Getting The Poop
21 April 2014 | Islas Galapagos
Monday 21 April 2014
After massive effort yesterday (flipping through owner's manual) discovered location of winch control box under nav seat. Winch returned to service following crimping of loose fuse holder. Finished epoxying and screwing sole grate for first test - so far so good. Removed mast track end snubber (badly corroded due insufficient application of appropriate goo) and replaced cleaned and re-screened dorade box vents. Felt incredibly productive and virtuous, so Taxi Aquaticoed into town for excellent repast and Chili's finest celebratory vina tinto. Not to worry, relentless battle against scurvy was joined prior to departing boat.
Anthem's reverse, stepped transom is wonderfully convenient for onboard inhabitants, but also, alas, as a sea lion perch and easy passage aboard. Fenders strategically placed first day worked for one night until the critters figured it out - deck subsequently full of seal hair and smelly brown stuff. Addition of obstructing rope was equally ineffective next night. Saturday, tarp placed completely around stern. That worked once, then last night a large seal was accosted crushing tarp on bottom step. Placement of fender on step under tarp kept them at bay rest of night, but anticipate ancillary efforts will be required to keep ahead of the persistent bas.. umm, rascals. Wouldn't be so bad if they just lay there shedding and covering steps with crap, but they come on deck preventing sleep with, apparently, terrible indigestion and nightmares, snorting, grunting and flopping around.
Today we get glad tidings of great joy on possible 2 day, 80 NM return excursion to clean hull. Since having adulterated (no Cal, cuckoldry not involved) the water here for 5 days, unless Capitan de Puerto is feeling particularly churlish, speculate we can stay as is. Remain tuned to this channel for further developments.
Jack