Reasons to be cheerful...

[xelasnave]

Standing back and looking at folk I notice a propensity to focus upon the negative, which given the propaganda that is constantly creating fear and distress from many sources, I can understand somewhat.

However it really is helpful to take the time to appreciate the wonderful world and indeed the wonderful times we live in...my friend in the city is often on the phone wringing his hands about this or that and clearly he is a victim of the negative sensationalism that curses our media.

I settle him down by telling him to go outside and look around and tell me what he can see that is a problem. After a while he realises that he really should stop watching the news and know that if anything important happens someone like me will ring and let him know.

So please take some time to appreciate what we have and that the zombies are not outside nor is it likely they will be any time soon.

We seem to live in the best country on the planet in times second to none in the entire history of humanity but few appreciate our wonderful position.

So if you would like to contribute to creating a better world please take the time to present here some aspect of our existence that you find particularly wonderful...

alex

[The_bluester]

It is nice to see a thread that echos my thoughts. I have largely given up on media over the last couple of years due to carping negativity.

For something that I personally find pretty wonderful (And leaving astro pursuits out of it as that would be a bit obvious and trite) I live on 40 acres a reasonable distance out of a smallish town (Though growing) and the last few years have seen an influx of birdlife. It is really nice to be able to sit here and see the wagtails giving curry to Kookaburras (And occasionally see their little cousin, the Sacred Kingfisher, though we usually hear it for days before we spot it) while the little grass parrots poke around on the ground and the Crimson Rosellas and Rainbow Lorrikeets do the same in the trees, and the Cockatoos discuss with the mountain ducks the topic of who gets to have that hole in the tree this year. Then there are the Wattle Birds flitting from tree to tree and the Grey Shrike Thrush deafening me in my shed (How can such a little bird make such a big sound) Then there are the black cockatoos that come through occasionally, or the Boobook owls we see now and again.

We even get a little Dabchick that comes through and drives the dogs mad as they run around the dam trying to get close to it, every time they get nearish, it flips underwater and pops up on the far side of the dam again. Hours of exercise for the dogs.

The only birds I miss is because we had a bushfire go across the place nearly ten years ago and I have not seen a Blue Wren since, we keep suitable little low dense prickly shrubs around the place and I am hopeful they will show up again sooner or later.

[pmrid]

When we lived on a 200 acre farm with great dark skies, there were many delights. Foremost among them was the birdlife. My wife and I kept a track of our sightings and by the time we sold up and left, we had reached 34 species. Some were out of season wanderers and some we only ever saw once but each one was a gift we treasured.

[xelasnave]

Thank you gentlemen.

I do like the birds...happily I have little blue wrens that nearly come into the van.
I put out bread crumbs which they seem to like.

My joy is I have two bandicouts (Digger and Goldie) who call by each night for a hand out ..one night I fell asleep before giving them a treat and they have come inside and helped themselves to a loaf of bread I had packed to take on a trip to Ballina and took out two slices.

So it does not take much to be cheerful other than focusing on reality.

alex

[Dennis]

It appears that we have a "negativity bias" which is understood to be related to survival.

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-09004-002

"Abstract
Hypothesizes that there is a general bias, based on both innate predispositions and experience, in animals and humans, to give greater weight to negative. This is manifested in 4 ways: (a) negative potency (negative entities are stronger than the equivalent positive entities), (b) steeper negative gradients (the negativity of negative events grows more rapidly with approach to them in space or time than does the positivity of positive events, (c) negativity dominance (combinations of negative and positive entities yield evaluations that are more negative than the algebraic sum of individual subjective valences would predict), and (d) negative differentiation."

So, if we see a piece of rope and mistake it for a snake, we give it a wide berth.

If we see a snake and mistake it for a piece of rope, it might bite us.

Therefore, erring on the side of caution might mean that we get to live another day.

Dennis

EDIT:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/articles/200306/our-brains-negative-bias

[xelasnave]

Thank you Dennis for taking the time to present that most interesting paper and I must say it is clear that negativity seems to be a simple primative response left over from the days where our ancestors were trying to assimilate the invention of rope into their world but in modern times with a predominance of rope and rope like things, computer cables extention leads and the like, confusion between a snake and rope would now suggest that one needs to take a trip to the optometrist and obtain better glasses.

AND so I encourage folk to cast out negativity with the realisation that is a now un necessary indulgence from times past much like a fear of the dark which of course to us is now seen as ludicrous.

alex

[Dennis]

Just to add to the discussion Alex, research also suggests that we may also have a positivity bias.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31037451/

"Numerous studies on episodic future thinking have demonstrated that individuals perceive their future as more positive and idyllic than their past. It has been suggested that this positivity bias might serve a self-enhancement function."

I guess we just need to make more use of our prefrontal cortex (PFC) which intelligently regulates our thoughts, actions and emotions through extensive connections with other brain regions.

This way we can (hopefully) transcend these other biases.

Cheers

Dennis

[xelasnave]

I find the beauty of the internet is you can make a case for most things:)

I think the most dangerous bias is that of " confirmation bias" which has us seeking support of for our ideas and applying a filter to ignore anything that is not in line with our belief...certainly I have to work hard at times to remain positive.

We all suffer from confirmation bias, some much much more than some and excessive confirmation bias is a common trait we can find with fundamentalists and conspiracy theorists.

I don't believe in anything and repeat such on a regular basis to remind myself that assigning levels of confidence to any proposition helps avoid the confirmation bias inherit with holding a belief.

The grave flaw with forming a belief is that you have taken a position that switches on confirmation bias however if one merely assigns a level of confidence I think ( believe ;)) you are more open to analysing new information without opinion being clouded by existing belief.

Thank you Dennis for your stimulating input.

alex

[Dennis]

Thank you too Alex, :thumbsup: for your thoughtful, reflective and interesting posts that reveal some of the deeper elements of life that often get obscured in the daily hurly-burly of just keeping our heads above water.

Its good to get off the hamster wheel once in a while, to pause and admire the rich tapestry of life flowing by.:)

have a great day.

Dennis

[N1]

Astronomy with today's gear, and your posts Alex, just to name a couple.

[xelasnave]

Well thank you very much Mirko that is most generous and kind of you to find joy from my contributions here.

However the absence of additional input in this thread I can only take to mean that folk can't find much to be cheerful about or they are not prepared to share their secrets to happiness.

Merry christmas to all:D.


alex

[pmrid]

Alex, let me offer an explanation. There is such an avalanch of negativity and reproach in daily life these days that the small sparks of joy become dimmed if not extinguished. Around the country people of good heart are being assailed by the voices constantly demanding this and that or insisting that our right to call our country our own is invalid.

It is hard to focus on our small delights when we are being told we have no right to them.

[xelasnave]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your input.

