A necessary piece of business, but not for the squeamish
20 March 2010 | Marina Fort Louis, St. Martin
PERFECT! this is what I expected.
First thing today Jim got down to the vital business of repairing the port head (toilet). I will leave out most of the details, but only say that this is a job you have to be mentally ready to do as it is in a confined space (like what ISNT on a boat) and well...it is malodorous! There were a few gaskets not working properly, and it needed to be lubricated to stop the awful squeaking noise that would not only wake everyone IN your boat...but most of the close neighbors too. This is a job we have done several times and knew what to expect, but somehow we always reverse one gasket and Jim has to take the thing apart and put it in correctly. We've done it wrong at least three times...including today. And this with Jim in the head and me in the companionway reading the directions (so Jim does not get drummed out of the manclub) and calling out instructions to him (which he especially enjoys). This is another reason we wanted a boat with only 2 heads, rather than the more common 4 berths / 4 head charter design. So for those planning to visit us be prepared to share!
Apparently Saturday is the MAJOR grocery shopping day here, along with the rest of the world, but as we needed supplies we had to join the fray. Along with the local population there are crews supplying the mega yachts, and provisioning companies prepping the charter boats and condos, plus vacationers just arriving on island and stocking up, in the midst of all this there are workers attempting to restock the shelves. What a madhouse...we left as quickly as we could.
Today is a picture perfect summer day here (the first we've had!) 85 degrees and humidity in the low 60's. 8-10 kt breeze out of the east, just gorgeous. My hair is actually down and it is not making me crazy so I guess that madness is past. Lisa, since we have no Sharky to tell us, I can only guess at the water temp...perfect! When I stick my feet in off the transom I say Ahhhh!
Spoke with my bother and niece & nephew this afternoon via skype - it is brilliant to be able to connect this way and really be able to stay in touch.
Also, a quick thank you to all who have responded via the blog..it means more than you know to hear a quick word back from friends who will share the laughter with us!