Cruising - Not Just Beautiful Sunsets

A blog about sailing seems a strange place to discuss crew and systems health but ours has turned to more than just pretty sunsets. Sure, we have those every now and then even in port. We also have challenges that go beyond how much ice we have on board. Of late, we have the never ending engine problem brought about by parts availability, One critical part is no longer available making engine replacement a real possibility. Seems that Westerbeke brand, like most marine engine manufacturers, buys the base engine from someone. They, in turn usually buy some components from other corporations like the fuel systems. Thus, we are at least twice removed from the mystery manufacturer of the fuel pump we need. Since Westerbeke has none in stock, they offered to dig out the files on our obsolete engine and coax the pump guy to make one just for us. Right! Any bets on whether or not they make the lead time they said?

Of all things that can take the joy out of cruising, crew sickness is at the top. Since our return, Bear has not felt well. Turns out she had an ailment treatable by exotic antibiotics which destroyed other beneficial bacteria much needed for life and health. That caused a severe reaction requiring more tests, more antibiotics and several days in the hospital. When my Bear is not aboard, life in it's entirety is nothing more than just noise. She just called to let me know that she gets out tomorrow. Given her diminished strength, we will not be going anywhere for a bit. There is a good side in that this is not the worst place to be stopped. We will miss that trip back to Texas for a graduation but will make it up later, we hope. When I get Bear sprung, it's back to the toe rails, the endless search for that pump and teaching Scurv to climb trees. He is up to six feet so far albeit a slanted tree.