tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307931582024-03-12T20:42:34.387-06:00Sailing for SOS: Helping Children Find HomeWelcome to the temporary home of Sailing for SOS. Sailing for SOS raises awareness of and drives donations to the 501(c)3 non-profit SOS Children’s Villages. The 39 foot sailing vessel Jargo will be visiting SOS Children’s Village locations around the world while en-route to the completion of a global sailing circumnavigation. The stories of the children, SOS staff, and the adventure spring to life through the website www.Sailing4SOS.com where readers can contribute to the SOS MissionLee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-23401684828929866402008-10-30T11:22:00.003-06:002008-10-30T11:46:33.510-06:00The new and improved Sailing For SOS<div class="Section1"><p class="MsoNormal">I am extremely proud to announce that the new permanent home of Sailing For SOS has gone live! You can view the new website at <a href="http://www.sailingforsos.com/">http://www.sailingforsos.com/</a>. Please add it to your favorites as I will no longer be updating this blog. Blogger has served me well over the past few years, but as the scope and reality of the project have grown I’ve developed a new site to support the long term travel I’ll be undertaking.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks Blogger. You’ve been great. Please stay with me as we make the transition to <a href="http://www.sailingforsos.com/">http://www.sailingforsos.com/</a>. The latest blog highlights some of the new features of my new site. I hope you like it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lee Winters<br />Skype: (281) 336-0855<br />Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853<br />Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style="color:blue;">Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-51865300289359368962008-10-26T11:52:00.000-06:002008-10-26T11:53:50.639-06:00Climbing the mast and time.<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>Heights have never really bothered me, but I still get a little nervous climbing the mast on this boat. When I am doing it solo I rig two safeties. One is called an ascender and can be picked up from any store with rock climbing gear like an REI. It has a spring loaded cam in it with teeth pointing in one direction. It allows you to feed the line through the cam and slide it up. As soon as any weight is put on the ascender the teeth bite into the line and prevent downward motion. It forces you to open the cam and slide it down step by step on the way back down. The second safety is much more low tech. It is a simple piece of nylon webbing with two carabiners. One is clipped into my climbing harness and the other is clipped either into the mast steps as I climb or around the mast itself once I reach the height I will be working at.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>I just finished replacing every bulb and two complete housings for my running lights, tricolor, anchor, and spreader lights. I tried plugging in some LED lights for the nav lights, but I didn’t like them at all. They are not bright enough in all directions and you really have to be careful with the colors. For instance, do not put the “white” bulb in your green bow light. It turns it a distinctive shade of blue. I am sure you could use a green light, but I think I am going to stick with the standard bulbs for the running lights.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>I keep thinking about time. I think I can be ready by the 10<sup>th</sup> as long as I keep my head down, shut out all interactions with people, and basically turn into a boat maintenance hermit. Sound like fun? I haven’t spent any time with my family since last Thanksgiving and this trip will most likely keep me away for several holidays over the next few years. I’d like to be able to take my time with a few more projects and also spend some time with my good friends and family. If I look at the next full moon in December it will really take the pressure off to rush projects and get home before I leave. I keep thinking I have to be through the Panama Canal by April to make the Pacific cruising season, but who says so? I don’t really know how long I’ll want to explore the Central American coast so why put a time limit on it?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-21485266238353088712008-10-24T12:48:00.000-06:002008-10-24T12:49:40.947-06:00One great big step.<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>I’ve been stressing really bad all week. The time had come for me to send in my resignation to my company, Thermo Fisher. I’ve been working with them for over three years and it is in large part due to my success there that I have the funds to take a few years off to go sailing. My boss and I still need to sort out some details, but he was initially very supportive. My fear was that it would be taken badly as I’ve seen too many people get let go in a manner you wouldn’t believe. However, since I am not going to a competitor, or even into a related market, all is well.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lately I’ve been thinking about all the deadlines I’ve been driven by as well. Even the countdown timer is a deadline that I’ve artificially imposed on myself. Odds are I’ll be leaving in November, but it doesn’t really matter if it’s November 10<sup>th</sup> or December 10<sup>th</sup>. What I suddenly have is a lot of time. That is the exact opposite of where I’ve been for the last six years. This evening will be spent unwinding a bit with two of my best friends from my days up in Washington State. Here is to learning to relax and marking major milestones. For the first time in my life I’ve chosen the route of greatest fulfillment instead of greatest financial benefit. Let’s see where this goes….