Sailing on the Distant Horizon
Desert Fun
Arches National Park Before departing for the Azores, I had one last trip planned. My son (Matt), my Son-in-law (Matt) and I took my Bronco to the high altitude desert of Moab Utah. We left a day early to make a short visit to Arches National Park. I included the photo of Pine Tree Arch
Goodbye São Miguel
Distant Horizon needed a sea trial (test run). Since she last sailed, the broken propeller shaft has been replaced; the engine runaway issue has been resolved, among other smaller issues. I wanted a short sea trial to gain confidence in the boat’s mechanicals (engine and such). Instead, there was a good weather window for a
Windmills on São Miguel
Windmills came to the Azores during the 15th century Portuguese settlement. They were used to pump water and to perform various actions in support of local agriculture. The windmills that are found on São Miguel island resemble the traditional Dutch-style windmills. These windmills have a cone-shaped stone base and a short, squat tower in the
Batteries, and Making Oil
I was cleaning the battery box and testing the batteries. The battery cells were all low on water after 18 months of inattention. Still, I fealt lucky. They were maintaining a full charge… By early afternoon, the solar panels had the batteries up to 14.2V. I only had to add water to each cell. Next,
Living on a Volcano
I was talking to the boatyard manager yesterday. He was sweeping up stones from the boat ramp. Stones on the Boat Ramp I asked where all the stones came from. He smiled. Then he bent over, picked up a stone and tossed it to me without saying a word. I was shocked at first. The
Arriving at the Boat
When I arrived, my marina gate card did not work. I was lucky someone was exiting the marina so, I could slip in and sleep on the boat. 18 months without being opened and aired-out. Still, no “Boat Smell”. I had left a dehumidifier running. The water that was collected drained out into the galley