I would suggest that the issues I think you are referring to , well it doesn't matter for my point as any troublesome matter can be viewed in the way I suggest...all worrysome issues really are not new but what is new is the fact that we now live in a world where there are many more journalists than ever before and in addition countless folk who now have a platform..er many platforms, available via the internet.to talk dribble and find a following..it seems to me any voice can now be heard and any issue can be presented to seem as if it is of huge importance when really it is not .... and activists via social media can orchestrate massive turnouts like never before...but if all they get is 200,000 it is just a very small part of the population....and so think where all this leaves the main stream media..it provides them with a never ending supply of hand wringing stories that clearly they "do to death" and it would seem their journalist standards are just not there these days as they happily give time to what really are minority voices ... and so I say ignore them..I just do not watch the swill that is offered up as news these days...

Rather just look at how CBA shares are doing ...mmm no massive downward movement today and how can that be if the world is going downhill in a hand cart.


Now as to folk trying to take what is ours as you put it..waste of time...spitting in the wind oratory that gets air time why?..

Look ...go to your bank as them to show you your title deed then go read up on just what rights that gives you and then ask realistically how can those rights be taken away..the law..the law...that's what we should be most cheerful about.

There is am old but forgotten saying..." empty vessels make the most noise" which is to have us consider the merit of those folk ranting at the top of their voices.

Anyways don't fall victim to the makers of swill and just refuse to stand near the trough when they dish out the garbage.

As I say to my friend who rings with indigestion from too much swill..just look outside and tell me what you see..go up the street and tell me what you see...all this swill seems actually rather rare in reality.

And then you get these folk complaining that things are not as good as the good old days...what nonsense..the memory they recall is the leave it to beaver fantasy world that only existeded on the set of the movie being produced.

Confront negativity...and then simply ignore it..if it is not in your front yard just ask if you really should waste time thinking about it...

Add by edit...some of these stories one feels driven to offer a logical arguement in opposition to what you may see as an unrealistic proposition...don't bother, don't bite and just think about something worthy of your time.

alex

[pmrid]

G'day Alex. I find it hard to shut my eyes and think of England when members of my family for generation after generation have died defending this country only to be told by someone that they died for nothing. It is too much to ignore I'm afraid.

[xelasnave]

My contention is these folk are simply not worth the effort of any response whatsoever and to let them ruin your day no doubt makes them happy as their intention is to stir you and others up with their thoughtless claims...as a minority being obnoxious is the only way they get air time...but I think the media sinks to a disgusting low by airing such stuff...and really why do you think they do? It does not pass for news does it?

They just don't count, they are after all wrong, you see ... so deny them the response that they set out to obtain...they can blather all they like but they cant change history..can they?

I suspect they have shallow lives and being obnoxious is their effort to attract attention ...deny them all attention as their opinion does not bear listening to.

You look after yourself and stay focused on folk who are important to you and not mere " empty vessels".

alex

[Leo.G]

I suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis and have done so for over 50 years, I have to stay positive or I'd have put a bullet through my head years ago (when guns were readily available).
On a side note, birds always make me smile, two legged, feathered and non feathered varieties, my cats always make me laugh and I just received computer RAM I only ordered yesterday afternoon from Gordon (North shore) via Australia post.
I'm baffled how that happened but I'm rather happy about it at the moment, it means I can set up an old desktop to take out to play with some cameras I was recently given by an amazing gentleman (fellow IIS member).


As for the doom and gloom, I refuse to watch the NEWS!
There's always been wars, every week another starts somewhere else, people die (sad, always sad) but it happens and I believe has done so since time began. Usually through greed, you have something someone else wants (oil perhaps) and they have might on their side.

I have more pressing matters in my own life.


I do make a point of always finding something to smile/laugh about every day; My quick wit and making others laugh has been a great source of lifting my mood over the years, the worse I feel the funnier I am. I don't know if it can be explained psychologically (psychotically maybe?) but I am sick in the head, certified, I get chronic migraines daily which have been well documented by every major neurological clinic in Sydney.

[xelasnave]

Good on you Leo.:thumbsup:

It is a great kindness to make folk laugh and to spread happiness rather than gloom.

I greatly hope that your suffering eases somewhat or at least you keep your resolve to keep going notwithstanding the difficulties that pain forces upon one.

You look after yourself.

alex

[Renato1]

I get cheerful when I watch video podcasts from overseas about what possible future possible financial catastrophes could mean to everyday people. The prognosis isn't very good.

So, why am I cheerful?
The reason is that they often suggest the best answer is to move to Australia.
Cheers,
Renato

[xelasnave]

Good Morning Renato I hope you and yours are doing well.

I find cheer that these folk who report upon finance are so good at finance they must become journalists ....it seems a key part of the occupation of journalism is to wrap all stories in fear and a negative outlook to appeal to the hand wringers that make up their followers...and even with a minimal grasp on economics anyone can not arrive at any other conclusion than Australia really is the best place ...on all counts...a country where the Government will pay you not to work in order to subscribe to the Optimum Un Employement policy as the major tool for fiscal management ( inflation minimisation).

I recall from the distant past, from various years and over many years, the boom of doom from the various financial journalists that the real estate bubble was about to burst....I also recall a friend who believed one such prediction and sold his beautiful little town house at Fairfield ( Sydney suburb) following the suggestion from one of these experts on doom to sell up and buy much cheaper after the real estate crash had done its worst...he sold up at $37,750-00 no doubt just before the bubble was set to burst and rented a house and waited for the crash...and waited and has been paying rent ever since.

AND of course things can go bad, history tells us that, but a cheerful outlook would seem the best way to manage any adversity.

When I was in hospital ( the various times) I treated it as a holiday...a nice room with and ensuite, ladies who bought me morning and afternoon tea, indeed all my meals delivered by lovely people, and the food was wonderful mainly because I did not have to cook it...and each day a team of lovely doctors would call making me feel like I was the only patient they cared for...I did not whinge about getting out or the food was bad and felt sad for those who could not manage the experience as a mini adventure...

Anyways the main thing that makes me cheerful each day is that I am here to enjoy it and if I do not wake up one day that I will not know that the morning never came for me.

alex

[Constant]

I’m just so happy we don’t hear anymore Covid nonsense

[Renato1]

Hi Alex,
Thanks. but all is not well with my poor back - I haven't been able to do any viewing for much of the year, and will be getting another back operation in a few weeks. Where I will be having the regular fight about taking my diabetes sign away so that I get the good hospital meals, and not the rubbish diabetes ones. Last time I was there a month and a half back, I had to raid the ward kitchen and steal a heap of biscuits, I was so hungry. Then I got a nurse to grab me some sandwiches.

Basically, Australia is far away from most every thing nasty, and we have pretty much every we really need here (except oil - may need more car LPG conversions?) - which is why those overseas see it as a safe haven.

Our last housing crash was back in the early 90s with the "recession we had to have" - people could buy house with 95% borrowed money, and still not be negatively geared. People were putting in dumb bids at auction - and winning. Though the effects didn't last that long.