<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-35631198605680417092008-10-23T17:12:00.001-06:002008-10-23T17:12:45.362-06:00Slow Going<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>Plugging away at projects with my friend, but it is slow going. We got all the chain plate caps rebidded and spent the day working on my navigation lights. Had to replace two fixtures which took the better part of the day. Bigger news coming.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-80240976382952310072008-10-20T21:47:00.000-06:002008-10-20T21:49:08.759-06:00Updated Punch List <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>There are about two dozen projects not on this list, but these were the most critical at the start of last week. Not bad progress. Lots to go.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Cancel Slip – 30 Day Notice<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Install flexible holding tank<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Trace Alternator/Tach Problem<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Change Engine impeller and spairs<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Dremmel lip off the drop leaf bar<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Oven security bar<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Helm Mount the command mic (almost done)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Softwood plugs at through hulls<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Pick up shackles for parell beads – Kemah Hardware?<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Recaulk Chain Plates (stripping old caulk)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Rebed rusty stanchions<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Plumb the water tank deck plate<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Replace lazy jack boom cleat<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Hang lifeline netting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Install Exhaust Elbow and Prop Lock (at fab)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Install new opening ports (on order)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Get Windlass cover made<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Put new 100% on the furler (on order)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Install cockpit speakers (on order)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Design foux potty spot for dog (have grommet kit and turf)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Order/design Ditch Bag – Landfall Navigation.com<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Change compression washer and lube furler<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Grease winches<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Fix plug and anchor chain holder for windlass<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><s><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Get gas, water, and diesel cans x2 each<o:p></o:p></span></s></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-84778890597530027072008-10-20T15:47:00.000-06:002008-10-20T15:55:01.132-06:00Reinforcements are on the way.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPz-NbXNAgI/AAAAAAAAA8A/oFMkDcuf-T4/s1600-h/DSC_0496-701135.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPz-NbXNAgI/AAAAAAAAA8A/oFMkDcuf-T4/s320/DSC_0496-701135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259357971498729986" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPz-N0GCtSI/AAAAAAAAA8I/tLJDThlyW-k/s1600-h/DSC_0503-702769.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPz-N0GCtSI/AAAAAAAAA8I/tLJDThlyW-k/s320/DSC_0503-702769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259357978137638178" /></a></p><div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>Saturday was a hard day. Yesterday was better. Today is even better yet. I am way behind on boat projects, but am steadily chipping away at them day after day. I hardly answer my phone right now. The storm jib is ready to fly, the water tank is plumbed, the holding tank is in and finished, the mount is ready for the VHF remote at the helm, and I am steadily pulling and cleaning all the chain plate caps for rebidding.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Two of my best friends, Jason and Center, are in town this week starting tomorrow. I was a little worried at first that this would throw me even further behind schedule, but I am putting Jason to work with me during the days while Center is in class. Jason rebuilt a Jeep and sailed with me to South Padre over New Years. I know he can take on a few projects of his own this week without much input from me. Plus it will make it much easier to pull the stanchion bases for rebidding and go aloft to change all the navigation light bulbs and mount the fixed radar reflectors. Holy crap I’ve got a lot to do.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact">Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-15091599188510769762008-10-19T11:32:00.000-06:002008-10-19T12:01:10.303-06:00Not the best of days.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPt158JrtlI/AAAAAAAAA74/taG7zW6i73I/s1600-h/DSC_0495-770304.