Change of Command

Thursday, August 1st 2013 - I met with Lawrence, the current owner of SV 'Ta Ata Ori' aboard TAO in Bayview Idaho.  I presented Lawrence with "the big check", and after some pleasantries and logistics discussions, we were on our way to the nearby town of  Athol to find a notary to finalize the transfer paperwork.  Arriving at the Athol Community Center, we were informed that the notary had taken the day off, but there was a public notary at the bakery across the street.  So off Lawrence and I go to the bakery and indeed they were able to notarize the USCG transfer agreement and the Bill of Sale.  Alas, the bakery did not have any rum cake, so back to Ta Ata Ori we went.  Lawrence had a bottle of Pyrat Rum in the galley, and poured each of us a shot.  With a toast to the new skipper, a slug of rum and a handshake, the change of command was complete.  I had just become the new owner of the quintessential Mariner 40.  Hull # 56.  The queen of Lake Pend O'Reille, veteran of two Pacific cruises, 'Ta Ata Ori' or TAO for short.
My first order of business as the new skipper - Get TAO ready for "The Big Move".  In five days, TAO would be lifted out of Lake Pend O'Reille, Idaho, placed on a truck, and moved to the Salish Sea - aka The Puget Sound, WA.