A HOUSE THAT FLOATS

Living on 'Sheldabue the houseboat' for three Alaskan summers was an unforgettable experience.  Two summers were spent aground 'in a Homer boatyard' (while finish details were completed). The third summer was spent floating on the waters of Kachemak Bay.

Sheldabue has a fascinating prehistory.  Originally a totally ferrous cement boat, she was built by Elmo Wortman. Wortman is author of Almost Too Late, aka Four Against the Wilderness--a true story of a family shipwrecked in a storm (on a different boat!) in Southeast Alaska in winter. (This book is available on Amazon.)  Alaskan carpenter Wally Waldorf and his wife Carol purchased Sheldabue, and recreated her as a live-aboard boat for their family, while working on a construction project in Jakolof Bay.  Seeing Sheldabue anchored at sea in the early eighties set dreams afloat in my mind. Little did I realise that more than a decade later, I'd be co-captain of this very boat!

In 2002, Sheldabue became my new Alaskan 'home.'. My husband Barry converted the double bunks at door's entrance into additional counter and storage space. Together we completed an abundance of finish details. 

Sheldabue's kitchen is the most unique I've ever worked in. You can stand in  one place and reach every tool. 

Dishes 'drip dry' (draining to the sink via a copper pipe) and 'store' in one easy step.

 From the kitchen you step down to the 'living room' with massive windows for observing the sea.

A living room ladder leads to an upstairs bedroom, ideal for kids or those who don't mind being not being able to stand fully erect. It feels like a playroom, and with the top door open, the view is irresistible. Barry and I enjoyed many a morning sitting on the outer deck sipping our coffee.

Beyond the living room is another bedroom, with full headspace.

Facilities for daily needs are out on the deck in an outer room.

Migrating Sheldy from boatyard to bay was a bit of a feat, accomplished by the boatyard's equipment.

Since Sheldabue lacks a motor, she then had to be towed to Homer Harbor, a feat ably performed by Dave Seaman.

Today Sheldabue is owned by my dear friend Sue Christensen. "Sheldy" is presently land-based in Homer Alaska and is available for holiday rentals. Contact Sue at christiansensue42@gmail.com for rates and availability.

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