Waking up each morning is definitely a reason to be cheerful.
Cheers,
Renato

[xelasnave]

Hi David I hope you are doing fine.

In relation to Covid I did get some some cheer when the predictions of the anti vaxer I know, those of folk losing arms when vacinated and that 95% of those vacinated would die and indeed all his alarmist stories all proved false ... even more joy to see the anti vax numbers drop to 2% ...

Of course his answer as to the failure of his 95% death rate prediction was predictably

" they are keeping the deaths secret"

...I get much cheer from knowing that I am not a delusional nut job who falls for the swill that was put out by liar web sites.

alex

[xelasnave]

Well you are lucky to be off on another adventure that will provide you not only with, hopefully, a sucessful resolution of your back issues, but the opportunity of using your cunning to satisfy your basic needs of hunger. Sounds like the makings of a great movie.

The good news is all the astro objects, well not any comets of course, will be waiting for your inspection when you have completed your adventure.

Mmmm if I may suggest ...that real estate crash was actually only a down turn;)

I had my real estate office and went three months with out one sale but I recoved those lost sales within the following six weeks..demand backs up but finally breaks out ... things were such that a real estate agent in Bondi charged folk a fee to place a photo of their house for sale in his shop front window..unbelievable but that indicates how tuff it became ...these days I expect you could sell any of those houses over the phone at the vendors asking price to any of a long list of cashed up buyers.

All the best and keep your great and admirable cheerful attitude as with it you will always be an outstanding sucess.

alex

[croweater]

Hi Alex I'm happy because I turned 60 the other day which on some occasions I thought might not happen :) My wife bought me an electric bike so I can now whiz up the hills around Mount Gambier barely racing a sweat. It's a fabulous machine. Also it was my 35th wedding anniversary yesterday. My wife wrote on the card she gave me "all the best which you already have because you have me".
Now I couldn't argue with that but told her that I wish I could say the same to her. :lol:
Cheers, Richard

PS enjoying your thread to lift peoples spirits

[alan meehan]

Leave it to Beaver havent heard that one for some time great show back in the day, great thoughts ALEX ,Wish you well for christmas as well ,we might even get another christmas comet who knows

[xelasnave]

Hi Richard ...I once lived a rather "fast" life style such that I thought I would not get past 35...and now I have doubled that and some..and you know I thought when you got old you would sortta feel brain dead but I am so happy to find I am probably more on the ball than I have ever been...and I won't let my problems interfere with the enjoyment of my life.

After completing the observatory I started to feel that I needed a new project...as I could not get into my little tinnie from the jetty on my dam..my legs you see are not flash.. I thought I will drag it out so I don't have to attend to it in the water...well the funniest thing...I found I could get in and out when it was by the shore....so I thought great if I get a trailer and motor I can go fishing...Anyways I have been working on this little boat ( 12 ft tinnie) and decided to add a mast and sail..so I have done that and this morning finished making the sail..I used a cotton drip ( er drop?) sheet which I dyed red yesterday..what a drama...soon I will get the trailer I bought sorted and today the new outboard should turn up...so it's all happening.

I am thinking a sailing trip up the coast because it would be a decent challenge in a small open boat.

It's so nice to hear of the wonderful relationship you have.

AND I am very happy that you are enjoying this thread ...I must say that I am also enjoying being involved and communicating with real people.

You take care of you both and enjoy your travels on your nice new electric bike.

alex

[xelasnave]

Hi Alan...yes leave it to beaver ..so few would know.

AND you have a great Christmas as well but I must say every day is Christmas day for me...I wake up with that feeling I would have as a kid getting excited to check the presents as each day I have neat stuff to look forward to doing..I am pushing myself to make my legs work better and you know I really think it is working. The lump in the neck I am willing away ..a work in progress but although it is not going away it seems to have stopped growing...the start of the reversal no doubt.

The doctors are surprised that I am doing so well..my oncologist confideded that "they" thought I would not make it past six months after the operation and the nature of the cancer in my lung..it is still there but it's not growing etc. AND two friends both who were sorry to hear of my issues have sadly passed away before me..I know it sounds terrible but that some how makes me happy .. I said back then I will out live some folk who now pity me and I have..


Take care and so wonderful to hear from you.

alex

[croweater]

Glad to see you are still snubbing your nose at any of the health issues you have had and are meeting new challenges Alex. Just make sure you wear a life jacket. I too enjoyed sailing for many years down here in the Southern Ocean in a small 19ft sloop. If you find the time a photo of your little dinghy with the mast and sail up would be nice. But if you find you are too busy, no matter . Best wishes Alex. I always enjoy posts of your advenrures.
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

Hi Richard.
I am still adjusting stuff but here is something to give you an idea of what I am doing.

Thank you for your interest.

alex

[croweater]

Nice job Alex. I like your gaff rig setup. Of course she will need a name.
Thanks for posting.
Regards Richard

[xelasnave]

Hmmmm......a name?

I can't think of a name.

alex

[croweater]

Red Dwarf? Antares? Red Tin Tin. Simply Red. Red Baron. Red Rover. Red Herring. Red Alert. Code Red. :)
Sorry Alex. I'm on night shift. It's keeping me awake.
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

Don't be sorry as I am happy to hear of ideas...I suppose there should be an official launching as well:D

The outboard that was to arrive Thursday did not and they now say the following Thursday...same day as the new appointment to fit the tow bar..that will be 5 weeks plus from paying my deposit...but there is still plenty more to do with the boat so I won't let it worry me...then getting the trailer registered...why are my hobbies so much work?

alex

[pmrid]

Hi Alex. Your project reminded me of the wooden kit boat my late father built to help him in the wake of my mother's death. It was a lugsail sloop rig Scruffiec16 in pre-cut kit form still available today. Google and YouTube will get you there. It was a great help to him but by the time he finished it, he was not able to manage it on his own so it fell into disuse. He named it the "Blue Goose". I get teary thinking about it so many years later.

[xelasnave]

Wow!!!
Thanks for posting that photo Peter...needless to say I love it...I have built a 16 ft mini cruiser and although I have owned 22 ft, 27ft and 28 ft boats that little 16 ft was in retrospect perfect. I designed the interior and it fitted like a glove.
I have even thought of doing something with the aluminium one to make it capable of a world trip...and if I can come up with a suitable design for a keel well it probably will happen..the build not the world trip. adding a keel ( or bilge keels) is not that easy to fit to a boat not designed for same...still most things are doable when you think it thru...maybe some hard wood internal framing to hang the keels from...I do have some excavator blades that could work as bilge keels.



Thanks again.

alex

[xelasnave]

It does not have to be big to cross oceans...this one is only one metre..built for an Atlantic crossing.

alex

[glend]

I won't go into everything that is wrong with that contraption. Sadly, the odds are not in his favour. But he will likely just fire up the EPIRB, when he realizes his stupidity, assuming he brought one with him. Then he becomes another mariner's problem.