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPt158JrtlI/AAAAAAAAA74/taG7zW6i73I/s320/DSC_0495-770304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258926628144920146" /></a></p><div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>I woke up early this morning ready to start knocking out projects with a vengeance. It’s now 5:30 and I’ve only managed to plumb the fresh water deck plate to the fresh water holding tank. This should have been a 2 hour job, tops. After getting all the parts I needed I got the hoses run without a hitch. I then went to drill the hole for the new fresh water fill fitting and that’s when it all went bad. I don’t know what kind of aluminum they used, but this stuff is impossible to drill. I attacked with a dremel diamond bit, rigid hole saw, and finally a knock out bit. In the end I ruined both bits and my drill getting the whole cut. Not to mention an extra hour trying to clean up all the metal shavings in the bottom of my water tank. I am worried they might shred the fresh water pump. I’ll be adding a couple of extra spares. I taped a bag under the hole in the tank, but the shavings were so hot they melted through and fell to the bottom of the tank anyway. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Rarely, very rarely, I am surprised at how quickly some projects go. More often, like today, what I estimate at a two hour project turns into a full day fiasco. I am going to back off for the rest of the day and hope tomorrow brings better boat karma. My boat looks like a prison cell that just got tossed. What a mess.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact">Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-15932028249195574482008-10-17T09:44:00.000-06:002008-10-17T09:45:12.927-06:00Shopping List<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>I’ve got to go get a bunch of random small parts to clean up a bunch of random small projects. Here is the list of parts and associated poject I am going out for this morning.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Galvanized carabiners – used to hank the storm jib over the furled headsail<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>23 ¼ inch long x 1.5 or 2 inch stainless steel tubing and flat end caps – making a security bar at the stove<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>3M 4000 sealant – for the chainplate caps and stanchion rebidding projects<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Teflon tape – I just always run out of this stuff. Immediate need for engine zinc replacement<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Engine zincs – these are sacrificial anodes that wear away instead of eating up the engine<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Plumbing parts for water tank and hose – I can’t believe the deck plate isn’t plumbed to the water tank. It just dead ends in mid air.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Boom cleat for Lazy Jack line – Old plastic one broke<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Heavy Duty zip ties – A must have, like duct tape. Need them for cleaning up the electrical harness and hanging my lifeline netting<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>1/8 or 3/16 piece of teak – Have to make a mounting plate for a remote radio speaker and microphone for the VHF. Can’t hear it in the cockpit.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Teflon Grease to lube the FaMet Roller Furling compression washer.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Busy day, but the progress feels good.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-73485211708159589032008-10-16T16:29:00.000-06:002008-10-16T16:33:47.653-06:00Sludge<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPfBTIZGFVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/Xis9XJqx1LY/s1600-h/DSC_0488-727655.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPfBTIZGFVI/AAAAAAAAA7o/Xis9XJqx1LY/s320/DSC_0488-727655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257883624392758610" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPfBTbs6zfI/AAAAAAAAA7w/dXyQVaDYStg/s1600-h/DSC_0489-728742.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPfBTbs6zfI/AAAAAAAAA7w/dXyQVaDYStg/s320/DSC_0489-728742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257883629576179186" /></a></p><div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>It was kind of a cloudy, rainy, miserable day and I didn’t get as much done as I wanted to. I did manage to pull and replace the old raw water pump impeller, get an impeller puller for next time, and add two spare impellers to the inventory. After that I went after my Racor 500 fuel filters since my tank was empty. I only have to run the engine for a few hours and the collection bowls fill up with sludge from the diesel tank. Hopefully now that they have been cleaned and scrubbed this won’t be an issue anymore.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Cheers to not letting your engine die due to clogged fuel filters!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact">Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-83228897926222479012008-10-15T09:04:00.000-06:002008-10-15T09:05:07.903-06:00Punch List<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'> <s>Get 130 and Windlass cover to a canvas shop.<o:p></o:p></s></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s><![endif]><b><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'>Pull Opening ports and get replacements ordered<o:p></o:p></span></s></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s><![endif]><b><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'>Pull and replace exhaust elbow and prop-lock<o:p></o:p></span></s></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s><![endif]><b><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'>Measure and order cockpit speakers<o:p></o:p></span></s></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s><![endif]><b><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'>Order or buy binoks<o:p></o:p></span></s></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.25in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><b><s><span style='font-size: 16.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>a.