https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2024/02/world/leap-year-meaning-explained-dg-scn/

Exposed to salt water spray and weather the sliding door by the lower helm can become “stiff”… Hard to open and close. The (2) mild steel rollers for the bottom of this door probably need to be replaced every 5-10 years.

Today I watched / helped Capt Gene of Galene change out these rollers on his Mainship 390, because our boat is overdue for this same work project.

Prime-Line D 1758

Click on the image below to watch the video!

We should make Norfolk VA by April 30, one month from Jacksonville FL.

Oswego NY, on Lake Ontario, is about 875 miles from Norfolk. So that equates to 35 travel days averaging 25 miles per day OR 25 travel days (35 miles per day).

With a family visit with our son, Nick, on Long Island NY, we expect we’ll get to Oswego by July 1.

There is a 45 mile open water passage across Lake Ontario to Trenton ON, where the Trent Severn Waterway begins.

The Trent Severn is 240 miles long, so that is roughly 20-25 days in both directions.

That leaves two months (August+September) to get back to Norfolk VA.

That sets up the month of October to make it back to Jacksonville FL!

So, in theory, we have a “do-able” plan. If time allows, we’ll take a detour down the St Lawrence River and do Lake Champlain on our way south.

Reportedly, the current on the St Lawrence flows northeast, so the better choice for that route is on the return.

3000 hour service on main engine, oil & filter change is done. Bilge pumps and new starter is installed.

Colonoscopies, allergists, neurologists, PC Physicians, dental work including crowns, 1 implant, and other stuff are all done.

We push off for the Trent Severn Waterway in Ontario Canada begins March 31 depending upon weather window. We look forward to “buddy boating” with Captain Gene of Galene and Patty for a bit of our trip north on the ICW.

Temps are inching up as the days are getting longer.

The March 31 departure date is by design to minimize the need for HEAT as we anchor out in GA and SC.

We’ll be back here in Jacksonville on November 2 or 3, when allowed by Yacht Insurance keeping us clear of hurricane season.

Next blog post will show the “math” on transits to get to Canada for the Trent Severn Waterway and Georgian Bay.

Great friend and dock-mate.

More pics here:

https://shellerina.com/2022/02/13/rip-great-friend-and-captain-marc-elbaum/

Patty and Shelly shaking it during the Superbowl LViii halftime show!

Click below to see the video.