Thursday, 19 March 2015 - I spent most of the day in the motorhome researching boats on the internet again, but went over to the usual marina to look at boats on the docks around 4:00pm and met an interesting couple, so we talked 'til well after dark. They live on and sail a beautiful 56' Irwin ketch (twin masted rig), and are preparing it to sail away.

Friday, 20 March - I got an early start looking at boats on the docks and found several that interested me. I tracked down the brokers, who were adjacent to the docks and went aboard two of them. One was a Pearson 424 (42'). This is similar to, but larger than the second boat that my folks had. Very nice and it had quite a bit of storage, but it just didn't grab me. The second was a Gozzard 36 (36'). It really grabbed me. Absolutely beautiful boat with lots of fancy teak woodwork, much like a banister with scrollwork, and some really innovative design features. The V-berth in the front of the boat was very different than most, which require a "filler pad" to cover up a gap between the two sides of the forepeak. On this boat, after unlatching a locking device on each side, the two sides could be rotate at the near end to come together to fill the space. No need to store a single purpose board and pad when it's not in use. This boat had the most spacious, usable saloon (community living space) of any boat I've seen yet; and it was only 36' long! Very open interior, but could be closed off for privacy when needed. It also had a section of the transom (back end of the boat) that, after flipping the seat two different directions, opened up and folded down to create a swimming platform or water-level access to the boat. I'm amazed that other boat makers don't copy some of the features that this boat has into their designs. Unfortunately, I think this boat probably would take LOTS of tender loving care and constant work on all the teak to keep in it's current beautiful state...and it is a bit out of my price range, too. The young lady that showed me the Gozzard also talked me into going aboard a brand new vessel, just to see all the new features and gadgetry available. Nice, but not my style or even close to by price range, although she assured me that if I took out a loan with their company for a hundred dollars a day for the next fifty years, it could be all mine. There really are some beautiful boats here.

Saturday, 21 March - It started raining hard about 6:00am and continues as I write. I'm sure it's rained 3-4" today. They've issued flood warnings or watches. I really never can remember which is more hazardous. Right now, I'm in a parking lot for Clear Lake park about 10' from the water at an altitude of about 1 1/2 feet above sea level. Although it's rained really hard, I don't think the ocean will rise that much, so I think I'm safe - for the moment.
                  I did't think I'd get much done today other than online research and reading, but the fellow that owns the CSY 44 Walk-Though at Houston Yacht Club called and said he could show me his boat today. Everything I learn new about these boats makes me want one more. Whereas most boats that I've seen have very limited access to the engine on one or two sides, and even then, maybe only past one end and through some small panels on other sides. These CSY's have great access. The Walk-Overs have access under the cockpit and you can drop down right on either side to the engine and this Walk-Through has full access to the engine on three sides, good access to the other side, has a work bench in the engine room...and still has LOTS of storage space, most of it behind beautiful wood cabinetry.
                  Unfortunately, the boat isn't for sale at the moment. I need to work on them. Boats like this are so beautiful and have occupied such a large portion of peoples' lives and lots of good times have been had on them, so they are very hard to part with. One of my friends down here said that after having to part with his for health reasons, that, "It was the worst thing I've ever done." I met another lady the other day that said that, even though her husband will probably never get to sail the boat again, that she's keeping it so that she can come down to the docks and work on it to relax and enjoy the camaraderie with others on the docks. Once in awhile, she'll talk someone into, or pay someone to take her out on her own boat for the day. It's just a lifestyle that you can't walk away from easily.
                  On another note, a sailboarder drove through the parking lot earlier, even though it's been raining all day and no wind. Said he doesn't live far and that this is one of his favorite spots to sail. He was in a hurry, so I didn't get much more information out of him. I just walked around the perimeter of the parking area here to see if there are any restrictions for overnight parking. I didn't see any, but I did read one sign that says, "No Swimming and Don't Feed the Alligators." I guess there's a little more to worry about than fishing hooks in your feet. The park is overseen by Commissioner Jack Morman. I wonder if he's Mormon?

Sunday, 22 March - I stayed at the park and this morning was not surprised to see the local constabulary drive slowly around the parking lot checking out the vehicles. Guess which vehicle he stopped at to run the plates through his system. Mine. I really am starting to feel harassed. He didn't do or say anything this time, but why did he single me out from the twenty or so other vehicles here? He couldn't see me, so I know that it isn't my villainous looks that sets them off. Are motor homes known to house criminals? Maybe it's the Utah plates. Maybe they think all Utahns are bad guys that need to be checked out and told to "move on" if they can find a reason to.
                  Wow! It's almost 4:00pm and I've spent most of a beautiful day on my butt and on the internet researching boats. I need to get onto a dock somewhere to look at some boats.

