We are dry again (sort of)

Good news! The resealing of the hatch was successful. It rained on and off for two days with several downpours and the hatch didn't leak! That's good cause I didn't like sharing the v-berth with a dish pan. We also received word that the 4 larger portlights have arrived and should be installed in the next several days (depending on southern time, that is). We also have a steaming light that's out, the flag halyard needs to be repaired(lost it during a storm. Seems it was taped to the spreader.) and the masthead anchor light is being replaced with an LED. It's always something! When repairs occur, I remember the quote from The Wind in the Willows:"There is nothing-absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".
Seems Ratty has the right attitude!

We've mostly been re-evaluating all the stuff on board and have eliminated a bunch of stuff. Books, utensils, cups, and some sailing stuff that is duplicated have all made their way to storage or sold to other sailors. It's amazing that all the things you thought were necessary are not.

The classes we are taking in September will help us get used to advance cruising skills and give us a chance to get out on the big water. The instructor wants to take a trip to Oriental. I am looking forward to that as it includes traveling on the ICW and open water. We sail down one day and back the next. We wanted to sail more this week, but the weather has not been cooperating. But the weekend looks great and we should have some photos. The winds should be NE at 9 mph and temps in the mid 80's. Good weather for a change.

Speaking of weather, we have been keeping an eye on the storms coming over from Africa. Danielle is heading north, east of Bermuda and should not be a problem. Earl is still too far out to predict were it will go, so we'll keep an "eye" (hee, hee) on it. There are still 2 months left to the season but we are trusting God for His protection. We've done all we can due to prepare so far, and have a plan if a storm comes close; the rest is up to Him.

That's all for now. More after the weekend.