Salty Dawg Rally

Well it's not Continuum, however, Rum Runner is her sister ship.  I got an invitation to sail in the Salty Dawg Rally with Capt. Phil Worrall.  It was a great trip despite weather delays.  It took us 10 days, and 1350 miles to go from Hampton, VA to Sopers Hole, Tortola, BVI.

 

 

 

 The fishing was great and tasted pretty good.  Good to be home.

I made some great friends during this trip.  Indiana John, put together this video. 

http://youtu.be/zZPs3cncWx8

Cast off

Well not casting off the way we are hoping to with Continuum, however, it is a start. Flew to San Diego and they removed her plaster cast.  She is in a removable boot now.  Hoping to finally take Continuum out for a Fall sail. 

Hatch Shades and Rebedding

We added peek-a-boo shades to the side ports in the forward cabin and an Oceanair hatch cover with shade cover and screen in the forward cabin. This will be a nice feature on sunny mornings
when extra sleep is needed. 

 After I replaced the hatch liner I developed a small leak.  I did not want to take any chances so I called in Glen Lysogorski.  Glen used to work at the Hatteras Boat plant but has retired.  Great guy, and very talented.  After loosening all the screws arond the hatch, we realized there were 4 bolts holding the hatch on the hinged side.  The interior liner had to be removed.  Easy.  Off came the hatch. 

Cleaning the surface is 80% of a successful hatch rebeding.  We used GM 400 as our sealant.  It's important to use a product that will stay flexible.  I still covered the hatch with a tarp when I left Continuum.  I didn't want to take a chance on a failure.  I will return next weekend. 

Surgery 3

Finally seeing progress.  Leg is healing and the external fixator and 14 rods are removed from Mona's leg.  I like San Diego, however, all my memories are of Sharp hospital and surgeries.  Would like to return to experience this area without medical attention.  The cast will be on for at least 2 months.  It is a walking cast.  It will be a slow process.

   

Spectra Ventura VT-150-MPC 5000

We we had given this addition alot of thought.  The Ventura 150 with the with the MPC 5000 Control modual seemed to be the best unit to supply our needs.  We will give the install alot of thought before we proceed.  This will give us control over our fresh water on board.  Very expensive but will be well worth it. 

Companion Doors Finished/Spreader LED Lights

Well, we made it ot the boat last weekend.  Mona is being a trooper, however, it is difficult for her getting and off Continuum.  While we were at Sailcraft earlier in the year, we Dr. Kevin spreader lights installed.  They are amazing.  They light up the entire fore deck.  This will make night fishing much easier. 

We also finished mounting our new companion way doors and Peek a boo shades.  The companion doors are really a nice addition.  They are made of starboard and the shaded plexiglass panels slide in and out.  We also ordered screened panels that can also be inserted inplace of the plexi windows. 

Mona's surgery was supposed to be July 13th.   Unfortunately, her xray showed that the bone was not fully developed.  Surgery was cancelled and will be review for scheduling after her next xray at the end of July.  Until then we are told to "hold the course".

Surgery #2

Well we went to San Diego for the second surgery.  We were hoping that they would remove the bottom half of her fixator off, however, her ankle did not fuse properly.  Actually, it did not fuse at all.  Bone marrow was extracted from her hip and injected into the ankle.  Hopefully, the next surgery will go better.  Doc says we will need to return in July.

Work Continues

Projects continue on board Continuum.  With the help of Bill Zlobl, we hauled out at Sailcraft and installed through hulls for the Cruisair unit and the up coming water maker.  Because our time has been limited, we have relied on the help of others. 

New Cruisair on board

Our friend and all purpose sailboat technicain, Bill Zlobl,  has advised us on a reverse ac unit to cool and heat Continuum.  Bill has been our advisor for many aspects of the vessel (plumbing, heating air conditioning electrical).  He is a vauled asset to us.  We don't know what we would do without him.    The new Cruisair 16000 BTU Vector will be a great addition to Continuum.

Surgery overdue

We knew this was coming some day.  Mona has always had an injured leg from an auto accident 28 years prior.  We had consulted the doctors at Duke Hospital.  We were convinced that the amputation was only a matter of time.  At the 11th hour I thought of the doctor who had done her last major surgery (#20), Dr. George Cierny.  He had done her last surgery 23 years ago.  We emailed him and   things then happened quickly.  Next thing I know we are in San Diego.  And the surgery was completed.  14 rods were run through her leg to support a fused ankle, 3 sections of the leg were broken to straighten the leg.  Four rods equiped with tumblers for lenghening were added to stretch her leg an amazing 1 1/2 inches. 

The surgery was only supposted to last 5 to 6 hours. It lasted 11 1/2 hours.  5 days at Sharpe Memorial Hospital.  The rest of the time was spent at a Holiday Inn in La Jolla to recover.  Dr. Cieny actually came to check up on us at the hotel.  On the 15th of December we were flying home.   

 
Glad to be home.  Let the recovery begin.