I battled over titling this first post "Last Action Hero," and for good reason... It happens to be what my husband called me, from behind the helm, as I hurdled over the lifelines and back onto our boat.
We've lived aboard for three months now, and been married for a mere six. While there are plenty of stories that link us to our old dock, I think this first post should really be about the adventure of moving into our new, permanent slip-partly because this story involves me sounding like a totally legitimate boat chick. And partly because of something else I'm sure.
Wanting to start out on the right foot at our new dock, we-meaning my Captain, prepared for the voyage by doing a little dinghy scraping and kayak cleaning. Of course the hoisting of the two vessels was also crucial. The short motor across the bay made it a possibility for one of us to follow in said crafts (and simultaneously get in a bicep work out or dingy steering practice), however with two newbs aboard, slipping the cruiser without a second hand (or entire body in this case) was just not an option.
When you learn to sail (and slip) on the boat you just bought, you understand a thing or two about coming in too hot. What a blazing day it was! With large rocks piled behind us and skiffs on all sides, getting into the 36' slip wasn't going to happen. At least not on the first attempt. The slip requires a starboard turn and our boat veers to the port side. Going in circles is always a fun option I guess. Spinning was actually the least of our worries. Ramming into our new neighbor's fishing boat was certainly the biggest concern, the second being whether or not we paid the insurance this month.
The most appropriate and agreed upon action to take: Skipper (uh, that's me) jumping onto the swim step of a neighboring boat and pressing my entire body against our boat, bruising a knee in the process I might add, all to prevent a colorful first introduction and some other more expensive issues. Cap worked it at the helm, and seemed quite surprised that his first mate made it back on board in time to circle around for another try. I don't know what happened or where sudden athleticism came from...but if ninjas wore goofy sailing hats and aviators...well, let's just say I was looking like a total ninja.
Round two...like. a. glove. After a few beers at the conclusion of "moving day," we found ourselves settled aboard our new home- off the grid, on the water, and cozy as ever...in our secret floating tree house.
