Sunday, March 15, 2009

Moving "Still Busy" to Charleston



The big move date has arrived and we are ready for the trip. Jack drove "Still Busy" to
All Seasons Marina on Lake Norman to prepare for the haul. Most of the disassemble - and the reassemble in Charleston - will be done by Ed Sherrad, marine mechanic extraordinaire. The first picture is Jack on "Still Busy" leaving our home port at Vineyard Point.
The following day was busy as the truck was there early to load the vessel. Most of the plan went smooth with the exception of a very difficult time removing the radar arch. Here is a picture of "Still Busy" aboard the truck before removal of the radar arch but with the canvas off. This will be her new slip for the next few days.

On Friday, we were up early to meet Ed at the Charleston City Boatyard for the big day. The day was cloudy - around 60 - with a few sprinkles. Ed was already on the boat finishing the reassemble, having worked long the previous evening. Although we were ready to put her in the water by 9:00, we had to wait until 1:30 for our turn. Finally got her in the water with everything working fine, although the current was rough due to the tide flow - a new challenge for us. But we succeeded getting her off the dock and into the Wando River for our trip to the Charleston City Marina, a trip that will take us into The Cooper River to the Charleston Harbor by Fort Sumter to The Ashley River - a trip of a little over an hour. Here we are as we leave the boatyard. The remainder of the weekend was devoted to cleaning, cleaning, cleaning along with grocery shopping and the obligatory trip to West Marine and Boaters World. We were able to spend some time with Brent and his family and look forward to spending more time with them over the next few weekends.

We are now back in Charlotte and have plans to spend most weekends in Charleston. We both marvel at how strange it is to sit in very familiar surroundings aboard "Still Busy" - but - in Charleston. A comforting feeling that I am sure we will experience throughout our trip.









2 comments:

Mamamia said...

Oh my gosh, you must be so very excited!! We look forward to seeing you in Charleston.

Bill & Nita

Alpha Connections said...

So, are you guys there for good now, until the departure date?

Hugs,
Despina & Dewey