It may not look far as the Tui flies, but to me the yellow line represents four days of satisfying work as Kalai made the short trip this afternoon from Doug's Boatyard back home to the Marina - albeit in a slightly more roundabout fashion than my track indicates...
Last jobs today included replacing the sacrificial zinc anode on the prop shaft (to counteract electrolysis) and final coats of anti foul on the rudder stock repair. Should be good for another 18 - 24 mths. Yeehah!
Made friends with Carol and Paul over the past few days as they laboured to repair an ageing plywood ketch, 'Westwind'. Carol's husband (and Paul's Dad) is on his "last legs" according to them and is has not been able to maintain his pride and joy for a number of years. They have spent nearly two months grinding out rot, glassing and repairing seams etc etc. A labour of love (for husband and Dad) in order to get the boat at least presentable enough to sell. Paul estimates they have taken 1.5 tons of gear off the 45ft ketch already (with more to come) and she rides 4cm higher in the water! A timely reminder about the need for regular maintenance, I reckon. Also a reminder of how much pleasure my Mum and Dad gained from their early years of retirement when they bought 'Roaring Mac' (a Noelex 25) - and anchored her one summer in the same bay (English Bay) as where 'Westwind' is due to return tomorrow. I hope that I'll know when the time is right to relinquish the dream of sailing and not hang on for too long... but for now I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of God's creation in this marvellous cruising ground.
In the meantime water tanks are full, Karuna dinghy is loaded and up early tomorrow and sailing, Lord willing, for two days (before the next front arrives!)
Progress can be followed at http://my.yb.tl/davidson31kalai/
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