Ups and Downs

Today has certainly been a day of ups and downs!  It was launch day.  Seven days after being pulled up on the sling and into our spot for the week, we were due to be placed back in the water at 3:30 sharp.  The day dawned with rain, the first "down".  Although it was cleansing in it's own way, it meant that the last coats of paint planned would not happen on this go around.

Despite the result of the weatherman's miscalculation, both Rob and I excitedly finished the projects we were working on.  The jackstands were moved one last time for the bottom paint to be applied there, final checks were done on all of the work we had done.  I washed the boat.  Oh, really, this is the big UP of the day!  With the decks covered with dirt from the road construction and the yard projects going on all around us, it was such a treat to take a bucket of soapy water and scrub away in the drizzle!

We ran our final errands to West Marine courtesy of our ever gracious neighbors, Scott and Paula.  Once again, it's these relationships that make cruising worth all the work it takes!    Another UP!  Thanks for EVERYTHING, Scott and Paula!

Upon our return, the final preparations for launch began and the big lift made it's way into our bay.  Up we go!  And down into the water!  And UP WE GO AGAIN!  Hmm . . . not in the plan!  After a quick evaluation of the new thru hulls installed, a leak was found in one of the connecting fittings (a newly refurbished sea cock).  Down go our spirits.

The team/staff here at Oasis Boat Yard win the prize for being the most pleasant, helpful, courteous and professional of all time.  A big UP!  All through the week, they've been on time, conscientious and obviously talented in their work.  This situation once again confirmed our feelings.  We had the help of Eddie, Scooba and John (the yard owner) assessing and repairing the problem (which entailed ANOTHER emergency run to West Marine and more dollars . . . )

With a new 1 1/2 inch sea cock in place, down we go into the water again.  And UP WE GO when now a DIFFERENT sea cock decides to start leaking!  Yet another emergency run to West Marine (it's now an hour after the yard closes and the staff are still here doing all they can to help . . . for a beer!) and we've got enough parts to keep us busy until morning.

Sunsets from the launch are great!

After a few more adjustments and installations, Scott and Paula came over to share the sunset (about 3 hours too late now) and the small birthday celebration I had put together for Paula's birthday tomorrow.  John had given us fish and lobster tails (really - can these guys get any nicer?!) and Scott had grilled his up to add to the feast.  We partied appropriately after a long, hard day and shored up for tomorrow's work ahead.

Up and down.  Down and up.  A freshly washed deck, a beautiful sunset, great people to work and play with and despite the disappointment, a safe place to stay the night, nestled on our swinging sling just slightly above the ground and within sight of the water.  Sweet dreams!