Boat Work

While we continue to wait for our registration documents Gunter accomplishes the never-ending boat work. Boaters can relate to this - just when you think it is finished, something else doesn’t work. We are happy to be getting this done here however where there are lots of resources, stores and tradespeople. So far we have:

Recharged the fridge and freezer - so important when there is no nearby grocery store

Replaced parts on both heads (toilets) - requires no explanation!
Tuned up the outboard motor for the dingy - our transportation when anchored

Replaced the line (rope) that pulls the main sail out - before the old line breaks
Repaired/patched some of the canvas - the fabric deteriorates gradually with exposure to salt spray and UV rays

Finally, and hopefully lastly, we have to replace the starter battery (starts the engine when not plugged into shore power) and some electrical work. Whew - the Visa card is getting a bit of a workout this month.
There is a fun store in St. Augustine “Sailor’s Exchange” that has thousands of used bits and pieces except for the one thing that you are looking for, of course. It is like going into an old hardware store:

The weather continues to be variable - today it is very windy and cold (I know, I know......). The boat sloshes around in the wind and the waves bang on the hull which makes some interesting noises and rocking at night. Last Wednesday we woke up to a beautiful foggy vista:

I tested out the oven (propane powered) with success:

Here is an interesting piece of history on the grounds here:

This is a full scale model of an external fuel tank of the space shuttle. NASA used these for structure and stress testing. When the space shuttle program ended NASA unloaded excess space relics and this tank ended up in a field here. The intent was to transport it to a museum but that has not happened yet because of the logistics and so it lingers here.

Gunter has a new friend Sadie:

We have also seen a cat Fiona on a neighbouring boat and heard 2 parrots who live on a boat called “Pirate Lady” - they come outside once a day and sound like babies crying.

Well it is time to go shopping - mostly to warm up! The warm weather should return this weekend. Hope we receive some good news from Transport Canada next week about our registration papers!