OPEN WATER

The river is open and starting to warm. The area marinas are getting into full swing moving boats, boat owners are doing their spring cleaning and laying down fresh wax. This past Friday I was at Sabula, Ia to get a look at Aqua Villa's stripped hull before the crew at Island city Harbor starts applying the new bottom paint. As part of the stripping portion of the bottom job they check for blisters and other defects and potential problems. All in all the bottom looks great, however they did find a few small spots of glass separation in identical spots under the swim platform. There are small built up rails that drop down about six inches on both sides and it was here that an area about the size of a small saucer on the vertical surface. After a quick look I decided that it would best to repair these spots rather than take the risk. The job is pretty straight forward having to explore the area cleaning out the loose separated glass getting back to solid material and then start filling and re-glassing the affected areas.
Aside of this setback it looks like we will be back in the water with our new bottom paint and ready to go. I sure was glad that Jerry's crew stripped the bottom because they had to remove ten layers of the old stuff, what a job. Who knows we may pick up a small bit of speed after dropping the weight and being a whole slicker than she was before. I hope to get some photos during the glass repair over the next few days.
So long for now we'll see you on the water.
THE AQUA VILLA CREW AND ENTERTAINMENT DEPT.

SHIPS OF STEEL MEN OF IRON

JUST A FEW MORE SSBN PICS BEFORE WE SWITCH TOPICS. THIS TIME YOU WILL SEE THE HENRY CLAY AT PEARL HARBOR, A NIGHT SHOT IN HOLY LOCK SCOTLAND MOORED WITH THE JEFFERSON, AN UNDERWAY PHOTO, A CLOSE UP OF THE SPM ( SECONDARY PROPULSION MOTOR) BIG BLACK MINKOTA AND A AI REAL VIEW OF THE FIRTH OF FAY IN SCOTLAND WHERE OUR MOBILE SUB BASES ARE. THE FLY OVER PICTURE WOULD NOT BE CLASSIFIED AS THE RUSSIANS HAVE OVER FLOWN THIS LOCATION ON A WEEKLY BASIS FOR A LONG TIME . JUST NOSY I GUESS. THEY USUALLY DID THERE LOW PASS PHOTOGRAPHY AT NIGHT WHICH WAS PRETTY COOL BECAUSE YOU KNEW THAT THERE WOULD BE F4'S CHASING THEIR RED AFTERBURNERS WITHIN A MINUTE OR SO, SOME TIMES THE RUSKIS AND OUR BOYS WOULD BE AS CLOSE AS A QUARTER MILE.

MOOSE

BACK IN THE DAY

BACK IN THE BUBBLE HEAD DAYS THINGS WERE A BIT DIFFERENT. I SERVED ON BOARD THE USS SSBN 625 THE HENRY CLAY BALLISTIC SUBMARINE. JUST RECENTLY I HAVE UNCOVERED A FEW WEB SIGHTS THAT ALLOW SHARING OF PHOTOS. YOU'LL KNOW ME, I'M THE ONE WITH THE BEARD. I SHOULD MENTION THAT JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY HAD A BEARD BUT I STILL THINK YOU'LL BE ABLE TO PICK ME OUT. OK IT'S THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE ENGINEERING SPACE CONTROL ROOM, THE EQUIVALENT OF THE COCKPIT OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE.

PLEASE ENJOY THE NOSTALGIC PHOTOS.

MOOSE

FOLLOW UP

PHOTOS THAT DIDN'T ATTACH BEFORE

SORRY, MOOSE

SPRING TIME AT FRENTRESS

WELL WE ARE ALL MOST THERE, THE ICE ICE RECEDING FROM THE MAIN CHANEL INTO THE BACKWATERS. AT THIS TIME EVERY YEAR MIGRATIONS OF WATERFOWL, AND OTHER BIRDS OF PREY FOLLOW THE OPENING RIVER AND IT'S TRIBUTARY WATERS IN A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP OF FOOD AND FLIGHT. THE AVAILBLE FISH FOR EAGLES AND OPEN WATER FOR THE DIVING DUCKS MAKE THERE MIGRATIONS POSSIBLE. AS MUCH AS THE RIVER MELT THE WARM AIR MOVING INTO THE MIDWEST ON SUNNY SPRING DAYS MAKE FOR GREAT SAILING ON THE UP DRAFTS PUSHUNG OFF THE BLUFFS OF IOWA AND WISCONSIN. THIS TIME OF YEAR MAKES TAKING PICTURESOF OUR FEATHERED FREINDS MUCH EASIER. PLEASE ENJOY THE PHOTOS FROM LAST WEEK TAKEN AT FRENTRESS LAKE MARINA AND STAY TUNED FOR A ROUND OF NOTSTAGIC SHOTS FROM MY SUBMARINE DAYS COMING SOON.

