Summer arrives on Cape Cod

It's been a warm weekend. I found a longboarding spot where the waves peel to the right and the left. My arms are shot now. The boat is progressing slowly since the weather is much better. Just a little left to do before the hull is finished.

Strip Proa nearly complete

So here's the boat being more complete. Just a few more strips to go. I'm using shorter, narrower strips to make fitting and bending easier. Maybe someday I'll learn to steam the wood for easy bending.

Check out this video link to sailing in Micronesia. It contains music so adjust speakers accordingly.

This proa is pointy at both ends and will have an outrigger for stability.

The top will be partially enclosed to hold styrofoam floatation. The eighth inch hull will be glassed inside and out.

Boat in the basement

I have been wanting to build a sail boat for years now and just like anything else, "if you don't start, you'll never get it done." So after years of looking at photos and designs I finally started putting wood together. It is about 15 feet long and two feed wide and deep so far. The outrigger will be attached later when the weather warms up.

Cold fun

A quick visit to the beach on a winter day lets us see some alternatives to surfing in cold waters. Strong winds hitting the line of dunes diagonally give thrilling low and fast rides. John, a highly experienced paraglider, makes his way back to the launch area in this shot. He says onshore winds would put more people in the air and allow for much higher flying. In some areas, people make flights as long as 100 miles.

Think warm thoughts

Snow clings to everything and low temperatures keep it there.

Think warm thoughts by creating a packing list for travel to a tropical beach.

What items would make it to the top of your priority list?

How would you spend your time there?

What steps could you take to make the most of your trip?

Snow blown dunes

Frozen dunes will give way to warm powdery sands in just a few short weeks as we make our way to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Members going on this trip must get the last payments in over the next two pay periods. Reminder to all to bring extra money to cover purchases of gifts, snacks, tips and exit fees.

Think warm thoughts.

Pray for surf.