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span></s></b><![endif]><b><s><span style='font-size:14.5pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:black'>Nikon Action 7x50 EX Extreme ATB Binocular</span></s></b><b><s><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%'><o:p></o:p></span></s></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Cancel Slip – 30 Day Notice<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Recaulk Chain Plates <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Rebed rusty stanchions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Hang lifeline netting<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Trace Alternator/RPM Problem<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:.75in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:16.0pt; line-height:115%'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>11.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height: 115%'>Get Glenn to clean fuel tank<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-65036195418469295312008-10-14T08:03:00.000-06:002008-10-14T08:06:48.940-06:00The things I think about.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPSnefYvx5I/AAAAAAAAA7g/uztbBKdbrL8/s1600-h/_DSC6215_1-708942.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPSnefYvx5I/AAAAAAAAA7g/uztbBKdbrL8/s320/_DSC6215_1-708942.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257010807311419282" /></a></p><div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>I pulled four different quotes for headsails yesterday. I wish I could provide you an apples to apples comparison of the various lofts prices, but no one designer would ever give me quite what I was asking for. Even worse, they often had their own ideas about what I needed and varied wildly from the quotes I was requesting.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Jargo came with two headsails, a great big 150% genoa and a 90% jib. Neither sail was really designed for a furler and both have quite a bit of age on them. I was planning on using the 150% as my primary and as such took it down to get a couple of patches put on and have the sun cover replaced. While it was in the shop I flew the 90% jib and used this sail all the way down to South Padre Island and back. What I found surprised me.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>It’s no secret I single hand a lot. Smaller sails are easier to handle. I finally put the big 150% back on after Ike and went sailing this weekend. What a pain in the ass. As a result, I’ve decided to replace the 90% with a true, brand new, 100% jib with a high clew and use this new sail as my primary. I might lose a little bit of speed in lighter airs, but not wearing myself out should more than make up for it. Of the sail lofts I’ve spoken to Cameron Sails seemed to understand best what I was about and the owner should be on the boat shortly to take measurements for the new jib.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Jargo is after all a sailboat. If I am going cruising don’t you think I ought to put at least one brand spanking new sail on her?<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal>Lee Winters <br> Skype: (281) 336-0855 <br> Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 <br> Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact"><span style='color:blue'>Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-80899451872719158012008-10-12T08:22:00.003-06:002008-10-12T09:07:08.937-06:00Great Morning – Anchored Out<div>7:30 a.m. – Rise and shine. Dog needs to go out. Lift her off the transom and convince her she can make the step from the swim ladder to the dingy. After landing on Red Fish Island and letting the dog do her business it’s back to the boat. Convince the dog, again, she can make the step.<br /><br />8:00 – Coffee time. Start the pot and let it percolate. Good time to clean up the dishes from the spaghetti dinner the night before. Dishes done, I want strong coffee so I let it continue and go to the cockpit to raise the dingy on the davits. Done, boat can sail once I weigh anchor.<br /><br />8:30 – Enjoying a strong cup of Community Dark Roast coffee. Looking around and soaking in the water, island, sunrise, birds, breeze, and sounds of my boat. Taking a moment to revel in the work done and contemplate the work to come. </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256281055489893330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPIPxWAXI9I/AAAAAAAAA7I/G-mdP3nT_e0/s400/DSC_0486.JPG" border="0" /><br />9:00 – Firing up the laptop. Going to figure out how to post my first remote cruising blog. Problem with the sat phone installing on Windows Vista. Have to use my work computer for this one.<br /><br />9:19 – That’s enough laptop time. Posting, unplugging, and enjoying the thought that there is nothing that I have to do today.Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-47117299038298545162008-10-10T23:18:00.003-06:002008-10-10T23:24:14.075-06:00It's Alive!!!<div>I swear I heard angels singing in the heavens when I finally got it all put back together.1 Every hose has been replaced. The toilet was removed, bleached, and completely rebuilt. I never thought I’d have this much respect for my toilet. The only downer is that I am one 1.5 inch elbow joint short of being able to connect the head to the holding tank. Oh well, at least I know it all works.</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPA34QO_dyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/DQM2gDUW-1M/s1600-h/DSC_0468.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255762204711417634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SPA34QO_dyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/DQM2gDUW-1M/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" border="0" /></a>Going sailing tomorrow. After the IKE, the non-skid project, and a head rebuild I think it’s time to enjoy the old girl. Spending the night out at Red Fish if anyone is headed out. Have a great weekend.