In years past, preparing for winter was an intense process, usually covering one or two long days. All engines, big and small, would get fresh oil, fuel lines drained, lawn and garden furniture stored, all water lines in the boat and trailer pumped full of antifreeze, and so on. Each step carried a sense of urgency that comes with having a very limited amount of time in which to complete them. In the case of the Wayback, specifically, I usually had to deliver a fully winterized boat to the haul out dock before the end of the day, and before someone else slipped their boat in ahead of me. There was not an option to just bring it the next day whenever the marina crew was ready for it.
In retirement, however, that process can be extended as needed or wanted. I can do everything more deliberately and thoughtfully, making sure to cover all those little things that some times get passed over in haste. This is the first time I was able to watch the lifting of the Wayback from the haul out well, and prepare it for covering with its plastic winter shell, neatly packing canvas covers, lifejackets, bumpers, and nav hardware. It's also more ceremonial in nature, leaving a sense of transition and adjustment.
Winterization also included the new experience of "one last ride" as part of that transition. One last short boat ride around the horn for Bonnie and I to warm the engines one last time. One last ride of the motorcycle to burn off some of that older fuel, taking in the last of fall.
So I feel more ready for winter, now....*#SMACK@*....
Wow, It's here - almost overnight. Glad we have things tucked away (thanks to Bonnie's last minute tidying of the yard, with Kent's help) as we snuggle into our chairs with our books.
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