Execrable
21 October 2014 | Uoleva Island, Ha'apai
Sunday 19 October 2014
Leftovers from heavy weather last few days provided brisk passage for not so long daysail to Ha'apai Group and helped evidence good butyl rubber seal on chainplate cover as sea berth and storage below remained dry. All deck hardware will get same treatment in New Zealand as tired 18 year old caulk begins to fail. This multi-day project is item 2 on list that currently numbers 29... oh wait, just thought of the wind generator (a misnomer as it normally generates electricity) that doesn't - make it 30. Anything after 50 will be completely ignored unless she's sinking or on fire.
Monday
Plans to explore, snorkel or conduct other frolicking came a cropper as rain persisted well into the morning. Decision to check in at Pangai, 10 NM south, and potentially get internet was result. This too went poorly as data cable from Nuku'alofa had become recalcitrant. Not to worry as Mariner Cafe serves beer and was aswarm with several cruisers of our acquaintance.
Tuesday
Never wanted 2 heads as they take up so much room, but the rethink is proceeding apace. Having noticed water squirting out of Lavac pump while flushing, removed and cleaned it to find a split in the membrane. Rebuild kit put that aright, but, regrettably, did nothing for a crack in the case. As there is alternating pressure and suction, fixing it is a problem that was not alleviated by 5200. Unlikely epoxy will do much better, so conversion of whale pump normally used to pump out holding tank is under advisement.
- Later (after sail to south side of Uoleva Island, 10 NM south of Pangai and inhabited by 14 cruising boats, all moving toward Tongatapu for passage to New Zealand)
Although a universally desired activity, working elbow deep in effluent is no longer a bucket list item as today provided a surfeit. Re-plumbing to different pump, a project that under normal circumstances would go quickly, but due limited space and old, brittle hoses proved otherwise, took all afternoon... (Who just wrote that? Crikey, all boat projects take much longer, are messier and cost more than expected.) Cleanup requires shower with serious scrubbing plus burning of work clothes. The glamour of cruising around the world once again asserts itself as we prepare for a pot luck on the beach including, it has been hinted, significant quantities of adult beverage.
Wednesday
Toilet reconfiguration proves itself this morning with most substantial throughput. TMI?
Snorkeling a reportedly great reef is on agenda for this afternoon. May stay another night before continuing south to thank Craig, owner of resort where we hid from rain last night. He was out of supplies, but will buy more today after supply ship visits Pangai. Perhaps he will have something besides local Popao beer which tastes OK, but given subsequent headache is detrimental to one's outlook on life for a substantial length of time.
Tired of writing this poopy crap with no inspiration and want to get it out of "drafts" box, so that's all for now. Tah.
Jack