Welcome to Version 2

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I've been blogging at Sailorbum.blogspot.com. In building a potential future brand, I found that sailorbum.com has already been taken. Since my nieces and half of their schoolmates already know me as Bubba the Pirate, it seemed natural. Almost seems better too.

I have purchased BubbathePirate.com and am rebuilding the brand concept.


Stay Tuned!

In Trucking, As in Sailing ...

In Trucking, as in Sailing, Fearless and Stupid are first cousins. ~ Cap'n Bubba

Career Changer

I have made another change. I switched companies and am driving for a regional carrier. The deal is that I'll be out 5 days and back for two; every week; the same two days. I won't even know how to act.

This will grant me the freedom to work on the boat many, rather than few, weekends this summer. In my previous 'Over The Road' positions, I was out 3-5 weeks and home for 2 or 3 days. I wasn't going to have much time to accomplish much this summer. That has all changed.

I am very excited! This could take several months off my potential departure date next year. Thanks for your support!

In A Mist is tucked in for the winter.

The same night that storms raged across Michigan, including the one that tossed a baby out with the rain water, Dad and I were driving up to Bay City to cover up my boat.

We headed to the marina towing Mom and Dad's 24' Jayco Trailer. We pulled around behind the building closest to S/V "In A Mist," set up the camper and plugged it in. Mom had us all stocked up with grub. Chili Friday Night and Waffles Saturday Morning. The chili hit the spot, along with some Suisse Mocha later in the evening. It was windy and spitting a bit of rain, so we hunkered down. Two geeks in a trailer back in the bone yard of a marina; each with a nose in a book.

The night was windy enough that it was like a Harbor Simulator. Around my boat are 10 or 12 other sailboats "on the hard." I fell asleep listening to the halyards rattling on the masts and a bit of wind in the rigging. It was as if I was already in some quaint harbor somewhere surrounded by vagabond neighbors and other boats swinging from their moorings. I'm sure I appreciated it more than Dad did.

Saturday morning we were up before 7:00. Dad started the coffee and made the waffles. We measured up the boat and went into to town. At Home Depot, I bought a couple tarps, some 2x4's, cinderblocks and rope [a real sailor would say 'line']. While I scoped around and checked the boat, Dad pumped the bilge. We wrapped the big tarp around the mast and spread it aft; the smaller one forward. My two main leak sources are the main hatch and the cockpit floor. Each will be replaced next summer. There may be some leaking from the deck hardware. I will know in the spring. :o)

Seeing the boat again was like a lovers' reunion. It was so important to rejuvenate my hopes and dreams for next summer and beyond. Occasionally, because I am so far removed from the boat, I just grind through my days on the road. I felt refreshed. I really am moving forward. I talked with a friend about "steerage." A boat, especially a sailboat, cannot turn [change course] unless it is moving forward first. An analogy for life. In a similar way, sometimes sailing is so peaceful that you have to look at the water gently gurgling past the rudder to make sure that you are actually moving. I can't wait to have that peace again. "Staring at the full moon like a lover . . . " Everybody sing! "Time for . . . a Cool Change!"

We made short work of covering the boat and then checked on my storage unit; sails, cushions, docklines and other junk. By early afternoon, we were headed back to Hudsonville.

In Hudsonville, we had a Mini Family Reunion. We are actually all full size but there weren't very many of us there. My cousins Steve and Kelly, Sister Amy and her Todd and their girls were there with Mom and Dad and I. Mom stuffed us all with a big brunch spread. Feta and Spinach Cheese Strata to die for!

Chuck and Deb have graciously stored my truck for a lot longer than they imagined; I'm sure. They are great and put me up in the school bus at the beginning and the end of my weekend home. Chuck and I managed to have a beer Sunday evening. Monday AM things fell apart. I got sent back on the road a day sooner than I had planned. Thanks again for the ride, Deb!! I missed several important people. Shout out to Jimbo, Emily and my adopted family in Dowagiac. Jim is ready to hit the WWF Circuit with his new move the Half K[censored]y. I can't wait to see him in a unitard and tights crashing down on his opponents like the Mighty Sword of Crom! OK, the last two sentences are a delicious inside joke and a literary allusion. Wherever Jim is, he just laughed out loud while the rest of you just furroughed your brow. See, he just did it again.

Have Fun!

Keep On Truckin'

Well, I hit the wall in Bay City trying to find work to fill in the Boat Refit. It was spooky the way the economy in Michigan $%^&-canned the job search. I've had to drop the Vagabond Hero stuff. I'm back in the working world for a while. I've spent the last couple weeks at CDL Truck Driving School. It is company sponsored so as long as I drive for a year, I won't owe anything for the school.

I passed the State Exam this morning. There is no stopping me now I suppose. I should be out on the road with a trainer next week.

The silver lining is that now I'll have some time and some good cash flow to refit In A Mist. She'll be a bit better equipped and I'll definitely have more cash in the kitty when I go. I'll post some of my adventures here. Thanks for all the moral support you've given me. Have Fun.