</div><br /><div><br />Lee Winters </div><div>Skype: (281) 336-0855 </div><div>Satellite Phone: 8816-316-59853 </div><div>Email: <a href="mailto:Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com?subject=Website%20Contact">Lee.Winters@SailingForSOS.com</a></div>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-21323000252206634182008-10-09T21:45:00.003-06:002008-10-09T21:56:52.611-06:00The Head Project & The Ike SpikeTuesday morning I cleared the boat off and got her ready to leave the slip for the first time in awhile. After slipping the lines I motored over for a date with the pump out dock. For those not familiar with this particular boating joy, think of Mr. Slurpy from the dentist office only this one feeds off of the boats holding tank. Yes, where you flush. After emptying and backfilling the tank seven times I figured it was about as clean as it was going to get.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255368454736842370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SO7Rw_RiDoI/AAAAAAAAA6o/47Pq8TPDGXQ/s400/DSC_0466.JPG" border="0" /><br />Wednesday found me pulling out the old holding tank and macerator. This was one of the single most disgusting jobs I’ve ever done, but the boat already smells better having it off. During removal I noticed that the 90 degree vent elbow on the flexible holding tank had broken. I am sure this is where the odor had been coming from for so long. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255368461664740226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SO7RxZFRY4I/AAAAAAAAA6w/lzEFsd5AHdc/s400/DSC_0463.JPG" border="0" /><br />This morning, after tending a few emails, I started pulling and replacing every old sanitation hose on the boat. This stuff is like trying to bend steel tubing around small places with your bare hands. Unfortunately, I am no superman. What I thought would be relatively easy spiraled into a much bigger project as usual. Because the hose was so stiff I ended up removing the entire toilet and framing support for it from the head. It was the only way to get access to the hull where the hose needed to run. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255368465388586946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SO7Rxm9Gx8I/AAAAAAAAA64/3F3OLQOnQr8/s400/DSC_0461.JPG" border="0" /><br />Tomorrow I’ll tidy up the hoses, rebuild and clean the now removed toilet, and reinstall the whole lot. I’ll be happy to have this one behind me.<br /><br />Before hurricane Ike around 250 unique visitors a month would check out the site. I was pretty happy with it. During and since Ike that number has shot up to almost 2100 unique visitors. I know many of them were one time visitors looking for info on the area, but there are many of you who have stuck around. I wanted to take a moment to say thanks to those who have continued reading and commenting during the more boring refit stage and welcome to those of you who may have recently found the site.<br /><br />The clock is ticking and I hear it loudly. I started running again even though the days are long. I need all the extra energy I can muster to pull it all together. I am excited about the coming switch to the new site. Initial feedback has been resoundingly good.<br /><br />LW </p>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-24927491020542297912008-10-08T00:52:00.000-06:002008-10-08T00:53:18.512-06:00If all else fails...I am turning to pumpkin boat racing.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QQ_tzOUrrH8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QQ_tzOUrrH8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-10116577095705046472008-10-07T23:26:00.000-06:002008-10-07T23:27:47.443-06:00Long time no blog.The work continues. The non-skid project is all but done. I ran out of Kiwi-grip with every section completed except for the floor of the cockpit. Overall I am very happy with the way it came out. No complaints.<br /><br />I spent some time today over at the pump out dock. I flushed and backfilled the holding tank seven times in anticipation of removing the old tank and all the old line. I also got a rebuild kit for the old Raritan PHII head and pump so I can renew everything before I go. I really don’t want to do this job, but I was once told that two systems eat up more cruisers time than any other, generators and heads. I should have both sorted before leaving.<br /><br />It’s hard to find a fair balance of time these days. I still have a responsibility to perform my duties for my company as long as I am drawing a check. On top of that I’ve been seeing someone for a few weeks and enjoy spending time with her. Everything takes time away from boat prep, but it is getting done. It kind of seems like the fevered pitch of the election is tied to the pitch of my preparations. <br /><br />I just got my new ships computer sorted with most of the software I’ll need for the trip. Next thing to do is test sending in blog updates from the SatPhone through the laptop. If this works I’ll do a little dance because I still don’t know how to use my HF Radio.<br /><br />Sorry for the lack of updates more to come.<br /><br />LWLee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-49218389311020354182008-09-30T09:12:00.000-06:002008-09-30T09:13:02.580-06:00IT'S BACK ===========>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-18568911020995356372008-09-28T14:06:00.001-06:002008-09-28T14:06:42.521-06:00It started six years ago...<p>I was lucky.  Four months after I finished Graduate School I had a good job making some money in sales.  