Boo!

Josh and I have been thinking about moving back to Knoxville, TN for a little while now. With that comes the hard decision as to where we should live. Should we get a house? Should we move The Nineveh?

Moving The Nineveh to Knoxville would take about a month of non-stop sailing and motoring. We've done two weeks before and didn't feel like four weeks would be a wise nor comfortable choice. Plus this time we would be fighting the current the whole time. Another factor is that Will is curious, full of energy, adventurous and almost a year and a half. Our 275sf living space is getting a little cramped. Plus, there is no space for Josh's Architecture firm and CoolCorC on the boat. So, we have decided that The Nineveh will have to have other keepers to make her happy.

But, we have to move the boat out of New Orleans (out of the hurricane zone - insurance is cheaper as is slip fees). Hence our Last Great Adventure!

Josh's mom and sister became our crew and we sailed The Nineveh from New Orleans to Mobile, AL. From there our crew left and Josh, Will and I headed up the Tennesee TomBigBee waterway to Demopolis, AL (the first marina north of Mobile). During this time Hurricane Ida hit land. We have quite a story and some nice photos which will be posted soon.

The short of it is everyone and The Nineveh arrived safe in Demopolis. The long of it will be in the next post!

Barnacles Galore!

2009-10-05T00:05:00.001-07:00

Being in salt water has pros and cons. Currently the main con is the sea life that grows on any surface touching the water. These pictures sum it up.

Though not technically barnacles, these mussels found a little home in our raw water intake cylinder for our air conditioner.

The Barnacle Cluster on our dinghy: my enemy for the day.

My tools to fight off said enemy (Goggles are not pictures as I am wearing them). I would advise anyone to use GoofOff on barnacles - they lose their footing much easier.

Close up of the horrors.

Half-way there!

Once the dinghy's hull was free of barnacles Josh and I had to laugh - there were bits of barnacles (shell, oozy things, and little crawly things) all over me. I was even wet from the rain that had passed through. I looked like a crazy lady who just hacked her way through four months worth of barnacles.

If everything is going well - you've obviously overlooked something.

2009-09-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

The previous owners of our boat had left it "as is" for quite some time (3 years I think). There were pots and pans, old linens, clothing, towels, toilet paper, cups, and soda along with miscellaneous boat parts and tools throughout the boat. In the galley lay a sign reading "If everything is going well you've obviously overlooked something." We had a laugh and thought it was a neat sign. Through our 5 years of living onboard we have realized it is not just a funny saying but a very true one.

Everytime we get the boat straightened up and organized something on the boat breaks or needs repairing. In order to fix whatever it is, all the tools and boards and things need to be brought out of their hiding place and into our main salon. This makes the boat very hard to live in for a day or two with just two people. But then whatever needed fixing is fixed and we clean up and wait for the next event to occur.

Our latest event concerned our infamous air conditioner. Yep - once again. Josh had cleaned up and repaired the aft cabin for Will. Will really enjoyed his personal piece of The Nineveh and took to sleeping there during the night without protest (he still feeds 2 or 3 times at night but that's another story). Everything was really looking great and Josh and I were thinking we could really get use to living in New Orleans (we still don't know if we'll be staying in New Orleans or moving to Knoxville, but that is a different story for another posting).

Then Josh is sick for a week, then I get sick and the air conditioner stops working. Thank goodness Josh is feeling better! Josh believes he knows the problem (the pipes need cleaning) so Will and I get out of the boat and Josh gets to work. We aren't use to brackish water and the constant maintenance of the water pipes. So this seemed like a plausible reason for the air conditioner to not work. Cleaning the pipes didn't help.

So we make the best of it for the night, turning on our portable air conditioner in the forward cabin. We try to entertain Will as best we can in our v-berth. The next day Josh continues to work on the air conditioner - being quite fluent in working on it we are both positive he will fix it. Unfortunately even after replacing a number of things that had gone bad and cleaning out the raw water intake strainer (which had little clams growing in it) the air conditioner did not work. Will and I traveled around town checking out the playgrounds and malls keeping him as cool and active as possible. I am completely worn out as is Josh. That night he tells me that the bilge pump is broken. I ask "the automatic or the manual?" to which he replies "both." Oy.

For a week we are without air conditioning and work to keep Will cool and happy. We have two air conditioner guys come out to repair it. The first started to tell Josh about other air conditioners we should look into while he is working on ours. He makes no headway in fixing it. The second guy rings in success by finding the internal breaker has gone bad. Apparently marine air conditioners do not need it and it's a nuisance so its removed and our air conditioner roars to life bringing cool, dry air into our boat. Ahhhh.

