Indirect progress...

I am supposed to be in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada (Georgian Bay) this week. But I'm not... I didn't realize it until it was too late, but as of June 1, U.S. citizens need a passport for travel outside the United States. Used to be you could visit Canada and Mexico without much more than slowing down at the border. I understand I could have gone to Canada with a birth certificate and a driver's license - the tricky part was going to be returning to the States. My brother-in-law suggested just going and taking the chance of being delayed upon our return... With on-line tales of such delays running into days, I decided I'm not that big of a risk-taker. So, here I am taking two "consolation" days off work and making progress.

Best surprise of the day - okoume plywood for $66 a sheet, right here in Sacramento.

Biggest surprise of the day - got that price at Hughes Hardwoods. Some may remember the exchange Rick and I had recently re the price of okoume plywood here in Northern California. Hughes quoted Rick a price of $93 a sheet over the phone. Rick found another supplier (much closer to his home) and bought his plywood for a much better price.

I was out running errands this morning and decided to stop at Hughes to see what hardwood they have in stock. I asked for a quote on the okoume ply. When the guy told me "Sixty something" off the top of his head, I asked if he could be more specific. He called the wholesaler (Hughes does not stock 6mm okoume), and got a price of $66 per sheet. I asked him to double-check because I had been quoted a much higher price. He called back and verified the price. I ordered 2 sheets (California's budget woes directly impact my budget - I work for the state). After I paid for the order, I told the guy I had been quoted $93 a sheet. He said he could charge that, but nobody would pay it...

Second best surprise of the day - I don't have to wait for the ply to be delivered to Hughes. I can pick it up at the wholesaler - and be able to pick my own sheets. As a bonus, the wholesaler is much closer to home than Hughes!) I'm picking the plywood up first thing in the morning - I had to cobble together an appendage to my Jeep's roof rack so I can cart the plywood home.

I plan to get started on the bulkheads this weekend!