Our clean engine bilges weren't clean for long. While I was cleaning, and unbeknownst to me, I had accidentally bumped the lines from the fuel tank that were leading into the engine bilge area. Instead of being tucked in between other lines, now they were hanging freely in the bilge and dripping diesel. They leaked about 4 liters of diesel into the bottom of the starboard bilge, which then made its way into the starboard hull bilge. Lovely. So I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning bilges again - 2 steps forward, 1 step back! Now they are clean enough, and disinfected enough, to eat off of.

John continues to work on re-installing the headliners.


Working on projects at Riddlesden - John applying new felt to the headliners.

Trying to piece it all back together is one big puzzle, a puzzle that has been slightly modified since it came out of the boat - again, all because of the thickness of the bulkhead being increased by 2 inches. So up and down the steps he goes, measuring and re-measuring to make each little piece fit around each nook and cranny.


John working on headliners at the boatyard.


Measuring the nooks and cranny's.

I also started cleaning all the little lights that go into the headliners - polishing the stainless steel trim. Well, barely started. I've got 2 done; I have about 47 (or 48?) more to go. I need to find some good heart pumping music to get me motivated while I polish away.


Before....


After!

Dan has been sick the last few days, so the starboard hull is not quite fully complete yet as we had hoped. Steve and Mike continue to work their way through the port hull - which is still a week out before John can get in there to do the wiring and plumbing, and Dan to put the joinery back in.


Steve working in the Port Hull


Designing our new hull extensions. Each side will have a swim ladder.

We are taking a little road trip this weekend and staying a few nights up at Cooper's Beach in Northland, to see Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach. Cape Reinga is the northern most point of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. There is also a World Famous Fish and Chips restaurant in Mangonui which we plan on giving a try. Looks like we are in for some nice weather so it should be a nice getaway.