Now, onto the bilge pump . . . Josh finds that the pump itself is bad. He goes and gets a new one with an internal float switch (which seems like a great idea) and after checking it and hooking it up it doesn't work. The float switch doesn't work and nothing is turning on. So he has to unhook everything and go back out and get another one. He decides to get one without an internal float switch and installs it and Hazaa! it works.

I would like to point out that through all of this Will was a complete trouper and brought even more joy to Josh and I. We would be so exhausted and frustrated with everything and Will would smile or murmur something or do a dance and Josh and I would smile and laugh and just be filled with happiness. No matter what the circumstances, being together just makes everything better. I have learned so much from Will.

Rainy Weekend

2009-09-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

The great thing about rain is that it usually signals a time of cooler temperatures here in New Orleans. Another thing about rain is that it always exposes leaks within the boat - ones that are new, ones that we thought were fixed and ones that we've known about. Apparently we must appease the Rain Gods by some sacrifice; these sacrifices end up being linens, towels, and books not to mention our own comfort sometimes.

I was awoken at 3am first by Will - then by my knee being cold and wet. A past leak decided to rear its ugly head in our forward cabin while we were sleeping. The best time for a surprise.

Josh let me sleep in and took care of Will - and some of our books that were soaked by the nights rain as well. Josh has salvaged them. Such a fantastic man!

Rain Gods be appeased!

August '09

2009-09-01T17:59:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Here's an update on Will and the Wright family:

We are still in New Orleans and on The Nineveh. Although it's a rather large sailboat, it is now seeming a little small since three walking and playing people live aboard. Will is definitely energetic and interested in every aspect of the boat. He's already figured out how to get into the engine compartment and is increasingly interested in our propane switch above the stove (he can get there by climbing onto the bench and reaching over the divider while on his tippy-toes). But not to worry! While one of us cooks, the other distracts Will from playing with this important switch.

Will is now 13 1/2 months and can say "Dada, Momma, What's this?, and this?, duck, fish, uh oh, yeah, shoes, hello" and he is able to say how old he is by holding up his index finger. He can find his nose if you ask him as well as his feet, belly button and hair. He is starting to imitate the sounds the animals make from his book "Moo, Baa, La La La." And he is usually on the move when not figuring out how something goes together (by tearing it apart). We are finding more and more music Will likes to dance to: Dee-lite "Groove is in the Heart," Blind Melon "No Rain," Prince and of course Sting and The Police.

As for ourselves we are still waiting to see how the wind blows for The Nineveh. We may stay in New Orleans if a job presents itself, or we may move on inland to Knoxville, TN - we're kind of in limbo right now. We are also looking at a larger boat or at condos . . . we might become land lovers. But, it's hard to think of leaving the boat or living on one so I won't until we have to.

We are enjoying ourselves however and have been able to travel to see family and have our family come down. My parents came in from Baltimore for a long weekend and had a great time with Will. Will even said "I love you" to my mom - it's the only time he has said it.

Luckily we survived the heat of New Orleans through these travels since our air conditioner broke while it was in the 100s for two weeks - we have had many woes with this A/C and with the manufacturer. After two months we were able to get it fixed and are now enjoying the 85 or so degree weather in New Orleans. We can finally enjoy New Orleans during the day!

Here are a few pictures of Will from the last month and a half:

Will at the local brand name mogul coffee shop. He just climbed into one of the chairs and we had to take a photo.

Will in Destin, FL. He just picked up one of our toothbrushes and started brushing. We will have to get him his own.

Will standing in the aft cabin of The Nineveh - soon to be his own bedroom.

I didn't pose him for this photo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILL!

2009-07-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Will! He turned one year on Monday July 13th. He got his very own little cupcake and number one candle (I couldn't help myself). We will try lighting it next year. Will was a little timid with his cup cake at first but then he dove right on in!

So happy about chocolate, icing and cake! (oh, and sugar, lots and lots of sugar)

He is such a little gentleman! Fortunately the sugar didn't give his nap schedule a whirl. He got his cupcake at noon and still napped at 2ish. Not too bad (I was so worried!)

Will and Music - in Knoxville

2009-07-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Nineveh got into her new slip in Slidell, Louisiana on June 12th and we've had quite a ride since then. We will have to update and fill in the blanks shortly, but as for now here is a video of Will rockin' out to the Police.

