Friends and Families

Ok I get the hint with the incoming emails. Where is Faye and am I ok?
Yes I am ok and I am currently in Calgary.
I departed St John's on July 10th and arrived back to Vancouver to start working on Genesis.
The first week was continual rain so not much in the way of outside work was accomplished.
I did however get measurements and quotes to have the Bimini replaced by a hardtop. The advantage to a hardtop is that I will never have to replace the canvas again or winterize the upper deck. The difference in price was well worth it. I have gone with a company from LaConner Washington as the quote came in 1/4 the cost of the companies here in Canada. I guess it is nice to take advantage of a down swing in their economy. Generally over the years it has been the opposite.
Cam has been working in the engine room repairing the damage that has occurred to the exhaust systems on both engines. The hoses are all new and raw water pumps have been ordered and back ordered. Carbon has been blown out of the various parts opening all the passages. Genesis will have brand new arteries!
The sun finally peaked its head out and I spent a feverish week stripping, sanding and brushing teak on the lower deck. I was privileged to have a good friend show up from Calgary that gave me several hours of his time. Barry is quite good with woods and brought me two new handy tools that helped to get into the small crevices. I am very grateful for the hard work and friendship. When all is said and done I finished about 3/4 of the job. It looks impressive and people walking by continually were commenting on how great she looks.
 I received a skype message that my best friend Lea had broke her hip while exercising.
So the following morning I was on a plane flying back to Calgary.
So the boat is waiting and can wait ........................
The moral of this weeks (month) blog that friends are the people that we choose to be there for.

"Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things." ~Author Unknown
I know that I have been blessed with a great best friend and have many wonderful friends that think of me often and are truly grand. Thank you all for that.

I will add pictures of Genesis once she is looking remarkable.

July Long Weekend in Nfld.

Alanna and I Standing at Cape Spear

                                                          Eastern Most Point in North America

Wild Lupins

My emotions have played on the big roller coaster this week and have me thinking about creating my own Bucket List. Ken and I quite enjoyed the movie that featured Jack Nicolson and Morgan Freedman.

When I sat down to write what I wanted to accomplish not many lines were filled. Sadly we are taught not to dream big.  I am going to throw caution to the wind and dream big, put down goals that might not seem obtainable but with courage and determination can be done.

See unique places and do strange and wonderful things. It can be as simple as challenging yourself to wear a 2 piece bathing suit in public!  Help people out where I can. Try and make a difference. There is a saying I once read somewhere that “Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”.  I am going to try and see some good in every day.

Look for mentors who live an exciting life, and ask them about their favourite experience. Get in the habit of talking about dreams and goals with like minded people.  This for sure helped us in our journey with Genesis. Ignore the people that are stuck in a rut and happy with mediocrity, as they will only think dreams as being silly. Search out people that inspire greatness. Try to become one of those people that inspire greatness.

I challenge all of you to get out there and create your own bucket list and try and draw a line through one or two of them a year. More if you’re determined.  We can determine how our lives play out, we can’t change the past but we can mould a new future.

One of my biggest fears at the moment is that my life will not be AS happy ever again, not that it won’t be happy again but the big “AS”. So I have thought about this non – stop and have come to the conclusion that it will never be the same and it shouldn’t be, it should look different. If I carry all the positive things that have occurred in my life forward and use them as tools to move ahead I can maybe reach the goal of becoming one of those people that inspire greatness.

The Canadian long weekend began on Thursday June 30^th here in St. John’s. Alanna had purchased tickets to an outdoor concert on George St.  George St. is best known for its Festival when 1000’s of people descend on St. John’s to hear live music for a week. It is quite the party atmosphere.  The day and evening was cool, wet and the band well, loud. I was grateful to be invited but about 2230 hrs decided to call it a night and walk home allowing Alanna and her friends to continue on “Mom Free”. Friday consisted of tourist attractions putting on a 144^th birthday party for Canada complete with fireworks. Alanna had heard that the Capelin were in! I remembered Ken coming home from a Basketball Canada convention in St. John’s telling me that as soon as they arrived people were asking them if they had come to see the Capelin.

