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**Jim Cate** · 09-01-2011, 17:52

G'Day SS,

Well done, mate... at least I hope that it's really done! Being that it's now Monday, I reckon it has happened. Good onya!

For reference, the old crap about the two happiest days in a sailor's life... well, my happiest day was in October 1986 when Ann and I moved aboard in San Francisco and started south. Not that there weren't a few low spots along the way, but still the best thing that I've ever done!

So, what now? If you're headed south (away from all the crappy wx in Qld and northern NSW), looks like we're gonna be in Broken Bay for the foreseeable future (Ann had knee surgery just before xmas and recovery is slow). If you head this way maybe we can have an eyeball (as us weird hams like to say!).

Any how, cheers and good luck in your adventures/life.

Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II lying Church Point, NSW, Oz

VirtualVagabond · 09-01-2011, 19:12

Well done Shane.

It's a big milestone, and you've moved into the elite of CFers. We won't be too far behind you.
Good luck and we hope to see you out there sometime.
Vic

felixqld66 · 09-01-2011, 19:32

Thats Cool Shane!!!!!!!..... I am readying my place for rent as I type have moved to the boat but Queensland flooding rain has meant some repairs to my house before the tenants can move in.

Catch ya on a wave somewhere

serah · 09-01-2011, 19:49

You beat us to it! Tonight was supposed to be our first night aboard as liveaboards, but the bilge pump hose decided to crack, and with our shaft seal that drips (and needs to be tightened) that was critical. We found that since the engine was replaced in ohhh, 1981, that is absolutely utterly impossible to remove the bilge pump without removing the engine. Long cursing battles ensued with the disgustingly filthy old hose and pump. The quick of it; dropped the new electronic sensor pump down, but cabin is filthy with oily water. Needs scrub down before staying.

Ahh, but what did I expect with an old boat? We're heading out on a short trip to Gibsons on Saturday; hopefuly we will just not return to the apartment.

Congrats on making it aboard!

Ocean Girl · 09-01-2011, 20:47

You've come a long way! I remember when you were contemplating buying a boat and now you are a full time liveaboard.

Godspeed to your dreams and happy adventures!
Erika

There is nothing like lying flat on your back on the deck, alone except for the helmsman aft at the wheel, silence except for the lapping of the sea against the side of the ship. At that time you can be equal to Ulysses and brother to him.
- Errol Flynn

VirtualVagabond · 09-01-2011, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean Girl

You've come a long way! I remember when you were contemplating buying a boat and now you are a full time liveaboard.

Godspeed to your dreams and happy adventures!
Erika

There is nothing like lying flat on your back on the deck, alone except for the helmsman aft at the wheel, silence except for the lapping of the sea against the side of the ship. At that time you can be equal to Ulysses and brother to him.
- Errol Flynn

That sure doesn't sound like Errol Flynn!!

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by At sea

But are you sure it's the right decision?

According to Lonely Planet Guide Newcastle just got in the top 10 cities. Considering my low rent people will probably think I am mad not to stay. However, all recent exposure has just made the place a lot more competitive if not fake. Whether it is the dotty old ladies approaching menopause trying to gentrify the street or the kids on ice being menacing the place is just not doing anything positive for my mental health.

After a life as a waterman surfing, diving and fishing living ON the ocean is a step in a logical direction. I suppose you could say it is “in my blood”.

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxingout

Congratulations and enjoy your new adventure.

Your website was inspiration!

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquarian

Great way to rid yourself of annoying neighbors. . . .

Congratulations and good luck!! I hope you find that you love it.

Exactly – as above many were literally starting to drive me crazy. Great thing was at the BBQ some of the better ones came out of the woodwork to offer their support. One has an elderly friend who made the same move and has not looked back.

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by drinky

Where to from here? Are you heading north this winter, I intend to leave May/June and might see you on the way.
Drinky

I was originally thinking of heading south for the classic boat show in Hobart, but don’t think I will be prepared in time. The other option is to head you way and help in the flood clean-up. I am sure there will be no end of work.

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ocean Girl

You've come a long way! I remember when you were contemplating buying a boat and now you are a full time liveaboard.

Godspeed to your dreams and happy adventures!
Erika

There is nothing like lying flat on your back on the deck, alone except for the helmsman aft at the wheel, silence except for the lapping of the sea against the side of the ship. At that time you can be equal to Ulysses and brother to him.
- Errol Flynn

Once I started sailing around that Hunter 19 it became addictive. Now I just can’t see the point of renting a house and trying to maintain a bigger boat when either conflict as a residence.

SurferShane · 11-01-2011, 18:37

Thanks everyone else for your comments and support.

I had better go as I only have till Friday to clean the house so it at least looks respectable. As far as the rent is concerned the landlord has done the right thing by me when many others became sheer greedy so I should do something to return the fasvour. At least he has a bit of that old school Newcastle spirit that unfortunately seems to be waning.