What Goes Up Must Come Down - Episode 269 - Acorn to Arabella: Journey of a Wooden Boat

[@gordonstewart8258]

Aaron deserves a lot of credit. He's been there faithfully all along, doing all the boring jobs without complaint. Great kid!

[@mgmcd1]

Always game to learn a new task.

[@jukkiivi4282]

This was really bittersweet episode. I'm happy to hear good news about your mom. Its good to see KP back on her feet. It is sad to say goodbye to the boathouse, but it is necessary for the next chapter of Arabella.

[@juliancrooks3031]

I remember the video of building the boathouse. Kind of sad watching it all come down. Been interesting to watch over the years the boat take shape. Looking forward to seeing her go in the water finally.

[@Ormek70]

More then once I thought: Steve needs a hug. Someone go and hug him!

[@pearse500]

That lament on the fiddle captured the mood beautifully and really pulled on the heart strings!

[@nigelprendergast2595]

they should call him Nero, the man who fiddled while the boat shed Romed.

[@dmitch1177]

I was fine until the violin! Recalled Jack Aubrey…..

[@rong1924]

Requiem for a Boat Shed.

[@lory2622]

Ben, I am halfway through the video and have paused it to tell you how much I appreciate your editing and cinematography. You have taken me back to the days of the infamous keel-pour and touched on many of the other watershed moments of the past years. Well done kind sir, we’ll done.

[@AcornToArabella]

We’re so lucky to have Ben.

[@smokehubbard]

​@@AcornToArabella j

[@randomviewer3494]

Huge props to Ben for editing this episode in such a beautiful way

[@XxMilenkoxX1]

Been watching this since I was 23. I'm 30 now can't wait to see her hit the water

[@David-de3ed]

Tears of joy, tears of reflection, tears of accomplishment and tears of friends working on a common goal, but certainly not a common Boat.

[@JenkinsBoatWorks]

I don't know how ya'll aren't just crying your eyes out. I'm sure you did.. dang! Alright, get this girl in the water. Cheers and congrats!

[@stephenbullington]

"I've froze here in the winters, and fried here in the summers, and worked my tail off for 7 years." 7 years! Can't believe it's been 7 years already, seems like yesterday I was thumbing through KZbin and came across a video of a few guys pouring a huge amount of lead into what seemed like a trench in the ground. I was curious then, I've been hooked ever since. You have done an amazing job. I'm so glad you allowed all of us to follow along this journey. Looking forward to what's next in store for you and Arabella.

[@DrRusty5]

I know, I was watching since before the keel being poured (but not quite the very start). I can't believe it has been seven years and that ultimately it has been so great to watch every second.

[@Jtheman497]

That's exaclty how and when I got hooked. What a journey.

[@PBarrPrince]

It's hard to believe! I wondered how long it had been... That keel pour was such an awesome project and the results were amazing! I was hooked and I've been a small patron ever since. I love A2A!

[@rob-v1y]

As some say around these parts: 'been here since the pour". It has been so long, I don't even remember what else I was watching that would cause the YT algo to say: Hey, you might want to watch these two guys melt lead and pour an 11 thousand lb? keel using nothing but an old propane tank, some house plumbing and a lot of firewood. Who would not click on that?! Oh and then, they are going to move that heavy keel, build a boat house and then...build a boat on top of it. Of the 500?+ channels on my sub list, this may be the first project series like this I have seen from beginning to end. Every single episode the day it aired. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment you must feel. Thanks for letting all of us come along. Can't wait to watch you take your mom on a little sail.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much for this thoughtful note.

[@bgbthabun627]

@@AcornToArabella i agree 100% I would also like to add, as another person who has watched this since the beginning that I will be going back and watching the entire series again. whos going to follow me on that?

[@Tomhohenadel]

Great news to hear about your mom. Pleased that she is doing well. We are looking forward to seeing her on the boat cruising around. All the best Steve and crew.