Capelin are herring type fish that are bait fish for the whales and smaller yet larger fish in the ocean. With the Capelin usually one will see whales.  We ventured up the highway following the tiny bays and fishing villages until we came to Tapper Cove. It was here that we were told they would be. However, as nice as the cove was we did not see the Capelin. I have learnt to just ask instead of driving or walking or doing instead of wasting time. I marched over to two fishermen and asked where do we go to see the Capelin? He answered Doorbay dust up der. I think that is what he said when I asked the second time. So I tried to figure out what he said in his accent. Thorbay just up there made sence. Well we never did see the Capelin. We did however drive around the loop that took us to the top of the peninsula with great views of the ocean. We all know I have not seen enough ocean.

Today we took a drive the other way to Cape Spear. Cape Spear is the Eastern most point in North America. It is sunny and beautiful today. We couldn't have asked for nicer weather. This Cape is generally cold and windy and can be at least 10 degrees less than in St. John's.

Maybe finally Summer has arrived.

History in Our Country

Alanna's furniture has been delayed due to a break down of the moving van in Winnipeg so this has given me more opportunity to work the glut muscles .

One could probably spend a month in just the City of St. John's touring the beautiful buildings.

As mentioned on the last blog the city was started in 1497 but most of the buildings are from the late 1800's due to the last big fire. There had been 2 others 1817 and 1846 that had burnt the whole city down.

The City tourism department has 5 different self guided walking tours. I have done 3 out of the 5.

A Step Back in Time retraces the perimeter of The Great Fire of 1892. It actually begins at the end of Alanna's street. Unfortunately it was carelessness from smoking that caught a bale of hay on fire and the winds that carried the flames away. Downtown St. John's thus has been rebuilt 3 times.

The harbour front greatly changed by the three fires but still maintains its historical importance and is still used extensively to bring and send cargo and cruise ships.

Devon Row is a group of four-storey houses, saved by the residents. The only residences saved. Other landmarks that were saved are the Government House, and the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

A park downtown was used as temporary shelter for hundreds left homeless.

The 2nd Walking Tour I did was A Step Back in Time in the West End.

The tour begins at the Railway Station on the Harbour. I spent hours in the museum reading the history of the railway built by the Reid family mostly to get to the interior to start pulp and paper mills and to own mines. . Their business consisted of the railway but an extensive waterway connection to the out port harbours to pick up fish and seals. They contributed a lot to the province both in employment opportunities and commerce. After the 2nd World War however they needed much new equipment and repairs to the tracks. The business was no longer profitable so the government took it over to ensure that the public of Newfoundland would continue having transportation throughout the province. (Not a province at that time. Its own country or territory of England).

This tour takes you through an area of town, once known as Riverhead, which was in the 19th century heavily populated by Irish immigrants. It was a primarily a residential neighbourhood occupied by fishermen and tradesmen and their families. Most of the houses in this area are just modest although there are a few larger, more ornate residences.  The most notable building in the neighbourhood is St. Patrick's Church; as in most Catholic churches awe inspiring. The convent and the catholic schools all surround the church and the school is still in use with new additions.

While I was walking I came upon 2 antique stores. I spent some time just looking at the things used at the turn of the century. Really not that long ago. How things have changed but remain the same.

The next attraction was my favourite I had never seen anything like this before and it included free wine tasting. Even better. Good thing it was after 12.

Newman Wine Vaults also located on the water front. This site is a provincial historic site that includes a history of rum running and pirates. Imagine pirates this far North did they not know that the Caribbean is where they should be?

This weekend is St. John's birthday and this evening from 1700 hrs until midnight there is a Folk Art Soiree with traditional songs sung by local musicians and dancers. I need to get those young folk interested so I can check it out.

St. John the Baptist Basilica. (picture taken off internet as mine were dark) Built in 1855.

 The Court House (1/2 of it)

The Entrance To Newman's Vault



St John's Newfoundland

St John's Harbour from the top of my hike

St. John's Harbour from the Rooms

The 1800's Home's Bright and Colourful

Newfoundland / Labrador was the last province to sign into Confederation.  It has a population of 505,469. The capital is St John’s. To the rest of Canada is known as the rock.

