There are so many activities going on both on and around the bay that its impossible for us to participate in everything we would like to. As an example, on the weekend of April 25, we had two conflicting events.....the April PYC Raft up to Big Sabine and the Dauphin Island Race in Mobile Bay. And then, a contractor coming over to take down a tree that needed to be addressed before the summer months. So unfortunately the tree took precedence.
The "Drinking tree" goes down
....but in fact, sometimes, things are just meant to be. shortly after the old Drinking Tree hit the deck, the weather locally started to take on an ominous gloom......very strange, we are not in the typical "storm season". Within minutes, winds picked up to 60+mph at the house.
I had not secured the boat well enough for a storm, and some minor damage occurred due to it rubbing on a piling. The good news out of it all, was that it was minor, gel-coat damage and it gave me the opportunity to learn how to do a proper gel-coat repair. Not something I had planned on spending my Sunday doing, but nonetheless, I have now figured it out.
Damage by piling
During repair
Voila! good as new!
The very sad thing about this day was that this freak weather event claimed the lives of 5 sailors in Mobile Bay that were participating in the Dauphin Island race. This was publicized locally, and in the sailing press, but has not seemed to get very much air-time other than that. I am posting a link to a video made by a friend who was there - I hope this link is still active as it is very thought provoking and moving. I hope you can see it - Sean, the young man who made the video is in the movie and was crewing on a boat owned by friends or ours. Please take a moment to watch this. At the time it was made Sean had no idea of thee severity of the storm or the lives that were lost. Of course our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that were lost and to their families at this sad time.
.......and a reminder to fellow sailors of the magnitude of the forces that nature can unleash.
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