He reminds me of all the nutters that tried to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

[xelasnave]

I did not want to be negative but the attempt failed as apparently the boat fell apart..but I did not watch that part of the video as I felt it may put me off:D

Now here is something a little bigger.

https://youtu.be/vwQ_jO_4xdg?si=For5gqpxggELicrc

alex

[Leo.G]

I've always accepted there are people a lot worse off than I am health wise.
Though I was forcibly retired at 31, disability pension isn't an income where I was previously on a high salary but I've survived. I don't live a lavish life, far from it, I drive a 32 year old Ford Falcon and endeavour to do what work is required as required (I do my own mechanical and electronics) but it is what it is, I can either look at all of the negatives and be miserable or find positives (Like I don't have to take my car to a mechanic because it's impossible to logically figure out what's wrong with it, even for the mechanics). I'm alive, though I NEVER make plans and live each day as it comes dependant on how I feel when I wake up. I still get to do what I enjoy on occasions. I don't go on holidays and trips further than the local shops are rare.

I'm sure my life could be worse if I wanted to focus on the negatives.


Having spent many periods in my life where deep depression has taken hold for one reason or another I've found it extremely beneficial to force myself to look at any situation from more than just my one, warped, narrow minded perspective. It's kept me alive and a semblance of sanity in my life.


I have read things here and believe you have gone through much worse Alex, you too are a fighter.


Stay well!

[Leo.G]

It doesn't look like a suitable craft to cross the local lake, what if he has to pee?
Where/how does he sleep?


As for Niagara falls, I believe the mob learned concreting the feet within the barrel made it much safer (for someone)?



Then there were the group of people who tried to go to the wreck of the Titanic, again, sheer madness.
It's an interesting read relating to the cycling of carbon fibre going into compression and decompression, apparently the US navy have done research on the material before the Titan tragedy. Carbon fibre eventually de-laminates and there appeared to be no official safety checks in place other than "we have your money, we're going down".
And the story about instant death has been revised stating everyone in the Titan knew what was going to happen for a while before they were tragically crushed as they desperately tried to surface in the sub.

[xelasnave]

Well today I decided to go fishing at Ballina even though the boat is not available yet..I got there and it was raining and blowing a gale but I thought not to let those little things put me off:D...so I pulled up on the old ramp for the ferry ( next to the current ferry) ..it was great as I could get real close to the water...not much walking... and I could cast my line and sit in the car with the rod out the crack I held open..it was so windy the car door would get blown shut if I did not hold it open with my foot:eyepop:I did that to keep a little dry.

Anyways I was rewarded for my positive outlook with a nice flathead and a nice bream both over the legal length...now cleaned sitting in my freezer to be eaten next week sometime...

So even not being ideal weather I had a wonderful day and shouted myself a dozen Pacific oysters to have while looking at the ferry cross...these Pacific oysters are much better than I remember them ..bigger and perfect in taste...expensive but worth it for a treat occasionally..just topped off the day.

Years ago I thought fishing was cruel but I have been watching so many fishing "catch and cook" videos that I caught the bug..I still think catching and releasing is cruel..killing them and eating them not so cruel..odd way to see it really...

I was so tired by the end of today I could not bring myself to cook...but I have prepared some real nice salad and sardine ( Sprats) mix that I use as filling for rice paper rolls which although simple is top notch tucker.

alex

[N1]

Here's another one: 2 more sleeps and 'trick or treat' is done with for another year :D

[seeker372011]

Hey Alex, hope you are safe, the news says fires your neck of the woods

[xelasnave]

Hi Narayan

The fire is about 7 klms away...so I went to town and bought another 40 mtrs of fire hose ...that should take care of it;) and having a dam and a life jacket I can fight it right to the last...

It was scarey last night with gusting wind and being able to see the glow in the sky but I dropped down to have a look ( it's Sortta in my road) before I went to town this morning and frankly it did not look too bad...

I have been burnt out before and lost everything and it really is not that bad after five years you have accumulated more junk and the loss becomes just another memory...when I left Casino there was a road closed sign saying no traffic past Tabulam but that's OK I don't go past Tabulam.

I am going fishing on Saturday so it will rain for sure and that should put it out..

So long as it is all sorted by the next New Moon it will all be OK.

Alex

[xelasnave]

Well very very cheerful today..

Finally had the tow bar ( ball) fitted to my little car ..it has only been 5 weeks but instead of the quoted $1500 they only charged $1240 so that made me cheerful for sure, ....

and the out board motor finally arrived ( after two weeks) and I got me a rod and reel I thought was too expensive as it went on special, ....and I got myself a fish finder ( in case I lose any fish:D) and also a trolling motor and organised the boat trailer for tomorrow ...so I am getting closer to launch day...such a simple thing but there is just so much to make it happen...

I don't know what the fire is doing but now that I am back home I will find out...but I feel it should be under control as I know they were water bombing it...

So it's been a huge day..up from 4 am and starting to fade now...but cheerful.

alex

[pmrid]

Congratulations, Alex.
You are fulfilling every boy's dream. A Huck Finn fantasy - boy in boat, fishing rod and the time to enjoy them to the full.

A fish or two would be nice, but not strictly necessary!

well done.

[xelasnave]

The rain came and put out the fires.

I now have everything ready to go and gave the boat a paint job..I went for a camo approach as I could get away with minimal preparation and now that it is almost finished I am very happy with how it looks.
Need a little more paint.

Tomorrow I will get the boat onto the new trailer and finalise all the little things and get ready to go and launch the boat.


I have a name for it but I just want to check the spelling.

alex

[croweater]

Nice job Alex. If you're ever in the jungle you will be very hard to spot :lol: Best of luck with the launch.
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

Thank you Richard. I won't be in the jungle but I thought camo may help when fishing near mangroves...I have painted my anchor chain black so as not to be noticed by fish...but I feel it could help being less noticeable hopefully...but as I said the camo choice was to avoid days of sanding off the old peeling paint...I expect I will set a trend;)


alex

[xelasnave]

The name I am thinking about is "Sargon" AKA Sargon the Great or Sargon of Akkard. He may well have been the first man to have ruled an empire but what caught my attention was words from his own mouth recorded on a clay tablet...

"My mother was a high priestess, my father I knew not. The brothers of my father loved the hills. My city is Azupiranu, which is situated on the banks of the Euphrates. My high priestess mother conceived me, in secret she bore me. She set me in a basket of rushes, with bitumen she sealed my lid. She cast me into the river which rose over me. The river bore me up and carried me to Akki, the drawer of water. Akki, the drawer of water, took me as his son and reared me."....And so seems Sargon was the first to offer the " Birth Legend" which is found with and including Moses, Karna, and Oedipus, but I like the idea that a little basket protected an unwanted infant in these stories in a little vessel in a river and each of whom went on to much greater things....but their basket not only saved then but was part of who they became. But certainly a popular story or we witness a few
co incidences.;)

But his " Birth legend" came at a time when kings would claim they had far from humble births claiming perhaps important folk as parents or even a god or two in the family so his claim to a humble start set him apart right there.

