We're almost ready to leave Puerto Rico. Nicki got us stocked up with $700 worth of food. I've tested the mechanical and electrical systems. I found only 3 problems: 1) Bottom growth clogged engine thru hull 2) The steaming light needs replacing 3) Two plastic jugs of oil and one jug of anti freeze sprung leaks and left a mess to clean up.

I've never had a plastic jug crack and leak, but I had 3 of them. I can only speculate that the Puerto Rician summer heat combined with the jostling from tropical weather caused them to burst. Thankfully two of them leaked directly into a pan designed to catch it. The 3rd leaked all over a locker and made a mess. Lesson learned: all plastic jugs of toxic fluid must be stored in a pan or bucket designed to catch leaks.

Due to the location of the marina, the water is dark and stagnant, but the bottom had to be cleaned. Another first, the bottom of this boat has never been this bad. But, we’ve never been this far south. So, I scraped and scraped on the bottom. And, it is still not what I would call good. But, it is good enough for us to leave the marina, find clear water and scrape some more. Although I wore a wet suit, the water gave me the flu (not because it was cold, but dirty), that I’m still recovering from.