It’s now day 38 with the Floating Doctors here in Palm Coast Florida. The transformation that took place to the Southern Wind over that time may not appear major to someone stepping on board for the first time, but when it’s your own blood and sweat going into every step, you see the major changes and are proud to have had a hand in them. With every new day we gain momentum as we watch what will be our home for the next year take shape with each new layer of apoxy and paint.
Being out here with the crew, fully committed to the project and the remaining work on the boat, I’ve come to understand the difficulty in giving supporters an accurate departure date. All of the major work done to the boat thus far has been done by the crew. But we’ve come to a point now where we need to bring in the pros to finish up the vitals. When it comes to running the hydraulic system, it’s best to leave it to the guys who do it for a living.
As anticipated, my greatest challenge has not been the work to the boat, but keeping a grasp on my sanity while living and working with 10 people under one roof. That being said, it amazes me every day how we are able to do it, day in and day out. When morale starts to drop some one or some force takes notice, and delivers a new and exciting advance in the project that rejuvenates our inspiration and keeps us pushing for the goal. Which at this point is getting to sea and meeting the first group of patients.
Today the excitement around the house was contagious. The buzz: our recent success with CNN. Our first video will air nationally tomorrow! A film crew came out and interviewed Dr. LaBrot and some of the crew (unfortunately before I made it out.) The piece they put together is awesome. Where do I sign up? Our second success with CNN is a live skype interview with Ben; and it’s currently the cover story in the “Impact Your World” section of the CNN.com web site. Our story is also featured front and center on CNN’s home page, nestled right between NASA and Cadillac, but larger than both.
After we set sail I plan to post new bodies of work to: floatingdoctors.justinlewis.com and will be updating this blog bimonthly. I plan to be crew with the Floating Doctors for the duration of their voyage, but will still be available for assignment work. I’ll be leaving Florida for a one week shoot in the Grenadines for Islands Magazine.
Ed the sail maker has been responsible for re-cutting all of our sails. At around 70 years old Ed is a true salt and part of a dying breed!
Tomorrow I’ll be picking up all three of our sails from Ed’s sail loft in Saint Augustine, and another milestone will be met!
