- install the chartplotter program
- figure out how to hoist and secure the dinghy which arrives later this week
- break in the new outboard
- check and finish ordering any spare parts
- order the last few paper charts
- sell Dave's car
- continue to practice sailing with all of the instruments
- finish figuring out all of the remaining systems...shower drain pump, water maker, etc.
- finish provisioning food, seasick medicine, hygiene stuff, etc.
- set up sailmail (email)
- finish printing info about ports, tide tables, customs and immigration info now that we know our route
- make copies of passports and boat documents
- finish buying extra fuel, oil, air filters, belts for generator and engine
- apply "San Francisco, CA" (home port) decal on stern
- etc., etc., etc.
One thing at a time...
We've emailed and Skyped Conan, and we're happy that he has agreed to crew with us. He's got a lot of sailing experience under his belt including a 25-day Atlantic passage that included gale force winds during which he slept on the leeward seat in the cockpit tethered to a cleat while he and the skipper took turns with one-hour night watches. I think he's qualified. And beyond sailing, he's an anatomy/physiology instructor at a university in Calgary with a PhD in the area of biochemistry as well as a health and fitness lifestyle consultant not to mention a scuba diver. Aside from his many accomplishments, perhaps what most impressed me was his statement in his crewing profile that all of his sailing experiences were exceptional. And this includes the mid-Atlantic gale force storm! Definitely a can-do guy.
Last night we had a lovely visit from Michael and Mam, our neighbors here at Tiger Point. They bought their boat several months ago and sailed throughout the Caribbean. They didn't get to Venezuela as planned due to engine problems but had an interesting journey nonetheless. After preparing their boat to summer here on the hard, they will drive back to Bend, Oregon to work and save money for their next journey - a trip around the Pacific Rim including a stop in Thailand to visit Mam's family. And by the way, Mam brought a delicious pudding with rambutan, a fruit from Thailand.
Michael spoke of the need to change plans when the situation so demands. As someone who is a planner, this is a hard one for me, not so much because I'm averse to plan changes but more so because I like to be prepared. Dave was quite pleased with Michael's statement as he's been telling me the same for days now as we've been going back and forth as to our destination and route - Trinidad/Panama, through the Caribbean chain/leeward side/southwest near the Yucatan and Central America. The bottom line for us is to go where and in the direction that makes sense with wind, weather and currents. And sometimes you have to make that decision en route. In fact I just read that the term "bound for" is used when describing one's intended route and destination for this very reason. Michael and Mam said they had to make a decision to make a major change of course after facing a fierce headwind 120 miles out. I guess the lesson is to be prepared. Period.
I mention this especially because, at times, I feel anxiety and wake up with, "What the hell are we doing?" Then that passes and I feel that it's all going to be fine and wonder why I was so anxious a few hours earlier. It's a strange thing that happens but, so I'm told, is not uncommon, especially for those just starting out. It goes back to being prepared and knowing that the boat can handle things better than those inside. So I'd better stop writing and continue preparing.
But I can't sign off without mentioning the fine acquaintance we made earlier with Paul, a Canadian from Ontario. He'd had his boat stored here on the hard for the winter and drove down in his little RV to prepare Liesel for a cruise to the Bahamas, his wife to fly here soon after to join him. Unfortunately when he uncovered his boat, he discovered three rats nests and an incredible mess. Plans changed (there it is again) and he had to cancel the trip and instead spend his time cleaning up and rat-proofing the boat. Paul is one of the most positive and enthusiastic people I've met. His continual question to us was, "What is your dream?" Dave and Paul shared their many sailing adventures and future plans.
We also enjoyed hearing Paul's perspective on Americans. He's noticed that Americans fear their government yet are the most patriotic people on earth. In Canada, he says, the government is us. He also told about his own American experience when he and his wife were in a parking lot in their RV when they decided they needed a sponge bath. His wife who'd finished up, and Paul, mid-sponge bath, were abruptly interrupted when the doors flung open and a couple of policemen, guns blazing, yelled at them to get out. So there was Paul, stark naked in a parking lot, hands up, wife shrieking at the police while they searched the RV. Finding nothing, the police drove away. Welcome to America.
Paul also relayed a story about his son while enjoying Mardi Gras in New Orleans one night needed to take a pee. Being that the portable toilets were overflowing with urine, he decided to relieve himself out of sight behind the porta-potty. Apparently he was not completely out of sight as he was arrested and jailed. Whilst in his cell, he saw three successive men (white – I asked) horribly beaten by the police because they were “lippy.” Paul’s son, who Paul says is an understated and quiet guy, watched and kept his mouth shut. Fortunately he was not beaten. Paul says this would never happen in Canada – the arrest or the beatings.
Wind rattling this and that and slowly rocking the boat. Waves gently sloshing. More preparations in the morning. Back to sleep now.
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