In Yap
15 June 2012 | Colonia, Yap
David
Just a quick note to say things have been progressing here in Yap.
The boat is now finally out of the water for full repairs. It took 5 hours of hard work for all involved yesterday to get her on the cradle which is attached to a track. We needed to make sure the keel was flat and straight and the chain supports were such that they did not hit the propeller shaft. Most of the work was done with spanners underwater with visibility down to less than 2 metres.
I chiseled away at the putty today to open up the crack. It is clear now that we hit the coral from the side as I was turning away from it. The skeg is not designed to support the rudder from a side on hit. More on the boat repairs soon.
Aside from getting the boat out of the water I have had other work to do here. And it takes a lot to get things done. People are so generous with their time it means the day runs out quickly. If it starts raining drivers will stop to give you a lift. If they see a friend they will stop the car for a chat. This morning it took 2 hours to get a ladder from someone’s house because we kept stopping along the way and talking to people. Or sometimes just chew a beetle nut and not talk at all. The comfortable silence thing we saw on Faraulep.
I prepared a box of goodies for the people of Faraulep who helped me. Fishing line, hooks, beer, yeast, replacement paint brushes for the ones I used etc all in a big esky cooler box. Also took out Thomas’ family to dinner. His wife, 3 children studying here, his brother and nephew. Showing them the photo’s of their home on Faraulep made them a bit home sick I think. They laughed at how ‘dad’s belly had gotten bigger’. That took home a very big doggie bag – which I noticed included a couple of unopened beers.
I had a couple of beers with the Governor who was interested in my story and how we had been treated. Also met an interesting Australian guy who is working with the government to help them secure and then manage grants. He is based out of Ponepe and was here for business.
I still have to finish paperwork for the boat and have it all processed by customs as we did not complete our leaving documents correctly when we left Saipan. I’ve found a boat builder and we will start work tomorrow making Yarramundi good as new. Also got a great rate on a hotel, checked in last night and had my first proper shower in 6 weeks.