Saturday 30 January 2016

Phuket Aquarium, part of Marine Biological Center, isn't terribly big, but had some cool stuff and was worth the $5 entry. Most interesting was getting there by tying dink to a fishing boat, then climbing over a couple of them to get onto commercial wharf. As Anchor Buddy and wheels are currently unserviceable and the thing is too heavy to drag high enough for 3 meter tide we appreciated locals help. Remediation of malfunctioning equipment is imminent.

Just heard that due to rapidly increasing numbers West Indian manatees have been removed from the endangered species list in America. Although they are dimwitted, blubbery, prop bending, grass-eating, crap machines that are seldom seen, we love them and are happy to see the randy rascals are getting it on.

Thursday

Came into Yacht Haven Marina, north end of Phuket Island, Monday to unswelter in sybaritic air conditioning. Ambitious program of boat work fell by the way in face of that and a cafe that has breakfast, espresso coffees and free internet. Echewing total wastrelness (you don't know it's not a real word) drove Tuesday to excellent chandlery at Boat Lagoon to buy parts for additional procrastination opportunities. Guilt eventually forced token efforts at utilization. Anchor Buddy lives; wheels remain under advisement. Need more parts.

Had scheduled departure tomorrow, but inertia has overcome curiosity, so we remain a day.

Saturday

As on Tuesday rented a vehicle - a nice one from Mr. Narong - to drive around Phuket. Besides the usual market stops also returned to AME Chandlery at Boat Lagoon to again spray money around like water. Having done research, bought spare 115v AC seawater cooling pump (they had more than one for some miraculous reason to backup salt water drenched one that, also miraculously, but probably temporarily, continues to run), dinghy wheels (the proper geometry which are, as we breath, being cut down to fit), potable water hose (heretofore impossible to find), US NPT plumbing fittings for drinking water filter and other recherché items too extensive to be recalled given limited capacity in that regard.

Sunday

Awoke with every intention to sail away for rousing adventure in northern Phang Nga Bay to discover wind howling from that very direction. Being prudent and cautious (or possibly lazy) have elected to remain docked for another day or two for more benign conditions and to complete a boat project. Task now is to search out a project that has been started or, God forbid, actually start one.

Wednesday

OK, this is the straight skinny. We are leaving today, really.

Jack