Countdown and Last Minute Projects

Thirteen days till departure! The crew (and family of the crew) of s/v Malabar have been working hard over the last few weeks to wrap up all of the loose ends before departure! My parents, Jeff and Carol, have been here all week lending their expertise.

Keegan finished the installation of the SSB radio last week! Woo hoo! Jeff converted the Compressed Natural Gas stove over to a Propane system this week and Carol and I have been sewing and sewing and sewing to create a new sail cover and a rain catch system.

We have finally finished the installation of the Monitor windvane and are going to take her out for a test drive this weekend.

I am happy to report that we have been running entirely off of our solar panels for almost two weeks now. It feels pretty awesome to no longer be plugged into the shore.

I can't believe we are down to the final days of preparation! One more week of work for me, a bon voyage part on the 28th, then we are off! It seems impossible that Malabar has only been part of our life for one year. It has been one amazing year! Can hardly wait to see where we go next.

Keegan adds final blocks to the windvane

Antenne running up backstay for the SSB radio

Unplugged! We are solar!

Keegan breaking in the new outboard engine

Our new power regulator

SSB and a messy desk

The family takes time out for breakfast

Beautiful trip to Tomales Bay

The Family enjoying oysters

New propane tube ready for the stove/oven

Our converted stove goes back in

Evening entertainment in the cockpit

Dad and Keegan checking out some systems

Inspecting the water tanks

New sail cover! Go me!

Mom, sewing up the rain catchers.