My weekend started with a trip to Spicer’s Marina Friday afternoon to pick up a lift pump (the first of two fuel pumps) for our diesel. Next I met Susan at Defenders Marine to pick out a new outboard motor for our dinghy. Despite everything I could do for it, our 14 year old Mercury 7.5, two-stroke was proving just too unreliable. It was time for a new outboard and we wanted to boost our power up a bit at the same time. We were considering 10 and 15hp motors. A perusal of the internet seemed to indicate that most cruisers in the Caribbean were using 15s. I was drawn to the power of the lager motor; Susan was attracted to the lighter weight and better fuel economy of the 10s. After discussing our needs and concerns with Don of Defender (who was great to work with) we settled on the Tohatsu 9.8 which at 82lbs was by far the lightest of the bunch, also the least expensive. When we tried it out the next day we both were amazed at how quiet is was and how much power it had even though we never took it above half throttle.
Early Saturday morning I had an astonishing encounter with an Egret. I was walking along the dock at about 5:00 when I came within 15’ of the gorgeous bird. At this range I could clearly see the nuances of articulation in the bird’s neck as it hunted. The birds dark eyes, set wide upon its head, seemed to take in the entire world. In a flash of motion the white bird struck a small fish and in that instant I could clearly see the relationship between birds and reptiles, particularly snakes. I stood on the dock for several long moments, mesmerized by the complex and intricate movement of this magnificent creature. What a wonderful way to start the day.
Susan ventured out to secure us a post office box while I replaced the lift pump on our diesel. Unfortunately I managed to damage a fluid fitting in the process of replacing the pump. A trip to the hardware store didn’t provide a replacement so I ordered a new Westerbeke elbow from Spicer’s. Hopefully I can finish that project next weekend. Susan did an excellent job of organizing and packing the boat, opening up lots of extra space in our storage locker which immediately made us hopeful that we’ll be able to accommodate folding bikes as well as possibly including inflatable kayaks too.
We tried out our spinnaker for the first time. It’s a large sail when bagged and I originally didn’t think we’d have room for it. That all changed when we converted our forward head into a storage locker. If I was starting from scratch I would prefer a code zero with a Facnor furler but the symmetrical that came with the boat is flat enough to reach with so we’ll stick with that for the time being. The sail had a few small rips. Susan will take it to Ace Sailmakers this week for repairs.
The weekend came to a close all too soon as we wrapped up the last projects of the day; caulking teak, preparing the deck for the pad eyes anchors for the running backstays and measuring a section of the bilge for a secondary bilge pump (a high-flow, emergency back up pump) that will fit the space. It was hard to leave as the air started to cool and the place took on the warm golden glow of the late afternoon sunlight. As we hugged, kissed and said our good byes I though how nice it would be when we won’t have to leave each other, Gypsy and this beautiful place at the end of each weekend.113 days