Alanna’s new home is within walking distance of downtown St. John’s, in fact I would say she is situated middle town. Not downtown or uptown. Just blocks away. It’s easy going down but muscle building coming up!

St John’s has a population of 100,646 and is fairly well spread out in the region due to the hilly landscape. St. John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America and is the oldest city in Canada. It was founded in 1497 by John Cabot. The city has a perfectly sheltered harbour and quite reminded me of entering Cartagena Colombia with the Forts guarding over the narrow entrance.

St. John’s achieved much of its importance because of its geographic position. It is closer to Europe than any other city in North America.

I have been leaving the car behind and touring by foot. I find this both more interesting and challenging. I can concentrate and take my time on the scenery instead of traffic.  Historical buildings are in a 20 block radius so it’s a bit of a jaunt from one end to the other. The streets are typical of old cities that were established 100’s of years ago with the intent of horses or feet as the main mode of transportation. Now a days most old cities make them into one-way streets. One has to be very careful and look for the signs.

My first sightseeing trip led me to the Geo Centre and Geo Park. This is Newfoundland and Labradors’ “Earth Geological Showcase”. I spent hours intrigued with the history found under all these rocks.  The Johnson Geo Centre tells the story of “Our Earth and Our People” as explained by the geology of the province. The building is built into the ground and the whole attraction is all underground.  There is no other place on earth that reveals the fascinating story of our Earth going back almost 4.5 billion years ago. The rocks are amongst the very oldest rocks ever found on Earth. Coming from Alberta I found this interesting as we can date our rocks quite far back with the dinosaurs but not as far back as Newfoundland.  Within the Province, scientists have found powerful evidence to back many geological theories. These include the evolution of our planet and the happening, right here, of colossal continents, the formation of oceans and volcanoes and the occurrence of devastating ice ages.

A special exhibit showcasing the timeline and eventual ending to the Titanic as it hit an iceberg not far off the Newfoundland shores. This was interesting as it showed factual evidence how greed and arrogance of one man and the ego and bad judgement of another that caused the accident. In the end the one with the ego (Captain) lost his life but the man with the greed continued.  Over 1500 lives were lost just 350 miles off shore.

ExxonMobil Oil & Gas has an exhibit that explains the drilling and production platform at the Hibernia Oil Field.

Signal Hill is probably Newfoundland’s most notable tourist attraction but I did it differently through a new program that very few have caught on to; you can take a GPS and take hiking paths that have had special way points entered to inform you on facts that you would otherwise miss. I did about 10km of hiking paths and was amazed while getting in a very good work out. Climbing to the top of Signal hill was a wee challenging. Nothing that no one could handle or I wouldn’t be doing it! Anyways if any of the other Federal Government Tourist areas across Canada are doing this program I highly recommend trying it. I plan to go back and try again with the other hike I didn’t get finished. On this hike I took a fork to the right as a local told me I should take the path to a out port harbour called Quidi Vidi. The site was originally built by the French after they captured St. John’s in 1762. The British rebuilt  in 1780.

I have also walked the side streets and am intrigued with the architecture.

The Rooms is a museum, art gallery and archives situated where the old Fort Townsend once stood. Again I spent hours walking through the building. The art gallery was not my cup of tea as it was pop art which I had a hard time seeing any art in. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions however. A nice gentleman helped me look up ancestors that lived on Fogo Island so that I have some idea where to start looking for my family roots. As the case may be there is lots of Bennett history right here in St. John’s.  It was the exhibit dedicated to the provinces’ early landscape and its human and animal inhabitants that I found the most interesting. It was a small version of the Museum of Man.

The explanation why this attraction is called the Rooms is based on the fact that not so long ago in every fishing community, land met sea in the rooms. They were groups of steep roofed buildings were families and the fishermen came together to process their catch. There would be various rooms, eg salting, laying out the fish to dry etc.

