It starts with something small.  A plaque, a painting, a bird house.  But when it draws from many minds and skills; it grows, it empowers, it spreads, and it reaches out.  We are makers.  We are Seeker.  ‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.’ — Carl Sagan

Bart and I finally finished off cutting and fitting the Ipe deck tiles. And Max flew in from Reno Nevada to finish up the grinding and tapping on all 44 deck equipment hold down nuts and complete some of the remaining welding. Live if good! We’ll be moving on to complete the fuel tanks with some POR 15 Tank Sealer.

Alexis and Josh have made it out to Colorado, and Kevin and picked up where they left off.  Meanwhile Paul has been prepping the main mast sections to be joined.  Bart and I have been working on floor tiles, and Betsy has been filling orders from the Junk Store and working on the foresail.  Many thanks to everybody that has been shopping at our Overpriced Junk Store.  We appreciate the support. –Doug

Sailmaking:  It’s basically some sticks, string and cloth.   Don’t get too wrapped up in the details.  You can do this.  There are lots of people willing to help.  If they say,  “This is a critical part of the boat, you need to get a professional”  they are not helping, move on to the next person.    Find the “Can Do” people like Betsy that will read all the books and sew for hours.  Find the people like Kim and Robin that have done it before you and who will share their experiences.  And find a group of friends like Kitty, Jonas, Craig and Andrew that share your passion for building things.  Seeker Crew Are Awesome. –Doug

Meet Francis Estrella, who showed up to teach me about freedom, kindness and happiness. While working up on the boat we noticed a man with a backpack that walked off the railroad tracks at sat down on the curb across the street to rest. Homeless are common on our street so other than the instrument case he fit right in. He gave us a friendly wave and waited till we took a break before he rang the bell at the gate. He said he didn’t want to take any of our time, but he had been watching our videos and had come by to give us a coin to place under the mast. After chatting a bit, I learned he had traveled well over 2000 miles from Oakland California to press a Buffalo Head nickel into my hand. Next time you see what you think is just another lost soul. Stop to consider he might be Francis. He’s not lost at all, and he is someone you should really meet. –Doug

More About Frances Estrella:

Oakland Resident Is a Rambling Man

Remember the Children Born On Our Streets

Alexis and Josh joined us this weekend.  They have studied, worked hard, saved, build a van and are now traveling the US in search for fertile soil to make a home and follow their dreams.  It’s the kind of fearless living that build this country and it’s inspirational.