New Anchor Chain
09 December 2014 | Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Susan / mostly cloudy, passing showers, 77 degrees F
Nice temp today and just a bit of rain ahead of the next low heading down. Started out to be a low key day - cruiser net, breakfast, AM chores then a run to to Frontaras for a few groceries, Tuesday produce day, and a stop at the Capt’n John town office to pick up two packages that have arrived via their air freight serivce.
At the office of Capt’n John we learn someone is at Vida Dulce NOW to deliver our new anchor chain. Surprise! With no email or cell call to notify us, we are not ready to receive it; it’s a good thing we’re in town and can reschedule delivery for a couple of hours from now. Funny how when you really need something, delays are an everyday occurrence; you wait and wait and every time you check on status you’re told tomorrow (mañana, mañana..) yet when the locals are ready to work or deliver goods or …. most expect you to be available on their schedule (like the cable & power companies back in the States!). This is especially true this time of year when family holiday expectations are front of mind for wage earners. This is also the time of year when lots of dingy’s get stolen but that’s another subject.
Based on the estimated delivery date given to us, we’d thought the chain would be the item holding up our departure from the Rio but with its delivery today, it is no longer. We have several other small & light packages on their way via air freight; one of them is now the hold-up item.
Thankfully the gentleman who purchased our old chain picked it up yesterday afternoon however we had not yet cleaned out the chain locker in preparation for the new one because we’d had guests visiting.
The delivery guy wants to deliver the new chain by early afternoon today so we rush back to Vida Dulce. With his strong magnet, Jerry pulls out about 10 lbs of rust shavings from the bottom of the chain locker. We knew the locker was no longer draining well, which is one reason part of the chain was is rough shape, but didn’t realize how much muck & stuff was down there. It’s a dirty job to do, and to clean up after. I’m almost finished with the clean-up when the delivery launcha arrives carrying our 300’ of beautiful new anchor chain. The moment of truth. Will the current windlass gypsy work…?? Yes! That newly cleaned chain locker is now filled-to-the-brim, and one more must-do item is crossed off the list.