Two days ago, we obtained a 1 month permit for the San Diego “cruisers’ anchorage” A-9. The permits are precious in that only three (3) can be obtained per 360 day period. We’ve put off getting one of these just in case we were “stuck” in San Diego for longer than expected. Well, we’re “stuck” for longer than expected for sure! But, we’ve decided that no matter what, we’re heading out of here to Newport Beach Harbor for a couple months starting in January and then we’ll go north to the Pacific Northwest to spend the summer months.

In the meanwhile, we get to be jostled around a bit each time a big ship–or a fast powerboat–goes bythe anchorage. It is a good place to work on the boat with no real distractions. Since it is about a half mile row to the nearest dingy dock and then we have to take a bus to get anywhere or take a bike in the dingy so David can pick up one of our cars (parked a few miles away)…we have little incentive to go places. Rather, every incentive to work on the boat.

Today, David took the canoe over to the dingy dock (with his folding bike) and, in theory, has made it to the Navy woodshop to do several projects. When he returns, we should have another set of pinrails for the main shrouds. He also is supposed to use the lathe there to turn a flagstaff for the transom. We have a nice 3’x5′ US flag that we have not flown since we don’t have a proper flagstaff to fly it on the stern. Many folks do fly them at anchor on their backstay, but the proper place for the flag when not underway is on a flagstaff, not the backstay. I am looking forward to flying the flag, though.

I’ll be done with my online work in a few minutes and then back to sanding and varnishing things. You’d think I’d eventually get done with that, huh? No, it seems never ending. Sort of like mowing the lawn or sweeping floors or doing dishes–at least we don’t have a lawn to mow here!

More later.