[@dlb603]

So very happy to see KP😅

[@peterattfield]

Somehow i hope Alex can make it to the launch as he was a major contributor in the earlier days.

[@wolfparty4234]

Maaan!! I thought she would be bigger…😂💪🏼🤦🏻‍♂️ Love the music from the violin! It was perfect!! ;) The channel just took its first turn of many turns to come!! Looking forward to them all..!

[@juliancrooks3031]

Arabella finally has her day in the sun. Such a milestone to finally reach.

[@Rizeres]

Watching this series over the past few years has been a treat. From a bunch of planks and plans, to a boat ready for water. Like watching a young family member go from elementary to middle school and high school. Now Arabella is off to college... Er the sea. Looking forward to the launch, the at water work, and then watching it set out for the greater world. Who knew that random KZbin recommendation would lead to all this?

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JonFJ1200]

The violin playing is one classic send off for the ramshackle boat shed. Good on ya boys, good on ya

[@Martyn2021]

So wonderful to see KP back they have missed. I keep thinking about both the shipping containers your putting in the workshop into. Its a like a childs toy box Yes they both have a physical presence in the world and can be measured and weighted. Yet what you all have done is create and build a world. And invited us all to share it. You gave us memories and the ability to know what it's like see a dream in the real world. Arabella may only have a handful of physical crew when she out on the water. But the reality is in spirit and in thought she has thousands. And that your continuing Legacy.

[@musicbro8225]

Oh and the music was special. The violin was spellbinding and Ben's composing and arranging was particularly juicy I thought. Bravo, Encore!

[@zizlog_sound]

The moment when you all stood on top of the container and looked at Arabella, is priceless! What an achievement by the mastermind Stephen and everyone who supported him and his dream.

[@LordZugZwang]

Never thought I'd get emotional over building being torn down - good luck with the launch and all the best to Steve, the crew and especially mom!

[@Gottenhimfella]

It's like a doco of an Amish barn-raising, except with the film in backwards...

[@eddiekilby]

Plant an acorn in the place of were Arabella was built, after all she is mostly Oke. Thought this day would never come I've been watching since the pouring of the lead It's been one hell of an amazing and educating journey. Sailing is in my blood to my dad had a sailboat when I was a kid all though it was just a little Lightning is was a blast. Thank you for taking us along. 👍

[@asakurad]

So moving. The reveal at the end, with all the good folks looking on, really emphasizes that this is not just the journey of a wooden boat. It's the journey of an entire community. Thank you so much, Steve.

[@MrRed-ko9xz]

Hang this house, build this boat of trees, memories, and dreams Away this roof Arabella, free on the winds and quartering seas

[@propylaeen]

In here from the beginning, that’s family, that’s believe, that’s friends, that’s community, that’s commitment, that’s grandezza, that’s continuity, that’s love.

[@benfromalbuquerque6083]

This needs to be in WoodenBoat magazine. I’ve watched from the beginning and I hope this channel carries on for years to come!

[@aritapper4279]

Steve, you did that, you didn't do it alone, not by a long shot (none of these things ever are), but you did it and you deserve to feel incredibly proud of yourself for it. It's been an amazing journey to watch this much and I cannot wait to see what comes next because I will be here for it. Keep living the dream and keep up the incredible work. Here's to a successful launch and many long and enjoyable years of cruising.

[@dangerrangerlstc]

Very much like a chrysalis or cocoon. What went in as rough pieces of lumber, sheds the boat house to emerge a beautiful hand-hewn boat.

[@adamrubin8424]

What a touching episode! Joining Anne's (and everyone else's) mixed emotions - seeing the boathouse go. Good to see KP back. Amazing to see the comradery of the team, the volunteers, the neighbours... Good luck Arabella.

[@ZenWithKen]

She's beautiful. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you.

[@AcornToArabella]

And thanks for being here!

[@MikeFloutier]

I have to say, I was nearly in tears for most of the video; for the rest of the time I was! Monumental, and yes, great news about your Mum Steve! ⛵️🍾❤️

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Yah, I was near tears myself.

