Saturday 31 August 2019

Actually performed work-like activities today by rebuilding Jabsco 36600 bilge pump. One may not assume this was done because maintenance crew is conscientious, but rather to end periodic physical pumping by a particular lazy individual. A smaller, quieter bilge pump, which normally prevents louder, more robust unit activating, has also gone lifeless, so fixing that or finding leak, probably through rudder post packing gland, will be next project. One or the other may even get attention tomorrow, but marina has midday buffet and priorities will be observed. It would take a miracle to accomplish both.

Bar-B-Q this afternoon was excellent and, since it ended at 1700, precluded extended work hours to encroach on happy hour, which anyway was thusly advanced an hour with meal. Maintenance crew tends to be somewhat worthless after virtually any amount of adult beverage.

Sunday

Replaced dead bilge pump with spare, cleaned and relocated both float switches so they work properly, cleaned truly nasty bilge and rewired all as necessary. All leaks stanched for the moment. Maintenance crew feeling particularly conscientious and saintly this evening. Before laziness again overwhelms personal zeitgeist, concept of performing some additional productive activity is being batted about.

Monday

Took car into Paramaribo for easy clearance into Suriname. Found temporary batteries sufficient to last until Trinidad where lithium installation is anticipated. However, after trying numerous ATMs (even those advertising Plus and Cirrus systems, to which our cards belong), unable to get cash. Also, no business has been able to take our credit cards. All have been used everywhere in the world, but not here??? This incapability includes battery store. Fortunately, to keep us going for awhile, we have US cash stash until we dash. Thirty day visa will not be limiting factor in length of visit as prices are not especially cheap.

Tuesday

Although there emanated from this blog vociferous complaints about roads in Brazil and there is a much larger tax base to do something about them, nevertheless driving around Paramaribo (Parbo) is an enervating chore. Work is proceeding on the major highway south that is used to Domburg and Waterland and what little is finished is quite good, but the rest is horrible and roads to it are far worse than that. Google maps suggests average speed of less than 30 kph - it's not lying and that incorporates the faster bits. Also since there's little control at most intersections the trick is to push out into the flow and hope the traffic stops to let you cross. Ending a day of driving around positively requires crumpling into a heap with adult beverage in hand.

Nevertheless had a very nice breakfast in town, purchased batteries, bread flour and veggies and it only took seven hours. See above for hint on activity following return to boat.

Wednesday

New batteries in and charging their little heinies off, but securing last one and cleanup suspended until tomorrow to again run the gauntlet into Parbo for retrieval of two fishing rods left yesterday for repair (Jan's injured babies). Wishing to get the most from expedition also bought sealer and lpg bottles for barbie and had snack with beer at De Waag (The Dare... we won) restaurant before again bearding the beast.

Made it back alive for the requisite potation.

Jack & Jan