Craighill Keeper’s bLog

You too can create a page to set goals of fundraising to pay for the “dock on the bay” at the lighthouse!

Although, not quite as smoothly as I had hoped, but still, the roof is patched for winter and the outhouse roof is covered as well. At a meeting for local lighthouse owners/managers (my first attending one of these) Saturday, us newbies were introduced and asked what our biggest current challenges are. Naturally, I replied transportation! I’m seriously beginning to think I’m cursed when it comes to boats. The new boat died right around the exact same place the old boat died on one of its first attempts out. Try as we might, we couldn’t get it to start again. That’s what I get for being optimistic! (j/k - I don’t intend to change that aspect of my personality) Luckily, we still managed to accomplish our goals for the day despite it all. Now I’m on the hunt for a good reasonably priced outboard mechanic to check stuff out.

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As I prepare to leave work tomorrow to make the grueling drive from DC to Ft. Lauderdale and back in 2.5 days time, I’m going through a wringer of emotions. On the one hand, I have that “new boat” shine in my eyes and sense of elation and high expectations. Considering all of our work hinges on a functional reliable boat, that’s a huge shine I’ve got! This boat could be the turning point for us. On the other hand, the memories of our experience with the last boat creep into my consciousness. I remember the same elated feeling and optimism at the trips to come on it. Well, let me count how few there were in the last year and a half of ownership, not to mention the pouring of personal funds into the maintenance, repairs, and slip. All for naught. I feel like I’ve just dumped thousands of dollars into the Bay and have nothing to show for it. This is very scary. And here I go jumping off the diving board again and hoping for the best. Please please let this one be *the one* this time! I can’t take anymore of this! I know there is a certain down side to boat ownership, but in our case it’s a necessary evil, but I don’t think it should be as evil as it has been. We’re taking Monday off to go out and clean the decks, exterior, and seal the roof once I get back with the banana boat (ha! I’ll look like ketchup and mustard driving up I-95 with my bright red Jeep and bright yellow boat). I don’t think I’ll stop freaking out until that trip ends successfully. Wish me luck!

Ahh, the new year is starting off on the right foot for once. Merry Christmas to the lighthouse as I just personally purchased this boat for it off eBay. Looks like I’ll be making a road trip to Florida this weekend to pick it up! I’ve been monitoring inflatables on eBay after determining one would be the perfect solution to the boating/docking problems and also took a trip out to MSI in Eastport, Annapolis. I had nearly given up thinking the boat we have will just have to do (despite the fact that every time I try to take it out with usually accurate expectations that something will break gives me nervous shakes). I couldn’t find one ready to go in the right size for the longest time - a dinghy just didn’t quite seem to fit the bill. Since we haven’t raised the money to cover the cost of the boat, looks like I’ll be selling the old one (after fixing the railing and alternator belt, which is the latest casualty) and my classic ‘68 Mustang convertible (sigh). Ah, the perils of a young non-profit. I’m very excited, though! I think this will be the perfect work-boat and we can finally start to make some progress with reliable transportation large enough to transport supplies, and soft enough to not get beat to heck against the side of the lighthouse. Now I just have to solve the shortness problem - maybe a fire escape ladder extension for the platform/ladder? I can’t wait to test this baby out and finally get the lantern deck/roof patched before snow arrives (if it even does at the rate this winter is going!). Woohoo! I think I have FINALLY solved the transportation problems! My kids are going to be SO disappointed to not be able to go sleep in the boat on weekends anymore, but that’s ok - we can sleep in the lighthouse, right?! Plus, we’re seriously considering moving out to the water (Severna Park? Arnold? Cape St. Claire?) once school gets out in June and we sell our house, so that will solve logistical issues and no longer necessitate a sleep-aboard boat. Whew. Busy busy!