Despite a little early success I could not shake a strong sense of foreboding.  Something wasn't right.</p> <p>I couldn't put my finger on it, but something had to change.  That's when I began searching myself and the web for an answer.  Eventually I heard the name Slocum and started digging in.  <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Slocum">Joshua Slocum</a> was the first to ever sail a small craft around the world single handed.  He documented the voyage in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/1590302664/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222630130&sr=8-1"><em>Sailing Alone Around the World</em></a><em> </em>in 1900.  Ninety six years later it would profoundly change my life.</p> <p>Not long after reading <em>Sailing Alone</em> I came across a little website called <a href="http://www.projectbluesphere.com/">Project Bluesphere</a>.  It told the story of a modern day Slocum, Alex Dorsey.  Alex was showing in detail through video and blogs how to break free from the safety and security of the status quo and forge a life of rewarding experience and adventure on the sea.  It was then that I knew what I had to do.</p> <p>For over five years as I learned to sail and struggled through the corporate world I pulled inspiration from Alex and his updates.  I was hooked and it was a rare day I didn't log in looking for a new post.  The navigation and layout of his site was as familiar to me as my own home.  It was that familiarity with BlueSphere that prompted the shock I received this afternoon.</p> <p>David Wilson is the man behind the technical scenes of Project Bluesphere.  Through a brief conversation with Alex I later met and recently began working with David.  Amazingly he lives just down the road from me.  David has taken the template of my new website and is turning it into the tool I will use to document my own circumnavigation.</p> <p>David sent me an update today that incorporated all the advanced blogging features a cruising sailor needs.  What astonished me was seeing the all too familiar navigation of BlueSphere, from which I've drawn so much inspiration, incorporated on a site of my own.</p> <p>I was shocked at my own reaction to seeing the site.  In many ways it is the technical realization of a plan five years in the making.  David and Alex, Thank You.</p> <p>(The new site should go live in the next few weeks.)</p> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-65513479905707905942008-09-27T14:56:00.001-06:002008-09-27T14:56:47.423-06:00A fellow Cruisers Video<object width="400" height="225"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1815171&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1815171&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1815171?pg=embed&sec=1815171">Solo from the Caribbean to New York in 28 days</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user300067?pg=embed&sec=1815171">nickj</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&sec=1815171">Vimeo</a>.Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-19050443954051212222008-09-27T09:56:00.001-06:002008-09-27T09:56:33.189-06:00Cool Hand Luke<p>I just heard the news, Paul Newman passed on.  I don't keep track much of popular culture, but Cool Hand Luke was a favorite movie of mine.  I was thinking about that character this morning over my coffee and found a question I could not answer.  Not to ruin the plot, but at the end Luke is shot down after escaping from prison for the third time.  Knowing what his fate would be, he ran anyway.  </p> <p>I couldn't figure out if the story was about a man who chose to stay true to himself despite the ultimate consequence or did he ever have a choice to run?  I know, it's just a movie, but we did lose a pretty great actor.</p> <p>Since Ike a strange lethargy settled over my preparations.  I thought it was just me, but after talking to my neighbors and friends down here it hit a lot of people.  I guess after the intense exertion of the storm and immediate clean up everyone just kind of collapsed once a basic return to normalcy had been achieved.</p> <p>I got shaken out of it by an email from David Wilson, my new web guru and the admin for ProjectBluespher.com.  He sent me an email saying he was almost done with the blogging tool that will allow me to update the new blog remotely while I am underway.  If a person who is volunteering their time is working to get me ready the least I can do is kick it back into high gear and do my part.</p> <p>I am posting this blog from my new laptop that will be the ships computer once I am underway.  As soon as this is posted I'll clean up the decks and start laying down more blue tape so I can finish the non-skid painting project.</p> <p>This past week was the close of my 3rd quarter.  For any salesman it's one of the busiest times of the year.  I had a good finish and now I've got some decisions to make.  It's about to get interesting.</p> <p>It's a beautiful day.....get outside and enjoy it.</p> <p>Lee</p> Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-49371933946551800022008-09-20T12:20:00.002-06:002008-09-20T12:47:52.744-06:00DumbfoundedIt is not easy to strike me speechless. In fact, it's pretty damn hard. A couple of my readers figured out how to do it.<br /><br />As I was walking down my dock I saw three good sized guys walking around my boat. One of them knocked and bellowed, "Lee Winters". I kind of figured I was in big trouble. Not being smart enough to choose the flight part of the fight or flight response I yelled over to them as I approached.<br /><br />They quickly explained that two of them were boat owners in the Marina, but resided in Austin. When the media was reporting the area was a total loss they referred to my blog for specific updates on our area. In thanks, they handed me a brand new <a href="http://www.theflip.com/">Flip Video Camera</a> to replace the one I lost while wading to our docks.