August 7, 2006

There were 3 posts published on August 7, 2006 (this is page 1 of 1).

Boated Most Popular

Savvy MT.Net readers might have noticed a few nautically-themed pictures in the gallery. There was also this post of lyrics to a sailing-themed song. Putting two and two together might lead you to guess that we’ve been looking at buying a boat. And you’d be right. On our “date day” two weekends ago, Kelly and I drove down Leesville Road from the stables to Lake Crabtree for some sailing. We passed this boat with a “for sale” sign on it and decided to have a closer look at it once we were done sailing. While Kelly waited in the car, I spent 5 minutes walking around it taking pictures.

The next day I called the owner, who proceeded to talk my ear off about the boat. He was sailing it because his family was growing to three kids and could no longer fit on it. I made arrangements for Ralph, my sailing mate, to take a look at it with me, which he did tonight. Soon after returning home and discussing it with Kelly, we made the decision to buy it.

It’s a 1985 Spindrift 22, similar to this one. It has a trailer, plenty of room for the family, sink, stove, motor, marine radio, and cd player. And its in great shape. Ralph was really impressed with its condition, which gave me comfort.

I’ve been sailing for sixteen years but this is the first boat I’ve ever owned. Things are a bit different when you’re the owner. Kelly and I both have a lot to learn about its care and feeding, though the sailing part should be a cinch.

We’re imagining a future where we spend weekends with the kids sailing around. I think early exposure to sailing will open up whole worlds for our kids. Hallie is excited about it and I know Travis will love it, too.

Once we’ve got it ready to go I’ll be happy to take MT.Net readers out for a cruise. Ahoy!

City Manager Passes on Plensa Art Project

Amen to Raleigh City Manager Russell Allen for speaking out against the Plensa-designed art project for downtown Fayetteville Street. I love the idea of public art but this particular art doesn’t make any sense.

I can’t help but think that stringing up wires with LEDs is going to attract pigeons, which will then add their own, uh, “artwork” to the wires and anyone foolish enough to be under them. The LEDs likely won’t be bright enough to be seen during the daytime, especially if they’re viewed with the sky in the background (i.e., from the ground). And what happens when it snows or ices? Boom, the whole thing comes down in an expensive, tangled mess.

I’m all for world-class, signature art. I really am. I just don’t think bird-magnet LED netting is the message we want to send to the world. If Plensa wants to take a second swing at this, let’s let him come up with something bold. Bold but fitting, too. Let’s work towards having the PR this thing generates be good PR and do it right the first time.

Let’s pull the plug on the LEDs. Please.

Sailing Takes Me (And Hallie) Away

We spent Sunday with the Naylors at their Lake Gaston lakehouse. As always, it was great to see them as well as David, Anna, and Wesley; Hallie and Travis’s new cousin. We visited a bit before having lunch. Kelly dressed the kids in life vests and sunscreen and then we brought them down to the edge of the lake. It was so hot and muggy that Travis practically fell alseep standing up. I was holding his hand on the dock and he was actually flopping around. I think the tight vest, sun, and heat made him sleepy.

Kelly took Hallie out on the rowboat before lunch for a quick ride. After she put Travis down for his nap, it was my turn to take Hallie out – this time on a sailboat. She joined Ralph, Matthew, and me for a rather show and unexciting sail around the lake. She was a great sport and loved it when the wind would gust. The heat eventually got to her, though, and she declared she was sleepy. I asked her if she’d like to take a nap and she replied “but I have to wave to the boats!” That was the “job” I gave her and she was so dedicated she didn’t want to miss a boat!

Once we came in, we enjoyed a great game of UNO, with Kelly, me, Hallie and Suzzanne playing. Hallie really enjoyed playing, until it became apparent the game was going to go on forever. Then she excused herself and Kelly, Suzzanne, and I played for a good 30-45 minutes more. Smart girl, that Hallie.

We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, said our goodbyes, and headed home, rolling in around 7:30. We put the kids to bed and spent the rest of the evening catching up on things. It was a very fun, relaxing day.

See Kelly’s account on the Hallie and Travis page.