Recovery After A Major Setback

The year 2020 was meant to be the year we crossed our wake on America's Great Loop. We started this adventure in 2016 on Lake Superior and spent the first 10 months taking our time exploring the inland waterway and the Gulf of Mexico aboard our 1966 Alberg 35, Mystic.

America's Great Loop Map
Photo by: Boatus

We had our share of mishaps and excitement; including surviving the storm of the century in Frankfort, Michigan, almost getting run over by a barge while anchored on the TennTom and a near miss with a tornado in Columbus Mississippi. We enjoyed microbreweries and friends from Mobile, Alabama to St. Augustine, Florida. And, we were blessed, for much of this journey, to cruise with the best buddy boat team, Scott and Rhonda Joiner, aboard their catamaran Mucho Gusto. Last year we made the decision to take a detour to New England to visit family. We cruised past New York, north to Rhode Island and planted our beautiful sailboat at Frank Hall Marina in Avondale. We know and love this area, having spent a lot of time exploring the beaches in Misquamicut and Watch Hill during the years we lived in Connecticut.

Watch Hill Harbor

Watch Hill Yacht Club

Watch Hill Light

Plover at Napatree Point

Hiking Napatree Point

When we returned to Rhode Island for the 2020 cruising season we were shocked to find Mystic with about 600 gallons of water inside. We've winterized our boat for eight years and never had a drop of water, even when we left her in St. Augustine for 2 hurricane seasons. To say we are baffled is an understatement. They call this a "land sinking". Apparantly, it happens all the time but usually it happens to boaters who do something wrong. In our case, it was a combination of a very wet winter and spring, covid delays and really bad luck!

The land sinking was devastating, but we feel lucky! Although our engine was sitting in water, it started on the first try and purred like a contented kitten. Our electrical systems and refrigeration work too. We were left with a mess, ruined teak and holly floors, warped mahogany doors, a nasty black line and flaking paint throughout our interior; all cosmetic damage. For this we are thankful!

Some boat owners would have walked away from the mess and let the insurance company worry about the cleanup. We couldn't do that. Mystic is our second home; we had to try to save her. We did more than 150 hours of work each, over the first 4 weeks. We scrubbed every surface at least six times using various products meant to kill mildew. Then we had to rejuvenate the wood with oil. The results were encouraging.

The V-berth mess we had to clean

V-berth cedar with mildew damage after several cleanings

V-berth cedar after cleaning and oiling.
Refinished doors waiting for installation

Once the mildew was gone we began the repairs. We started by attacking the black line that marked the 14" of water along all of our doors and drawers. Everything had to be removed, sanded, cleaned, reoiled then reinstalled. We were amazed at the difference, in fact, the stained teak looked so good that it became evident that we needed to sand out everything that wasn't damaged so that it matched. Once we finished this step, Mystic began to shine and we felt certain that we would be able to bring back her natural beauty. We were not able to salvage the mahogany doors or the teak and holly floor.

Black water line on doors and drawers

Beth sanding water stained teak

Working on removing the blackened teak

Damaged teak

The floors are ruined but the doors and drawers look great

Although they were unsalvageable, we  needed to address the floors because the finish was lifting. Sadly, they were new when we purchased Mystic but destroyed by the event.  We took a couple floor boards out and carefully sanded the finish off. The laminate surface is only about 1/16th" so we had to be very careful not to sand through it. It turned out looking "better" but the water damage is still visible in spots. Eventually, we will have to replace the floor.

Teak and Holly with stains

                                               

Teak and Holly hatch, looking better.
Color variation is due to shadows in photo

When we arrived in June we had other projects planned for spring. That work was put on hold to save Mystic from the results of the event. Once things were under control, we tackled the exterior teak. Everything was sanded out and finished with eight coats of varnish. As we added each coat, the golden amber in the wood brightened. Mystic got a lot of attention from boatyard visitors including the owner, John. He came by each day and complimented us on our work. He told us we were doing such a great job that he wants to hire us. 

Our major repair work is done for now. We have a list of the things that can be put off until next spring. The last project that needs to be completed before we leave is a custom winter cover to wrap Mystic up tight and protect her from the elements. We've been planning this for some time. There is a lot of work involved and our design has evolved. We're ready to begin the construction. Our cover will drape over a frame at the bow and over the boom in the cockpit. It will hang over the lifelines then drop below the rub rail on the outside edge of our hull. This will protect our teak underneath. The aft panel will have a zipper opening for easy entry. You can bet that we'll have friends checking on the interior over next winter. Last winter several friends checked on Mystic, but due to the way she was tarped, viewing the interior was not possible.

