Awoke at 04:30, stepped into the cockpit, and lifted my eyes. The cove is glass-smooth and the winds becalmed. Nature all around, allowing us to observe this moment and experience with minimal filtration: peaceful, still and quiet. Above, countless glints of starlight speckle the darkness. An infinity there, this sky has witnessed our entire history. Orion is hovering directly above Banjo, slightly to starboard. I have missed you old friend. Of late, the friction within our species seems to be intensifying and accelerating. In all directions, people seem convinced of…
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Lifeline Netting Project on SV Banjo
Since we have two furry traveling companions that are still new to moving around deck, we decided to install lifeline netting. It has been on our project list for awhile now. Because of the time on the hook, I gathered the supplies from around the boat. We ordered our lifeline netting from Sailrite. It was a little more expensive than some of the competitors. However, Sailrite claims it is UV treated; a claim none of the others made. So it seemed like a good investment, especially if it would hold…
Read MoreHurricane Florence: Early Hours at BridgePointe Marina
Although limited on time and resources, we wanted to get this video out. Our hope was to show people exactly how fast storm surge can rise. During the initial hours of Hurricane Florence we witnessed several feet of rise over the course of a couple hours. And those were the early hours. Coupled with wind and rain and the conditions only got worse as the day and night wore on. Please forgive the choppy editing. Video Description In an effort to assist and help our dock-master, several of us volunteered…
Read MoreEveryday We Learn A Little Bit More about Life Aboard
There is no rhyme or reason to this post except to make a few observations about life aboard. First, life aboard a sailboat is MUCH harder in some ways than shore life. That isn’t a jab at land-lubbers, just humble observations from someone who has lived both. Life aboard a small sailboat teaches you to be very deliberate in your actions. Not only must you be deliberate, you must be deliberate each and every time. One hand for the boat, one for yourself is an absolute RULE, at all times,…
Read MoreVictron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor Review
A month and a half ago, we upgraded our house bank battery monitor. We went from a Victron BMV-602 to a Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor. We re-wired our existing monitor to our engine start battery so we could monitor it separately. In this post, we are going to give you our impressions and review of the Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor. Background A few months ago, we performed some major re-work of our house bank. At the time, we discovered our house battery bank was at the end…
Read MoreRestaurant Review – The Carolina Bagel Co & Deli
The Carolina Bagel Co & Deli, a local favorite in New Bern NC, offers a delicious breakfast where the freshness and passion is blatantly obvious. Better come early though because they fill up quickly and you may have a few minute wait. Entering the parking lot reveals a steady stream of patrons entering and leaving; a testament to the flavor, service and quality of the experience. We have not had the lunch items yet, but we will soon. They offer a full menu, with breakfast ending at 10:30am. Today we…
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