An idea for keeping busy during a long cold winter...

[billsull]

Learn to play the ukulele!

I became a "uke kook" after seeing Jake Shimabukuro in concert last year. Although I have no illusions of ever playing like him, I really enjoy hacking around on my uke.

This is the video that got Jake's career started - he's an amazing artist:

Ukulele weeps by Jake Shimabukuro - YouTube

Consider the following:

- A uke case fits very nicely on the vee berth shelf.

- They are a great way to get the party started after you anchor.

- You can get a decent "starter" uke for around $50.

- A lot of the Buffett / Chesney / Marley songs are pretty simple chord progressions. The hard part is sounding like those guys!

Anyone else play? What uke(s) do you like? What are your favorite songs?

[KIVALO]

I spend my winters on this. Doesn't float but it's fast as hell.

[UPHILL]

Funny you say that, Here is mine from 8,500 feet. Sorry, I am not musical at all. I have listen to tons over the decades, if that helps.

Winter fun 101, I will raft and sail it when it melts.

[rgscpat]

My wife plays recorders... but we sail nearly year 'round when we get time.

[KIVALO]

I've always been a fan of the Dragon, what size do you have? I think that's an 07, no? With AIR 2.0's? I've never been to Idaho but I have ridden in Montana and Wyoming. I stayed in West Yellowstone and rode the park in the winter of 2000, actually watched the ball drop doing shots in some bar in West Yellowstone. Stunningly beautiful place! Had tons of pics of the Great Divide and Old Faithful among all sorts of other things but lost my camera bag and film Loved it though! Went to Colorado after then for a family vacation but I preferred Yellowstone.

Originally Posted by UPHILL

Funny you say that, Here is mine from 8,500 feet. Sorry, I am not musical at all. I have listen to tons over the decades, if that helps.

Winter fun 101, I will raft and sail it when it melts.

[bljones]

Get together with some Uke playing friends and start an orchestra.

[Minnewaska]

Exactly 42 items on my winter project list. Some are aged since last year's list. So far, I've done one.

[H and E]

Come on down-Today 70 and sunny.

[CalebD]

Billsull,
Learning the Uke would certainly be a worthy winter project. Jake Shimbukuru certainly is a master of that small instrument. I've seen and heard most of his music that is published on youtube.
The big thing that the Uke has going for it as an instrument for a boat is it's small size. I've been known to bring along my fiddle and/or a guitar on overnight trips. My 'cello has to stay home though as it would take up it's own berth.
Jake Shimbukuru is a worthy Ukelele God, Tiny Tim is not (shudder).

[HUGOSALT]

Can't play the uke or any other instrument, have tried the
harmonica unsucessfully (still try occasionally while aboard solo
where I can't injury anyone) So to keep busy we are forced to
to sail all year round here on Long Island sound.