Still moored at Fleming Key

Obstacles. I was supposed to be in Stock Island on Monday, hauling out Jordan's Ghost and beginning the first of a few basic improvements. I have been planning on getting the boat cleaned up, repainted and possibly re-plumbed before I leave town for Colorado in the first week of January. So far, no luck.

The wind has been blowing out of the east at 20+ for the past couple days, and coastal conditions have been incredibly choppy and wavy. East is exactly where I'd like to go. I tried pushing through it on Monday to no avail. Jordan's Ghost was getting knocked around by four and six foot waves, fighting hard to maintain 2 knots on a reasonable tack. Gusty conditions made it difficult to stay close to the wind, as the direction of the wind seemed to change a few points with each gust. Of course coming back into the harbor -- moving with the wind and waves -- was a breeze to say the least.

I'm hoping that the boatyard I'm trying to get to will still have a place for me by the time I arrive. I'm also concerned about ordering paints and other supplies with the holidays right around the corner. It looks like a rushed couple of weeks no matter how it pans out at this point.

The I Ching had this to say when asked about the situation yesterday:

Sung: Conflict
Conflict. You are sincere,
And are being obstructed.
A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune.
Going through to the end brings misfortune.
It furthers one to see the great man.
It does not further one to cross the great water.

Not much of a revelation, really. The great man here, according to the translation, signifies an impartial authority concerning the conflict. I think it's safe to assume the weather service counts. The I Ching sometimes surprises me by how accurately it seems to grasp fairly mundane situations, but when it comes to advice it's almost always just common sense.

I suppose I'll try to get to Stock Island again today in the hopes that slightly tamer winds have brought calmer seas. If that doesn't fly, I'll just have to keep on waiting for better weather.