We found out he really liked Sting and the Police when we had dinner with friends at the Crown and Goose in Knoxville, Tennessee (Thanks Sean, Sara, Shannon, Mike, Sam, Robyn, Carter, and Chris!). Their greatest hits (I suppose) was playing and Will just kept dancing and smiling and just carrying on. Once something else played he calmed down . . . so Will likes the Police and Sting.

The Grand Canyon

2009-05-22T11:45:00.001-07:00

We had to pass through Bakersfield, CA on our way to the Grand Canyon. While in Bakersfield, Will fell asleep and then crossed his legs!

While in Williams, AZ (1 hour south of the Grand Canyon) Will got into the toilet paper. The first of many times I'm sure!

I got the wear the backpack this time around and Will kept leaning over and getting my attention and smiling. Whatta cutie!

The Wright Family at the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon panoramic - you can see the Colorado river on the east and west sides.

Close-up of the Colorado River.

I got a little adventurous and Josh caught me!

Will loves playing under tables. He caught me taking his photo and now he is out to get me!

The aftermath of eating/smearing a strawberry!

San Francisco - We forgot the flowers for our hair

2009-05-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

San Francisco was a lot of fun - and a lot of work! We had the most samples to give out here: 38! And we did it all in one day. So we had to go have fun and play downtown. We had the famous sourdough bread and walked the waterfront. From the Fishermans Wharf to the Port of San Francisco - which is quite a walk. We took the trolley back - and Will made eyes at a young lady. I think he made her day!

Alcatraz - pretty depressing. There were "Alcatraz" onsies that had inmate numbers on them and everything. They are cute, but I didn't want Will to start going down the wrong path . . .

The Wright Family. Will loves this backpack - he will put his feet against the bar and push up and stand straight. He likes to turn his body all to one side to get a better look at what is around him.

The sea lions are crazy! I'm glad we didn't bring the Nineveh up to dock here!

While in San Francisco we visited the seminary in Berkley. We all took the tour - a personal tour - and Josh was able to sit in on a class. Then we shared the Eucharist and had dinner with the whole graduating class. While Josh took the class Will and I played outside near a fountain. It was a beautiful day and everyone was so nice and inviting. I have never felt so welcome at a new school/place before!

California - Sequoia and Kings Canyon Park

2009-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

On our way from San Diego to San Fransisco, we decided to check out the huge Sequoias at the national park. Definitely worth the trip! We stayed the night - thank goodness we brought our sleeping bags because it was cold! - and survived bear country. We didn't see a bear, but we saw a lot of deer and chipmunks! It's camping at it's best - you can go as rustic as you want. Camp out or stay at a lodge. Cook over a campfire or go eat at a restaurant. Fabulous for all!

They say there are shapeshifters in this area - those who can change their appearance. Some shift from human to animal to another animal or back to human. This photo is evidence that the tales are true.

The Wrights in front of the base of General Grant - the 3rd largest tree in the world.

Will touches a fallen giant tree. There's that question: If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If one of these trees falls I'm sure someone would hear it!

Will and Daddy in front of a fallen giant. This tree was actually used as a shelter and saloon in the parks early years. It's pretty cool to walk through it.

California - San Diego

2009-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Diego was our biggest hit yet with 22 samples handed out! Yippee. But it wasn't all work, we got to play as well. We checked out the boats and submarines at the Embarcadero.

HMS Surprise - the ship used in Master And Commander the Far Side of the World.

We went to the San Diego zoo and saw all kinds of animals including the Golden Takin which is specific to the cork forests.

Will falls asleep during the Sea Lion show at the San Diego Zoo.

Will is so excited to see all the animals at the zoo.

"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea. You and me, you and me oh how happy we'll be!"

We had to visit the hotel featured in "Some Like it Hot!" It was beautiful but hard to get into. You can still stay there and the views from the rooms must be fantastic! Unfortunately, it is surrounded by parking lots so the only good view is from the beach.

Hotel Del Coronado.

The Wright family in front of the Hotel Del Coronado.

California - Los Angeles!

2009-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Since we were stuck in Los Angeles traffic the whole time we were handing out samples - we really only took photos of Will. Which is a much better way to remember our time in Los Angeles!

Will playing with one of his favorite toys - a pen.

Daddy is one of Will's favorite places to fall asleep.

Will fell asleep propped up and watching TV.

Will enjoys dinner in Los Angeles with his Daddy (and Momma taking the photo).

Arkansas to Arizona - A Little Bumpy Start

2009-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Will helps get us out of Memphis, Tennessee.