Happy Birthday to Me, a Clean Bilge.

Monday and Tuesday, I was on my belly reaching as far as I could, forward and aft, scooping black mayonaise out of the bilges. The PO had an issue with a diesel tank. That probably contribluted to the half inch of sludge. I found a light bulb, a jeweler's screwdriver, some wire [connected and not], and a weird piece of fiberglass.

It got to almost 90 in Bay City yesterday. It was a hot job but needed to be done. The bilges can actually add to my storage space now. After sweating my guts out, I took my first shower aboard. Well, you're right there is now shower in the head. In A Mist and I are way out in the boneyard in the back of the marina. I looked around and listened. Then I stripped down and dumped a couple buckets of water over my head in the cockpit. The buckets are darkish blue and had been sitting in the sun for a couple hours. It was very nice. Then I went out to Quanicassee and resigned as a Boat Broker. That job was a lot of fun, but it wasn't matching my goals for In A Mist and I. I should have some job news next week. I am working on a hot lead.

Life in Bay City

I have been in Bay City for a week or so. The place I found is an big old house near downtown with an interesting cast of characters. I've been practicing my guitar at the storage unit. Hence, the studio picture. I've located a place that has a Wednesday Night Open Mic Night.

That same place hosted a very cool gig last Thursday. It seems that a local singer/songwriter named Scott Baker met and befriended Adam Levy, who plays guitar for Norah Jones. Norah was playing the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor friday. Adam made the trek to Bay City to play a night with Scott on Thursday. The Arlington on Linn St., in Bay City is either a 104 or 140 year old building. For $3 cover! I saw these guys playing for three hours or more! Scott played some of his stuff; Adam played some of his; then they played together.

Scott Baker is a talented local singer. He tells the story of helping Adam hold a box of CDs while he signed autographs after a concert. They became good friends. Scott has a few CDs out; and a new one coming out this month. I really liked Scott's easy manner and strong voice. He reminds me a bit of Greg Brown; another Michigan singer/songwriter. I would highly recommend the new CD. I liked the songs Your Turn and Color My Life.

Adam Levy is a hugely talented guitarist. He is a jazzy, bluesy, funky player fond of filling textures and color with tight licks. He played for Tracy Chapman before Norah Jones. The bluesy funk behind "Give Me One Reason" is Adam. He is also a guitar player's guitar player; check the interviews on his site of other guitarists. Adam was playing a Randy Newman song 'Marie' to warm up. Someone shouted "Play that one!" Adam says alright and jumped right in.

I loved his song with the tag line "She's a little like Sunday Morning on Saturday Night." Also, "Unsay Goodbye" "Last Payphone Call" and "Spanish Moss and Angel Wings." Adam has a quirky song talent. I loved his view of the world. Imagine if Lyle Lovett and Chris Isaac had a child, but sent it to New York to be raised by Bill Frisell and Willie Nelson. I think my favorite song of Adam's was "Washing Day." He channelled Bill Frisell during the song.

When Scott joined Adam for the third set, they played Norah's "Nightingale." What a great night!! Two guys who were multitalented and just plain at ease with their music. They looked like they were having fun and were as natural as if they were just breathing. I was inspired.

No Matter Where You Go ...

Sometimes, even for an atheist, the universe seems to be sending a message. Either that or you just need to be good where ever you go. I had the weirdest revelation this evening.

I found a boat on the internet this February, bought it, quit my job and moved to Bay City, Mi where the boat is. Earlier I had commented to people that it was a little eery that I found this boat straight across the river from where I found a boat 10 or 12 years ago. I thought that boat was THEE boat, but it wasn't for a variety of reasons; not the least of which is that I had even less money then than I do now.

I found who I think was the previous owner. I even poked around and found out some details about the guy. I'll not reveal him, until I've discussed that with him. Last summer, while ushering at the Elkhart Jazz Festival, I stood no more than 20 feet from the very person who used to own my boat!!! I believe that he played there the year before as well. When I saw the band's website a couple months ago, it did not occur to me.

I was trying to find an email to send a note to the previous owner. As I cruised around the website again tonight something hit me. I hadn't even finished reading about the places they'd been. I looked at the previous owner's picture again and I could see the whole band in the tent by the river in Elkhart! What a great show too. I'm just dumbstruck.

There is some info that I can share with you. I suspected that the boat's name, In A Mist, was derived from the 1927 Bix Beiderbecke jazz piano composition. The band has actually played a Bix Beiderbecke festival out in Iowa. I love it! I am leaving the name just as it is. I will, however, add "Bay City, Mi" on the stern in celebration of where my adventure started. For all intents and purposes, my home port.

Just remember, be good no matter where you are!

Arrived in Bay City.

After a long drive last night, I made it to Bay City. It was a psychological victory to just put my head down and keep going. It wasn't too bad a drive. This morning it was pouring rain. I got a storage unit and checked on In A Mist over at Bay Harbor. She hasn't moved. I was soaked by the time I emptied the truck.

