Today I will focus on getting Victor on the boat to figure out why our VHF will not transmit on High power. Victor is an extremely nice gentleman who has a rare malady, known as (CSN). He just can’t say no! As a result he is always behind and overloaded with work. Trying to keep everyone happy doesn’t work if one doesn’t meet their schedule. He was supposed to call me to come over last Saturday, but I still haven’t heard from him. I will go to his shop today and drag him over if necessary! Just kidding, what he lacks in prudent business practice, he more than makes up in courtesy and amiability. He is also very good at what he does!
After the Cruisers' net, Roger the refrigeration man is supposed to call to make arrangements to come out to check our refrigerator and freezer. I think that I might have put too much R-12 in the system. I’m not sure, but don’t want to run it until I know for sure. If I put too much in and run it, the results could be very devastating, and we certainly don’t want that. Enough shit breaks on its own around here, without me adding to the problem!
If I get these two feats accomplished, I will install the correct length bolt in the bracket I made to hold the GPS above the Sonar screen at the helm. I also need to reinstall the high pressure hose I had to remove off of the water maker, in order to be able to inspect it for wear. That’s about it for today, unless I can squeeze in some fishing time.
Judy said that while I am getting my stuff done , she would make some cinnamon rolls and make some more bread. Yum! Yum! I haven’t had breakfast yet and it makes my mouth water just thinking about those hot cinnamon rolls.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Another blustery day
Yesterday the winds came up as predicted and the swells with them. It certainly was not a day to go for a ride in an eight foot dinghy. As a result we decided to stay aboard and keep an eye on the weather, and the possibility of having to let out more rode to keep from dragging anchor. We had a bit of excitement when I overheard a radio call for our friends (Steve & Lulu) from a boat (Loose Pointer) that is anchored about a hundred yards from their boat (Siempre Sabado). I had been looking up the channel at our friends' boat, trying to tell if it was moving closer to the sea wall located in front of the marina. From my vantage point it looked like it might be and if so, could spell disaster. When the call went unanswered, I called Loose Pointer and asked if he could tell if Siempre Sabado was getting closer to the wall. He said that it was and that he was trying to locate the owners so he could inform them. He said all he had extra was a Danforth anchor that might hold it, but was light. I said that I had an extra 45 lb CQR anchor and 250 ft of 1" anchor rode. We agreed to meet at their boat and secure it with an the additional anchor. Of course my extra CQR was at the bottom of the back lazaret. I ran out to the cockpit and began throwing the contents to Judy who transferred them forward and out of the way. Luckily the rode was right next to the anchor. Once the anchor was loaded, ( Not an easy feat in high swells ) I grabbed the outboard motor and secured it to the dinghy. Off I went, hoping that enough fuel was in the outboard to complete the task, as in the excitement I failed to throw in the oars.
When I arrived at our friends' boat, which was becoming precariously close to the sea wall, Dan from Loose Pointer was on the bow and had already secured his Danforth anchor to the boat. The seas were a lot worse close to the wall and as I came along side Siempre Sabado I stood up and grabbed the toe rail. I reached down and picked up the rode which had become quite heavy, due to getting soaked on the way over. When I tried to lift it up to Dan a big wave hit the dinghy and along with the downward pressure exerted by my lifting the rode, the dinghy damned near capsized. It took about six inches of water over the side. Of course by that time I was knocked down and the water got me soaked. I hate it when that happens. Oh well, it was head around the other side to execute plan "B," which was to toss the free end of the rode to Dan, on what was hopefully a calmer side, yeah right! I damned near went swimming again. Eventually I got all of the tangles out of the rode and headed out into the waves with the 45lb anchor hanging off the side while I acted as counter balance on the other side. When Dan motioned for me to drop the anchor, I did and at the same time another wave hit, adding to my counter balance and I'll be damned if I didn't almost go swimming again.