<br /><br />I was so astonished I don't think I accurately expressed my gratitude. Fellas, Thank You. I still didn't get all of your names so please shoot me an email or comment here. It would be my pleasure to buy you a beer.Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-37211413312797176512008-09-19T18:06:00.002-06:002008-09-19T18:35:56.046-06:00IKE - Seeing the good and the bad in people.Trying times tend to reveal a persons character. Mostly, the revelations I've seen have been resoundingly positive. Since IKE blew threw people have worked really hard around Clear Lake to support one another. It really has been neighbor helping neighbor and much has been accomplished. After the storm, with no power or water, neighbors began walking the streets and talking to one another. Often time for the first time since they had lived in their respective homes. Everyone seemed ready to pitch in and help at the drop of a hat.<br /><br />The same went before the storm. Many people called me while I was in California to find out if I needed help securing my boat. Had I not been able to make it back I know it would have been as prepared as I was able to make it myself. <br /><br />I've also been disappointed on more than a few occasions. The disappointments have come almost entirely from the marina management in which I live. I hate to say any of this considering I live here and life could get more difficult, but I think it needs to be said.<br /><br />First, on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m., 36 hours before the storm hit, the management turned off the power and water to the docks. When you are working your ass off in 90 degree heat, having water, electricity, and air conditioning allow you to get a difficult job done. I was astonished they would leave their residents high and dry. <br /><br />Second, many boat owners knew that the slip they were in was not well protected enough to ensure they and their boats would make it through the storm. My marina is well known as the best hurricane hole on the Gulf Coast. If a boater wanted to weather the storm in a vacant slip, they only had to drop a non refundable two month rental deposit, on average around $900. It is not price gouging, as their website clearly states that there is a two month minimum. This still seems pretty heartless considering the storm that was bearing down on us.<br /><br />Finally, the one that bothers me the most. The same guy owned both Sundance 1 & 2. Since Sundance 1 was wiped out by the storm surge some difficult decision had to be made. Unfortunately, a good friend of mine and the long time bartender at Sundance 2 was let go to make room for the staff from Sundance 1. Craig was a staple, a good friend, and one of the best bartenders I've ever known. Many of us will not be back until Craig returns.<br /><br />A hurricane brings difficult times. How those difficulties are handled depends on the people who are working through them. I see individuals making incredible choices to help each other. I wish I saw more businesses looking after their people the same way.Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-52916750861240154532008-09-18T11:16:00.008-06:002008-09-19T09:23:54.789-06:00Marina Report along Clear Lake<strong>Blue Dolphin Marina</strong> - 95 percent undamaged<br /><strong>Boardwalk Marina</strong> - 80 percent undamaged<br /><strong>Clear Lake Marine Center</strong> - 90 percent damage<br /><strong>Clear Lake Shores Marina</strong> - 70 percent damage<br /><strong>Hilton Marina</strong> - marina wiped out; 15 percent of boats undamaged<br /><strong>Lakewood Yacht Club</strong> - 80 percent damaged/destroyed on west side; 90 percent undamaged on east side; 60-, 70- and 80-foot boats sank<br /><strong>Portofino Marina</strong> - 80 percent undamaged<br /><strong>Seabrook Ship Yard</strong> - marina 50 percent damaged; shipyard 80 percent damaged<br /><strong>South Shore Harbor Marina</strong> - most boats undamaged; some torn sails<br /><strong>Waterford Harbor Marina</strong> - minimal damage<br /><strong>Watergate Marina</strong> - 60 percent damaged; many boats sankLee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-71975485911763666482008-09-18T11:16:00.006-06:002008-09-18T12:23:40.224-06:00Memory Lane FloodedI woke up yesterday with an overwhelming need to get my office emptied so that I could walk away from it for good. The salt water, mud, and sewage ruined almost every thing in the office. What took a U-Haul to relocate from New Mexico a year and a half ago only took a few square feet of my truck bed to evacuate yesterday.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247428339539600898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SNKcRdKTZgI/AAAAAAAAA4g/J6pRhhIaxHI/s400/Office+Salvage+Truck.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247419513977297602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SNKUPvYR2sI/AAAAAAAAA3o/H7e6oQMMqEc/s400/Office+After+the+Flood.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />The tidal surge seemed to place random value on items that in no way coincided with my own value for my stuff. Of the surviving gear I pulled out a news article on my parents form the 60’s, a valentine’s day card someone special gave me years ago, the slingshot my grandpa made for me when I was a little kid, the field book I used to record my masters thesis research. All around the office the faces of people from my past stared from water blurred photos as I moved waterlogged items to the dumpster.