Monday, 23 March - Much of the same today as other days. Internet research, ride my bicycle around the docks, look at boats. Saw a couple of interesting ones. As I headed back to my motor home, I cut through a boat repair yard and there were a couple of guys working on a 57' boat that was out of the water. They had painted the bottom and were working on the rudder. He asked if I'd like to go aboard and, of course, I said sure. He got distracted by some of his friends that stopped by, so I went for a tour by myself. Let's just say that there is PLENTY of room onboard that vessel. They are fixing it up to be raffled off for a charity or something. I came off as his friends were about to leave and he asked them over for dinner at his home on Tuesday night, then turned and included me. What the heck. Sure. Why not.

Tuesday, 24 March - More of the same, but today I called the gentleman that had shown me his CSY and that had said "No" when I asked if he would sell it to me. Actually it was his wife that had said it wasn't for sale. Well, he said he'd talk it over with his wife again and call me in the morning with their answer. I guess I still have a slim chance after all.
                  Saw a nice, older boat with a "For Sale By Owner" sign on it. It's been cleaned up nicely on the outside, but I can't really tell much else about it. I called the phone number listed and an older fellow answered. He explained that it is for sale, but under contract that should close on Saturday. He and his wife cruised with it for 13 years. He'd said, "I'll sail until they have to drag me off the boat." ...and they did. His health has failed, so they're selling. Something tells me it might still need a lot of work on it. I'll have to check back.
                  I wish I could find a lot more boats with "For Sale By Owner" signs on them.
                  I parked at the road to Clear Lake Shores island again and went to dinner about dark with the fellow that was working on the boat and his friends. He had told me how to get there and that I'd know his house because it was the only old house in the neighborhood. He'd built it in the '60s. His house is 900 sq. feet and right next door they're building an 8,000 sq. footer. All the other houses are similar.
                  When I got back "home" that evening I found a notice on my door that I hadn't seen earlier that said, "You Can't Park Here" about the place I've been parking each day at the marina in order to look at boats. I had been parking in the most innocuous spot I could find. Certainly not in the way; but, hey, it's an RV. It must be bad.

Wednesday, 24 March - I checked my email right after breakfast and was reminded of an on-the-water sailing lesson to be given this Saturday by TASS (Texas Association of Single Sailors) and went online and signed on for the last available space. Just after doing that, I received a call from Gary Banks, owner of the CSY. His wife says it's still not for sale. I can see I didn't flatter her near enough during our visit. She was really sweet and they were both really nice.
                  Oops! I'm back. I had to respond to a knock on my door by a young man searching for his lost orange and white cat. If I see it, I'm supposed to call 218-935-5567. As I write this I'm parked it a large, empty grass field that may be used for parking for a large boat show here in Clear Lake for the next 4 days. I'll be attending the show Thursday and Friday. Never been to one.
                  Most of today was spent filling my propane tank, emptying my holding tanks and filling my fresh water tank, getting some cash at the bank, and a little grocery shopping. As I pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store, a fellow followed me in to let me know that my left turn signal on the trailer wasn't working. I spent about an hour and a half trying to find the problem, but couldn't find anything specific. It's working now, though.
                  The boat show starts tomorrow, but I came early to find out where, if anywhere, I'd be able to park. I accidentally found just the right person in charge. He said, "You CAN park here." and showed me a great, out of the way place right in the middle of a field. It's a good thing I came early. The field is dry now, but they're expecting rain tomorrow morning briefly. The field could be driven on now, but not after it rains, and I'll just stay here tonight, tomorrow night and maybe Saturday. I hope the field dries out by then. Since I'm unwelcome at the Waterford Marina where I've been parking during the day, I don't know where I'll park on Saturday for the sailing lesson with TASS. We sail from Waterford Marina. It's a couple of miles from here. I may have to stay parked here and ride my bicycle over there and it's a pretty busy street. I don't think there are sidewalks. We'll see.
                  I think I'll get on my bicycle and see if I can get a sneak peek at some of the boats in the show.
                  I'm back...there must be 700-800 boats in this marina alone, but most are power boats. I couldn't tell how many boats are in the boat show. It looks like maybe 65-75. I couldn't get very close. That part's all fenced off and I didn't try very hard. I'll see them tomorrow.

            Until next time,
                        Be safe out there...and try to have some fun, too.