I rented a car today and drove our Yamaha 15hp outboard over to the Yamaha Service Center in Bundaberg. The yeoman’s effort in trying to break it down and service it that Jerald (S/V Spirit) and I did a couple of days ago failed to produce the results I wanted. The Yamaha service guy said that they would not be able to get to it until Friday. With luck, it will be done either that day or Monday. If so, then our departure date of Tuesday, April 17th looks pretty good if the weather cooperates. We both are getting a little moldy after sitting so long in the marina.

While in town I did a little shopping and brought back a roasted chicken from Coles. It was yummy! Unlike in the US, they stuff their roasted chickens that they sell in the supermarket so we got a nice little bonus with the chicken.

Mary Margaret hoisted me up the mast a couple of times today. She wanted me to replace the halyard I installed last year with one that is a little bit thinner. Thus, I installed a 12 mm line instead of the 14 mm line that was there. The thinner line is plenty strong and it moves through the various pulleys and fittings a bit easier, putting less strain on the winch.

I finished a bit early today so I retired to the hammock with an ice cold beer and lounged the late afternoon away. Man that was nice! I could get used to doing that again. Once we start cruising, that is a daily custom which I relish.