Our pretty, white, new alternator.

We flew back on 1/28 and have spent the last few days on engine upgrades, engine repairs, and provisioning. The upgrade comprises amping up to a 110 amp alternator with 'smart' external regulator. With the alternator off, it is easy to pull the heat exchanger tube bundle for cleaning (ultrasound) so we had this done, though the bundle was cleaner than expected. Possibly this is helped by the regular coolant changes by the Chief Mechanic (aka Captain). Unfortunately we found a small leak in the welding on the exhaust mixing elbow (don't ask) which had also been pulled for cleaning. The CM had believed this was a gasket leak that would be cured by nut tightening. New exhaust elbow.

The CM did the monkey work on the project - draining the seawater and coolant circuits, removing the elbow, general cleaning up - and a very capable technician handled the alternator install, regulator programming, and tube bundle.

Meanwhile the Chief Cook (aka Admiral) has been provisioning. The CC went through the local supermarket like locusts through a Kansas wheat field, only slower. Arrow is now loaded to the water line, including twenty-four (24) cans of, right, canned meat. We could feed a civil-war regiment on this and they would love it - two regiments if they were reb's.

Tomorrow, 2/1, we plan to return our rental car and pull out of our winter layover slip, with thanks to Acting Captain Tom for his watch. Depending on what time we leave, we might just motor a couple of miles east to the Banana River and anchor for the night with a view of the Port Canaveral cruise ships and the Kennedy Center launch facilities. Or we might resume our southward journey immediately, trying to finally decide whether to go to the Bahamas sooner, or later. Decisions, decisions. In any case we expect continuing beautiful weather... it's been 70's in the daytime, 60 at night.