We were off to a little bit of a bumpy start in Arkansas. On our way to the KOA in Hot Springs, our rear drivers side tire blows out! Luckily we were only about 5 miles away from the KOA but it was night out - so it was really dark! Again to our luck, a trooper came by to help out. We were lucky he did because we didn't have a correct sized wrench to get the spare tire off the back. Ugh! But, he was a great help and very nice!

Keep Arkansas Clean and Green!

The KOA in Hot Springs is really nice and the people are very friendly. I would highly recommend staying there if the opportunity arose.

While on our way out of Hot Springs, we lose power steering. Luckily again we are near a gas station. So we check in there, get gas, and get someone to check out our power steering. Turns out, the van uses a serpentine line which means that without it we won't have power steering, air conditioning, or run the engine coolant. We would have had a lot more to fix if we had kept on driving! So we get the belt fixed and are on our way to Dallas.

We get into Dallas really late (about 2 in the morning) and are wiped out! Dallas was our recover city. We did hand out samples - but most companies use styrofoam cups . . .

So, we're off to Houston! We were able to stay with a family friend (Thank you Larry!).

In Houston Will tries out cereal - which he likes!

Houston, Texas!

On our stayover in Austin, Texas we try out a sushi restaurant. It's pretty good. Although Will can't have sushi, he enjoys the chopsticks!

The KOA at Junction, Texas. Great surroundings to look at!!

The drive from Junction, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona was hairy! It was so windy that the van was being blown around. The wind was so strong that the flags were almost straight out from the poles!

Some of the cactus in Phoenix!

Once we got into Phoenix it rained the very next day. Now, there is a nice breeze! Here's hoping our drive to L.A. won't be so windy!

What a great smile!

Happy Easter from Phoenix!

2009-04-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny found Will!!! Using a reusable bag, the Easter Bunny filled it with great gifts for Will and his parents!

Don't worry - that green straw is edible!

Our first Easter service together at Trinity Episcopal Church in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a church that you must go and experience when in Phoenix. The exterior is impressive - but the interior blows you away with the unique stained glass.

Will and Daddy getting ready to go into the cathedral.

The stained glass windows from the exterior look nice but not that impressive, right?

But on the interior, the stained glass is just magnificent.

I hope this photo shows it well enough, but the glass thickness is irregular (each piece is at least 1.5 inches thick though). Just too cool!

On the Road! Texas

2009-04-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

We went though Little Rock, Akansas to get to Dallas, TX. While handing out samples in Little Rock we had someone tell us they didn't believe in Environmentally friendly products. They didn't expound on the subject but we gave them samples anyway.

Dallas has been fairly nice to us - although most places use extruded plastic (foam) cups. One thing I didn't expect is how windy it is!! We could really make some time on The Nineveh!

More updates to come from Houston and Austin!

Weird is such an Ugly Word

2009-03-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we (Josh, Will and I) went to a meeting to talk life insurance. We have a good friend who is in the business and we wanted to see how his company's projection for us matched up with our current company's projection.

So, we meet with our friend and his boss (I think) and immediately his boss tells us we are weird! "You guys are a little weird. You live on a boat, you have a son, and two companies? Where are you going to settle down?!?" Hmm. I suppose we made for an interesting life insurance scenario.

The Wrights At Sea . . . of asphalt

2009-03-09T16:38:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! We have decided to do a big push for our company CoolCorC and go on the road out West!

After we arrived in New Orleans Will began to crawl. And now he is trying ever so hard to walk. He has become quite adventurous and really curious (he will only get to be more so, right?). We've sailed The Nineveh with help - and it's a good thing we had people who wanted to help. Will loves to sail and wiggle and walk and climb . . . all at the same time. Just like a young boy should! So, we decided it would be best to hold off on sailing right now.

Instead we will "Land Sail" stopping in cities to promote our cork sleeves and other cork products. Soon we will be traveling on the asphalt sea!

Stay tuned for more updates and photos of us traveling out West!

DESTIN!!

2009-03-08T07:52:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Destin was basically spur of the moment. It's a long story, but we decided we would go practically the day we drove. The weather has been really lovely - the water temp is about 60 though (chilly!) - and the beach is gorgeous. Will has enjoyed playing in the sand!

We have gone to Seaside and strolled around. There was a Cuban band playing in the square so Will got to dance (in the wrap that Ashley made me) a little bit!

$3.99 a Pound!

2009-03-04T20:43:00.001-08:00

Can you believe the size of these shrimp? They taste great too!