There is a lot to see and do in St. John’s still and I will continue writing about it next week. I have 5 different walking routes that I will be doing in the next couple of days that will take me to all the old historical sites in St. John’s

Quidi Vidi Harbour

Genesis is Finally Home

Genesis is now tucked in her berth in Vancouver.

She arrived in Victoria on Jun 9 and was unloaded June 10^th. Quite honestly she wasn’t as dirty as I expected but there is lots of cleaning to do. We were lifted by slings into the water and tied against the freighter until we could get her up and going.  We couldn’t get the engines to start. The genset had no problem starting, so we put on the battery charger and started to charge the starter batteries. It was at this time that Cam noticed that there was no antifreeze or water in the rad or overfill container. As he glanced at the exhaust system he noticed several things. A large hole had blown in the exhaust manifold.  He gerryriged the hose and with good old duct tape fixed the problem. He assured me the duct tape would work because the hose is not under any pressure.  He decided to see what would have caused the build up and sure enough in the riser were rust, impeller parts and whatever else blocking the flow of water. This very well could have been the problems of the overheating transmission that plagued us for months.

After hours the batteries were still not charging and even trying to jumpstart from the genset battery wouldn’t work. We also appeared to have no battery power what so ever. It was just at that moment I noticed that the main battery switched had been stepped on and cracked. I pushed it in and voila the engines turned over without a problem. So more duct tape on the battery switch so that the connection would remain.  We had been splashed into the water at 1030 hr and it was now 1500hr.

It was sunny with clouds and about a 10knot wind. The seas now had the current against us but the seas were a mere 1 -2’ chop. A piece of cake! Well our patience awarded us with the observation of 8 – 10 Orca Whales chasing a school of salmon. It was awesome. In the Southern Gulf Islands we have not been so fortunate in whale spotting.  We then saw dolphins, seals, and minke whales. Welcome home Genesis.

We were only making 4.5 – 5k so it was decided to make a call into the Port of Sidney. It was after hours so we just pulled into an end slip. By the time we arrived got everything stowed it was nearly 2100 hour, so up to the pub at the top of the ramp for dinner.  By the time we got rooms at the nearby hotel and into bed it was midnight. A very long day.

Cam and Murdo had decided it would be best to also check the riser on the port side engine before leaving and being out in the Strait of Georgia. Well they cleaned out that riser as well and the water flow appeared to be much better.

It was a glorious day on the Straits; the calmest that I had ever experienced. Sunny with no clouds what so ever.

We were just getting ready to enter the Fraser River (1 hr.  from home) when all of a sudden the port engines  temperature gauge spiked. The left engine was immediately turned off and at the same moment the starboard engine gasped and wanted to quit. We managed to keep it going and limp into the anchorage next to wreck beach. (A nudist beach) No one was there as the water is to cold as is the air!

Well the port exhaust manifold had a problem that Cam managed to fix enough but the raw water pump just could not pump enough water so keeping the engine cool would be a problem. Sounds like a heart. Anyways , the starboard engine problem appeared to be dirty fuel. The fuel filters had water in them.  We had a decision to make. Get a tow in or come in on one engine that could crap out against a tidal current meaning that we would be getting in at night. Doing the night thing doesn’t scare me. Been there done that many times. Murdo said “Genesis has been on a wonderful trip and left here under her own power you need to have her come in under her own power. We can make it work.”  The currents were mild, the engine did not quit and at 2230 hrs we went under the swing bridge with all 26 country flags on the mast to show the countries Genesis took us to. We pulled into the Delta Marina and started the port engine just so we would have 2 engines to dock with, it would not be enough time to cause the engine to overheat.

So this journey is now officially over. It has been a joyous and emotional journey. I equate it these days as like being in a storm. There is much turbulence with thunder and lightning but there must be some rain before there can be any rainbows. Rainbows will shine again for all that know us and we will have a lot of help from Ken.

I am now in Newfoundland and will be here for a few weeks to help out with my daughters move.

My Mother was from Fogo Island and I hope to check out where I came from. The next blog will be all about a province very proud and different than most of the other provinces as it has many more years of history.