After regaining my balance, not to mention my composure, I returned to the boat and asked Dan if he wanted me to set the anchor with the dinghy. He said that he felt it dig in and that it was okay. I told him that I was low on fuel and must go before running out, but if he needed me again to give me a call. He okay and I headed back to Wind Raven. By the time I got back the seas were much worse and I had difficulty securing the dinghy to the side, so opted to let it trail off the stern. I then donned dry clothes and sat down for a hot meal.
About an hour later I saw Steve on the bow of his boat pulling anchor. I was going to go down and see if he needed help, but before I could get ready he had them up and was heading our way. He re-anchored about a hundred yards from us and seemed to be okay. I sat around a bit with my conscience gnawing at me for not going over to see if he wanted me to set the CQR from my dinghy that we had used to secure his boat. It got the better of me so into the dinghy I went. I started the motor and headed towards his boat. I got about thirty feet when the engine quit. I was now adrift in high wind and seas. And to top it all off I was headed directly towards the wall. To top it off, I had once again forgotten to throw in the oars. Finally I yelled loud enough to get Steve’s attention, but his response was “yeah I’m okay now.” No, no, no, I’m not, My motor died. I finally got my message across despite the howling wind and breaking waves. Unfortunately, Steve had already taken off his outboard, so had to put it back on his dinghy. This can be a major feat in this kind of weather, especially if you don’t want to use your motor on the bottom as an anchor in the near future. By the time he got it on and was on his way to me, I was becoming very nervous eyeing the rapidly approaching sea wall. Obviously he made it to me in time, but it was nip and tuck there for a while. I threw him a line and he pulled me to a safe distance from the wall before I finally got my engine started. We then headed back in tandem. The waves and wind were getting ornery to a point where when Steve’s boat's bow lifted over a wave, the wind caught it and flipped him around in the opposite direction. I can’t speak for anyone else, but it was a bit exhilarating for me. A good day is a day that ends well, and we were all tucked in warm and cozy last night. All is well!
When I arrived at our friends' boat, which was becoming precariously close to the sea wall, Dan from Loose Pointer was on the bow and had already secured his Danforth anchor to the boat. The seas were a lot worse close to the wall and as I came along side Siempre Sabado I stood up and grabbed the toe rail. I reached down and picked up the rode which had become quite heavy, due to getting soaked on the way over. When I tried to lift it up to Dan a big wave hit the dinghy and along with the downward pressure exerted by my lifting the rode, the dinghy damned near capsized. It took about six inches of water over the side. Of course by that time I was knocked down and the water got me soaked. I hate it when that happens. Oh well, it was head around the other side to execute plan "B," which was to toss the free end of the rode to Dan, on what was hopefully a calmer side, yeah right! I damned near went swimming again. Eventually I got all of the tangles out of the rode and headed out into the waves with the 45lb anchor hanging off the side while I acted as counter balance on the other side. When Dan motioned for me to drop the anchor, I did and at the same time another wave hit, adding to my counter balance and I'll be damned if I didn't almost go swimming again.
After regaining my balance, not to mention my composure, I returned to the boat and asked Dan if he wanted me to set the anchor with the dinghy. He said that he felt it dig in and that it was okay. I told him that I was low on fuel and must go before running out, but if he needed me again to give me a call. He okay and I headed back to Wind Raven. By the time I got back the seas were much worse and I had difficulty securing the dinghy to the side, so opted to let it trail off the stern. I then donned dry clothes and sat down for a hot meal.