The Nineveh is Christened

2009-03-04T20:01:00.001-08:00

As many of those close to us know, we have been living on our sailboat for 4 years. And for 4 years we have left the original name, "Das Boot", on the boat while we wait to get the bottom job done. It has been "Das Boot" since it was created in 1981. We had always planned on changing the name, we just never had the opportunity.

When we left Knoxville in 2006 to travel to Memphis on the Tennessee River, Ohio River and the Mississippi River we thought we would be able to change the name. This was unfortunately not the case. So we had to wait until we left Memphis.

When we planned on leaving Memphis in October of 2008 we had the boat blessed by our priest and close friend. I would like to think that the blessing helped us on our journey down the Mississippi river and will for the rest of our adventures.

Now that we have had the hull redone and the boat blessed, we've removed the old name from the hull and have replaced it with "The Nineveh." To complete the transformation we needed to christen the boat. This consists of pouring champagne down the anchor and into the sea in order to appease the sea gods. Some say there is more to it, we decided to stay with the champagne blessing. Hopefully the champagne will flow from the bayou to the sea in some form or fashion.

Will helps in christening the boat.

Sea gods appeased!

FAREWELL NEW ORLEANS

2009-03-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

We must say "Goodbye" to New Orleans and to Schuberts Marine. They did a great job on our hull and are incredibly helpful with everything! We were sad to leave, but we needed to get to a marina. We can't stay at a shipyard the rest of our stay right?

So we hopped the pond on the 28th of February to Slidell, LA. We decided to stay at Bayou Bon Fouca - definitely different from New Orleans, but really neat! A cold front was coming through, and I was a little under the weather so the pressure difference was exemplified in my ears; luckily we were able to out-run it!! Josh is a great captain and steared us wonderfully.

Some waves we ran into.

Our first mate and great helper. Will did great - he loves the wind in his hair.

Here is the mouth of the Bayou - Lake Pontchatrain is beyond.

We get to see an alligator our second day at the marina. We were told that when the water goes down, the gators come out to warm up. Apparently this is a small gator, 6 feet or so in length, and at night the big ones come out, about 14 feet or more in length. I was excited about exploring the Bayou with Josh and Will in our dinghy, but now I'm not so sure . . . .

The alligator close up - I think the reflection is nice.

NEW ORLEANS - FLYIN' HIGH

2009-03-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

Josh had to get a few things done to the masts - change out an anchor light, add some line, change out some instruments, etc. Usually he does this with a top climber; this time Schuberts Marine offered to lift him via crane. Being the thrill lover that Josh is, he accepted.

Almost there!

Just a little further!

Looks like he is enjoying himself!

NEW ORLEANS - FUN TIMES

2009-02-12T13:09:00.001-08:00

New Orleans has been very good to us. We've been able to walk all around downtown and enjoy the pleasant weather and sites. We were even able to make a Mardi Gras parade - the Krewe du Vieux.

One of many telephone poles that doubles as a sign post.

Will enjoys the fountain at the Royal Cafe Blend - great place!

Just for fun!

The beginning of the parade.

Will enjoys his first Mardi Gras parade!

NEW ORLEANS - FIRST SAIL

2009-02-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 31st was a nice day for sailing. The wind was at 5-10 knots, the temperature was in the high 60s and it was clear skies! So off we went making between 1.5 and 3 knots under sail. It was quite pleasant!

The main under sail.

The mezzine under sail.

Our first boat race - there are two sailboats behind us. They never did catch up to us!

NEW ORLEANS - SCHUBERTS

2009-02-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

Yay! Schubert's Marine - they are so sweet and helpful. Absolutely some of the most personable people we have ever met.

Here we are, all docked up.

A nice bridge in the park across from Schuberts. Schuberts is located at the West End park - it's very nice and is quite pedestrian friendly.

Here is the inlet we came into in the dark and rainy night. We had veared to the right, we were suppose to go to the left - between the buildings. It's pretty shallow to the right - we got down to 5 feet!!

OLD MAN RIVER - THE LAST DAYS

2009-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Friday January 23, 2009 - We pass through Baton Rouge and are that much closer to New Orleans. On any other day we would anchor for the evening. However, past mile 195 on the Mississippi River, there are no places to anchor outside of the channel. The river becomes more narrow and there are no outlets, jags, islands, nothin'. In one of our Mississippi River guides we come across Weber Marine at mile 167 - supposedly we can tie up to them. Josh calls them and arranges our evening sleepover.

Baton Rouge

One of many ships we see within and past Baton Rouge.

Will learns how to pull himself up and stand in the cockpit.

Traffic on the river.

