12.14.10 Preparations Update

We are still in JAX. In an effort to maintain a positive attitude – which contributes far more than words can describe – we are looking at our extended stay not as a delay, but as preparation for the southern ocean. It was a brisk 25 degrees Fahrenheit when we started stirring this morning. Myron’s first order of business was to fire up our wood/coal stove; my first order of business was to wait for Myron to fire up the stove. The weather report warned that wind chill would make our temperatures between 10 to 15 degrees. Unfortunately, the stove prematurely extinguished itself shortly after Myron headed to the “facilities.” We use the marina’s “facilities” since there is no pump out station here. I estimate a one way trip from our dock to the facilities to be somewhere between 100 and 200 yards. It brings new meaning and effort to the “call of nature.”

I have not yet mastered Myron’s magical stove starting and maintaining formulas. Consequently, Hold Fast was quickly cooling off prompting me to venture out in the windy cold on a quest for physical evidence of the temperatures. I did not have to travel far. A leaky dock faucet stalagmite was visible from our boat. [See Pic]

I give credit below to a few items that help us better handle the cooler temperatures, inside and outside Hold Fast:
• Smart Wool underlayers - such as Merino wool; there are two operative words: “wool” and “layers”
• Wood/Coal stove – today we are burning mesquite, a double treat of heat and aroma; it is also a dry heat, something that contributes to a more rapid removal of condensation
• Insulation – closed cell foam, purchased from Home Depot, we lined the hull sides wherever accessible
• Beanies and gloves – probably does not need to be mentioned, however, most females are not willing to wear a beanie
• Toasty blanket – we made a duvet out of fleece and inserted an old poly-fill coleman sleeping bag. The intent was a storage solution for the sleeping bag. We were pleasantly surprised with the thermal results after testing the combination on a sub-freezing night with no heater running. The super-soft comfy factor is a bonus! We made the duvet closure buttons using a standard terminal knot called a Monkey’s Fist. [See Pics]

We continue to press toward departure. We appreciate your prayers and well wishes.