Sunday, July 3rd

Today is a lay day at anchor in Hadleys Harbor while we wait out a cold front that is passing through the area.  This respite provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on our experiences during the month that we have been underway.

We are now 709 nautical miles into the cruise.  We have settled into a rhythm of moving the boat and exploring shoreside attractions during periods of favorable weather while remaining in protected harbors during periods of uncertain weather.  Living aboard Cutter Loose has become a lifestyle.  She is no longer the floating vacation condo and weekend retreat of years past.  She is our home.

One of the most pleasing aspects of living aboard is the relative absence of a schedule or calendar.  Granted, the tides and wind direction influence the timing of our departures and arrivals and our choice of destinations.  But there is no rush to be anywhere by a date certain.  These long days of early summer are particularly relaxing because they afford the luxury of a late afternoon or early evening arrival at our overnight destinations.

The day-to-day operation and maintenance of Cutter Loose has become a well-rehearsed routine.  We continue to be impressed with the cruising comfort and capabilities of this boat.  We have taken a slip at marinas on only two occasions since leaving the Chesapeake Bay...once in New York City and the other in New Bedford, Massachusetts.  The balance of our overnights have been at moorings or at anchor.

The solar panels on Cutter Loose have done an outstanding job of charging batteries to meet our energy demands.  The diesel generator has been used only sparingly, primarily on overcast days or when we remain at a particular anchorage or mooring for more than one night.

Provisioning and meal preparation have likewise become routine.   We prepare most of our meals on board the boat, as the freezer is well-provisioned.  We have been fortunate to be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at our stops along the way.  We treat ourselves to a meal ashore when we are bicycling or whenever the spirit moves.

Fog is our #1 navigational challenge.  Clear conditions can deteriorate into  1/4 mile visibility without warning.   Just as quickly, fog can give way to perfectly clear conditions in the blink of an eye.  We are comfortable with altering course to avoid targets in our path.  But when multiple targets are closing rapidly on either side of the bow of Cutter Loose, maneuverability becomes limited and the stress level rises.  Our  comfort level with navigating in fog is improving, but mastering this art can only be achieved through additional on-the-job experience.   

Notwithstanding the occasional navigational challenge, the experience of living aboard Cutter Loose has exceeded our expectations.  Every day is a new adventure.  These are the best of times.