The Speed of Sound

Good morning everyone. If time flies when you're having fun what does it mean when time is going at the speed of sound? We are in a big push right now. Sarah and Katie have been working very hard to get projects done. Blockfest is finished and the replacement of so many patent roller bearings with bronze oilite sleeves will reduce the maintenance time next winter. The trail boards, those beautiful boards with the gilded scroll work that grace the bows, are all painted. Jen will touch up the gold leaf in the spring. Our small boat Rosie is painted and Anna awaits her turn in the shop. The yawl boat Arno is in the barn. Katie and Sarah are stripping the varnish on the rails this morning. Varnish is beautiful but it does tend to look tired after a while.

The office has actually been quite busy with the usual year end turn around and many reservations coming in. This spring like weather is getting everyone excited about sailing this summer. Speaking of which, we finalized plans to offer something new, a wine tasting cruise this fall in conjunction with Cellar Door Winery . Mark your calendars for the September 20th, 4 day cruise where we will explore the world of aromas, wine pairing and chocolate truffles! I am more of a kind of beer guy but I have been promised that once I have been cultivated (or is that cultured) in the art of wine appreciation I will be a convert to the worship of Bacchuss. We are even planning to offer a tour of the winery with lunch after the cruise. This should be a really cool addition to our already packed schedule.

In my abundant spare time Sawyer and I have been restoring our 1963 Willys Jeep. Hopefully we will rust bust the frame this weekend and start returning parts (little things like the engine and transmission) to their original home. This is one of those projects I have wanted to tackle for about 10 years and finally decided to try with abundant help from my dear friend and automotive guru Glen. He is extraordinarily talented when it comes to body restoration having formerly restored fire trucks that currently sit in museums across the country. So if you happen to arrive in Camden by bus don't be too surprised if Jen picks you up in a spiffy Willys. No extra charge!

Hail Mary

My heart is heavy with sadness as I write this particular blog. Since the beginning of August our dear friend and cook for the last 12 years, Mary Barney, had been struggling with cancer. I have intentionally respected Mary’s privacy and I apologize to you for not sharing any news about Mary’s health sooner. On Monday afternoon Mary passed away very peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and “family”. Her departure was as graceful as the rest of her life. Many people, including Jen, have been doing heroic work to support Mary these last few weeks. Oddly enough Mary was never very excited about transitions though this was about the fastest transition she ever made. And as I struggle to let go of Mary I realize I am terrible with transitions as well. We used to joke about how we liked things just the way they are, thank you very much, so why change what is working already even if it might be less labor intensive. Hard works is its own reward. I used to joke about getting Mary a Cui...

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