Divine State
14 October 2014 | Mata Maka, Vava'u
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Unaccountably, outboard motor is still acquitting itself with aplomb - or it could just be running OK. Hard to tell the difference sometimes. House batteries, which have a few years on them, are beginning to fade, but a lack of full charging and equalization for several months may be culprit. There are visions of an isolation transformer in the future to allow 240 volt shore power to reverse sulfation deterioration. 120v is uncommon outside of the Americas, so need the option. Water maker and generator intakes, despite therapeutic ministrations, still suck.. ummmm, air. Suspect replacement of geriatric hoses will ameliorate the problem - might even make it better. Refrigeration, after perhaps a year of psychotic behavior until Mazatlan, has been perfect.. well, except for auto function of controller - BFD. Now, if rigging part coming from New Zealand is, for some inscrutable reason, the correct one, boat will be as nearly perfect as it ever gets. Let's agree to ignore the odd leak onto bunks and such.
Sailed out of Neiafu yesterday to Mata Maka where Sandy will reinstate the Giggling Whale and Thirsty Turtle restaurant and bar. Cool place, great anchorage, fun people. Helped drag semi-sunken barge made of bits and pieces piled with sea-soaked logs (to be used for construction) across bay with dink. Counter-intuitively steered left to go right and right... right. Should be in operation by next cruising season. THE place to be in Vava'u. Be there or be square.
Planned alcohol reduced day came a cropper due having too much fun. Departure tomorrow for new anchorage with good snorkeling and few other diversions may reinstate that divine state of temperance. Hey, it could happen.
Jack