Working "To Dos"

1.  Winter Harbor on the Erie Canal (15 minutes north of Syracuse; nearest town:  Brewerton, NY) has a fine reputation for its boat work (sources:  Loopers who are here with us having work completed). +  2.  Last July before purchasing our Mainship 400 and during an inspection, the surveyor informed us that the hull was in good condition with a few blemishes and that the paint condition was fair. + 3. When we had the boat bottom cleaned in Charleston, the diver remarked that the bottom paint was prone to flaking away with more abrasive scrubbing. = Haul out the boat to wash, examine and remedy!

We arrived at Winter Harbor last Thursday afternoon. This is a well run, very neat and tidy boat yard.  The owner (who also owns and runs 3 funeral homes in the area) lives next door and the beautiful gardens and landscaping extends from his yard throughout the rest of the properties.  Most of the boats in the marina fly a AGLCA burgee (Looper flag).  The yard's office has an extensive inventory of parts for reasonable prices (vs. West Marine prices...ouch!!).

Before Mike left for Seattle for PSMW business, Mike appreciated the marina's parts department and completed a list of fix-it  and maintenance "to dos" on Velsignet.  While Mike's away this week, the boat interior will get its monthly wash down.  The closets will get inventoried and put back in order.  Menus and a list of "provisions" will be developed for a shopping trip prior to our next take off.  Special projects include researching the next legs of the Loop (the high water levels on the Great Lakes is greatly affecting the St. Lawrence Seaway watershed), sewing interior window privacy coverings, a haul out and possible bottom paint job on Velsignet (which requires she get off the boat--Brenda will stay with Looper friend, Penny, on "Southern Cross"), and if possible, have the engine timing checked.

Mike arrives from Seattle late Friday night.  If weather and wind permits, we will leave Winter Harbor on Sunday or Monday to cross Lake Ontario towards Canada.

This is part of the Looper group that got together on Friday night at Winter Harbor:  Tim and Tawnya, Brenda, Penny, Dani & Gary, and Mike

This is the same photo except Penny's taking the picture.  Next to Brenda is David, husband to Penny. 
See the flower garden off to the right? See the flower pots along the harbor walk to the left?

You get a sense of how neat and well kept this place is.  The large building in the background is one of two large working sheds on the property.

From Velsignet, this is looking down the dock towards the canal.

Velsignet at dock, soon to be hauled out for a cleaning and exam.

Mike's in Seattle and last night enjoyed time with the low family, which now includes 3 grandchildren!  This is Max (Sally), Diana and Allison (Alex) and two of the 3 cherubs.

Here's Max and Sally with their boys.