[@randogame4438]

Well..dang. Sad but also joyful. All the best to your Mom, Steve. Joyful adventures to come but the work has just begun. :)

[@GaryThorpe]

What an emotional episode, it’s just gone 10:30PM here in Melbourne Australia and we have just had the biggest melancholy moment followed by seeing the beautiful butterfly come out of her cocoon. Thankyou Steve for 3 years of wonderful inspiration. All the best mate hope we see you downunder one day.

[@tonnierooker5374]

Many many respect for all of your women and men bravo and many tanks for all that years of happiness one Friday’s

[@hamiam2243]

How could you not just sit there and stare.great job team.💯😎👍👍

[@blaise2628]

I kept picturing a red boot stripe separating the blue bottom from the white hull.

[@tysonelliott3581]

Watcher from day 1 lead pour. But at 36:35, that's when Arabella became a Reality! Wow. . . . . . . Absolutely beautiful. . . . . . . 39:00 on should also be forever appreciated. Love you guys, safe travels, it's been one HELL of a 7 year watch, GOD SPEED.

[@claudehopper9813]

An emotional episode for sure , been a long road since Steve cut down the first tree . The quality of the crew , the excellent videos captured it all and Bens sound track was again perfect . Lacing it all together . Well done indeed .

[@Vendelcrow1948]

Just one reflection: the tiller is long, but a tiller extension is also really nice to have, when checking sails from the side, also, when mooring is a tiller extension very useful. I have one of aluminium in two pieces, that can be as long and short by turning the outer tube, that locks any place. However, you can of course make one of wood to.....Glad to hear about yer mum, and look forward to see Arabella rigged and on water.....warm wishes from a quite warm Sweden....

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@robingourde9366]

Seeing Arabella out in the open, receiving her first kisses of sunshine was so elating! I've been here since the pouring of the lead keel/band saw restoration. What a way to end a chapter! I'm looking forward to the next chapter! I hope Alix Kreder gets an acknowledgment. He put a couple of the first years into this.

[@mshafer2006]

Happy Friday, first of all. Secondly, so happy to see KP back at the boat house after her bout with sickness. I got excited around the 18:13 mark to see her back and happily back to work.

[@Joe___R]

Hearing you say that you have been building her for seven years now makes me think how long it took our ancestors to build them. Just a few skilled men with nothing but hand tools and the desire to build a boat of their own. Since Arabella is constructed basically the same way, boats have been made for over 500 years. It would have likely taken them the better part of two decades to build one like Arabella.

[@haroldchoate7497]

It’s good to see KP back to work. I hope she’s fully recovered. I’ve watched Arabella take shape from the beginning and share the bittersweet emotion of her being finished with this phase of her existence. It’s hard to give up the companionship and satisfaction of creating something but its exciting to think about the possibilities that are to come. She looks great and is a monument to every person who’s had a hand in creating her. Salute!

[@musicbro8225]

Salute!

[@immaculatelation]

I can hardly believe it's been 7 years. They got me with that massive lead pour. I had just become interested in metal casting, and KZbin apparently took notice. I look forward to seeing your travels. What a beautiful journey!

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks for being on the journey with us!

[@argentum530]

This is wonderful!... why am I so sad? The poignant and bittersweet changes to my faithful Friday Morning coffee companion of the last 5 or 6 years is why. The journey thus far has been amazing and full of life lessons, endowed with interesting people and the fascinating process of building a wooden boat from the trees which were harvested on the land where the boat was constructed. My life has been enhanced by the entire series of videos, and I pledge to be here going forward into what the future holds. Arabella, you are loved, admired and cherished in the heart of this old landlubber... Wishing you calm seas and fair winds...

[@dmj1170]

Im sure I speak for most of your viewers but I personally am extremely thankful for all those who volunteered their time and expertise in creating this beautiful craftsmanship of a boat. When Steve mentioned 7 years I did not realize it has been that long of a journey. I guess I will have to go back to view some videos I obviously missed. The only thing I can thank Covid for is finding your channel when my job was moved to at home work for over a year and a half. Gave me some free time I would not have had that enabled me to find you on youtube.