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247428324691309186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SNKcQl2McoI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/EziUmxyFg24/s400/Office+Salvage.JPG" border="0" /> <div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247425996982850466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SNKaJGdQE6I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/vk9n-PjRVuQ/s400/Office+After+the+Flood+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />That job is done. I am sorry to have lost so many reminders of times and people in the past. I did find one book soaked from cover to cover that I didn’t even know I still had. It was crumbling like wet toilet paper, but it opened to a page I remember reading very well almost 7 years ago. I’ve kept its message close in my mind as I’ve figured out what I am doing and where I want my path to go. I am quoting it here:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">“Listen to the still small voice inside you. If you do not live your life completely, realizing goals you hold to be worthwhile, making your unique contribution to the world, nobody ever will. Your song will die with you.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><div><br />Many of us have discovered what we want to do with our lives. We have a purpose that resonates to the very core of our being. Somehow our lives will never be complete unless we answer this calling. But, we refrain…the “still small voice” whispers a dream…but later that day or the next our vision starts to fade…immersed in the practical, our dreams and aspirations seem uncertain and perhaps a bit foolish.</div><div><br />We plod the highway of conformity, each following the other. We seek what others seek – comfort, security, money, power, pleasure. We are not alone, but only a stranger to our better selves. Years leave wrinkles upon the skin. But this loss of enthusiasm leaves wrinkles upon the soul.</div><div><br />It is impossible to tell another what path he should follow. Only you, in stillness and humility, can listen to that still small voice. Success and happiness are not distant goals to capture and hold. They happen incidentally while you are fulfilling yourself."<br />- Michael Lynberg, Author<br /></span><br />We’ve taken a pretty good hit down here. Overall, I came out pretty well. Given the very limited time I had to prep I would do it again exactly the same. The boat comes before the office and “stuff” every time. I’ve pulled the countdown timer off the blog for now. I need some time to regroup and reassess where I am and when I can go. It will be back up. We are talking about days weeks, and maybe even a month or two, but not months or years.<br /><br /><br />Lee</div></div></div>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793158.post-53079781149912718092008-09-15T13:06:00.004-06:002008-09-15T13:45:30.061-06:00Hurricane IKE - FEMA: Gas, food, water, and iceI woke up this morning after a great nights sleep on the boat. The battery bank and propane stove let me listen to the latest news and make a breakfast of eggs, toast, and coffee. Having refueled myself I gathered the motivation to head over to my completely destroyed office.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Opening the door the first thing that hits you is the smell. It was inundated with a little over seven feet of muddy, sewage filled, salt water. I think a few fish may have died in there. I couldn't bring myself to push through the mess yet and opened the doors, taped them off, and left for a few hours to let it dry out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Once I pulled out of the marina I headed towards a gas station that got power back on early. Coyote's had just received a load of gas so I jumped in line. An hour later I was filling up my truck and our jerry cans that Gary and Lisa brought over from the house. With a new full tank of gas I decided to go check out one of the rumored FEMA PODs or Point of Distribution. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246335072230478418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SM6587D4klI/AAAAAAAAA2k/qrl5BLXEeVg/s400/GAS.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246335075213398290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SM659GLEURI/AAAAAAAAA2s/5iU7JMEmIdY/s400/Generator.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>It was located on Nasa Parkway by Clear Lake Park and was pretty well organized. It took about an hour and each car drove away with two bags of ice, two cases of bottled water, and what they are calling MREs or Meals Ready to Eat. They should have a warning label on them.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246335093677104530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SM65-K9KHZI/AAAAAAAAA3E/NWlh4DfZXro/s400/FEMP+POD.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Military MRE's are not bad at all. They even come with several sides, an entree, instant Gatorade mix, and a little heater so you can eat a hot meal. These things are zip lock bags with canned lasagna, peanuts, a nutri-grain bar, and crystal light. I guess anything is better than nothing if you are really low on supplies. Luckily, I've got lots of food left before we'll really need to resort to canned lasagna.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246335086755041170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SM659xKzz5I/AAAAAAAAA28/QjWTdVqhAXM/s400/FEMA+MRE.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246335080589952066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X3qhCTPsYAg/SM659aM8BEI/AAAAAAAAA20/xLjAJe4k2IE/s400/FEMA+Supplies.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am off to check on the office. It's a nasty job, but no one else is going to do it. I am looking forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy.</div>Lee Winters http://www.blogger.com/profile/06593905135176500919noreply@blogger.com2