Kerm here.
The Belle is tied up at Hinkley Yacht near Stewart where the electrical system will be checked out. You don't know how it pains me that I am having someone else look at the stuff as I have always prided myself on being able to take care of 99% of maintenance and restoration myself. Plus I'm one cheap B*****D. Anyway, the batteries will have to be looked at and probably be replaced, new battery charger for sure and if putting in a new charger the right thing to do is all the digital controls and the diagnostics stuff. This boat was never designed for all the new technology over the last 30 years and I don't know where even one more panel will go. We have added 4 new panels since last year for generator, inverter and fire systems and propane sensors. If we had any more panel LED's shining in the cabin at night we wouldn't be able to sleep. We sure as hell don't need night lights anymore.
I am angst. The Hinkley electrical guys will be doing a reconnoiter of the Belle electrical system tomorrow. Holy crap. I replace all the mainline DC stuff over last winter ACCORDING to the book and all my tests were by the book. Alternator, regulator, splitter, batteries, all high amperage DC wiring, circuit breakers, everything. Crap, I do hope they find something but just not for the stuff I did.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
The Belle is back
Kerm here,
The Belle is back on the mainland anchored near North Palm Beach. The captains left South Bimini bright and early on Friday and according to them a fairly pleasant ride but perhaps a bit rough towards the end as there were some northerly winds pushing against the gulf stream. The trawler school they took last winter paid off in spades. Over the last year the pair also took notes on a regular basis on how systems worked, periodic maintenance and the basics of both AC and DC electricity. We may have to get a service man out to figure out what the deal is with the batteries and charging systems beforehand but knowing how those two don't like to sit this may be delayed.
I'm proud of them.
The straw man for the next adventure for them is a move the Belle to Savannah, GA perhaps for the summer or whatever. Just an idea. In reality it costs nearly as much to continue moving on the boat as it is to put it in a marina. There are so many options. I have a Dr. appointment in Miami on the 7th where they will decide to do with some other plumbing in my neck and / or give me the green light to go back to the cruising life. I'm thinking they will want me to lay low for awhile but we'll see.
I'm still in Atlanta staying with my cousin John and his wife Cheryl. They live in the Virginia Highlands area. This area is similar to the Uptown area in Minneapolis but much larger and perhaps a little more upscale on average. It's the happening area in Atlanta. Fun. Cheryl has made me a list of small repairs do around the house so my guest guilt is at a minimum. Today John and I are picking up his J-24 to bring it home for a spring cleaning. If any of you recall this is our old 24 from 20 years ago. John has kept the boat nice over the years and has continually upgraded it to keep it competitive on Lake Linier.
The Belle is back on the mainland anchored near North Palm Beach. The captains left South Bimini bright and early on Friday and according to them a fairly pleasant ride but perhaps a bit rough towards the end as there were some northerly winds pushing against the gulf stream. The trawler school they took last winter paid off in spades. Over the last year the pair also took notes on a regular basis on how systems worked, periodic maintenance and the basics of both AC and DC electricity. We may have to get a service man out to figure out what the deal is with the batteries and charging systems beforehand but knowing how those two don't like to sit this may be delayed.
I'm proud of them.
The straw man for the next adventure for them is a move the Belle to Savannah, GA perhaps for the summer or whatever. Just an idea. In reality it costs nearly as much to continue moving on the boat as it is to put it in a marina. There are so many options. I have a Dr. appointment in Miami on the 7th where they will decide to do with some other plumbing in my neck and / or give me the green light to go back to the cruising life. I'm thinking they will want me to lay low for awhile but we'll see.
I'm still in Atlanta staying with my cousin John and his wife Cheryl. They live in the Virginia Highlands area. This area is similar to the Uptown area in Minneapolis but much larger and perhaps a little more upscale on average. It's the happening area in Atlanta. Fun. Cheryl has made me a list of small repairs do around the house so my guest guilt is at a minimum. Today John and I are picking up his J-24 to bring it home for a spring cleaning. If any of you recall this is our old 24 from 20 years ago. John has kept the boat nice over the years and has continually upgraded it to keep it competitive on Lake Linier.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The Belle is in Bimini
Kerm here,
The Belle is in South Bimini. She got in at 2am with Chris at the helm as I understand. I'm getting info 2nd hand as I'm sure that I would think that they are completely nuts for doing it and may want to give me a day or two to settle down. With the weather as it was and the instrumentation plus having gone in there before perhaps not so bad. Just not me. Those two just amaze me.