This has been a horrible experience but it's not the worst thing that has happened to us. We often have to remind ourselves of this. Although keeping perspective has not been easy, we are in a much better place than we were 6 weeks ago. It's good to be here.

Making Peace With Teak

One of our bigger projects this summer is catching up with the never ending exterior brightwork on our 1966 Alberg 35, Mystic. We've been cruising for the last four years, slowly making our way around America's Great Loop. Teak time has been limited. Although we've tried to keep up, we've mostly failed at it. This year we are determined to get a nice 10 coat shine going.

There's a lot involved in bright work. It takes patience and determination, as well as lots of time for hours of sanding and prep work. We use the orbital sander when we can. It makes your hands go numb and fingers tingle, even after you stop sanding. Most of our exterior teak required detailed hand sanding which takes longer. It's overwhelming and tedious to make progress six inches at a time but there is no shortcut to brightwork. We start with 80 grit sandpaper then work through 120 and 220 grit, making three passes over all surfaces. Each day, our upper arms, wrists and hands ache and stiffen. Our arms are firming up our muscles and replacing the Covid flab that we brought with us on our upper bodies. The dust never quite comes out of our pores, even after a long hot shower. We just hate every moment of it; except the finished shine!

Bow sanded, ready for varnish

Stern sanded, ready for varnish

Dave taping before coating

We applied our first coat of varnish after sanding out every inch of the toe rail and cockpit combing. It took us four hours to soak the newly refreshed wood with spar varnish. Exhausted, we looked around us and slapped on the biggest grins we've worn in weeks. Mystic is looking beautiful again!

Bow with coat #1

Dave smiling at our progress

The results are more than worth the labor required to uncover the beauty of finished teak. If the past repeats itself I know it won't go unnoticed. When Mystic is dressed in her Sunday finest coat, we get a whole lot of attention. For an old girl, she sure cleans up nice!

Shattered Plans - 2020 The Year of WTF

We were so excited to get back to our Great Loop adventure aboard our beautiful sailboat, a 1966 Alberg 35, Mystic. After months of delays, we finally loaded the truck and headed east with eager anticipation. The drive to New England was unlike any other with covid restrictions along our route and specific rules at each stop. It was an omen of what was to come.

Outbound, heading East, wondering what we've forgotten to pack

We arrived at Frank Hall Boatyard on Saturday, June 13th and found Mystic looking much as she did when we left her. The tarps were secure and in really good shape. It took us almost 2 hours to remove them. Dave opened the main hatch and looked below. I heard him mumble "what am I looking at?" It wasn't his words so much as his tone. Something was very wrong. In an instant, everything changed for us!

Mystic all wrapped up for the winter. (Photo by Tom Izbicki)

Peering into our main cabin we were shocked and devasted to find water INSIDE our boat; LOTS of water! The interior was covered in muck and a thick layer of mildew coated every surface. The floorboards and rugs were floating. Our folding bikes sat halfway underwater on the main cabin floor. Confused, we jumped into action. Dave yelled, "We have to get the water out!"  We threw open all our hatches and raced down the ladder then drove to my sister's house to grab my brother-in-law, Mark, and a pump. It took us an hour to get the estimated 600 gallons of water out.

Our first view, rug and floorboard floating, black bike bags
on left, sitting in water, heavy mildew everywhere.

Water inside hatches and drawers.

V-berth, rug floating, heavy mildew everywhere!

View looking aft, bike bags on right.
Water is about one foot deep.

Settee area, water line just under the seats.
Thankful that we took our cushions off for the winter.

Flooded main cabin

Once the water was below floor level we could take stock of the damage. Our mahogany doors and the teak and holly floors are destroyed. All the teak that sat underwater had been stained black leaving a glaring waterline throughout Mystic. The interior paint is lifting and flaking. As we hosed down the mess we looked for any source of a leak but found nothing obvious. In shock and sadness, we began to tackle cleaning up our beloved cruising home.

Distinct water line, blackened teak

V-berth muck and mildew

Main cabin as we pumped out.

Damaged floors and Mahogany doors, ICK!

After first cleaning, muck and mildew is gone but floors are toast.