[@davidswirnoff5045]

Wonderful to see KP back on screen. I wasn't sure where things were at. And wonderful news about your mom, Steve.

[@Kimdino1]

As that roof sheet slid off I thought "There, Arabella, that's the sun up there. You are going to see a LOT more of it". ;-)

[@adrianrouse5148]

So glad your mom's doing well. Hope she attends the launch. A proud day for mom.

[@Spiralem]

Man... how time flies....

[@metaljam7197]

The dream begets a journey with a destination so far away it is clouded by seasons yet to pass and walls that climb into the heavens. The man that achieves a dream understands that the journey is the destination and that a great life is a stack of dreams, one ending, another starting.....Congrats Steve!

[@maxroetzer63]

39:15 hell man, what an EPIC drone shot!!!

[@rjzwan]

Good to see you KP!

[@williamparker8318]

What, there was a boat in there. Wow, can you believe we all have been watching this for seven years. Cheers

[@muutron5253]

Good to hear your Mom is doing better and good to see KP back in action.Totally inspiring to be watching this and following the journey. Thanks!

[@cyborg555]

It's appropriate that the boathouse arches were reminiscent of a cathedral. A cathedral is a place where we connect our spiritual hopes and aspirations. The cathedral which housed Arabella was a spiritual place wherein a dream became reality. Someday we won't need cathedrals. We will bask in a beatific vision. Arabella will soon bask on the open sea and Steve's dream will be complete. I first discovered this channel when I poured the keel. I went back and watched every episode at that time and I've seen everyone since. Unfortunately have not been able to financially support the project but my hopes and prayers for your success have been numerous. Arabella looks beautiful with sunlight on her deck. The image will be complete when the keel finally slips beneath the surface. How wonderful to see KP back in action. I wish Alec was around to see this. Blessings to him wherever he is. Peace and blessings to Steve, his family especially Mom, and all who helped make this dream come true. The 269 hours I spent watching these videos have been well worth my time.

[@russwabuda1556]

i pride myself at being a low number friday mornings. usually 4 or 5 one time zero.. we had a starling burgess built in the 1920's a number of years ago. he won the americas cup and the next year he built 3 boats and we had one of those. to see all this again has had a powerful impact on me. i know that this is a big moment for you,and for us, the faithful who have been the since the days in the woods with the mill and the farm tractor. please remember that you touched more lives than you have touched the boat. if you are a believer in positive thinking the future is bright as many people are sending you good thoughts. best wishes to all who are there and those who are not. thank you for holding the candle for all those with a dream as dreams do come true, as proof positive. all the best. r.wabuda you tube video wabuda.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you, Russ.

[@merseyviking]

I'm not crying, I just think some of that dust came through the internet.

[@millshardware3352]

Way to go, Mom! Very happy for you all!

[@AcornToArabella]

🎉🎉🎉

[@joedoe6444]

started off clicking on a random video about pouring a large amount of lead, and all these years latter seeing a boat appear from a bit of hard work. it has been entertaining, thanks for sharing your project with the rest of us.

[@andrewdonald4046]

Thanks for the update on your Mum Steve, I was just wondering about her.

[@larsrodbok1285]

I hope Alex will join the launch day event. Great work, Steve an all!

[@glencrandall7051]

Launch is approaching. The first good look at Arabella as the boat house is gone. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@AcornToArabella]

Cheers and happy Friday, Glen.

[@jannepeltonen2036]

"Not alone. *We* did it." And that's what makes Steve a great guy.

[@GordonPhillips]

What a bittersweet episode! All the feels! It was so nice to see KP back on her feet and back at the boathouse. Everything about this episode was wonderful, from the editing, the music, the interviews, Wonderful job everyone! Now, To The Water!!

[@caseylevy7310]

Sad to watch the boathouse come down after all these years... but can't wait to see Arabella in the water... great editing Ben!!!