I found a really inexpensive place to live; it is populated by misfits and malcontents. I guess I'll get along just fine. The doors lock so it must be OK. The house is four or five blocks from downtown. In better weather, it will be a nice walk to some nightlife. The boat is about 4 miles away. In better weather, a nice bike ride. The weather is getting me down; can you tell.

I found a cool little coffeehouse downtown. The bluegrass band didn't show up, so some guy is playing the piano. A promising jazzy tune, followed by the Marine Hymn or somethi

Signs of Spring

Damn, April Snow!

I went to the store Monday with no socks in my shoes; I got the last six snaps on my tonneau cover snapped again; and I have no funiture. Well, that last is only about spring with regard to spring cleaning. And besides, today, there is snow on the ground again. Spring in Indiana.

I put up handbills in the building to sell my furniture and it was gone in 30 hours or so. Should have waited a week, I guess. :o) Beside books, my worldly possessions include four TV trays and an office chair; my guitar too.


It looks like it has snowed a fair amount up in Bay City. I have one foot in South Bend, one in Hudsonville and a mental one in Bay City. There sits "In A Mist." I can't wait to start working on her. The first project list is bottom paint and general clean up; along with an inventory. I am hoping that the existing sails will last this summer anyway. There will need to be some updated instruments, etc. I plan on using a sextan; not GPS. I would really rather use some alternative fuel stove rather than propane but I will use my propane campstove first. The alcohol stove is coming out regardless. The wind speed, direction, etc gauges may not work. There is a compass and an old VHF radio.


The throughulls and tankage need to be checked out as do the electrical and plumbing systems. I hope to make a list of phases. She needs to get back in the water so that I can get some sailing in. :o) I need to get my sea legs back.


I'm mostly packed. I have another trip to Hudsonville to add to the Garage Sale stuff there. Then, I need to get some stuff to Bay City and find some work and a place to live. I will likely be in South Bend until the 21st. So far emailing resumes has not been very successful.

Fair Winds,

TrT

It Must Be Right.

This morning, the beginning of the first week of my new adventure, birds were singing and the sun was up. It was an awakening of a new sort. Things are working quickly and according to plan. I will keep you posted.

My last day in the rat race was friday! It took three guys and four parties to get rid of me.

Last Saturday night, Junior and the Igniters were playing at the venerable Midway Tavern. 6 or 8 of my closest friends were celebrating bon voyage with all attending, including several of my blues show phone bank friends from WVPE.

Wednesday night, I had sushi and beer with a wonderful woman and great friend. We must have been the talk of the bar; laughing and carrying on. A true friend, we talked for a couple hours, I think.

Thursday night, Mouldings Division people, plus Jeff D. and Bill, went to Hacienda. Chuck's Deb was there too. It was fun. Pete and I traded bad puns for hours. Somehow, I talked to Tony F. for three or four hours and we closed the place.

Friday night after work, my old friends from Industrial, Roxi and Ralph [with wife Cathy], Emily and Suzy, and Elaine and her husband Mike feted at Between the Buns. Food and Friends. Thank you all.

My coach Kathy got to BTB just in time, she and I tried to talk over the din; moved to the Mishawaka Brewing Company. Then, the MBC band Jazzy Grass showed up. I lost my voice about 11:30. Kathy and I will try again. I owe all this to her help. Jazzy Grass sound pretty good. I don't think the grass referred to bluegrass. :o)


Saturday, I helped Albert celebrate his birthday; 37, what a pup. 6 of us joked with Randy, all star bartender and harassed his compatriot, Charlotte. The waitresses were probably sick of us and we sat at the bar! The food was good, the beer was better. Albert had is Blazin' wings and several Guinness. I had Mango Habanero and Newcastle. The rest of the guys were whimps!

I was in sad shape and went to Barnes and Noble for coffee afterward. A couple hours of cruising the web did me good. I went home and slept the rest of the day away.


Hopefully, all that, except the good friends, is out of my system.

The Beginning of a Dream ...

I never really gave up on getting back on the water. I have plotted and planned, wished and dreamed, fixed and schemed for many years.

Last Saturday, I found a boat that matched almost all my criteria. "In A Mist" a Cape Dory 28 is on the hard in Bay City, MI. I had four boats on a string and was wondering how close I actually was to leaving. That friday afternoon before, my fate was sealed. In the ongoing crap at my current job, my last hope was a new boss. When he gave me a review, taking wholesale from corporate management, I decided I was done.

So Monday, I resigned my job of 9 years as of April 1, 2007. Yeah, I know that's a Sunday, but it was close enough I couldn't resist. Of course, March 30 is my last day. Later Monday afternoon, the seller took my offer and I knew I was Bay City bound.

The boat needs some paint and some cleaning. I will update the systems as needed. Depending on what kind of work I find when I get there, I will be headed south by late summer or fall. Otherwise, I will winter over in Bay City and leave the following summer.

I've got some work to do to get my sea legs back. I can't wait.

Stay tuned!