I get us ready to tie up to Weber Marine - we figure since it is a barge, tying up will be like a lock.
Uh, it ain't like a lock.

Weber Marine is very personable, talkative and helpful. They don't charge us to stay the night - they are just south of the Sunshine Bridge and are surrounded by barge businesses. Before we goto sleep Josh comments "We are sleeping among giants."

At 11pm, the circus begins. Barges are running all around us - our boat reacts and is suppressed by our lines. The barge we are tied up to acts as a huge wall we are being thrown against. We wobble, we bop, we lunge and we duck. Josh and I remain in our sleeping bags in the forward cabin hearing the hum of oncoming barges and anticipating the next round of wakes. (Will does great and sleeps through it all - after a bout with teething pain). In the morning I comment that sleeping there was more like "being in the toy in the bath of a giant child." Although, writing about it has made me think that a toy boat in a washing machine would be a better anology. In any case, we were very happy we stayed with Weber Marine. Our last day to New Orleans was cut from an 18 hour day (110 miles) to a 12 hour day (75 miles).

The sunset at Weber Marine.

Saturday January 24th 2009 - We wake up with anticipation. It's 5:30am - and it's too dark to begin our trek. But, we are out and about by 6:30 am. Thank you Weber Marine!!

All too soon we are enclosed by fog - thick and dangerous fog. Josh uses the GPS and Radar to navigate through the river. I position myself on the bow and look for potential problems. The main problem is my visibility - 25 feet to 100 feet. Not much time to react if anything did come up. Josh is able to see oncoming barges with the Radar - this piece of equipment is completely necessary on the river, any river. We do this for 2 tense hours - and we get some nice photos.

The fog is like ribbons when it's not too thick.

Fog and sunrise.

Thick fog is disorienting.

Big ship, little tugs, smoke on the water.

New Orleans skyline!

French Quarter.

Thanks New Orleans!

After the fog had lifted, we had some really nice comfortable weather. It was fantastic and a really nice day to be out on the water. Once we got to the lock at 3:30pm it was starting to cloud up. I didn't realize it would take us so long to get through the lock and canal and into the mouth of Pontchatrain. By the time we arrived at the last lift bridge, it was 5:30 pm dark and rainy. Again, it's great to have the GPS.

Josh takes us through the storm and into Schuberts Marine. We had a little bump along the way - there is more than one way to go once we get to the inlet that services Schuberts Marine. We tie up at the Yacht club and Josh, looking like Gordons Fisherman with red foul weather gear on, has to find someone to help us. Eventually he gets someone who doesn't turn their nose up at him and we make our way to Schuberts. It is definitely a welcomed sight!! We tie up, turn off the engine, turn on the batteries, eat dinner and go to sleep. We sleep in the next morning - we wake up at 7am.

Waiting on the industrial lock. The only lock to get through on our journey to lake Pontchatrain. The 1st of 7 lift bridges we need to get under.

The Florida Bridge.

The Almonster Bridge.

After the lock and before the lake.

A ship that is part of a scrap metal yard.

OLD MAN RIVER - THE SECOND LEG

2009-01-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness this week brings warm weather - and then cold weather again. Luckily we don't run into any bumps in the road. Here are some photos summing up the second leg of our trip. We are not in New Orleans yet, but we are almost there!

Monday January 19 - Will gets to play in the cockpit.

Monday January 19th - Evidence that the cold weather is not good for our cushions.

Monday January 19 - Sunset at our anchor site

Tuesday January 20 - Will in his usual getup minus a hat with earflaps.

Tuesday January 20 - We sight a styrofaom cup in the Mississippi River.

Wednesday January 21 - Power lines and our masts. Josh is now an expert in figuring out if we will clear them. I can never tell - you really loose all your depth perception on the river.

Wednesday January 21 - An example of many of the smokestacks we saw along the bank.

Wednesday January 21 - Will stands up in the cockpit.

Wednesday January 21 - For the Architects out there. Nice.

Wednesday January 21 - Birds on a log.

Thursday January 22 - Sunset at our anchor site.

Friday January 23 - Sunrise at our anchor site.

OLD MAN RIVER - ON THE ROAD AGAIN

2009-01-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

Sunrise at Greenville Yacht Club.

Our weather window has arrived and we decide to leave Greenville on Sunday January 18th. We get up with the sun, dress for the weather, and get the boat in order. Josh starts the engine, we take off the lines and we're off. About 100 feet off the dock the engine dies.

Maybe we aren't suppose to finish this trip.