So, at this point it looks like a Saturday crossing to the mainland which again comes second hand but the numbers look good on the cruising weather forecast websites. Worth inlet is where they may be coming in right near North Palm Beach. The lake there is a great place to stop and anchor.
I know no more...
The Belle is in South Bimini. She got in at 2am with Chris at the helm as I understand. I'm getting info 2nd hand as I'm sure that I would think that they are completely nuts for doing it and may want to give me a day or two to settle down. With the weather as it was and the instrumentation plus having gone in there before perhaps not so bad. Just not me. Those two just amaze me.
So, at this point it looks like a Saturday crossing to the mainland which again comes second hand but the numbers look good on the cruising weather forecast websites. Worth inlet is where they may be coming in right near North Palm Beach. The lake there is a great place to stop and anchor.
I know no more...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Where we at...
Kerm here,
Me. First let me thank all the well wishers and offers of lodging. Wow, as they say down here so often in the south, "I'm blessed".
Yesterday I left Bill Collins's boat in Fort Myers and headed up to Atlanta to see my cousin John and his wonderful wife Cheryl. They live in the Virginia Highland area and if you know the city this is the place to be. Bill's boat was nice but he left to go back home on dry land and it was getting too quiet besides a real bed and knowing that Cheryl would spoil me rotten was just too much to pass up.
Shortly before arriving at Bob and Cheryl's at about 7:00 my tongue started to swell so upon arrival Cheryl and I took a trip to the hospital. An allergic reaction to we don't know what but they slammed an IV into me and poured drugs in and ta dah the swelling went down. We were back at home by 1:00 am and I now have more drugs to take for awhile plus additional drugs if it happens again. Dear mom, life is a b***h.
I just had a report from Dan that SPOT shows that the Belle is on the move. Dan said he got a report that they are headed to Hog Cay probably with some other boats. I should not second guess them as they have been talking to other Wednesday leavers that have more experience that either me or them.
Me. First let me thank all the well wishers and offers of lodging. Wow, as they say down here so often in the south, "I'm blessed".
Yesterday I left Bill Collins's boat in Fort Myers and headed up to Atlanta to see my cousin John and his wonderful wife Cheryl. They live in the Virginia Highland area and if you know the city this is the place to be. Bill's boat was nice but he left to go back home on dry land and it was getting too quiet besides a real bed and knowing that Cheryl would spoil me rotten was just too much to pass up.
Shortly before arriving at Bob and Cheryl's at about 7:00 my tongue started to swell so upon arrival Cheryl and I took a trip to the hospital. An allergic reaction to we don't know what but they slammed an IV into me and poured drugs in and ta dah the swelling went down. We were back at home by 1:00 am and I now have more drugs to take for awhile plus additional drugs if it happens again. Dear mom, life is a b***h.
I just had a report from Dan that SPOT shows that the Belle is on the move. Dan said he got a report that they are headed to Hog Cay probably with some other boats. I should not second guess them as they have been talking to other Wednesday leavers that have more experience that either me or them.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Update
Kerm here,
I am currently in Ft. Myers staying on friend Bill Collins's boat. I have been here since the 6th. Chris went back to the Southern Belle on the 7th. A friend Paul from MN brought my truck down for me earlier in the week and then headed to Staniel Cay with a new starter. When Chris went back she brought a gizmo with her that was supposed to tell if a battery, alternator or starter was good or not. The batteries checked out but the starter showed bad hence the new starter. Paul put the starter in this morning and it did not do the trick. Oh dear. I've pretty much lined up sending a new set of batteries via puddle jumper but I'm going to have Paul check out another couple of things before finalizing. Chris will be giving me a call on the sat phone at 1:00 today and I'll pass on my ideas and if they don't work I'll punch the button for the new batteries.
