Mark Goes “Up the Stick”.

Mark half way up the mast

Apparently climbing the mast of your sailboat is called, “going up the stick”. Why would you want to climb the thirty foot mast you ask?   Apparently an anchor light needs to be replaced and a jib halyard needs to be retrieved.  There is also a wind indicator at the top that needs to be replaced but I don’t think Mark is too worried about that one.  He hasn’t said much about it since we purchased the boat.

Mark did extensive research and came to the conclusion that buying mountain climbing gear would be the safest way to achieve these tasks.  I am all for the safest route.  I want nothing to happen to my dear husband.  My idea was to hire someone but Mark was against this for unknown reasons.  My theory is it’s a macho or pride idealism about being able to be master of your boat.  It could be a monetary reason but I don’t think so.  Buying the mountain climbing gear wasn’t cheap.

After climbing three-quarters up the mast Mark reached the anchor light.  He carried his tools and a bulb secured in a bag attached to his climbing belt.  Taking the cover off the light turned out to be a bit difficult because it was awkward swinging to and fro.  Also the fact that Mark didn’t want to lose the screw so he used the screwdriver—  When the fun of getting the anchor cover was finished he discovered the bulb was the incorrect size.

Mark is ready to come down now, nice butt!