November 19, 2003
Refinishing the paddle
I spent some time on an often overlooked but important piece of equipment - The paddle.
Surprise's paddle was in sad shape: the varnish was badly chipped away, a part of the handle had split off, and the the paddle section itself was developing cracks.
I spent some time sanding off the remaining varnish and reattached the broken part of the handle. More sanding was done with 220 grit. Then I filled the cracks with wood putty.
I wanted to identify the paddle as belonging to Surprise, so I printed out a logo on my printer, taped it to the paddle and took an exacto knife and cut away a stencil. Then I used some left over blue paint and filled in the stencil.
Peeling the tape away after it dried revealed a nice looking logo. Next I applied five coats of varnish, sanding lightly in between each coat. So that I could varnish both sides at the same time, I hung the paddle from a rafter in the garage by a loop in a piece of line around the paddle handle.
November 07, 2003
November 05, 2003
Moses Lake flood gate
Left dock at approximately 1330 hrs on 2 November. Sailed towards Moses Lake flood gate located at 29° 26.7'N, 094° 55.1'W. Winds SE at 10-15kts. Temperature 75-80°F, Skies clear.
Approached open flood gate at course 210, on close reach. The tide being on the ebb, Surprise slowed as she approached the channel. The wind shadow cast by the flood gate structure further slowed her to the point where passage under sail was momentarilty in doubt. Crew stood by with sweep. However, Surprise emerged from the lee of the flood gate and proceeded into Moses Lake. Came about, left Moses Lake. Set course 330 for April Fool marina. Sighted jetsam in water, identified as an old hawser. Retrieved the hawser, then discarded it immediately as the condition of the rope was very poor. Arrived April Fool Marina at approximately 1500hrs.