Craighill Keeper’s bLog

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!