I just got back from a week visit on Skylark. I can't begin to describe how wonderful the weather was the entire visit. The days had absolutely no humidity just touching the 80 degree mark while the nights were calm and cool dipping into the 50s. For the first time since being in FL, there was no need at all for the air conditioner as we left the companionway boards out and the forward hatch open to cool things down. One night, I actually put the cabin heater on low just to wake up to a toasty boat. Thats one of my favorite things, knowing it's cold outside, yet having the boat warm and cozy when the first rays of the sun come through the forward port holes and you don't have to shiver when you get up to make coffee and peak out the companionway to watch the sun come up. It was perfect. As well, without the AC, the silence made for some deep sleeps and boy, I needed it.October is a perfect time down in NE Florida to start tackling those projects that were too hot to handle in the dead of summer. There is always a constant breeze, but nothing like you would get ripping down the river in August. I was able to get some good deep cleaning in, the first major overhaul since the trip. I found salt in some very tight places, not surprising, but not nearly that bad either. Skylark is a very dry boat and proved that time and again through out the trip. There were quite a few mechanical problems to say the least, but other than that she performed very well for a 41 year old boat. A true testament to the quality of construction Bill Lapworth expected back in the day. I am still planning to replace the Atomic 4 this winter and really look forward to next springs adventures. In the meantime, I am going to thoroughly enjoy my time on Skylark and slowly but surely get her ready for next season. I had a wonderful visit with Zachary and we could not have enjoyed the days together more, and that is what it's all about. As he said, Skylark feels like home...I couldn't agree more. At least this year for the first time in maybe 40 or so years, Skylark won't have to worry about snow. Hopefully, I won't either.
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