Anyways Sargon is a huge figure in history well worth study and certainly worth having my little boat named after him...and hopefully it will protect it passenger and he can go on to greater things...ie me:D

alex

[croweater]

A good name Alex and I like your idea of being protected in a vessel. I like reading about those times in early history too and what I find surprising is we have so much information written(cuniform tablets mainly) down from those early periods. I like reading the " History with Cy ". Youtube channel. Have a good day.
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

I follow Cy and many others.

Yes we are so fortunate to have you tube and the wonderful history channels...AND indeed so many channels ..I can learn just so much in such a short time.

But these folk who nit pick and holding these channels to what they expect from university are tragic intellectual snobs fearing the fact there is a modern way to learn stuff. Heck I have some understanding of molecular biology, for example, and not under any delusion that to practice in that field one needs more than a variety of videos...

But I can tell you a little about motor protein or the Krebs cycle... etc

And a productive morning, although it is raining,....I found I needed the girls help but the boat is now on the trailer and motors are in place..sure still stuff to do but it now is so close I could go this afternoon if I really wanted to get it launched.

alex

[AstroViking]

My GF and I just got back from 4 weeks in Japan.

Travel is a fantastic way to open the mind, see and experience new places and things, and to realise that we're all human beings on this rock and we all have our own stories to tell.

Cheers,
V

[xelasnave]

I have never been interested in travell because there are so many foreigners in other countries.

I certainly would love to hear your stories of travel in Japan.

alex

[xelasnave]

I painted my new boat trailer purple as I thought that may make it a little less attractive to thieves...fortunately to me it looks a nice blue:P

So I have spent much time gently running the outboard motor to familiarise myself with its operation best starting procedure etc. and just running it in.

It surprises me just how long my to do list remains.
But I chip away and plan to launch on Sunday or Monday.

The winds predicted are rather intimidating so I have decided to add reef points to the sail but even so it is perhaps not wise to test it's sailing performance in strong wind as it can capsize not having a weighty keel.

I hope to fit the fish finder tomorrow and places to house the various batteries...

But the real benefit of this project has been ..at least I think I am getting stronger legs...I have pushed myself knowing I really need to improve and this morning I did feel they have improved.

So I am very cheerful:D.


alex

[AstroViking]

Hi Alex,

I'll presume you're making a joke there...

Too many stories to relate, really. It's a completely different world over there in Japan and nothing like what we have here in Oz, on so many different levels.

Cheers,
V

[pmrid]

Alex, I once had a large Canadian canoe I used for fishing. I wanted to be able to stand up while fighting a fish but that created stability problems since I also had no keel. I got around that by rigging two pontoons - one a side - a bit like a native rig that served them so well.

It was a bolt-on affair that was easily transported. Worth a thought perhaps.

[Leo.G]

Where do you buy the striped/spotted paint?
Nice job!





I have a large 20+ foot Kayak called a "Catcan". It was designed and built by an army engineer (Mr Peter Poole) at Girraween, Sydney. It takes a sail and small keel and converts into a single hull sail powered 2 seater. It also has a tramp kit available (had) and with the aid of another hull converts into a catamaran.
I bought it new in 88 but it's so bloody heavy it can not be taken anywhere without a dedicated boat trailer. I must get it back in the water one day, I have an old boat trailer here I can convert.
It was an amazing kayak, designed to handle a 6 metre swell. Unfortunately as a non swimmer I wasn't. But it cut through the water amazingly well and with the rudder was a fast, stable, controllable beast.
A few of the same rigs set up as cats came in with the first fleet re-enactment in 88 with a bunch of Army guys on them, they'd been around the Aussie coast first from memory

[xelasnave]

That is a great idea...I could make some from some pvc sewer pipe and a heat gun. I will see how it sails first but with a little thought one could extend deck area for camping.

Yesterday I added reef points in the sail and in fact have already reefed the sail so that I can start with less power but I will still wait for mild conditions...boating causes you to think the worst and even then you are often presented with unexpected dramas.

I have decided to place the transducer for the fish finder on the trolling motor to avoid issues with turbulance if placed on the hull...but I don't have a ring clamp that large so it may have to wait...I will use that as an excuse to take the little red car for a run into Tabby:D

I have fitted a little box to house a very small battery that hopefully will run the fish finder and I have already established that battery will run the bilge pump from using it to water my little garden...it surprised me as I have pumped 10 garbage bins of water and it was still going strong ...if it needs to do that much when on the water I think I will have bigger problems than worrying about the battery going flat...

AND finally I found a place for the battery that will hopefully power the trolling motor and it fits perfect.( the middle seat does not go all the way to the topsides, it has flotation under it but there is enough room to fit the battery on the starboard side and happily the cables to the trolling motor just reach)..I was thinking all sorts of solutions that were rather complex so I am extremely happy (and very cheerful) that the solution came to me.

I have been working on the boat since 6 am ( stopped at 8 am for meds and a rest) and there is still plenty to do...Sunday seems to be the day..excellent fishing predicted but strong wind so probably will not get to test the sail.

Made up security cables for both motors and fitted them to appropriate points ...did a nice job and got to use my swagging tool as I had left over stuff including stainless steel cable from the observatory roof strengthing project.

So it is all going very well.

alex

[xelasnave]

Thanks for your praise on the paint work.

I would encourage you to get stuck into making it happen...what motivated me was the realistic realisation that this may be my last summer where I can manage this ... assuming I can even now...launching will tax me to the max and just getting in and out of the boat should be fun to watch for interested bystanders...

Edit addition...I am very encouraged as I have just now been watching a video showing a guy on crutches launch his boat...it is amazing how things appear just at the right time.
alex

[xelasnave]

Near ready to go...I spent the morning fitting the fish finder transducer and checking how the sail when reefed actually set......but still so much to do...little things..then there is packing the car.

Anyways very happy, excited and a little apprehensive and keep asking myself if I am up for it.

alex

[pmrid]

Looking good, Alex. I don't see a rudder in your photo. Is that deliberate?

[croweater]

Looking good Alex. Don't forget the life jacket. Not being negative. Just in case. :) Best of luck.
Cheers, Richard

[FlashDrive]

Don't forget ......Launch Day with naming of the Boat and a Bottle of Scotch ....;)

[xelasnave]

Thank you Peter.

There is no rudder however there are two holes, one port and one starboard on the transom that take rollicks and an accompanying oar and I think these will be sufficient to steer the boat. Also I am trying it without a Lee board ( to remain simple).

I have run these types of set ups and I am reasonably confident that I can get away with my approach...it won't sail to windward real flash but in a boat with no ballast there is no value in trying...although in the past these types of rigs have pointed better than I expected...but tacking to windward you really would need to be going with the tide given no lee board and being presumably rather tender.

But all I want is to sail with wind on the beam and not fearing a capsize.

