Virtual Ship's Log from Captain Hammer

'Cause I don't have enough to do already

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Charleston, SC

See previous posts for more info on the trip.
While in Charleston I was able to take a couple hour sail in the harbor on a schooner- a 3 masted ship with 2 foresails and 3 gaff rigged sails. The vessel was metal, including the masts, but the booms (and fittings, goosenecks and blocks) were all wooden. It was interesting to see that not a whole lot has changed since this 84 footer, 'Pride', was built. Sail and hull materials are newer now, which seems to necessitate less standing rigging, but the principals are the same. I would highly recommend taking this tour if you're in town. Bring a snack, and have some wine!



Tuesday, July 26, 2011

More on C Town

Of course, if you don't check my blog daily, this will seem more like "What the Hell is C Town?". Charleston South Carolina, ya noob. Here's some video of a tall ship cruise I took while I was there. A "tall ship" means an old style of sail boat with a few masts and lots of sails- awesome! Turn your sound way down for these vids:



Monday, July 25, 2011

Charleston, SC


Even though it was for business, I was fortunate to have been invited to spend a few days in Charleston, South Carolina last week. I had never been, and thought (the part I saw) was great. It reminded me a lot of New Orleans, with beaches but without jazz. Envision: muggy, marshy, history out the wazoo, tourist shops, carriage rides and ghost tours. And the streets also smell like boggy water and horse piss.
I have been a bad blogger, and will try to make up for it with a few posts about this trip. First: the historic peninsula. This includes old churches, houses, where the Civil War started, and government buildings that date back to before the revolution. Here are some pics in no particular order:

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Air that is warmer than you...

is uncomfortable to breathe. I think that is the threshold between bearable and calling it quits: 98 Fahrenheit. That has been the territory we've been in for too long now. We've had over 30 days of 100 plus degree heat and there is no end in the forecastable future. Tomorrow, however, is a hurdle. Noon tomorrow marks the middle of my Summer. Being a 'glass half full' kind of guy, I feel it's all downhill from here. The days continue to grind on, and life won't seem to move faster than a crawl until mid August, but still I am happy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not a blinding, searing light either. The days are getting shorter- I can feel it.
Things I have been doing (before 11:00 am): changing brake pads, a short paddle in Town Lake, and a 15 mile bike ride with my son (who is going for the cycling merit badge).