I'm doing ok here but perhaps a boat isn't the best place to be for longer than a few days. I have to stick around FL until the 7th of April for a post op check up in Miami. I have other housing options and may exercise them. DH in our extended family has a condo in Miami and says that I can use it and cousin John who lives in Atlanta has invited me to stay there. Atlanta is a days ride from Miami but it's nice to have people around.
When I'm in Miami I will get my medical records so I will not be tied to FL in the future.
More later.
I am currently in Ft. Myers staying on friend Bill Collins's boat. I have been here since the 6th. Chris went back to the Southern Belle on the 7th. A friend Paul from MN brought my truck down for me earlier in the week and then headed to Staniel Cay with a new starter. When Chris went back she brought a gizmo with her that was supposed to tell if a battery, alternator or starter was good or not. The batteries checked out but the starter showed bad hence the new starter. Paul put the starter in this morning and it did not do the trick. Oh dear. I've pretty much lined up sending a new set of batteries via puddle jumper but I'm going to have Paul check out another couple of things before finalizing. Chris will be giving me a call on the sat phone at 1:00 today and I'll pass on my ideas and if they don't work I'll punch the button for the new batteries.
I'm doing ok here but perhaps a boat isn't the best place to be for longer than a few days. I have to stick around FL until the 7th of April for a post op check up in Miami. I have other housing options and may exercise them. DH in our extended family has a condo in Miami and says that I can use it and cousin John who lives in Atlanta has invited me to stay there. Atlanta is a days ride from Miami but it's nice to have people around.
When I'm in Miami I will get my medical records so I will not be tied to FL in the future.
More later.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
And away we go
Kerm here,
They turn me loose tomorrow if all goes well. I have to come back in 3 weeks for a check up so I will have to stay in the area. Tomorrow Chris and I will be renting a car and heading to Ft. Myers where I will be staying with Bill Collins on his boat at Legacy Harbor Marina. Chris will come back to Miami on Sunday where she will catch a flight to Staniel Cay where she will join the Belle and Linda. The doctors recommend that I do not finish the trip with them this year. There could be anywhere from rejection to infection to stroke possibilities early in the game here so they want me to lay low.
I feel very strongly that Chris and Linda should finish the dream cruise without me in lieu of scrambling back to the states. I have a couple of buddies that have offered to ride along to play ships engineer. All the rest can be handled by Chris and Linda. It's about time that they should be shoved out of the nest. Long past due actually.
Me, I'll hang around Florida both east and west coasts until the Belle arrives and then I have no idea of what comes next. Simple as that.
They turn me loose tomorrow if all goes well. I have to come back in 3 weeks for a check up so I will have to stay in the area. Tomorrow Chris and I will be renting a car and heading to Ft. Myers where I will be staying with Bill Collins on his boat at Legacy Harbor Marina. Chris will come back to Miami on Sunday where she will catch a flight to Staniel Cay where she will join the Belle and Linda. The doctors recommend that I do not finish the trip with them this year. There could be anywhere from rejection to infection to stroke possibilities early in the game here so they want me to lay low.
I feel very strongly that Chris and Linda should finish the dream cruise without me in lieu of scrambling back to the states. I have a couple of buddies that have offered to ride along to play ships engineer. All the rest can be handled by Chris and Linda. It's about time that they should be shoved out of the nest. Long past due actually.
Me, I'll hang around Florida both east and west coasts until the Belle arrives and then I have no idea of what comes next. Simple as that.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Chris here...In Miami with the Captain
Hello, All
Wow, what a crazy week this has been. First of all, for the squeamish among you, close your eyes. Kerm made me take a pix of his present situation in a nutshell...
I will provide information in this blog and hope that people forward the info to others that are interested. Think of this as my take on "CaringBridge".
Kerm is presently in the Neuro ICU at the University of Miami Hospital. He had a stent inserted in his right carotid artery yesterday. The procedure went smoothly but he has developed minor complication of low blood pressure. This happens because the area that the stent was inserted in is shared by a nerve cluster that adjusts blood pressure and heart rate. During the procedure that bundle of nerves can be disturbed. The care team is on the job and explained that medication and time are needed to correct this condition. Kerm will be in the ICU until BP returns to normal. He was uncomfortable last night but feeling better this morning. He complains of feeling a little 'confined' since our life on board is so active and outdoorsy...he's looking forward to being able to walk around again soon.
