In 22 days, I'll fly to Los Angeles and assist in the final loading and preparation of Rhiannon for our journey. We're now sponsored by Mechanix Wear for deck gloves, in addition to Columbia Sportswear for our general clothing needs at sea. Mechanix makes these nifty lightweight gloves that are thin enough to let you do fiddly work but strong enough to last in tough conditions.
We've all obtained our Mexican fishing licenses, and my Brother-in-Law Andrew Ellis - sport fisherman and SCUBA captain extraordinaire of Kauai - has made me some killer Mahi-Mahi lures for the trip. We'll keep a fishing line off the stern all the way down the Baja coast and see if we can hook into some dinner. Andrew also sent me the ultimate killer reel for my ocean fishing pole, because that's the kind of ultra-groovy guy he is.
I also went out and found myself some fins, mask, and snorkel for some skindiving along the way. Apparently we can expect whales and all kinds of groovy sea life in Magadalena Bay and in Turtle Bay. Sadly, I don't think I'll get my supercool underwater digital photo rig in time for this trip. Once again, my failure to be a multi-millionaire has a negative impact on my plans!
I find myself thinking more and more about the trip every day - with momentary seizures of panic that I'm not doing enough to prepare. This time last year, I was spending hours each day preparing for the Alcan Winter Rally, but this time Bill and Stacy and Jack and Kerry are doing the heavy lifting of boat preparation. I'll make it up to them along the way with fish and coffee.
I continue to study the sailing books, and Stacy assures me that my bunk will be the most comfy on the boat. All in all, this race is coming into focus, and it looks really good.
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