Sunday 20 October 2019

If you didn't get hooked on Game of Thrones you probably don't give a crap, but because the season ended awhile ago nearly everyone else (and that's a goodly fraction of humanity) knew what happened well before us, so not much point in continuing this paragraph. No such luck. Despite previous conjecture, additional attrition was limited to the cute, formerly righteous Breaker of Chains who, like virtually every well-meaning individual who gains power, was corrupted and became who she was ostensibly fighting against. All things considered with a few lamentable exceptions, major players got what they wanted, deserved or had to have. Don't really know where a ninth season could go, but success walks and it would be a shame not to turn the producers and writers loose on that or something perhaps even better. It was magnificent.

Yesterday was, oddly enough as predicted, rainy. Forecast is for a dry spell this afternoon, not to be repeated for a few days, allowing an application of varnish. As this is the final major effort along with revising dinghy chaps before all restrictions are lifted for advancing north, one (in this case meaning two) hopes that subsequent prognostications are at least as defective as is typical. Removal of Hydrovane auxiliary rudder, whose mounting pin was mangled in situ from encounter with fishing stake in Suriname, required a drift, a sledge and semi-mangled fingers. Could have used dynamite or a romp of otters (should be an outfit of otters to alliterate, but like a waddle of penguins it just seems right) to clean off barnacles. Expect to reinstall for use on passage if another pin can be rounded up. A few days on anchor is anticipated to check function of new batteries, clean hull/prop and change zinc anodes as necessary. One (particularly the individual who will do the work) hopes anti-fouling paint has protected the bottom if not the running gear.

- Later

Two coats of varnish applied. Sanding and one or two more to go and brightwork may remain bright for awhile longer. Spinnaker problem solved as shackle was jamming pulley at an oblique angle so snuffing line did not run fair. New relay and start capacitor has AC whispering cool air into saloon without recourse to pummeling compressor with rubber mallet. Whisker pole has been repaired although lack of longer inner tube prevents extension farther than it should probably go anyway. Lazarette drains removed and cleaned. Any subsequent, potential deck scrubbing/cleaning and stainless polishing will be as good as anything gets for the foreseeable future. The last four weeks has gone quickly, what with crew staying too busy on boat work (OK sure, and partying) to contemplate how much they enjoy a particular deadly sin. Work may be character building, but as an attribute it's substantially over-rated. Sloth is healthier and significantly more enjoyable. Let the fun begin.

Monday

Bugger! This is turning into another marathon entry that seems never to end. Sun is shining and it's raining, as happens often, so may or may not sand and paint today. Met Jan for breakfast after her weekly yoga session at Prickly Bay Marina where, except for the occasional passing shower, no breath of wind interrupts progress of sweat working its way into eyes and soaking T-shirts. No worries. Bike ride back to Secret Harbour will terminate with glorious, refreshing conditioned air. Let the sloth begin.

Jack & Jan