About an hour later I saw Steve on the bow of his boat pulling anchor. I was going to go down and see if he needed help, but before I could get ready he had them up and was heading our way. He re-anchored about a hundred yards from us and seemed to be okay. I sat around a bit with my conscience gnawing at me for not going over to see if he wanted me to set the CQR from my dinghy that we had used to secure his boat. It got the better of me so into the dinghy I went. I started the motor and headed towards his boat. I got about thirty feet when the engine quit. I was now adrift in high wind and seas. And to top it all off I was headed directly towards the wall. To top it off, I had once again forgotten to throw in the oars. Finally I yelled loud enough to get Steve’s attention, but his response was “yeah I’m okay now.” No, no, no, I’m not, My motor died. I finally got my message across despite the howling wind and breaking waves. Unfortunately, Steve had already taken off his outboard, so had to put it back on his dinghy. This can be a major feat in this kind of weather, especially if you don’t want to use your motor on the bottom as an anchor in the near future. By the time he got it on and was on his way to me, I was becoming very nervous eyeing the rapidly approaching sea wall. Obviously he made it to me in time, but it was nip and tuck there for a while. I threw him a line and he pulled me to a safe distance from the wall before I finally got my engine started. We then headed back in tandem. The waves and wind were getting ornery to a point where when Steve’s boat's bow lifted over a wave, the wind caught it and flipped him around in the opposite direction. I can’t speak for anyone else, but it was a bit exhilarating for me. A good day is a day that ends well, and we were all tucked in warm and cozy last night. All is well!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Lazy Days
There really isn't much to write about these days, with the exception of my frustrations with equipment problems. Today Victor is coming out to the boat to find out why our VHS won't transmit on high power. I have done all I can to figure it out, to no avail I'm sad to say. I will also remove the other high pressure hose on the water maker and have a new one made up monday. Its mate blew up on our way down and got sea water in the auto pilot control box. This resulted in the auto pilot failure. We called the auto pilot manufacturer to see if they were still in business. The good news is they are. The bad news is that a new unit will cost $1600. Some more good news, (sort of) is that they will ENTIRELY rebuild our old unit with ALL new parts for $800. We can send it up to be rebuilt and Judy can pick it up when she goes up to her daughter's wedding in Oregon next month.
Yesterday I entered a cruisers dart tournament, thinking that I could still be competitive. Ha! not even. Actually it was kinda embarrasing for someone who, back in the late 80s, was an ADO representative and a world competitor. I couldn't hit anything. I could use the excuse that tournament was held in a windy area, which it was. The problem with that is that it was windy for everyone, so THAT dog won't hunt. I could mention the fact that I now wear glasses, but I remember several great players that do also. So that cup won't hold water. I could say that the torn rotator in my shoulder caused my ineptness, but in reality I know the real reason. It is lack of practice, practice, practice! I haven't thrown serious darts since the late 80s and back then I practiced on an average of at least six hours a day. As they say, "Practice makes perfect." Hey! If that's true, the boat must just need more practice! It was just inactive for toooo looooooooong!
Yesterday I entered a cruisers dart tournament, thinking that I could still be competitive. Ha! not even. Actually it was kinda embarrasing for someone who, back in the late 80s, was an ADO representative and a world competitor. I couldn't hit anything. I could use the excuse that tournament was held in a windy area, which it was. The problem with that is that it was windy for everyone, so THAT dog won't hunt. I could mention the fact that I now wear glasses, but I remember several great players that do also. So that cup won't hold water. I could say that the torn rotator in my shoulder caused my ineptness, but in reality I know the real reason. It is lack of practice, practice, practice! I haven't thrown serious darts since the late 80s and back then I practiced on an average of at least six hours a day. As they say, "Practice makes perfect." Hey! If that's true, the boat must just need more practice! It was just inactive for toooo looooooooong!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Burgers
Yesterday we went to town to try and find a bulb for a bow light that burned out on our trip down. One was located at the fourth and last marine supply in La Paz. It is a bit difficult getting parts here at times. While out we ate a burger at a local eatery, where the hamburger meat actually tasted like real ground beef. Don't get me wrong, the food here is great, but sometimes you start jonesing for an American burger and fries. The burger and fries with a margarita and a non-alcholic beer ran a little over $23.00. That's about the same as we paid for an equivelent burger in Eugene OR. We tried a less expensive place that had good burgers with all the trimings, but the meat didn't taste quite like real hamburger meat. Their fries were excellent though. Okay enough about food, that's Steves department and I will infringe no more. He is much better at it anyway. In case you wish to read his and Lulu's blog, here is the link. http://yodersafloat.blogspot.com/
Judy and I also went to the local Mercado downtown. It actually has butcher shops where they cut your meat the way you want it. Just like the, now non-existant, independent butcher shops used to do in America. But then that was back when Americans could get real service at the local shops. Now that the big corporations have taken over, it seems that the American business's have a "take it or leave it" attitude.
