The Dust Settles...

Sheet rock dust that is! Since having the garage re-roofed and adding new wiring, I've been finishing up the insulation and drywall. It actually stays somewhat warm now!



And of course there is the new utility sink - ready to wash some homebrew carboys!

A little clean-up, plaster, shelving, and a dart board will make it almost livable!

Panama

After crossing the canal, we stopped in Panama City to refuel and change some of the members of the science party. We went into town to see the rainforest park, the old town and we visited the causeway that connects 3 islands: Naos, Pericos and Flamingo.
We hired a driver for the day, Tomas. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our first stop was the crafts market where they sold tagua carvings, weaved baskets, painted cloths, molas and Panama hats, of course.
Next, we spent about 3 hours walking around the Metropolitan National Park. We saw leaf-cutter ants, cuati, butterflies and turtles, but no sloths. Lelia had hoped to spot a sloth and was slightly disappointed. It was hot and humid, but it was nice to see trees and take a nature walk.
Here is the fun!

Meanwhile, back in Humboldt County....

While Catherine is at sea I've been putting some miles on the Piper with Dave, the co-owner. Redding is a 3 and a half hour drive - or an hour by air! We had to have a minor radio glitch checked out at the avionics shop.


We took a second trip to Shelter Cove, a small community a few hours (by car) south of here. It was a beautiful, sunny California day! Shelter Cove is on the point across the bay.


Final approach!

A quick delicious lunch and spot o' tea at the only open restaurant in town.

'til next time, Shelter Cove!

I've also been working on turning our garage into a "Man Room"/possible band practice area. Pictures soon!

If you love clouds...

Here's those pics I promised.

Sailed the Caribbean, now on through the Panama canal

We enjoyed smooth sailing south of Florida. We went on the west side of Cuba and then straight south. I will post some great sunset and cloud shots, in the coming days.
We've turned left and are sitting outside of Panama city waiting to cross the canal this evening/night. It takes quite a few hours and I'm not sure when we will actually cross, but if any of you want to watch in real time, there's several live cameras. Look for the white ship with a big grey ball on top, that's the Ron Brown. It might happen in the next few hours!! Sorry this is so last minute.

Ships

Tugboats




Coast Guard




Dredging


Shipping containers


Track the ship:
Ron Brown

And now for something completely different...

I don't really consider myself a writer (I guess I am since I blog), but I sure do love reading.
826 is a nonprofit that helps young people appreciate and learn how to write. It cultivates burgeoning minds to create something which you or I may someday read.

The Seattle chapter is hosting an unusual fundraiser and I invite you all to contribute if you can, preferably by growing a mustache!

And now for a quick laugh, here's me:

Charleston, SC

I finally got to Charleston, South Carolina last Wednesday and started all the preparations for the next two months of work. I met my new colleague Lelia and reunited with co-workers Jim and Derek. In addition, there were quite a few familiar faces from NOAA in Boulder.
Saturday, the ship (with crew and scientists aboard) did a sea trial to make sure everything was in working order. We sailed out and back in about 3 hours. It was a beautiful sunny (and muggy) day. Even though we weren't sailing until noon, it was requested that we arrive by 7 am.





Charleston Bridge: