The Giri Afloat

The Giri, with new navy blue hull, is once again afloat with mast repaired and interior restored. "The repairs will outlast the boat." said Tom. "I won't have you cursing me in the middle of an ocean, blaming me for your sinking!" The repairs are probably worth more than the boat too but it's once again a world class off shore cruiser that can go anywhere in the world. It's limitation is again the skipper who sails her. I'm thankful to Tom, Dave, Barry, Andrea, Graham,Luke, Bob, Tim, Eric, Randy, Laura, and everyone else who helped work on the boat or provided moral support. My terrific bank manager, Lloyd, from Scotia Bank will be once again pleased that my asset is more than a holy hole in the water. Structually sound and physically restored it will still take some days of restoration and outfitting to make it ready for sailing. A week afloat though and the bilge is still dry. The new mast head light is a fair beacon. And Tom and Dave assure me that despite a war reminisicent of Ghost Busters they've exorcised the head of any leaks, old hose, cracked fixtures, or ancient holding tanks that could cause old smells to arise. Fresh smells will now be unimpeded by lingering scents of old glory. I can't wait to take my place upon the throne.

Louis returned from an unforgettable three week cruise of thenorther Georgia Strait islands with Linda and told me summer on the water is still as beautiful as ever. For now I'm just thankful the boatyard blues are over. The pain was excruciating. A bit of a rebirth experience. I looked at the Giri yesterday and it was almost like having an old dog go into the vet for surgery and come home wagging like a fresh young puppy. She's looked at me expectantly, eyes shining, ready to fetch an ocean.