More fine tuning on the Gliding Gander

Last week I took the Gliding Gander to Long Cove Marina for some fine tuning.  When we changed the loading of the boat last year we moved more weight to the stern.  We also extended the spray rails to pick up some of the bow.  Well, I went a little too far.  The consequence is the stern is not riding up enough to reach the most efficient planning speed.  We are now going to install a double set of trim tabs across the stern.  These new trim tabs are unlike the standard type,  They go up and down vertically and will not protrude rear of the stern nor interfer with fishing lines.  Sorry fish.  By going vertically down into the water this style tab creates enough drag to form a water column which actually picks the stern up for it to ride on.  End result should be more speed and efficency.  While the GG is on the hard, it will get new antifouling paint after a thorough bottom cleaning.

I am looking forward to giving her a try the week after next.  Stay tuned.  Still thinking about going south.

First steps

From the time Lea walked out to present, I took time to think.  I believe things happen for a reason and we should all make the best of it.  Consequently, I am making it a point to try using my time wisely. 

One project, I became more active in helping Dr. David H. Smith, Engineer and Medical Doctor of Easton, Maryland, to lauch the humanitarian and philanthropic WERAK Foundation and WERAK Analytical, its subsidiary.  The WERAK Foundation is a humanitarian foundation being established for the worldwide advancement of human healthcare.  I am of the belief if WERAK is succesfully started, and run as Dr. Smith and I designed it,  WERAK will become one of the most significant adancement in all of human healthcare - ever.  Our website is just being setup so please be understanding when you see it at http://www.werakfoundation.com/.

Another project I am very proud of, is one a devoted group of volunteers and I authored.  It is titled: The Upper Caribbean Economical Development Proposal.  The proposal is in response to the recent Haitian earthquake.  Basically, the proposal, if successful, will result in the most significant economic development plan in the history of Haiti and the upper Caribbean.  I am not able to disclose details at this time, as we are seeking a humanitarian foundation or private investors.  Please rest assured, we are very close to presenting this proposal publicly.

Regarding a fall cruise on the Gliding Gander, I have not used the boat almost at all.  I am still considering taking it south this winter.  Probably a lot will depend on the progress made on my two humanitarian causes.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Still thinking

I am making this post so the blog site does not become inactive.  I am still thinking about the next step.  In response to so many great invitations from my many kind friends, I opted for a short road trip and have not yet turned the steering wheel toward homeward.  One thing for sure, there is life beyond Centreville, MD.

Wow !

The night before casting off on our journey, without any discussion at all, the Admiral changed her mind once again.  She disappeared while leaving no more than a note saying she has broken up and I was to get off her property. I lost count of how many times she walked out without any discussion in less than five years. While being seriously shocked and saddened, at the same time, it was as if I sort of received a blessing.  Obviously, loving spouses committed to their marriage deserve more than a note.  I know I deserved more.  I obliged and moved away from Lea for the last time.  Obviously, our boat trip is now cancelled.

Other than Lea, I will miss Lea's sister and brother-in-law the most.  They have always treated me consistently nicer than any other adult in Lea's family.  I want to thank them both.

I am not sure what will become of the Gliding Gander and what its next adventure will be.  In due time I may continue maintaining this blog.

Garon

Cast-off is scheduled

Lea finally set the cast-off date.  She proclaimed, "The boat is leaving her dock at 9:00 AM this Thursday - whether I am on it or not".  Once the Admiral spoke, I simply saluted and said, "Yes, Mam".

We hope you will follow us regularly on this blog site as we travel along on our adventure.

Shake down cruise and fishing trip

The second fishing trip was not quite as good as the first; however, we did not get skunked!

As you may see, with a magnifying glass, the catch was as long as the bait.  Our mate for the day, and my buddy, Bob Pino said "snagging counts!"

Spring is here

Spring has arrived so Lea and I are almost ready to try another attempt at going for a boat ride.

Lea has been sick for more than a week and I am suffering from broken ribs and beat up side.  It seems Lea's and my excursion to Branson, Missouri was hard on us both.  I broke my ribs doing the dead man's waltz in the bath tub while Lea chose another torment in the form of a bronchial infection for herself.

With my auction coming up next weekend Lea and I haven't done much to ready ourselves for the cruise.

Tony took the Gliding Gander out of the water again to complete some work on the scuppers.  Scott Hyland is returning this week to do some final adjusting to several of the new systems we installed on the Gliding Gander.  Long Cove marina will be doing some final projects and then we hope the boat will be ready to leave around the end of May.

Do to the June arrival of the hurricane season in the Atlantic, we are now planning to turn north toward New York City, then the Hudson River, then the Great Lakes and on down the Illinois River from Chicago to the Mississippi River.  We cannot get to the Gulf before the hurricane season is over in November.  We then plan to enter the antique and classic boat show in Key Largo on December 3, 4, and 5th.  From there we hope to proceed to the Bahamas and then into the Caribbean for the winter.

Last weekend was the opening of the Spring Rock fishing season in the Chesapeake.  Jesse and I took some of our buddies and gave it a try.

Evan caught the first fish of the season at 34" with first mate Eric Liebig to his right.

 

Thomas brought in the second fish at 42".

Dan caught the third at 32" with Jesse looking on.

Bob Pino, fishing consultant and general good guy who worked very hard all day long trying to get a fish on.

If you follow the orange line you may see the orange planer board 100' out toward the Bay Bridge.

Tony Van de Wal passed us while fishing on his boat.  You can now appreciate how rough the water was.  With average seas at 3'-6" to 5"-6" and occasional waves to almost eight feet made for a very difficult day.  Notice the entire cockpit of Tony's boat was below the wave tops.  If you click and enlarge this picture you may see the tops of Tony's fishing rods on the stern of the boat.