[@AcornToArabella]

Ben really knocked it out of the park this week (and every week).

[@makeryguy]

"Once that thing comes down the whole end of town is going to be different." -Joe ❤

[@harrisji]

Glad to hear the good news about your mom. I have to admit I got a little misty-eyed. Congratulations!

[@rusticthumper5500]

What a poignant video. We say goodbye to this part of Steve's life and hello to the next part. Thank you to all who have had a hand in bringing Arabella to life. Wishing you fair winds and many wonderful safe years ahead

[@sawahtdeekrahp5305]

I've watched this boat build since the beginning, and the one person who should be at the launch, in addition to Steve, is Alix! He deserves a lot of credit for starting this incredible project with Steve!

[@AcornToArabella]

For sure he does. We talked about him and other folks who built important elements of the boat back when we celebrated in episode 200. -Anne

[@geoffreystearns1690]

This must be a profoundly satisfying moment for you Steve. A remarkable achievement!

[@peterkailing352]

watched from the beginning; the best of human nature via utube! And a slice of Heaven on earth! Well done!

[@jl6156]

Nice to see KP at work again, the good soul.

[@FixxerPete]

It dawned on me when you talked about spending the last 7 years in the boat house, I was staying home with my youngest daughter when I discovered this project on KZbin and have been following it ever since, my daughter just now turned 8 years old! Needless to say this is the only project i've followed for so long and I can't help but feel a part of it and sharing your feelings in coming up on launch date. I'll pop a beer in celebration for you and Arabella when the day comes! Thanks for letting us all tag along on the journey.

[@h2energynow]

To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that. That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives." ―Carleton Mitchell Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid." -Robert N. Rose Been here since the beginning. Enjoyed seeing all the helping hands along the way. Looking at times through Steve's eyes as his hand turned this dream into a reality. What an accomplishment.

[@AcornToArabella]

Thank you very much, and thanks as well for being here every week with your thoughtful notes and wishes, Sonya. -Anne

[@richardstevenson8442]

Violin music is a nice touch, thanks.

[@mathijs58]

Arabella has left the building! Wonderful also to see KP up and about, and Anne personifying the mixed feelings about the shed (boathouse!) coming down.

[@snowstrobe]

The building has left Arabella!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

@@snowstrobe 👍👌👏😁😁😁

[@jennifercash1093]

Good to hear some positive news about your mum, and nice to see KP back working on the boat too!

[@marcoavallone7075]

Erin's face when he said: "it's sad that I can be working on Arabella anymore". Is priceless. It really shows how important Steve and his wood heritage and achievement is. That really is, in my view, what makes me watch these episodes every Friday. Only a kid (beside Steve) in is innocence, can really highlight the fantastic influence that the project really meant. Maybe Caroline was the only other one who felt real, she left her mark with her actions and the drawing she did before leaving. I will always keep following, Steve is an amazing person and Arabella is the proof. I am drinking whiskey right now while seeing the boat house coming down and I wish Steve and Arabella to sail together for a long time. I can't wait to see Arabella in the water. ❤

[@davidyendoll5903]

That was an action packed video with emotions ; sad but silver lined with great happiness both of the memories and the future dreams . All it would have taken was to hear 'While my guitar gently weeps ' for tears in my eyes and I am thousands of miles away , what Steve and his team felt I cannot imagine , no Beatle 'pun' intended ! Nice jobs folks .

[@daveka2]

I began this journey watching the lofting floor be built, the pouring of the keel, the frames and planking but to see it finally as a whole is amazing! Well done Steve and team! Onwards to many further adventures!

[@musicbro8225]

Wow! Super emotional... That was a thing of true beauty, the video and the moments in all our lives. Thank you boathouse, you've been a mother and a friend, so gracious and secure like a lighthouse shinning light into the community, you will be missed! K.P.: "They don't build em like they used to." Grandad: Chuckles and grins...

