Splash!

We finally got our 1974 Cal 2-29 finished enough to put her in the water. It was quite a day getting her over the hill in the snow and rain to the ocean, but she is now in the water waiting for me to finish rigging her. Very pleased so far - no water coming in where it shouldn't! :)

If the weather doesn't take a crap we're launching next Tuesday. Finished up the prep today, put the wheel on, gas tank full, (A-4). I don't do the weekend on the Calumet River, too many powerboats making wakes, especially when we get into the section that is steel pilings. I'd rather deal with the barges during the week. It's a working river. The lock is a crapshoot. If a barge is near he has precedence. Pleasure boats wait. Ya never know. It's a 1000 ft lock but they won't put us in the lock with barges. I have waited for near 2 hours on occasion. After that we just need to dodge any saltie that may be in or outbound. It's narrow! Usually a fun trip, 3-4 hours to our home port. Besides, this is Memorial Day weekend, when we remember those who have fallen in service, giving the last full measure. I will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Monday honoring them.David Dobbs, former A1C, 567th Strategic Missile Squadron, Fairchild AFB, Wa.