In early June, we took the shantyboat to the Santa Cruz Harbor Boatyard to do some work on the hull. This requires us to launch the boat in the harbor, motor to the boat lift, and get pulled out. We spent a long long weekend repairing dings in the hull, replacing the skeg elbows, painting the hull and repairing some sun-damaged fiberglass on one side. Afterward we painted the entire hull a shiny burgundy. Good times.
The shantyboat is part of a larger project, A Secret History of American River People, a project to build a collection of personal stories of people who live and work on the river from the deck of a recreated mid-century shantyboat over a series of epic river voyages. The project examines the emerging crises facing current river communities dealing with economic displacement, gentrification, environmental degradation, and the effects of global climate change.
Thanks to Jeremiah and Benzy who helped all weekend, and to Nate, Brianna, and Jessica who helped out on the treacherous crossing.