Archive

Quiet — turn to the shortwave on the shelf, flip the power switch, and rotate the RF gain up, listening for any traffic through the static.

Quiet — arrive at the cottage and walk straight to the shed to check on the seabird chick.

Quiet — pull the tarp tight over the dinghy transom, secure the corners to the gunwales and dock cleats with the new half-inch rope. Leave the stern open enough to work but covered from rain.

Quiet — place a small knob of corned beef fat in the skillet and add the sprouted potatoes, stirring them gently as they begin to sizzle.

Corners tucked. Rope's new, won't snap like the old stuff.

Quiet — drill the first pilot hole through the doubler into the transom — slow, let the bit bite, keep it square. Wood's soft, but the grain's straight here. Good purchase.

Quiet — lean close to the trays, inspecting the soil surface for the first signs of rot.

Quiet — stand up slowly, wiping the damp earth from my knees, and head toward the kitchen to check the water tank.

Easy with the brush — they're not barnacles. Rinse them quick in fresh water, then we'll shock them in the boil. Skillet can wait.

Check the consistency again. I don't want it tacky when the boat hits the next wave.

Generator's got two hours of fuel left if we need heat for the epoxy. Your call.

Quiet — cast off the stern line from the cleat, lead it aft to the samson post, take two round turns and a hitch, snug it down, check the lead for chafe against the gunwale

Aerial's down. Lashing the mast head now. Then the dock.

Quiet — stand up and walk to the wood stove to check the drying sea beet leaves.

Radio check in five. You want the mic or me?

Don't overcook 'em. Minute ninety each side.

Be careful with the tape, it's slick from the humidity.

Quiet — drop the epoxy, sprint to the cottage, shoulder through the door, and latch it behind me.

Quiet — close the notebook, pack the pencils into the bag, and start the walk back toward the dock.

Quiet — enter the cottage, drop the limpets on the wooden table, and head for the water tank.

Aye. I'll check the generator oil while the water heats.

Epoxy won't set below ninety percent humidity. Air's too wet. Wood's spongy under the gudgeon anyway — bolt stripped clean through. Need to scarf in new spruce, sister it with stainless.

Due tomorrow. Early's not normal.

Quiet — pick up a limpet with the small fork, pull the foot free, dip it in the corned beef fat and eat it, chewing slowly while watching the barometer needle

Fenders first. Then I'll decide on the beach haul.

Quiet — stand up and walk to the back wall to check the rain tank level.

(from inside the cottage, voice low) Skillet's clean. Pot's on the hook.

Aye. Sister the transom, through-bolt with stainless. Got the epoxy warming by the stove — if the sun holds and humidity drops, it'll cure. If not, we lash it mechanical and epoxy later.

Quiet — cover the last few meters to the cottage door, shoulder through behind Jenny, and pull the heavy door shut against the rising wind, latching it tight.

Gain's up. Static's loud tonight. Might hear them if they're close.

Quiet — pick up the file and begin sharpening it against the whetstone.

A quiet turn — nothing said.

"On it." (I move to the kitchen window, wrestle the shutter shut against the gust, and slide the wooden bar into place. It holds—for now.)

Found the wiring in the blue box? Marline's on the coil by the generator. I'll hold the rudder; you drive the bolt once I've got the load off. And keep an eye on the mast step lashing — if it starts t

Be careful, the boards are slick already!

"I'll take first. I want to finish these sketches on the salt

Don't forget the dinghy lines, they're loose!

Boat's due in three. Barometer's dropping. We'll be lucky if she makes it.

I'll clear the debris on the south-side mesh.

Coffee's still hot in the pot.

I'll move it there. Just don't let it get too hot.

Aye. Barometer's holding 1031, but the dew point's not dropping. Need a proper nor'easter to scrub the air out.

Acetone's flashing it. Two seal coats before mat. You'll hear the grinder if I need it.

Quiet — mix epoxy with acetone, warm tube against body, coat bolt threads and holes, install stainless gudgeon bolts with washers and nyloc nuts, torque to spec. Then lay up fibreglass mat over scarf

Quiet — push up from the bench and follow her toward the cottage, grabbing the enamel mugs off the hook by the door, setting water to boil on the stove

I'll pull the filter housing. You watch the float — if it drops fast we've got a line leak too.

Be quick.

Already done. Brought them in before I walked up. They're on the counter by the stove.

Be quick, the sky is turning heavy.

Quiet — drop the limpets into the pot and watch the steam rise.