Notes from the Cockpit 3.20.19
As one friend and previous owner put it, “the Egret will test you”. She has certainly tested us over the past three months.
We have made numerous upgrades and repairs to everything from the wooden masts above, to plumbing and electrical systems below, and everything in between. Ironically, our to-do list is growing faster than we are checking things off!
However, while working on this 60 yer old wooden boat, I m constantly reminded of the incredible care and craftsmanship that went into building her back in the 1950s. Every fastening turned by hand, every hold plugged. The precision of the joinery, and the attention to detail is truly remarkable. Much of it is hiding beneath layers of caulk and paint, epoxy and fiberglass, either to prevent or repair rot. But most of it is still there, despite decades of sun, salt, and humid Lowcountry weather. Damn, I meant to sit down and explain to you how much of a pain in my ass this boat has been, and here I go singing its praises! There is beauty in everything, I suppose.
I think the hard part is adjusting to life on the boat, not the boat itself. Time moves slowly out here, and modern conveniences are often either out of reach, or not worth the effort. For example, I would love to run out and grab some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight, but it would be a mile-long cold, wet dinghy ride, then a car ride. Maybe tomorrow.
Our days are much less exciting. I often find myself rushing through tasks for no reason except that that’s how I’ve always done it. There were never enough hours in the day, in my previous ‘normal’ life, and now there are too many. I’m sure that I will eventually develop a rhythm, but right now I’m stuck in an awkward phase. Stayed tuned to find out how it all works out. -Arthur