Luckily the wind is in our favor so we just float on back to our previous spot on the dock and tie up. Josh has been working on the engine all week and all week it has worked. He determines that their is no fuel getting to the engine - our culprit is a small handpump that intersects the fuel line and a fuel filter. It is a supplementary pump used to make changing the filters that much easier and quicker. But when the engine ran dry, the pump collasped on itself and a small ball within it plugged up the fuel line. So, no matter how much Josh bled the engine, this stinking little ball would rear its ugly head. With the pump removed we were on our way again - at 10 am.

The weather was nice and sunny and Will was finally able to come out of the forward cabin and play with Dad.

The wakes of the barges - can you imagine kayaking down the Mississippi with all these around you?

Josh's usual stance during the day. I think sailing is in his blood.

Sunset at our anchor site.

OLD MAN RIVER - GREENVILLE YACHT CLUB

2009-01-28T06:26:00.001-08:00

Greenville Yacht Club is a welcome stop on the Mississippi River. The people are so sweet you think they are up to something. But they aren't, they are just nice and helpful people.

The manager of the Yacht Club drives Josh to get the alternator checked out. She offers to drive him, she didn't want us to have to use a cab. See? Just helpful people. But, we stay mainly to ourselves because we were told "you don't want to go out at night." And "I suppose you already know who to stay away from, who not to mess with." Hmmm. In any case, Greenville the city isn't much to write home about . . . sorry Greenville.

The alternator ends up working like a champ - nothing is wrong with it. Josh has to investigate the engine and the wiring more intimately. Will and I play in the forward cabin while Josh has to open up the salon to find a possible super expensive needle in a haystack. It takes a few days, but Josh determines that the wiring is at fault. The battery selector that is on the breaker panel, and a logical choice to use, is essentially wired to nothing. Essentially, we had been on both batteries since we departed Memphis and it took two nights to drain them. The battery selector we were suppose to use is tucked up underneath the bench of the nav-station. Who knew?

Josh being the Renaissance man that he is, re-wired the batteries and battery selector so that it is all logical and makes sense. Whatta guy.

So now the alternator and the batteries are talking to one another. We check the weather for the next few days and it's not good. It is cold. We are tired of cold. We decide it is best to wait for warmer weather, which is forecasted for the weekend. Since we have a few more days, Josh installs a new fuel tank, works the radar into our GPS station and works on the automatic pilot. Whatta guy.

During our down-time, we explore the city. Which doesn't take too long. However, Greenville has so much potential . . . Josh and I see a parallel to Chattanooga.

We begin to explore the city.

The Yacht Club and its docks.

The Jubilee Casino - tied up to the Yacht Club.

The Lighthouse Casino - up river.

A typical Greenville street.

A tasty and well-priced cafe. They close at 3pm though!

I take Will to the park - it's too cold to enjoy I suppose.

Will humors his Mom with a smile.

Schelben Park - up the bank from the Yacht Club . . . and next to the dumpster of the casino.

Another way to have fun in the park .

Ice on the dinghy - waiting for warmer weather is wise.

A reminder of home while on our way to the laundromat. (It was in the sidewalk).

OLD MAN RIVER - HOORAY FOR THE COAST GUARD

2009-01-28T05:45:00.001-08:00

On our second day out, we leave the Tunica dock early in the morning and are excited to anchor at mile 620. The river is up, so we are able to anchor in side areas off the river. This particular anchorage has land craddling it like a horseshoe. We are well protected from the barge wakes. Of course it is windy and cold - we encounter a good amount of fog on our way to the anchor site. Josh manned the helm and I stood on the bow looking for boats, logs, and land that we might run into.

Where do the trees meet land?

Wind and fog make interesting photos.

Like rock striations.

The sunset at our anchorage.

The anchor site is comfortable and relaxing. We get into bed early because we are exhausted and we leave a night light on in case Will needs to eat at night - which he does - or just to light our way if needed.

I wake up at 5:45 am (yes, I'm surprised too) and notice that our nightlight is barely lit. It hits me that I forgot to turn off the refrigerator - the largest and quickest power drain on the boat that I knew all about and completely forgot. I rush out into the 40 degree air and turn off the fridge and anything else we didn't need. Getting back into the sleeping bag (we have two we zipped together, it worked really really well) I have to wake Josh and tell him what happened. We decide to wait until the sun comes up to investigate.

