Saturday 25 January 2025

Finally got blankety-blank (may use more expressive words appropriate to situation as desired) rudder out. Very different setup than shown by instructions sent from Queen Long Yard. Somewhat unobvious procedure using pipe wrench on minimal flange necessary to unscrew upper bearing from main post. Even with two thirds missing the rascal is mighty heavy. As it came out, notwithstanding safety rope, just missed squashing Presley, the lovely fellow who is helping. Spent some of afternoon cleaning scum, barnacles and calcified crust off for pickup by welder. Used time after that to decompress with two Guinness and peas & rice at marina watering hole. Fiberglasser ready to start once frame done. Anticipate completion in two weeks. Hey, quit laughing jaded non-believers. It's possible!

Above mentioned Elvis namesake has cleaned topsides, now in process of sanding bottom for anti-fouling refreshment. May just add one coat as boat will be pulled in Panama to fit rudder ordered from Taiwan. Not that its cost will destitute us, but we're getting a taste for catfood. While hauled at Shelter Bay, probably also get value survey for insurance and replacement of two more thru-hulls. Boat work is my middle name, but only when it's unavoidable.

Sunday

Utilizing negligible engineering skill, designed rudder framework for welder, Maxie. He had a few good ideas when he came by to have a look today and will pick up tomorrow. The fix is in.

As working on a boat is insufficiently effortful, spent much of day disassembling rear bike hub due gear cassette not ratcheting onto wheel. This was a bad idea as bearings are not captured, so putting them back in with heavy grease after finding ones that escaped took a fair bit of time and was unnecessary. Liberal doses of WD-40 on inner cassette got ratchet freed. Also cleaned derailer, oiled chains on both bikes and repaired flat. Now feeling wonderfully fulfilled.

Mama Ps Corner Store is her home next to our guest house. Mama does meals on her covered front porch and prepared dinner for us tonight with a roast we brought from boat. About as wide as tall, she's a delightful lady with a wonderful demeanor and infectious laugh. She'll be one of those people we particularly remember.

Jack & Jan