Here is a detailed post of the work we did and the adventures we had on the S/V Egress during June and July of 2015.
Driving from our house in Buena Vista Colorado to our future retirement house on Madeline Island takes about 21 hours of drive time. Though it is possible to drive this straight, we always choose not to, especially with 3 dogs and a packed jeep. We typically stop for the night in Brandon, SD. Thus making for a first day of travel of about 15 hours, and leaving about 8 for the next day.
This particular trip was going to be a bit different as I was to drop Barb off in Lacrosse, WI on the way up to the Island. She was going to watch the grandchild for a a few days while her daughter and son in law went on a much deserved mini vacation. Well this would leave me with about 5-6 hours of travel with 3 dogs. Oh what fun the potty breaks would be.
Luckily the dogs made it very easy on me and handled the stops with the precision of a well made swiss watch. No dancing around searching for the right spot, they took care of business and we were on our way. I guess they sensed the urgency of me wanting to get to the island and trying to take care of some items prior to the scheduled launch of the Egress at 9:00 am the next morning.
We stopped in Washburn, WI and I picked up some groceries and beer to get by a few days until I picked up Barb. We then caught the 2:00 p.m ferry from Bayfield, WI over the 2 mile run to Lapointe, WI on Madeline Island and drove the 8 mile distance to the house on the north side of Madeline Island arriving at 3:00 p.m. Plenty of time to let the dogs run and take my time unloading all the luggage and items we needed for our 3 week stay.
I spent the rest of the day organizing and unpacking, and getting the workspace in the garage ready to repair the coamings.
Launch Day! June 19th 2015.
I was up at 4:15 a.m with the sound of the coffee brewing. I loaded up dock lines, fenders, trash bags, cleaning supplies, tools and a ladder and was off for the Madeline Island Yacht Club by 5:30 a.m. I then climbed into the Egress and inspected her for the first time. I marveled at the fact that she was ours and before I knew it the guys were over and ready to move her over to the shop.
Had to get rid of that!
Priorities come first, so lets get rid of that Minnesota address, before we hit the sling!
Does she float and will it start?
After changing the port name, it was time to put her in the lift. As she was moved closer to the water a crowd gathered around to witness her first time in the water since 2012. After she hit the water the crew from the Yacht club climbed on board to secure the dock lines, fenders, and to start the engine.
I had a close friend of ours change out the impeller, install new plugs and wires, and change the oil on the engine prior to my arrival, so I had figured she would start. After a few gasps and sputters the engine did start, however the engine died after about 30 seconds (Water in the fuel filter). After the guys changed out the fuel , installed a new fuel filter and added a new choke lever, as the existing one was broken, the engine sprang to life and they moved her to slip A6, her home for the next 3 weeks.
It was then time to head back to the house to begin work on the coamings.
— Captain Troy
End of what I did on my summer vacation 2015 part 1.
Mad Island Sailing - Adventures of the S/V Egress 
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