I have noticed no cognitive or physical deficiencies, so thank God for that. He is teasing the medical staff and being "Kerm".
I arrived in Miami yesterday afternoon and am glad I was here with him last night. I left Linda as 'captain by proxy' aboard the Belle at a secure mooring ball just north of the Grotto in Staniel Cay. She is awesome and I could not hope for a better crew. We will be making more long term plans as the next few days play out.
I want to thank all of you who have offered assistance and shown amazing support during this time...I'm blessed...truly blessed. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Fellow cruisers have been so helpful, especially Dick and Nancy aboard Blue Bay. I also want to say a big thanks to the kind people at Black Point who helped us in a far away spot. Especially, Lorraine and Mr&Mrs Adderley. Wonderful caring people.
That's all for now but I will update again soon now that I have internet.
Love to all
Christie
Wow, what a crazy week this has been. First of all, for the squeamish among you, close your eyes. Kerm made me take a pix of his present situation in a nutshell...
I will provide information in this blog and hope that people forward the info to others that are interested. Think of this as my take on "CaringBridge".
Kerm is presently in the Neuro ICU at the University of Miami Hospital. He had a stent inserted in his right carotid artery yesterday. The procedure went smoothly but he has developed minor complication of low blood pressure. This happens because the area that the stent was inserted in is shared by a nerve cluster that adjusts blood pressure and heart rate. During the procedure that bundle of nerves can be disturbed. The care team is on the job and explained that medication and time are needed to correct this condition. Kerm will be in the ICU until BP returns to normal. He was uncomfortable last night but feeling better this morning. He complains of feeling a little 'confined' since our life on board is so active and outdoorsy...he's looking forward to being able to walk around again soon.
I have noticed no cognitive or physical deficiencies, so thank God for that. He is teasing the medical staff and being "Kerm".
I arrived in Miami yesterday afternoon and am glad I was here with him last night. I left Linda as 'captain by proxy' aboard the Belle at a secure mooring ball just north of the Grotto in Staniel Cay. She is awesome and I could not hope for a better crew. We will be making more long term plans as the next few days play out.
I want to thank all of you who have offered assistance and shown amazing support during this time...I'm blessed...truly blessed. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Fellow cruisers have been so helpful, especially Dick and Nancy aboard Blue Bay. I also want to say a big thanks to the kind people at Black Point who helped us in a far away spot. Especially, Lorraine and Mr&Mrs Adderley. Wonderful caring people.
That's all for now but I will update again soon now that I have internet.
Love to all
Christie
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Logistics
Kerm here,
OK, the Belle is broken and I'm in the hospital. Chris is calling around for a service guy in the Exumas on Monday and the service guy ( Dr.) here at the hospital will shove a stint up my groin all the way to my neck on Monday. See, things get fixed.
For me, it looks like going back to the Bahamas probably isn't in the cards. One stint now and another on about a month from now. And they really don't want me a full day away from a hospital for the next couple of months. I may go back to MN to get my truck for a vehicle here in FL or not.
I'm thinking that we may have to hire a captain to bring the boat back to the mainland. Or, or, or. There are a lot of options regarding what to do next but at this point nothing has to happen quick. I'm sure Linda does not mind boat sitting as the alternative is sitting at her house in MN where it's -15 today.
OK, the Belle is broken and I'm in the hospital. Chris is calling around for a service guy in the Exumas on Monday and the service guy ( Dr.) here at the hospital will shove a stint up my groin all the way to my neck on Monday. See, things get fixed.
For me, it looks like going back to the Bahamas probably isn't in the cards. One stint now and another on about a month from now. And they really don't want me a full day away from a hospital for the next couple of months. I may go back to MN to get my truck for a vehicle here in FL or not.
I'm thinking that we may have to hire a captain to bring the boat back to the mainland. Or, or, or. There are a lot of options regarding what to do next but at this point nothing has to happen quick. I'm sure Linda does not mind boat sitting as the alternative is sitting at her house in MN where it's -15 today.
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