Ruth here:

“Garrett had one hell of a roller-coaster day. He usually starts the generator to let it warm up before he does anything else but yesterday he decided to prep the hull for the next 5 bottom planks. He preserves and tars every surface then goes to start up the generator. The Genie has been a little stubborn lately with the weather slowly shifting to cold and colder. Garrett squirted a little starting fluid and gave it a go. The generator goes into flame! Fight or flight? Should he get the hell out of dodge or try and put out the flame which is a couple feet tall? He had just filled the tank, which rests above the flame, with 5 gallons of gas and next to the generator is the spare 5 gallon jerry jug. Also to note the generator sits right next to our trailer which is our home and has an open flame propane refrigerator… Thankfully it is raining so Garrett’s hands were wet and he didn’t suffer any burns. He rips off, somehow, the cover for the carb and the fuel filter which is where the flame started. He throws it as far away as possible along next with the spare jerry jug of gas. He frantically starts shoving dirt, that being his only available extinguisher, anywhere he can to suffocate the fire. This method was successful but before he was in the clear he noticed the filter he threw was still very much on fire. Fortunately the generator is not ruined we just need to replace a few parts and Garrett does not look like something out of a horror film with a deformed face!

We are getting awfully close to finishing the bottom planking. The port side is winning but starboard is not too far behind. She is looking really awesome! Progress will once again resume after we take care of repairing the generator:)

I’ve been filling all the countersink holes with epoxy and sawdust. I’m about half way on the Port side of the boat. Garrett will grind down the epoxy to be flush with the hull and then will plane down the entire hull to make her fare and ready to be preserved then primed. ”

Thanks everybody!