From: "Jon Bickel" <papillon31@earthlink.net>

Subject: Papillon update

Date: Tue Oct 21, 2003 09:35:58 AM US/Central

N 36ƒ51.28 W 76ƒ21.64

We have arrived in greater Portsmouth, Va and am enjoying the peace and tranquility of Lilly Creek after a somewhat rough trip down the Chesapeake Bay. That is to be expected this time of year as the fronts start becoming cooler and more frequent this time of year. We had one great day, one not so great day and two days of rough and ready. However, as expected we arrived safe and sound mainly due to our seamanship skills ? and a good strong ship to get us here. I'm thinking if we return next summer to leave earlier and either drive back for the boat show or forgo it altogether.

Anyway, Lori flys in tomorrow and everyone is gearing up for her visit and planning a good time. Hopefully she will get some time for some well deserved R&R.

Gives me some time to get caught up on boat work. I have ordered the parts to repair my water pump which will give me another complete spare. I think I know what caused the pulley to fail and will try and keep it from recurring. I also have to get a Island Packet Owners newsletter out while I have access to the printers. I found and ordered a new battery for my primary laptop so I can get it up and running again. Today we send the wind generator blades back to FL to be repaired and rebalanced. (Joe they will be comming your way eventually and I will get reaquainted with them when I get down to Jacksonville. ) The fridge needs defrosting and then restocked for the trip south and we need to get ready to head for our trip through the Dismal Swamp.

Have to tell you about Ruby and what a hero she is. While running into a 20-25 knot Southwest wind out of the Solomons to Reedsville it was a little rough. I had filled the water tanks before leaving and with all the motion the port tank was dumping water out of the hand pump in the galley and it was running across the floor. This set my little feline friend into motion. She knew there was suppose to be water outside the boat, she had spent plenty of time looking at it, but not running through the inside. She got up on the Navigation Table and proceed to hollar at the top of her lungs. Of course she got my attention and eventually I got up and stuck my head below to see what she wanted. Thats when I saw the water and went below to find out where it was comming from. The bilge was ok and the engine compartment was relatively dry. I moped up the water and she quieted down and I went back up into the cockpit. About 20 minutes later she started hollaring again. I jumped up and just as I suspected water was flowing across the floor again. I clean it up, she settled down and this time I drained some water from the tank. I gave her a handful of cookies (treats) and good healthly rub and realized I have live alarm to keep this boat afloat.

Capt Jon & Ruby

" I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer "

Check out our Bay Map charting our position and updated pictures on http://liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/Chartourcourse.html