At 8ish Josh gets up and gets dressed in his weather fighting layers and begins to check the breaker panel and the batteries. He tries the engine - he turns the key and there is absolutely no sound. Nothing is trying to turn over - there is no ooomphf in the engine. Our batteries are dead. Without our batteries we can't use the VHF to call the Coast Guard, we have water but no water pressure, and no cabin lights. Josh suggests that we have to sail the boat to the nearest and only other marina on the Mississippi River - Greenville Yacht Club - 90 miles away downriver. I agree with Josh.

To get out of the anchor site and to help us along our adventure, Josh gets our dinghy in the water and I help him get the motor on it. I look up out of our anchor site and see a tug.

Not just any tug, a tug with buoys on it.

A Coast Guard Tug.

We get all excited! We have to get their attention, and although we probaby have the right flags to use, I don't know where they are. So I tie a bright orange fleece pullover to a boat hook and start waving it in the air. They stop and come over. Josh tells them what happened and they bring a battery charger onboard. They begin to charge one of our batteries; it was down to 10% charge.

This whole situation was meant to happen. The stars aligned and the sequence of events was already written. This particular Coast Guard vessel and crew only managed Natchez, MS to Greenville, MS. They weren't even suppose to be in the area. They were only going upriver to Memphis, TN for an emergency dry dock because of damage to their vessel. If we had waited any longer, we wouldn't have seen them. If we tried to get out earlier and was already downriver, we couldn't have communicated with them or even really stopped to talk face to face with them. See, meant to happen.

These guys are great. They are talkative, make jokes, and keep our spirits warm. They give us coffee and 2 hours of their time and expertise. We are able to get the engine started and head off to Greenville Yacht Club. The Coast Guard wants us to check in with them when we get to our destination. I just think they are the greatest!

So we start our 90 mile treak at 11am. Josh has to eventually steer in the dark. We are thankfull for GPS. Even with both of our eyes and a mega-flashlight the buoys are difficult to see. We can see the barges just fine, but the buoys are a "blink and you missed them" icon in the dark.

Through several anxious hours we get to Greenville Yacht Club. Josh notices that one of the cabin lights is dim . . . the batteries are not getting charged. We will have to worry about it tomorrow. We tie up, power up on shore power and basically collapse. It is 8:30pm.

Greenville welcomes us.

OLD MAN RIVER - DEPARTURE DAY

2009-01-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Now that we have arrived safely in New Orleans, we can tell you the story of how we got here.

The project that was keeping us in Memphis past our original month of departure - October - was finally settling down in the beginning of January. So, Josh and I watched the weather and decided our best day to leave would be the 9th of January. We squared away things with the boat, our mail, our bills, and our car. We were so lucky and touched that family members and friends came down to give a "bon voyage" as we headed down the Mississippi. Ten in the morning is our departure time.

Goodbye Memphis - you've been good to us!

Hello Old Man River! Please be nice!

Now, we quickly learned that although it might be in the 60s or 70s on land, it is at least 10 degrees cooler on the river. It is windy and cold - about 58 degrees. We decide to wear our foul weather gear and I get Will into 4 layers of clothing, keeping him in the forward cabin out of the wind. Tunica, MS is our destination for the first day and we are able to tie up at the Tunica Queen dock. We are able to plug in our radiating heater and warm up a bit. Unfortunately we are on the channel side of the dock, so we get rocked all night. When fenders meet one another they like to squeak really really loud!!

Here we are, all tied up.

For the Architects out there.

The walkway out to the river.

The navigation aides explained.

The dock at night.

The full moon our first night.

We've gone to New Orleans!

2009-01-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

We arrived in New Orleans on Saturday January 24, 2009 - a little worn and torn, but all in one piece. What follows is a summary of our trip as told by our best crew member Will.

Will explains the trip from Memphis, TN to Greenville, MS.

Will is excited to start off for New Orleans again!

Our first day from Greenville brings nice weather.

Will is happy to help Dad with steering and Mom with navigation.

Will likes the helm.

Will is excited to almost be in New Orleans!

Will chills out during our last day on the Mississippi.

Will is happy to be at Schuberts Marine.

Will likes the New Orleans Riverwalk.

The full story and more photos are coming soon!

About to Leave

2008-10-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

My wife Jess and I have been living on our boat since October of 2004. That's it below me in this picture. I'm up on top of the mast replacing something. We had bought the boat with the intention of going sailing after she graduated from her Masters of Architecture program. But, along the way we had to delay. Now we have an extra crew member to come along with us. Our new son William.

We replaced or repaired almost every component on the boat and added a lot of stuff to it too. The final repairs will be done in New Orleans after we travel down the Mississippi and then it is off the Gulf!