Matt in the cockpit

Jeff sailing along


Well, I have had a lot of help this month and I really appreciate it!I was surprised about two months ago with the arrival of two old friends from San Diego, Matt and Jeff. They came down to sea trial Jeff's boat and to visit. They stepped on board and could tell immediately that i needed help and was over my head.(Who isn't who owns a big wooden boat?)I was telling them of my dreams to have Vltava ready to go to San Evaristo at the end of April for our science week with the kids there. They helped me to prioritize my list of things needed to be done before I could leave. We decided that the engine should be my first concern and they jumped right in to help me get her going. The first thing we needed was to get the exhaust riser for the engine repaired and functioning so I can run the engine. Matt took the exhaust riser off,no small feat as the bolts were rusted and frozen. After a short consult with Adam from Smiles to go, the riser came free and we were ready to go. Jeff donated the money for the metal tubing needed to recreate the riser and they both helped me get the 9 feet of tubing to the boat. Matt and I hunted down a welder and Bob and Joanne from Flying Fish donated the money for the welder. The riser is now with the welder and we are waiting for pick up! this is a huge thing as it means we can be mobile again AND charge our batteries once the alternator is hooked up. None of this could have happened without all these people and I am forever grateful. Matt spent the rest of the time helping me to clean up the battery connections, organize the boat and keep me focused on my goals. It made all the difference!!!! Our next big challenge is the bottom cleaning. It needs to be done before we leave but it makes me nervous to think of doing anything to the bottom. We really need a hualout and I don't want to create any problems by scrapping the hull that I won't be able to fix. I guess I just have to jump in and see what happens.
Jack and I met with the teacher from San Evaristo and went over the projects we are hoping to do and discuss timing and schedule for the three days. We all left feeeling very excited about the project and talked about the fact that this is the first project of it's kind that any of us knew about. very exciting to be a part of it all. Not much else for now. We are working hard to get this all done in time. cross your fingers for us! Allison