Remember When?

Funny how you sit back now and think, that trip wasn't so bad. During our three months of blogging, you have heard our ups and downs with our attempts to get to the Chesapeake. Since Quebec City, we have been basically passage making. Trying to get from Point A to B. Now that we have achieved our goal, we plan to go back to cruising mode. That is what we prefer.

We actually thought we would enjoy the challenges of getting out the St. Lawrence. The distance didn't seem that long when you have three months to do it. But, 2000 miles later, we are exhausted and so is Yumsuch.

What we enjoyed most about the trip: The whales, seals and dolphins. The grace of gannet birds flying in formation and suddenly diving in rapid procession to catch fish. The fresh seafood. We agree that it is the best we have ever had. Not sure if it is the freshness or the cold water. We will miss that the most. We also met a lot of nice people along the way, but that is common for anyone cruising.

Would we recommend this trip to anyone? No! Unless you have a high speed motorboat, the distance between marinas and anchorages are too great with the inclement weather. It added a hardship that brought us to wits end many days. Locals say it was an unusually bad year. Maybe this is true. But, when you ask them where they normally cruise, most stay right in their port. Many never leave the dock more than 3 times per year.

All that said, we learned a lot about ourselves and our boat. As you go through life together, it is the hardships that either bring you closer or farther away from each other. In our case, it has made us stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. We both understand each other’s limits, strengths and weaknesses. Using this knowledge, we complement each other better than ever.

Some marine components made it and some did not. We have a whole list or replacement components heading our way.

The best all around addition to Yumsuch, was our Simrad DD15 below decks autopilot. This has steered through the worst of what we have seen and no hiccups. Kudos to Simrad.

Worst is of course ASMO. That controller is now in a dumpster. If ASMO Marine is good at anything, it’s making trash filler. Skip has a new term for when Roy gets upset. Roy is going ASMO.

Nexus takes a close second. The wireless wind instrument has been nothing but a headache since it was purchased. It hasn't worked since Quebec City.

We have to give credit to Haarstick. We spent way to many hours with the boom swinging back and forth across the boat and the sail slapping so loud, we can't believe it didn't shred. Looks like their impact flutter test does pick the best fabric.

Stainless Steel. The only stainless that has not developed rust is our Hood Ports. Everything else has rust. Whether it was tube and screws from West Marine, or the cheap SS fittings from Marine Part Depot. They all have rust. We have just spent the last two days shining it all up again. From now on, its buy top quality US made stainless.

Getting to the end of my thought process now. And maybe...........or actually..........well possibly it was a good trip.

Wishing all fair winds and calm seas.