Where are the Fosters

The Journey began on September 6, 2008, we caught the 7:00 a.m. bridge and I took a picture of the gym and waived good-bye to Bent on the pier. The weather was cool, Dick was dressed in Pete's sweater and snow pants. Ruth was in her polar fleece and jogging pants. We rounded Long Pointe about 3:30 p.m. Motor sailed with a lite sea. We arrived in Port Dover about 6:15 p.m.
Sinn Fein and Nice Butt are accompaning us. We had our first meal on the boat, first sunset. A visitor joined us by the name of Jock. He is planning the same trip on Sept 20th in a self made catamaran. Jock joined us for tea. No flys no mosquitos day is a 7 out of 10.

September 8, 2008 Back on the move today. Early start 7:10 a.m. no bridge to wait for :0
Following sea, west wind 10 - 16 knots. Great speed but Dick had to steer as the Auto pilot seems to be disconnected. To ruff to fit at sea. Arrived in Buffalo about 6:15 p.m. but had to standby as Sinn Fein was having engine trouble. Waited to give him a tow. Wayne got us a spot at the Erie Basin Marina. Beautiful waterfront, park our boat beside a bike path. Meet lots of well wishers. Received our Cruising Permit from the US customs. We are IN.

September 9, 2008 - Stayed in Buffalo until 1:00 pm and headed to Anchor Marine to take down the mast. Current in the Niagra River is about 3 kts and we were going with the flow. Gene was waiting for us when we got there and then took the ladies to get groceries.
We are exhausted. Go go go. I cannot wait to get to the Canal and RELAX. I think I lost 10 lbs.
No scales to verify- :)
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September 10, 2008 - Moved from Anchor Marine to Lockport N. Y. Entered the Erie Canal. It is stunningly beautiful. New sensation to motor all the time. No mast. NO heeling and things falling out of the cupboards. I wish my mom and dad could be here to see this. The country side is alive. Lots of apple orchards and corn fields. The towns are really quaint. We were traveling with 3 boats and the harbour masters refer to us as the Canadians are coming.
Wireless is a pain or should I say Vista. We are in Brockport today and first time I can access since Buffalo.
The Municipality even provide a Techy person to come down and help us. Hense this long blog. We are getting a cell phone as soon as we find a Walmart. Stay tuned. Love you all, miss my Kids, Tribe, family and church family, but I am having a blast.

A Waiting Departure

The Foster's are finishing up preparations. The schedule for departure is Saturday and there will be four boats accompaning us to Port Dover and then Buffalo to enter the US and head for the Erie Canal. We have had to build a new battery box and when we took it out the water lines needed replacing so now we know the water lines are clean. Brand new lines. The boat is almost packed and and we have a couple of lockers left so I guess I can use that to fill with souveniors.

Anchoring System Pictures

Here is the whole in the boat we had to make to mount the Bow roller for the anchor. It was all very awesome how it worked out that a friend had one to give us and it fit really well in that spot. The spinnaker pole has to be moved but that is a minor job to this.

The Dodger is Done

What a challenge to sewing quilts and dresses. This has really stretched my normal sewing ability I was wondering if it would turn out but we are pleased with the results especially the fabric. It is water proof and the water will actually pool there for day without dropping threw the layer of fabric. The colour is very soft and this week-end we did the mainsail cover. Pictures to follow. Things on boat are wrapping up after the sprayer pump installed for washing down the anchor.

New Laptop

Just using the new laptop and navigating the blog. No pictures as yet, more software to download. Down to wrap Miles Davis for the winter. Sorry about the anchor pics in last post I am having some editing difficulties. Stay tuned. Karin is coming soon.

The Anchoring System

This week-end was a perfect day for the big long awaited event of cutting a hole in the deck to level it so we could apply the new bow roller to put the anchor chain on. Putting holes in the deck is one of the hardest things to do. Potential future leaks. whawha wha.

The windlass is manual and guess who gets to run it. The friends from the south call them the widow maker. Actually a good head set of walkie talkies can help assist alot of miscommunications. :)
Stay tuned. I think that is what Mr. F is getting for his birthday.

The New Bimini

This week-end was the time to construct a new Bimini for the Cockpit. The material is made of Sumbrella Plus and it weighs 10.5 oz. per square yard. (I think).
It is like sewing concrete. I was greatful for a Divinely inspired message to use clothes pins when I was staring blankly out my sewing room window at my clothes line thinking how the heck am I going to sew when I cannot use pins.???????!!!!!!!!!!
The clothes pins worked great and I am so greatful for the idea. My machine was having trouble with the bobbin but a boater friend from Fairport suggested turning the screw a 1/3 turn to accomodate the thread. It worked beautifully and I am so pleased with the result.
Now on to the dodger.
I am really wondering how the glass will work in the dodger.