[@thomaswhaley4024]

it is surprising how melancholy the tear down of the boathouse is considering the liberation of the boat it represents.

[@evildogbilly]

Happy Friday from Geelong ,Victoria ,Australia

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Paul!

[@rodneywroten2994]

What a big accomplishment to see Arabella pull out from where it was born. Ido not remember when I SUBSCRIBED somewhere building new ribs. Ready to watch her Launch. I know a lot has to be done after she is there, what a awesome time to have all the workers and helpers. Thanks for sharing everything. Do not worry I will be there watching through youtube. LOL

[@AcornToArabella]

Thanks, Rodney!

[@DrRusty5]

I can't quite believe it is really happening. It is so exciting to see Arabella floating and the start of a new adventure!

[@alexanderthomas2660]

7 years, what a journey! I joined 5 years ago, like many others, when the lead keep pour video sort of went viral. It took another year before someone said “she's starting to look like a boat.” These videos became something to look forward to every week, especially during the dreaded periods when we were all pretty much confined to our houses. Seeing Arabella as a whole now, from a distance, it's certainly a bit of an emotional moment, even for a mere spectator like me. I can't imagine what Steve must have felt when finally seeing the boat in its full glory! Congratulations to everyone who worked on it. Also glad to finally see KP (aka Fancy Hair) back in good health!

[@philipwilkin1975]

This was so bittersweet, I was a bit teary seeing the boathouse come down, but it was wonderful to see Arabella exposed and ready for the water and her rigging.

[@rodentnolastname6612]

I've been watching since your lead keel pour. It's amazing to be here towards the end. Bittersweet indeed. 😀😞

[@ROLANDO72510]

Long live to you Arabella !!! So many great moments building this boat , good luck guys great work all amizing people

[@RussellGarvey]

Damn, that was a long time coming. Today’s video makes the pending boat launch almost anticlimactic…almost. To think that this all started with just two people and to think that we could have arrived at this day with just those same two people alone is, we’ll, inconceivable, just based on the amount of finish work on multiple systems that still remained to be sorted. The team grew large by necessity, but I will always look back fondly on the memory of two people tackling a monumental, unbelievable, multi-tasked project. Thanks for all the video memories, both old and new.

[@VariThoraThNina]

I have been watching your videos since the lead keel was cast and it is a sweet sorrow to see the boathouse taken apart. I have not commented before but this time is different. If feels like the conclusion of the first part of the story. I will be looking forward to watching the rest of the story and my wish for you is that you will always have sunny skies and the wind in you favour. Amazing what you have accomplished up to date, and it serves as great encouragement to persevere at all odds.

[@chromdom9301]

Really glad to see KP up and at it again!

[@Ayns.L14A]

Happy Friday everyone!! as Sir Isaac Newton once said, " what goes up, must come down" Wonderful news about your mum Steve, great to hear she doing well, all my best wishes to her and your whole family. Someone needs to give Anne a hug she looks like she needs one.......xx

[@AcornToArabella]

I do indeed. ❤️‍🩹 Glad and sad, all at once. -Anne

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Anne, one great big virtual hug is on its way.

[@AGB_2000]

Outstanding choice of music for the outro! I can't wait to see her in all her glory when you take that first ride in the wind!!!

[@ryan_mcme]

Was that 'Requiem for a Boat House' on violin? 😢

[@leefreyenhagen1998]

I've been with you since the pouring of the keel. Hard to believe it's been 7 years. I believe that young man Aaron is going to miss you most. Sail on

[@ryan_mcme]

Happy Friday, 'bella fam! ☕ Wonderful news about your mom! If you sail into Rockport harbor, send up a signal!

[@AcornToArabella]

Happy Friday, Ryan!

[@Cradley684]

Gettin there Guy's !!!.😀😀😀👍👍👍.

[@JCZ2601NL]

SUPER VIDEO I wish you all a safe journey and lots of wind, that you may have a lot of fun with this ship, greetings from the Netherlands from Hans.👍👍👍👍👍🍀