It will have a sweet spot and outside that region I will motor...

alex

[xelasnave]

Thanks Richard..funny that you say that as I was just now putting the life jacket in the car...I am reminded of a sales training tape.."positive thinking on a negative assumption"...

alex

[xelasnave]

Yes indeed but it will be one of those tiny bottles;)...being a tiny boat that fits.

alex

[xelasnave]

I just now took the rig for a test drive and happily nothing came lose or even rattled so I am very happy.
If it is dry tomorrow the name goes on....

alex

[SimmoW]

Good to see you so content and happy Alex, you've had a tough couple of yrs. But yes, its so easy to be negative, I often catch myself doing that, as I am a news junkie and have a generally bad outlook on the future of our race.

I fix those fleeting bad thoughts with our own 80 acre farm, I discuss the latest issues with our sheep and dogs, often getting more sensible responses from them than I hear in the nearest town that is 20mins drive away. And yeah, I get a genuine rush from seeing a new bird species, wildflower or watching our pasture improve by the week.

As most of us know too, a quick look outside on a clear and dark night also brings wonder and a sense of calm.

Being acutely aware of world events and the climate calamity that faces us, I NEVER complain that I've had a bad day. There is always someone far worse off than you.

[xelasnave]

Thank you for you kind thought and input Simmon.

I would not worry for one single second re the future of "our race" even if you only mean in general the human race as the race fear ( irrespective of your specific intended meaning..race or human race as what I suggest applies to both) is generated and strongly promoted by those negative propaganda machines intent on creating control by stirring up fear and, as will follow, anger, rendering their followers incapable of rational thought and open to manipulation and enlistment in an army to fight the imaginary "us and them" wars...as I tell my mate who calls me wringing his hands in anguish " look around you and tell me what you actually see"...

That race fear is greater than all others in the US and the promoters do it to death as it is easy to create support groups when you control them with fear and anger as they will no longer think rationally and become your puppets. It is an age old political strategy and you will feel better when you recognise it as such...seek out presenters who support your dreams and offer hope rather than promote fear and anger.

Funny I do not feel as I have it tuff really...I have had the best care and support one could wish for and the realisation that death may take me prompted a spending spree that saw me get all the toys I ever wanted...what is not to like:D

You sound as if you are on the right track but you would do well to spend more time with your animals and stop wasting any time at all listening to "the news"...if something really significant happens somehow you will find out...in fact avoid anything that has you becoming fearful as it steals your valuable time...

Sorry to rattle on but it really seems the main thing to get under control is the irresponsible fear mongering that passes for news these days...just think how this constant flow of swill demotivates our young folk...sure the world has issues that are a concern but we are the smartest creatures so far capable of whatever it is we wish to achieve and I take great hope in that.

alex

[xelasnave]

Launched the boat today at Ballina no problems but no fish.

Had a little issue in that I could not get out of the boat when I got back due to sitting in the one position too long... but finally did manage to get onto the pontoon and crawled along the pontoon to a cage thing and used it to get to my feet...so it ended ok.

Car towed the boat very well.:thumbsup:

I did not test the sailing ability as the wind was too strong given first time...

So that's done I need to find another project:lol:

alex

[SimmoW]

You should combine boating with Astro Alex! He he, good luck with that

And no,by race, I meant the overall species. Been watching the Netflix show 'Life on our Planet', it shows how temporary leading species are over the Millennia. We are yet another blip on the graph. Might as well enjoy our prime time I suppose!

[Leo.G]

I've seen so many pirate movies where they stand on the deck of a ship with their little pirates scope and have perfectly still views of whatever they are looking at.
It must be the movement of the water compensates for the movement of the scope because I CAN'T do it on dry land, not even using something nearby as a steady.
Yep, a small mount and a 3" scope, clear skies, calm seas.

[Startrek]

Alex,
I’ve been following your maritime project from the start and enjoyed the journey. It must be so rewarding to set an objective , complete it and most importantly enjoy the experience. It doesn’t matter if you don’t catch any fish , they will wait for next time.
Can I suggest another project , maybe growing your own vegetables and a herb garden , another rewarding project where you see the fruits of your labours and enjoy eating them !
I leave you with one of my favourite sayings from Billy Thorpe ( Undoubtedly one of Australia’s best rockers )
“To Seek something , and Find nothing , is to have Everything”
There are endless reasons to be Cheerful every day, it takes a positive attitude and you certainly have proven that time and time again ……..,

Best
Martin

[xelasnave]

I am happy to hear you were concerned only with our species but the reality I suspect is our days are numbered...we may go on and on but only if we travel and establish ourselves on new worlds which at this point in time is a mere dream.

There have been at least five major extinction events in our history which in some cases apparently wiped out 90 % of the life on Earth....maybe more ..may be less... but the message is clear... species for what ever reason can not expect a permanent place in evolution..in fact extinction is the rule and evolution the exception...but it is not a big deal we are by no means important and we should be happy we had our turn on the stage.

alex

[xelasnave]

You must expect fantasy to be a poor parrallel to reality.

alex

[xelasnave]

I started a nice little garden six months ago and get to enjoy various Chinese greens, lettuce, tomatoes and now cucumbers, capsicum and chillies are starting to bear produce. I have snow peas and strawberries as well.

I started it to establish a morning routine around watering...getting water from the dam was a major project and part of a fire hazzard reduction enterprise.

I had another great and productive day..sorted the transducer issue on the fish finder with the wonderful help from BCF Lismore..they all know me by name now given the stuff I have been buying there...I delivered some flowers to my bank manager who goes out of her way to help me and two bunches to the ladies who sold me the boat trailer to show my appreciation for their wonderful service. I like to show folk I appreciate the special attention they give me.

AND I bought two better fishing rods as clearly I did not catch fish on Sunday because I needed better rods:P

Thank goodness for the garden as it saves me money that I can invest in fishing gear;)

I was hoping for some astro tonight but looking out from the mountain on the way home the haze told me seeing will only cause disappointment.

alex

[FlashDrive]

I'm cheerful , as I've just finished making another Crystal Set.

[xelasnave]

Where are the batteries:lol:

alex

[FlashDrive]

Yah don't need them ...good longwire Aerial and a good Earth and ' high impedance Head Phones ....sit back and relax and enjoy Led Zepplin + others..... ;)

[xelasnave]

An excellent piece of art there Col.

All I had from 13 years thru to 19 was a crystal set... I had a small reel to reel tape recorder and taped from the wires to the ear piece.

You certainly should be cheerful with such talent.

alex

.

[croweater]

Are they still hooked into the seventy's Col :)

[glend]

Back when I was a young fellow, I built a 2 metre Heathkit amateur radio transceiver. Mostly all I ever got from it was static, probably because I had no antennae. But still it was rewarding. I went on to a career in an electronics related field, telecommunications, microwave systems, and encrypted networking for banks. Still the old Heathkit rig kicked it all off.:thumbsup:

[FlashDrive]

Sometimes .... Radio Stations still play the ' old ' favorites ...;)

[xelasnave]

I really need to take photos before/as I am pulling things apart;)

I decided to shorten the shaft on my trolling motor...so simple what could go wrong?
I watched some videos ...and why do folk post a video of how to do something when it is their first time..hardly an expert...