Cedar side walls covered in thick mildew

We've been here for three weeks now. Each morning we arrive at the marina with our enormous pile of supplies and tools; we clean, sanitize, and repair damage, trying to focus on what we've accomplished rather than what still needs to be done. There is work to do everywhere we turn, but each day we recover a little more of Mystic's beauty. This lifts our spirits.

We've gone through all the boats systems, assessing the damage that can't be seen. We are thankful to learn that our issues are mainly cosmetic. Although it was partially submerged, the engine started up and purred like nothing happened. Both our electrical and water systems work, and our refrigeration was spared. Our water tanks were fouled but we continue to sanitize them with the hope that they will eventually come clean.

We will restore Mystic to her greatest glory but it will take time. On the days we struggle the most, we look for perspective and remind ourselves that no one died, and things could have been worse. Our cruising season ended before it began but we are determined to get through this. At this point, we are uncertain about launching Mystic at all this year. In addition to this bizarre event, it is unclear that the Erie Canal will open in time for us to make it back into the Great Lakes. It seems clear that we should wait rather than try to salvage the cruising season. Like the rest of the world, everything is on hold for us.

Beautiful sun halo at the boatyard bringing us hope!

Bluff Point sunset, our visits here fill us back up

The year 2020 has tested us all in so many ways. Our plans have been shattered but our dream is intact. It would be easy to use our energy on emotion but we choose to pick ourselves up and move forward; doing what has to be done to fix this. Mystic is worth the work and as the days pass we make progress and tap into our faith knowing that we'll get back on track. We are already dreaming of 2021.

Enjoying a beer at Dog Watch 2.
We haven't had a lot of "fun"
since our arrival. THAT is going to change!

Gardens Of Joy

We are getting close to our return to cruising aboard our Alberg 35, Mystic. We will head east to visit family in Connecticut and reunite with our floating home at Frank Hall Marina in Rhode Island. This has been a long time coming. Delayed by the pandemic for over two months, we are excited to get this show on the road.

One positive part of the Covid-19 pandemic would be how we used our time in isolation. We got a LOT done during the long wait. From home projects to boat projects, we wasted no time knocking items off our to do lists. In between it all, I gardened.

Gardening has always been therapy for me; my personal form of meditation. I spent a lot of time stooped over, squatting with knees deep in the fresh dirt over the years. I often joke that I've had my nails done when I've been in the gardens without gloves and my nails are caked up with fresh dirt. I haven't had a lot of time to plant and sow since we began cruising four years ago. This year, I'm back at it. I almost forgot how much I love it!

When we bought our house 29 years ago it was in a dreadful state of neglect. We were young with small children and had little extra money to spare. I tackled the yard because it only required hard work, not money to improve. I began digging up sections of our yard and transplanted irises and day lilies that I found in the weeds. Neighbors saw my work and offered me plants when they split their own. Slowly our yard began to look cared for.

Each Mother's Day I would spend my $20 limit on flowers; at first buying annuals because they were cheaper which allowed me to get a larger quantity. In time, I began to spend my money on perennials that I could then split and spread throughout our yard. I learned about native plants and started adding them to our growing gardens. I grouped plants that bloomed in stages so my yard was in a constant wave of color change. At one point, I drew designs of my yard and gardens that helped me remember the names of all the plants. This spring, my gardens look better than ever!

Columbine

Native plant, Prairie Smoke

Jack in the Pulpet

My front wall of phlox bloomed gloriously
and got a lot of attention this spring

As we wrap up our winter life in Minnesota, I realize that we're preparing to trade passions. Minnesota summers are glorious, the winters harsh. It would be nice if we could switch our sailing season to the winter months. I would love to spend the summer months digging and nurturing the gardens that surround our land home, and it would be nice to get out of the great white north during the brutal winter months. Once we get Mystic back to the great lakes, we'll begin to work on this transition.

A small section of my boulevard

Porch and rock paths

Hops around the window

Ladie's Mantle catching dew

Iris along tiered garden

Back yard ferns and hostas

Back yard gardens bordering the ravine

Solomon's Seal

More rock paths

Front porch view from the East

Front wall phlox and blooming forsythia

My phlox wall was gorgeous this year

New garden to help with drainage

Blueberries covered in blooms

View from 2nd floor of garage

Iris bed

Peony, only 1 bloom this year

Dianthus