I will add pictures to this blog when I am back in Vancouver as they are on Murdo’s  iphone.



Finally

Well Genesis is finally on the ship and heading towards the Panama Canal. It is a full month behind schedule but she is on her way. If all goes well she will be in Victoria for June 7th.
This week was busy with Alanna's grad. She is now Dr. Husch and wil continue on in Newfoundland.
We spread Kens ashes yesterday at sea. Several friends and family boarded Foreign Affair(a good friends boat). It was a sunny day and we went into Indian Arm to say our final farewells.
I will be staying on Murdos boat until Genesis returns.
I will then live aboard in Vancouver.
I need to start dealing with what will be my new life. I am not sure what the new picture will look like but I know all will be ok.
I along with a few other friends will be starting a foundation in Kens name. I am hoping that we will be able to raise funds and get used fire department equipment,volunteer firemen to help train firefighters in Nicaragua.
I will continue to write the blog once Genesis returns and begins our journey.

The Last Night Before Going Home

I write this on the eve of my departure home. Genesis will stay in her berth until Captain James loads her on the ship. The sailing date has changed from Apr 20 – Apr 23 – May 5 and still may change. I can no longer wait with her and see her lifted onto the ship. This brings sadness with it. I am not abandoning her but have left her in good hands. I have met Captain James and he has assured me that even if Genesis broke down he will get her on that ship to make her trip home.

Pam left yesterday and one has to wonder where the time goes. I have spent my first day alone since Ken died and you know I woke up, the sun is shining, there are tears but I know I have been blessed with such good memories.  Not everyone can say they have or had a good marriage with the best friend ever.

There are a lot of firsts in my life these days as I had the handyman. Even using a screw driver is foreign to me at times. So to fix my fans, make repairs has been a major ego boost. It may come with some tears first but there is the little voice (or booming voice) saying “you’re doing a good job keep it up”. I still don’t know which name goes with which screw driver but who cares! I haven’t started on the power tools yet. Baby steps!

The sea kayaks, the bimini, and any external things have been stowed. The inside of the boat looks almost barren, well hidden out of sight. I am duck taping the cupboards (never ever did this before) just to ensure nothing goes flying. The last bit of laundry will almost be finished and packed. I have tested the engines and the transmissions to make sure there are no surprises. I checked all the fluids (even though I know Ernie and Kenny did this when we arrived) All looks good. She is ready for her big ride. I hope she can enjoy the sights that she worked so hard to show us.

Eleanor Roosevelt said’ “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do”.

I must say this statement is so correct. I am not the person who left Vancouver aboard Genesis almost 3 years ago. The boating experience that Ken and I both have gained in such a short time is insurmountable.  The lessons I have had to learn since Ken’s death sometimes overwhelming, but with it come satisfaction that he taught me well and I have taught myself well.

Genesis and I have travelled 12,000 nautical miles. We have endured hurricane warnings, papagayos, Tehuenepec, pirates (actually we never saw them), large swells ,large waves, storm force winds, gale winds, engine break downs, serious burns and death and the feeling of hopelessness.  However we have witness the beauty this world has to offer both in its people and its nature; in the end the beauty out ways the rest. Ken would only want it that way. The world is truly a great place. One has to have some faith.

The one thing I must put out there for all is that we get trapped in our daily lives.  Make plans and work your plan. Be disciplined with your plan. I encourage you to take charge of your life. Thank God we did or we never would have had this experience.

A very wise man (my grandfather) once told me if a problem can be fixed by money it isn’t a problem. Your family and friends should come first. If you treat people with respect they will return the favour and then some.

Another very wise person (Ken) would answer the question, “How are you today?” with “Really, really average.” Try it sometime and see how a question that normally a person couldn’t care if you answer puts a smile on a person’s face and ensures a positive conversation. I have been trying it and it is amazing. I use to roll my eyes when he said this but now it makes me laugh.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.  Dream.  Discover.”     Mark Twain

Need I say more, go and discover be it a walk in the woods, trips to other countries ....... just explore what there is out there; open your eyes, your ears and your heart.