August 19, 2014 Mystic Seaport in Conn

Al from Bennet Brothers Yachts in NC called to let us know that they were ready to put the boat back in the water after painting the hull.  Dave asked how the electronics were going.  He said he hadn’t heard from the insurance company!!  We received an e-mail from the insurance on Aug 11 and assumed the boat yard received the same notice and started the work.  Dave called our surveyor and he said it was our responsibility to let the boat yard know.  He apologized for not making that clear.  That was not clear anywhere in the e-mail or in our conversations!!  Very frustrating that it has been a 8 days.  When the survey was done, the insurance company contacted both us and the boat yard, so we assumed that would happen again.  We even asked Al what needed to be done if we left.  He also thought the insurance would contact him and they would just proceed.  Another lesson learned. 

I went to Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut about 4 years ago with girlfriends.  I have always wanted to return with Dave.  This is a re-enactment of a whaling seaport on the Mystic River.  It opens at 9:00, but we arrived at 11:00.  The ticket is a 2 day pass, so we may return in the  morning.

We had a very peaceful day walking through the grounds and checking out the exhibits.  Some places had people explaining how things were done in the days of whaling.  We learned some interesting things about navigation, cooperage (making barrels), black smithing, rigging a tall ship, seining for fish, making rope, and how the whale boats were maneuvered.  There were also demonstrations with music of how chores were done with songs for being able to move in synchronized motion.  

All the buildings were brought to this area and are actual buildings that were used in the 1700 and 1800’s.  There were 2 tall ships that you could tour.  The Charles W Morgan is the last surviving whaling ship.  It was completely restored and actually sailed  north of Boston and back this summer.  Another ship was originally from Denmark and was  built to use for training sailors. 



Happy Birthday to Dave's mom,  Alice!

exhibit of figureheads

Joseph Conrad built in Denmark in 1882

"Ditty bags" made by the sailors.  We may have to try this on a long passage.  That is if I don't get sea sick trying to concentrate on stitching.

Charles W Morgan whaling ship