Sunset Bay

I finished up my time on boat #2 just before St. Patrick's day and was able to get a few land days. There was a cold front coming through Dutch with fresh snow and I had the chance to go snowboarding with a friend who lives on the island. Amidst single digit temps (-20's w/ windshield) we hiked for about an hour up the ski hill. The final couple hundred yards of the ascent, due to the steep incline, high winds and a considerably low level of personal fitness I was reduced to a stuttering crawl. It was quite the experience. Staying as low as possible, I devised a system by which I used the edge of my board and the toe cleats of my crampons to make short bursts forward. My goal was usually to get in 10-20 steps before laying down face first in the snow for a couple minutes to catch my breath. It was tough but in the end worth the 10 minute run down the untouched snow.
I boarded my 3rd boat, the Sunset Bay the day after St. Patty's and took a short 4 day P.Cod trip. By the name of the boat I was led to believe it would be like a tropical cruise with sunbathing and mai tais. Yeah... not so much. It was probably the coldest 4 days of my life. Spray from the waves encased much of the boat in ice which had to be regularly broken off by the crew. The water on the fish in my samples that generally passes through my baskets formed an increasing layer of slush and my many layered gloved hands were perpetually numb. The captain and crew were great though - friendly and helpful - which made for (other than the weather) a good trip.