AQUA VILLA PHOTOGRAPHER AND DOCK BOY!

MOOSE

THE POWER OF THE SUN

The power of the sun can be measured in many ways but my favorite is how it can lift you up from a long winter. Going on vacations to exotic sunny destinations has always been a favorite but this year we found a new exuberance wrapped up in all of that warmth. You see this year will be the first spring launch for the Aqua Villa at her new home in northern Illinois and we didn't expect the spring fever motivation that our last sunny stay-a-way provided. While staying with our friends Capt. Rick and 1st Mate Pamela on board the Tourist Lisa and I found much more than the usual vacation calamity that occurs while on holiday. This trip was different than all the rest, an emotional awakening of sorts knowing that soon we would be feeling the warm breezes from the deck of our Aqua Villa. With thoughts recommissioning check lists and new projects for the up coming season swimming through the coconut rum and gin our brains we found ourselves smiling uncontrollably. Let me tell you, if you try this and throw in an occasional dolphin flipping in the wake you'll find that same smile. I'll even pass along a recipe that will get you there and never miss. Here's what you'll need, a boat with the hook in the sand and a hot grill, the freshest tuna money can buy, a good bottle of wine with a post card sunset. I just don't think it can get any better than that!

Until next time
The Aqua Villa Crew

WINTER BLUES

Winter just keeps on coming, making us wait patiently till she thaws. While out and about today we did a drive by just to check on the ice we are renting for the winter and it looks like a solid investment. Laid up and covered Vagabond looks much better this year with her reinforced cover not a slump or sag to be seen. We are planning a trip to Island City Marina, Sabula, Ia. this coming or the following week to check on Aqua Villa's storage condition. During this visit I'll be measuring the microwave cabinet for an upgrade to a convection style unit in the spring. Ah spring....... There will be a lot going on with the Aqua Villa in a few months time as she is slated to get her bottom stripped and new anti-foul applied and brand new canvas to keep her topside looking good. With the old davit removed and faux teak installed on her swim platform along with a new Hurley rib load and launch system we'll be ready for the summer sun. Right now the ice in the slip is about 24 inches and getting thicker I'm sure.

Aqua Villa Dock Boy and Ice Monitor

Flippin trip

This past weekend I had the pleasure of traveling with friends to Flippin, Ar. to meet with there new home contractor. While this was a working weekend trip we had sometime that was devoted to seeing the very beautiful scenery of the Bull Shoals - White River State Park. Even with the parks winter coat of grey she reveled her rugged terrain and amazing vistas in grand form. Just as impressive was the view taken in from the build site not far from the park. After seeing this grand area it's quite easy to see why so many call it home. It was cold while we were there but not 30 below like it was at home in Scales Mound, IL. On Saturday when we started home it got up to near 50 degrees and stayed there till we got north of St. Louis.

Midwest Winter Scene

Last nights winter weather brings a new look to the old neighborhood.

17 DEG. FOR THE HIGH TODAY WITH THE SUN IS SHINNING MAKE ME THINK OF WARMER THOUGHTS. LIKE FOR INSTANCE OUR LAST DIVE TRIP TO TURKS CAICOS, HOT HUMID BREEZY, WARM WATER, SHARKS, AND WHOLESALE RELAXATION. FYI CLICKING THE HEELS OF YOUR FUZZY SLIPPERS TOGETHER JUST DON'T QUITE GET YOU THERE. ALTHOUGH I HAVEN'T TRIED THIS WITH A TROPICAL BEVERAGE IN HAND. TODAYS PHOTOS SHOULD HELP TAKE YOU TO THAT WARM WATER PARADISE WHERE THAT BALMY SALT BREEZE MELTS AWAY THE CHILL, (NORTHERN VIEWERS). FOR ALL YOU SOUTHERN VIEWERS, WATCH OUT FOR SAND FLEAS AND SUNBURN!

HAVE A GREAT DAY WHEREVER YOU PUT YOUR FEET UP.
LOUNGE STAFF

WINTER DAYS

REALY FEELS LIKE WINTER OUTSIDE TODAY. COLD AND DAMP WITH SOME LIGHT SNOW AND JUST ENOUGH WIND TO KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS OF SPRING AT BAY. I FOUND THIS APPLE TREE GROWING WILD WITH WHAT LOOKS LIKE MOST OF IT'S FRUIT STILL ON THE LIMB. LONG STORY SHORT ANY COLOR THIS TIME OF YEAR CATCHES ONE'S EYE PREETY QUICK.

GETTING STARTED

100% HUMIDITY GULF BLUE
















ICW WILDLIFE LOW TIDE






FT. LAUDERDALE MARINA
OUR NEW BOAT SANDY BEACH
(AKA) AQUA VILLA