Livin' under the Shrink Wrap

Since the first week of November, we put Red October under the "wraps" to block off any ice and snow for the winter.  After it was completed, we told ourselves that it possibly could be a mild winter because we were better prepared this time around.  In fact, it was a mild winter and the wrap ended up serving one purpose instead.  It helped trap most of the heat generated from inside and we were very comfortable.  It also let us enjoy the sundeck, an extra room we didn't use last winter without the shrink wrap.  Because of the extra layer of insulation on top of the sundeck's enclosures, it turned it into a "greenhouse".  It became our favorite room to hang out all winter. That's the positive side of the story, but we had to give up something.  Sadly, we lost the views of the harbor.  It was a smart trade, and we would do it again next winter. 

O Christmas Tree!

Christmas season rolled around for the second time. As it was approaching, I had planned to decorate one of my favorite rooms in Martha Stewart style!  In fact, I went overboard (no pun intended) with the decorations and put up RO's first Christmas tree! 

Had to use duct tape to ensure that it wouldn't tip over...just in case.  :)

Ta - da! RO's first Christmas tree

Feelin' festive....

Marking the end of our first year on RO

It's been an amazing year on Red October.  We truly feel like veteran liveaboards going into our second winter on RO.  At the beginning, we wanted to try this out and see how we fare living on the yacht.  We enjoyed it so much that we decided to continue for another year! 

November is a time to start thinking about the winter and start preparing RO for it.  Winter in New England is not always kind and pleasant.  This year, we decided to shrink wrap RO from the snow and ice.  We discovered that it actually allows us to use the sundeck which is the space we rarely use during the winter.  We bought a space heater and plugged it in a seperate outlet at the electric tower on the dock, so it doesn't use any of the amps from inside.  Now we can enjoy having another room to "venture" out from the cabin.  :)

 

RO's Halloween Party and Snow!

It was October 29th.....and the weather forecast said S-N-O-W!  At the same time, we were hosting a Halloween party for all of the liveaboards. It started snowing an hour before the party, not like a light dusting that just disappear before hitting the ground--these were thick snowflakes!!!

Needless to say, everyone was texting us to see if the party was still on.  Of course, we're like the Fed Ex people--this crazy New England weather ain't gonna stop us!  :)  I was so delighted to see all the brave souls showing up with costumes on! 

Eerie flybridge

Snowing!

Our party greeter!

If we provide food, they will come...

Jane, Bob and Nikki

Pammy Guinevere

Jacqui as Busy Bee (Marina mgr)

Bob (Neptune) & Nikki (Pocohantas)

King Neptune who won the best costume!

Ian (Capt Morgan) and Teresa (some kind of Vixen)

Party was a success!!

 

Second voyage to Oyster Bay, NY

Made our second and final trip of the summer to Oyster Bay in Long Island Sound.  It was a perfect weekend to relax and enjoy the calm weather and warm temps. 

Mooring ball

View from the sundeck

Me and my favorite cocktail, Cape Codder

Tom was thrilled to have this moment... 

Baby Back Ribs!!!

 
                                                             Sunset from the sundeck

Watched Cast Away...how fitting!

Red October :)

Early am kayaking in Oyster Bay

Our new inflated sea kayak being stowed for our cruise back to Stamford Harbor, CT

Camping out during Irene

Woke up at 3 am to high winds and vigorous rocking.  We were prepared to expect the storm and hoped that we could stay with RO as long as we were able to monitor it.  To set up a quick getaway, we gathered our life jackets and last min gadgets such as our cell phones and flashlights in a spot close to the hatch door.  The marina managers arranged for all of liveaboards to seek temp housing in an empty unit at the apartments across from the marina, should we need it.   

Through the night, some of us got out of the marina and went to the apt to camp out until the storm passed over.   We finally had to get off the boat.  It didn't feel safe to stay any longer.   We put on life jackets...and I was grateful that we did as we were walking on the dock to the boardwalk.  The dock was buckling wildly.  It was still dark, but the electric towers along the dock were giving out a soft glow of amber light as we used it to guide us to the ramp.  My stomach was in a knot by the time we made it to the parking lot to retrieve our sleeping bags and overnight bags as well.   We had stowed them in the car in the event we needed to get off the boat without carrying a hefty load.

Got to the apt and met up with 4-5 couples that sought refuge like we did.  It turned out to be a social gathering while waiting out the storm.  While the storm broke a bit, we took advantage and left the apt to a diner nearby for breakfast.  It was indeed the only place opened--a delicious breakfast and great company was the way to go! :)

Tom and Bob catching up with family and friends

"Scupper" - our fellow liveaboard found a way to nap on our sleeping bag! 

Left pic: a scratch mark on the piling where the dock rose to nearly a foot and half before the tide finally receded. 

After the peak of Irene

This was taken after the eye of Irene passed us by 10 miles or so.  Went back out to check on the lines one more time.  Braved the winds and some flooding as seen at the end of this video.  Quite a strong storm, but not as bad as it would've been.  We were very lucky!