How can I fit it all in?

This not about my busy schedule and many varied hobbies and interests. It is about the laws of physics which states that no two objects can occupy the same space simultaneously . We then go on to learn that atoms are mostly space. Armed with that information we only need to figure out how to intertwine the atoms of those two objects to allow one space to be utilized to the max.

When I picked up roots in 1980 and headed west, all my worldly possessions fit into, (or on top of), my SAAB 99, including an extra kayak for a friend. Two of us lived in what was affectionately known the Wilson Boxes. Approximately 30×40 feet in size. No extra storage and I certainly wasn’t going to pay for a storage unit.

The next move to Alaska had an 8x8x6 foot high box trailer towed behind a 72 jeep wagoneer. My wife had a Subaru with a U-Haul behind. The move east in 1986 had the same box trailer, no Subaru, and we mailed about 25 max load boxes to our folks. Within 2 years we had built a nice log home and managed to fit everything in it. And then we thought, “Gee, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a garage to keep the cars in.” A 2 car size would take care of our needs, but what if we expanded to a 3 car for maybe a workshop and storage upstairs, just in case. Now you may be thinking this would be enough for any couple, but no. Two Rhino shelters were added as we settled into that phase of life where all your toys need a home. The good news is I’m beginning to reverse the trend at 73 years of age, however slowly.

So you may be wondering why I needed to set the stage for this post. It does have much to do with Ice boats during the 340 some odd days that they are not on the ice. They need to be put somewhere safe and sound through the summer heat and spring rains. This not only includes the hulls and gear but especially the sails which I believe are made with a mouse attractant that contains a trigger for mice to find entry into any container devised by humankind.

Show up at any race and you’ll find a variety of small cars with a DN strapped on top and so much gear inside that you need to drive on instruments. Some of these sailor live I. A small apartment. Or maybe a group has a communal trailer with half a dozen boats and gear secure and ready to go at a moments notice. But I digress, this is about the non sailing days. I had a wonderful little enclosed trailer that worked well for many years, I just didn’t dare to drive too far with it. It held 2 DNs and gear nicely. Then the children came and of course we tortured our two girls with every outdoor activity we could. This ment a new boat was needed and a Gambit became part of the fleet. With a sidecar added the whole family could go……..but a new trailer was needed. Then my first stern steerer entered the scene. It needed its own trailer, more space needs. That one now sail with the New York crew but a second one has a home at my place. The trailer for this one is multipurpose so it needed a summer home. The 2 skimmers recently added to my fleet will amazingly fit into our town and country van……..however the e bikes reside there in the summer.

So here is where it all fits in…for now. The super DN, my wife’s DN, and my BDX reside full time in the trailer minus the runners and sails. ( those are inside for rust proofing and mouse proofing.) the Skimmers hang on the garage wall over the 20 stern steerer on brackets. I have vintage DN parts stored out of wind and weather. I have one vintage DN that was on display at the New Hampshire Boat Museum that needs a home, with me or someone who wants to try the sport. Maybe in two years I’ll have reduced my accumulations to the point where the cars might fit back in the garage.

Not a bad system for me, but I hear there is swap coming up. I might need to call my sponsor for support for this addiction. Hope you manage to find all the gear for the year, maybe even all in one place with no rust and no mouse stains.

See you at the meeting.