Not only did I not take photos but took no notice of where things came from:D....I did put the screws in a container at least.

So cutting the shaft was easy ( you insert a metal strip so you do not cut the wires) but when I went to put it all back together it just did not fall into place and it took me ages to reassemble the thing...I suppose the good thing is it really tests your ability to work out how it all works...Anyways it is all back together and the shortened shaft length really makes sense...and man am I cheerful...assuming when I test it everything works..if not just more opportunity to build my character:lol:

This boat project has been so much fun and satisfying as there have been various hurdles to overcome.

When I went out in the boat on Sunday and when I got back to the pontoon I could not get out of the boat as my circulation in my legs was badly effected by seating on such a low seat...it would have been a sight to see me rolling onto the pontoon and crawling to a thing that I could use to stand up....so the reality seems to be that I must fit a normal chair and the resulting instability issues means I will need an outrigger and although that sounds simple it is not...Anyways the challenge of working out how to do it and make it simple and transportable will keep me occupied for a fair while I expect.

Thankfully the boat project has made it easier to accept clouds with the new Moon somehow.

alex

[xelasnave]

I went fishing today.

The seating problem is solved with tests using a simple camp folding chair..the height is not causing the issues I expected so knowing it is more stable than I expected happily no outriggers and I will just buy a suitable chair and mount it the same height as the camp chair..very cheerful as the outrigger thing although doable was just one more complication that I do not want.

I had a fantastic day...it was forecast for rain but only had a short very light shower ..only needed my jacket although I did bring my dry as a bone...

Still not enough guts to raise the sail...the storm clouds made me fearful so I copped out.

I still had to crawl along the pontoon as even though the seating is better my legs just can't hack it..I even sat there doing exercises.., but on the bright side I took knee protectors and that made the crawling easy...Anyways a small price to pay.

Tried a bait I heard about on the web...chicken breast soaked in red food colouring...I prepared it the night before and you would not believe it...the sandwich bag with chicken and a bottle of red...had a hole in it...never ever have I had a fresh/new sandwich bag come with a hole in it...anyways red all thru my fridge when I opened it this morning...
AND it got on everything in the boat..everything..it looked as though an axe murder had taken place.

However the fish went nuts for it..three good bream, lost two big ones around rocks and had 3 lines bitten thru..tailor I expect..plus 2 small Taylor and a small bream under size...it was non stop action.

So very very cheerful...and the outboard went fine as I sorted the cut out issues during the week...fish finder works more but not all the way yet.


Very cheerful.

alex

[Leo.G]

Carbon fibre or fibre wrap, so 21st century, lol. It does look AMAZING!
I wouldn't even know where my sons old crystal radio set he's had for years is BUT, it never looked like yours.


I just found my old crystal radio, larger crystals I think but it does run on a 6 volt supply (quite rare). I didn't build it however, some fella named "Kreisler" did.
And yes, it's grubby, I really should take better care of my old junk but it did get a damp micro-fibre cloth wiped over it. Now I'm going to disassemble it and give it a proper clean with a compressor and maybe some polish.




https://i.postimg.cc/cJbK9Pzd/20231122-102051.jpg


I really must replace the old wax paper capacitors if I can identify them, they are not easy to identify and even harder obtaining a circuit diagram but the device is functional when a good earth is fitted, and it's short wave.

[pmrid]

I am sure there are many, like me, who enjoy your nautical adventure vicariously. But I draw the line at the image your latest post created of you on hands and knees crawling along a pier covered in some blood-like goo and dragging a supply of fish behind.

It's amazing that you were not swept up by the local constablurary. :lol::lol:

[PCH]

Is that made from a kit Col, or built from scratch?

[FlashDrive]

Not a Kit ...... I have lots of Radio parts here...I made this from the many bits and pieces I have,

I've got so much old ' vintage ' 1920's to 1950's Radio stuff in my cupboard.

Col....

[Leo.G]

You wouldn't know where I could get a schematic for my old Kreisler would you?
I could draw the basic schematic myself but identifying the capacitors is near impossible, old wax paper stuff.
I grew up in a place with sheds and an old water tank (door cut into the thing and used for storage) full of old radio gear, tape recorders (reel to reel and wire spring) and sound gear from the early 1900s, I used to have fun playing with it all as a kid. strangely enough other than my radio gram and a few old valve mantle radios I have little valve stuff, I used to have some nice valve amplifiers back in the day, many of which I should have kept.

[FlashDrive]

Google the Model Number of your Kreisler and if possible the Year of Manufacture ... mention in your search 6volt powered.

Col....

[Leo.G]

Thanks Col, I haven't had much luck doing that so far. The low voltage models weren't so common though I'd expect in regional areas they would have to be more common due to power constraints back then.

[xelasnave]

For those interested I understand Jaycar have "kit" crystal sets for under $30...I intend getting one just because...

Well I added another set of reef points to my red sail but although I went to Ballina today ( left home at 3am to launch around day break) I did not get to try the sail out...The weather man said rain all day however I had a few drops only...but on the way back as soon as I left Ballina it poured all the way to Casino and rained moderately from Casino to home.

After fishing I was just too tired to test the sail which is unfortunate because the wind was mild.

Played more with the fish finder and finally have it showing the sonar history and the chart but just can not get the A column working ( current pings)...maybe next time...

I had a great day fishing bagging 5 good sized bream and happily my new chair worked well which was a big help for my legs..I still had to crawl over the pontoon but once I reached my support thingy I was able to stand up easier...

But it was a real pain retrieving the boat as by this time a wind had picked up which made getting the boat lined up for the trailer very difficult but I stayed calm and after a few attempts lucked out and got it lined up and then out of the water...by this time I was really exhausted but somehow content that I had a great day and overcame various little issues...what gets me is my trailer backing is terrible..once I was an expert ...they must be making trailers different I guess.:D

So more reasons to be cheerful.;)

alex

[Leo.G]

They won't look like Cols.
I probably have everything here to build one, whether or not I'd bother.
In saying that I like my old junk, I have a matched pair of communication phones that came from the HMAS Voyager during her fit out that was her last maintenance, her first voyage out resulted in the most horrific peace time maritime disaster in Australia's history I believe.
My guardian where I grew up as a kid was a friend of the former captain who gave him the pair of magneto phones removed during the fit out to hook up between the house and his shed so his wife could let him know when it was lunch or dinner time. I ended up in possession of the units which I still have.





Does your trailer have a short draw-bar?
Trailers with short draw-bars are finicky, they kick around so fast and there is no correcting the things. I've cut several from trailers over the years and welded on longer units, not only do the trailers back much easier they also tow better but that's also dependant on the placement of the axle.


