We had to update our blog with this event because of the wonderful dinner, great conversation, and the really cool wine labels that Bob and Carol created.
The main label included a photo of our boat "Monks Vineyard" (from the blog) and the label "Monk's Vineyard", Trawler Wine, 2009.
If that wasn't cool enough, the back label really speaks to their creativity and knowledge of the boating community (and wine).
"Monk varietals are chosen for snug harbors and quiet anchorages. Cask aged in the holds of merchantmen heading 'round the horn, these wines have "been there; and done that". If you've got the T-shirt; Monk's got the wine. With several styles to chose from -- whether you've just dropped the hook or just holed the dinghy-- Monk's is the perfect choice.
GOVERNMENT WARNING (with commentary):
It is an excellent practice to wait until the sun is over the yardarm (but as every sailor knows, the sun is always over some yardarm somewhere). Unlike the traditional "Grog" which can give you a head like a caulking mallet, after Monk you wake ready to holystone the decks, re-pay the seams, or just have a cup of joe.
(At the Vineyard, the cup of joe wins every time!) Enjoy! "
Is that cool or what?? Linda and I want to express our sincere appreciation to Bob and Carol for the wonderful dinner and gift. Next time it will be our treat (chili dogs in the cockpit).
The guy from Onan (Marty) was at the boat today to do a 1000 hour service on the generator. He replaced the heat exchanger, ordered a new water pump, and will be back to replace the bearing between the engine and the generator later this week. I sense that more than a few boat units will be invested in this project. It seems that running the generator in the shallow water that is at our dock, sucks in lots of sand and grinds down the water pump pretty quickly.
The Cummins guy will be here on Friday, so I am hoping that will be a bit less painful than the Onan service.
Look out Charleston - we will be heading for the America's Great Loop Association Rendezvous next week and looking for lots of advice on doing the "Loop".
Another reminder to check our itinerary under the "Links" section of this page to let us know when to expect you to visit. This will be update soon to reflect a much longer stay in the Bahamas.
Gerry and Linda Etzold
Monk's Vineyard
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Back in the water
Monk's Vineyard is back in the water and at her dock on Valentine Creek. No problems so far. She floats, the engine runs, the gen set runs, and the heat works. Now we start to get things organized and ship shape to get ready for the Great Loop. Still lots to do. The Onan guys come to check out the gen set on Monday and the Cummins guys show up on Friday. Hope everything checks out ok on that end.
It would sure be nice if the weather would cooperate. We are still having temps below freezing at night and now we are expecting major rain through the weekend. Oh well, if it was nice, we would be trying to get started early. As it is, we will be able to stick with our June departure plan.
We will be heading to the Great Loop Rendevous in April. I start my Captain's License class the week we get back, and Linda takes her "close quarters" boat handling class in May. We should be ready to go in June. Well, we still have to get the house ready to rent out.
Good thing I retired or we would never be ready by June.
Still have lots of slots open for folks to join us on the loop. Check the itinerary and let us know when you would like to visit.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Great Loop Itinerary
If you would like to check our planned itineary, you can find it by checking the calendar below. Keep in mind that this is very subject to change (both weather and druthers dependant) and we will try to update once we get started.
Some will probably notice that we have borrowed liberally from Bill & Ruth's experience to set up this itinerary. We didn't want to vary too much from their trip - we don't want the Vineyard to lose the way.
Be sure to contact us if you would like to join us at some point during the trip. We would love to have some company (galley slaves, deck monkey's, line handlers, naviguessers, cargo handlers, and maintenance engineers are all encouraged to apply).
Some will probably notice that we have borrowed liberally from Bill & Ruth's experience to set up this itinerary. We didn't want to vary too much from their trip - we don't want the Vineyard to lose the way.
Be sure to contact us if you would like to join us at some point during the trip. We would love to have some company (galley slaves, deck monkey's, line handlers, naviguessers, cargo handlers, and maintenance engineers are all encouraged to apply).
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Monk's Vineyard's life as Integrity
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
Some may wonder how we decided to buy this particular boat to use for the Great Loop. In our many visits to boat shows, we were always impressed with the Monk 36. The separate stateroom and head would be ideal for folks who decided to join us on the loop. The engine room was spacious and maintenance access was excellent. The single Cummins 220 hp diesel and a bow thruster was another plus with lower operating cost and less maintenance. The wide decks and sturdy rails made for safe and secure movement around the deck, and it had a minimal amount of teak to maintain. All of that, plus the fact the Linda really liked the boat led us to focus on finding a Monk.
We did a lot of research on the Monk and found the website of an owner who was currently on the loop - Bill & Ruth Donavan on Integrity. We followed their travels on the web site and had frequent email exchanges on the qualities of the Monk 36 and their looping experience. It turned out that the timing of their loop completion and our ability to purchase was pretty close. Since, by following their travels, I knew how well the boat was cared for, it was a easy decision to simpy buy Integrity. She also had the advantage of already having done the loop and knew the way. We hope she still remembers.
For a good read and finding out more about the Monk 36 and the Great Loop, check out their website at: www.IntegrityCruise.com Don't forget to click on the links on the left side of their page to find out more about the boat and the adventure.
Some may wonder how we decided to buy this particular boat to use for the Great Loop. In our many visits to boat shows, we were always impressed with the Monk 36. The separate stateroom and head would be ideal for folks who decided to join us on the loop. The engine room was spacious and maintenance access was excellent. The single Cummins 220 hp diesel and a bow thruster was another plus with lower operating cost and less maintenance. The wide decks and sturdy rails made for safe and secure movement around the deck, and it had a minimal amount of teak to maintain. All of that, plus the fact the Linda really liked the boat led us to focus on finding a Monk.
We did a lot of research on the Monk and found the website of an owner who was currently on the loop - Bill & Ruth Donavan on Integrity. We followed their travels on the web site and had frequent email exchanges on the qualities of the Monk 36 and their looping experience. It turned out that the timing of their loop completion and our ability to purchase was pretty close. Since, by following their travels, I knew how well the boat was cared for, it was a easy decision to simpy buy Integrity. She also had the advantage of already having done the loop and knew the way. We hope she still remembers.
For a good read and finding out more about the Monk 36 and the Great Loop, check out their website at: www.IntegrityCruise.com Don't forget to click on the links on the left side of their page to find out more about the boat and the adventure.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monk's Vineyard: Update
Monk's Vineyard: Update
If you are interested in seeing where we are today - check out this link: http://www.greatloop.org/Mapping/membermap.php?id=5108
It will take you to google earth to see Monk's Vineyard's location.
If you are interested in seeing where we are today - check out this link: http://www.greatloop.org/Mapping/membermap.php?id=5108
It will take you to google earth to see Monk's Vineyard's location.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Update
Well, the Vineyard is now on the hard waiting for next April to launch. Have several maintenance items to deal with, so lots to do this winter.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
