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Carpe Diem
Whenever, I get the chance, I love to ask other sailors about their boat name. Our name, Carpe Diem, may seem self evident. However, it really goes much deeper than just “good advice”. A few years back, Scott was told he had less than 6 months to live. Colon cancer had gone undetected for too many years. After 6 months of intense chemo... he finally made it. Then a few years later, complications from a double-by-pass almost killed him again. Today he doesn't let his BP and severe diabetes slow him down. Two years ago he lost most of his vision in one eye and partially in the other...and the list goes on and on and on.
Having a boat to work on (along with a regiment of insulin and dozens of medications) keeps him sailing and out of the ER. This boat probably saved his life! I often think “SURVIVOR” would be a good name for our boat. But that would be a constant reminder of the past struggles. So, for now we try to live one day at a time, and carpe diem, “seize the day”.
BELOW ARE BLOG ENTRIES (full of photos) and on the LEFT is our LOG BOOK (full of thoughts , musings, and dreams). At the bottom of this page is a feature where you can become a follower and be notified whenever we add a new blog. Thank you for visiting.
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December 2012: Hauling Out in Fort Pierce
Well, the planets finally lined up right and it was time to leave Ft Pierce, to head somewhere new.
However, before Carpe Diem was ready to cruise, she needed her bottom cleaned and painted. We decided on Cracker Boy Boat Yard, and it was a good decision. They were professional, prompt, and finished all the work on budget.
(The budget part thrilled me...as now we didn't have to rely on Scott's fishing skills for dinner the rest of the month)
Being in a boatyard for 2 weeks is one of those boat-life experiences this mate does not cherish. So Annie jumped ship and headed for Kansas for a few days. This was great timing for us, as my brother was having open-heart surgery and I had planned to go up while he was in recovery with his new heart valve. He did very well is now up walking 2-3 miles a day. 
So Scott was on his own with all the repairs. The prop was damaged and he sent it off for repair. The rudder also had a big chunk missing. Scott was able to dry it out and repair it with West System Epoxy. It turned out like new as did the prop. The old lady had very few blisters. We also had the water line raised 6 inches. (So now I can have more books?)
By the way, she weighed in at 42,000 pounds on the lift. In the old gals defense, her water tanks were full. Yet, that still puts her in the heavyweight class for sailboats. (Personally we like big butts on our stable and seaworthy CSY.)
As soon as we ran out of money, they dropped her back in the water and we headed south. Our son, Evan, flew down to sail with us as far as Boot Key Harbor in the Keys. It was such a rush to fly our 
new main sail.
We also did our first 'overnight' sail. Scott and Evan truly loved it. All I can say is...it was a long winter's night. After clipping along in the dark for 12 hours, 12 miles offshore, I was happy to see that first light. Even with a headwind we made Marathon before sundown.
And then after 36 hours at sea, I wouldn't even let them have a cigar in the cockpit.
It was a fun week. And no real adventures. As Louis L'mour said about that, "Adventure is just a romantic name for trouble"
Well, we are happy to be back in Boot Key Harbor for a few weeks. We will keep you posted as our journey continues. In the meantime...stop by for an adult beverage.
new main sail. 