I have a boat trailer here I have to fit an axle and springs on, it's a tilt trailer and originally had a movable axle system which could be unbolted and moved through a series of holes along the side rails and re-bolted in place, dependant on load. I used it for my 20 foot kayak which is too heavy to carry or lift on a box trailer racks, that always took a minimum of 4 people (it has extremely thick glass on the base to withstand the forces of the sail kit and the trampoline kit when converted to a single hull sail unit or a catamaran with a second hull). It came with it's own strap on set of wheels to move it around: I long ago gave the original trailer axle to another man in need (complete with guards attached to the axle assembly) because it had torsion bar suspension, rubber pulled through the corners or square tube with square axle within. It was suitable for a heavier boat (18' trailer) but the stiffness of the suspension was way too harsh for my heavy canoe, nowhere near as heavy as an 18' glass fibre boat. I have axles and springs here, I have appropriate gauge angle to weld up a system to allow me to make the axle adjustable as per the original design, I probably have sheet here I can bend up for guards and fit to the adjustment angle. I just have to get out and do it, one day maybe.
I have so much to do "One day". I even have a rare model Austin Healey Sprite to do a ground up restoration on one day. It has the MKII 2 square wheel arches and the front disc brakes and wind up windows of a MKIII, 1500 made. It went on the production line in Zetland as an MG midget, got re-badged and came of as a Sprite.

I don't have a garage and doing it in a sloping grass yard just won't be right.

[xelasnave]

I don't think my trailer has a short draw bar and if it does I will just need to manage as I am not going to cut and weld a thing.

Good luck with your projects.

alex

[Leo.G]

When confronted with the problem it's usually just a matter of turning slightly less or the things spin off fast. Eventually you get used to the reversing capabilities/nuances of any trailer.

[xelasnave]

Sorry I couldn't upload this earlier

alex

[croweater]

Nice job Alex. Hope you get to use the sail soon. Also hope the chair swivels so you can see where you are going. :)
Cheers, Richard

[xelasnave]

Thanks Richard.

I have a swivel component on order but it will require me to add some sort of extension to the tiller...which I have already worked out.

A warning was on the bottom " pier" part however that it should not be used if the boat was to travel at over five miles per hour:eyepop: which I though odd...so I don't know if I will accept that warning or not...however so far the seat is fantastic particularly as I did not need to address stability issues I thought would be part of the deal.

As to the sail ...I am thinking that adding more flotation to the boat may be prudent ... a knock down may at the moment cause the thing to sink and given the winds I have experienced at Ballina so far has me thinking the worst....so the plan is to add a simple ply deck between the front and middle seats and fill the void with foam or given the rather high cost, empty 3 litre milk containers...I think on my casual estimations I can add sufficient to float 300 klgs when the volume under consideration is converted to flotation...I know it is more effort but I find solving these small problems great fun.

Here is a photo of my last catch.

Thanks again and thank you for your interest.

alex

[croweater]

Hi again Alex. You can buy buoyancy bags that are very effective and not that expensive. Just google it and you'll see them. Maybe they would give you peace of mind. There are all sorts of shapes. Anyway good luck however you decide.
Cheers, Richard

[croweater]

Ah this is what I was looking for Alex

[floyd_2]

It has probably already been mentioned mate, as I’m in catch up mode on the forums. Just in case though, in terms of adding flotation you might be able to consider using two part expanding foam mix for buoyancy too. I remember my brother using it for a sea kayak years ago quite successfully. We made aluminum bulkheads and filled them with expanding foam.

[xelasnave]

Thank you Richard.

I do like that approach given the effort I put into designing outriggers ...this approach would provide flotation and additional stability.

alex

[xelasnave]

Thank you Floyd for your interest and input.

I built a small sailing boat many years ago ( mmm can't be fifty years ago but that seems right) and used that two part stuff ....one needs to be careful as it will expand such that it can cause damage so that's is good to know.

I will look into it given my experience and knowing not to be casual ...many a deck was separated from the hull I recall in ski boats ... so one needs to match material used to volume to be filled.

Thanks again.

alex

[xelasnave]

Another fantastic fishing day...3 am start

I caught and kept 7 good bream and in addition 4 legal but small ones which I let go.
It was so neat the other day making up a fish lunch with veggies from my little garden.


I took four crab traps but by the time I went to put them out they were so tangled that I gave up on the idea.

I got the fish finder working and was very cheerful when I could see both my sinker and bait going down or coming up...still not sure what are fish if indeed any of the signals I get are fish or just stuff floating by.

Found the solution to backing the trailer..just Leave the hatch open so I can see what's going out the back door rather than wait to see a wheel appear in either mirror when it is way past where I want it to be and difficult to correct..with the back open straight down like a pro.

I did not take the sail and as you could expect it was perfect sailing conditions...still I will add floataion before raising the sail for safety reasons.

Maybe even some astro tonight ...although so many times of late it is nice and clear all day but clouds roll in at dusk...I really want to test the Askar on M42.

alex

[Leo.G]

It's good you got out and even better you had a great day!
Handy idea opening the hatch, some vehicles don't have the best rear vision for backing trailers.
A late boss was originally a marine engineer and always had boats, along with a property on the water at St George's Basin. He always had a towbar on the front of his trucks (Ford F series) to push the trailers down to launch the boats, it was so easy.


Fish finders are finicky things. I used to go out on a 60' game fishing rig every weekend (early 90s) because the pilot was a good friend and he'd lost his drivers license. I'd pick him up from one suburb over and drive to North Sydney where the boat was moored and spend the day out helping with the paying fishermen (sorry, mostly drunks, great white hunters after a big night out on the turps in Kings Cross).


I always liked going out on the boat, except for when we were heading to Circular Quay to pick up the passengers at 5AM and the pilot would ask me to take the controls and just keep guiding it towards the spot on the screen. I asked "what happens if there's a little tinnie or trailer sailer that cuts/tacks across in front of me and he'd just say "hit it and I'll call the authorities, if they cut in front of this they're stupid".
That always worried me, particularly as I know power gives way to sail. But, even with the side thrust units that 60 foot boat didn't change course easily.

[xelasnave]

A good reason to be cheerful today..I had my chest and neck scanned and happily nothing seems to have grown since the last scan...I am not experiencing pain or discomfort so in my world that is a big deal.

alex

[floyd_2]

That's a massive deal mate. What excellent news. Congratulations!!!

[Startrek]

Alex,
I reckon that’s the best news you’ve heard in a long while
Hope you get some clear skies up around Tabby to top it off
Oh and a good catch of fish too

Best always
Martin

[xelasnave]

Thanks Gentlemen.

The last couple of years have been great only because I resolved not to worry about the future and instead of laying around waiting for the end I got stuck into things and fully appreciated what I had each day rather than think the end is near.

And I take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and holiday break.

alex