We also got rid of an extra sail that was a bit short and just taking up valuable space in the boat. When we returned to the boat after walking around in the heat all morning, it was siesta time. I think I can get used to this lifestyle. After the siesta, it was back to reading our books, without the fishing this time. Today I have to get serious about getting the boat ready for our island hop to our next port. I am still having problems getting the VHS to transmit on high, so will address that issue today. I know the problem is 12 volt power related. I will also install the newly aquired bulb for the bow light. After that? Why, siesta time of course! Maybe even a little fishing! Damn, this is such a hard life down here.
Judy and I also went to the local Mercado downtown. It actually has butcher shops where they cut your meat the way you want it. Just like the, now non-existant, independent butcher shops used to do in America. But then that was back when Americans could get real service at the local shops. Now that the big corporations have taken over, it seems that the American business's have a "take it or leave it" attitude.
We also got rid of an extra sail that was a bit short and just taking up valuable space in the boat. When we returned to the boat after walking around in the heat all morning, it was siesta time. I think I can get used to this lifestyle. After the siesta, it was back to reading our books, without the fishing this time. Today I have to get serious about getting the boat ready for our island hop to our next port. I am still having problems getting the VHS to transmit on high, so will address that issue today. I know the problem is 12 volt power related. I will also install the newly aquired bulb for the bow light. After that? Why, siesta time of course! Maybe even a little fishing! Damn, this is such a hard life down here.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Channel Cat
Yesterday while spending the day just kicking back and since I wasn't moving around much, I decided to do a little fishing in the bay where we are anchored. At first I put on a lead head with a white rubber worm. I was getting so many hits from small bass that they were destroying my rubber worms. After going through a few, I put on a couple of hooks and baited them with some pieces of the squids that had mysteriously appeared on deck one morning on our trip down the Pacific Coast. I figured I would kick back with a good book and use the fishing as an occasional interupter, just to keep it interesting. You know, a bite every hour or so? Well that was not to be. As soon as the bait hit the bottom I had a fish on. To my surprise, when I landed this little guy ( 12" to 14") it looked suspiciously like the Channel Catfish I caught while in Oklahoma. Nah, no way, catfish live in fresh water. For the next three or four hours I caught one of these fish every two to five minutes. It was fun, but I wasn't getting much reading done. Finally I gave up the fishing and read my book. Later last night I looked up Channel Catfish on the internet and discovered they do live in the tropical areas of the ocean. So my suspicions were correct. They were Channel Catfish! I have been fishing for catfish all my life and never knew they were in the ocean also. It goes to show you, no matter how old we are, there is always more we can learn!
We also took some older electronics and a sail that we replaced on our boat to the local cruisers swap meet. The electronics sold in the first ten minutes and we had several people interested in the sail that we gave cards to. Last night one of those people called and said he would be over this morning to buy it. I guess he measured his rig and found it would fit. Great now we will have a little more room. Not to mention a little extra money. This anchoring out is great, cause it's free, and there ain't much of that left in our society these days!
Ya know, I really like that word, ( FREE ). I don't know what it conjures up in your mind, but in mine the list is endless. Especially if you add "dom" to the end of it. Mexico isn't totally free, as no organized society is. But ya know, in my humble opinion it sure as hell beats the USA. Oh! and to all you folks up there that say " If you don't like it, leave it" Well I did, and I'm loving it!
We also took some older electronics and a sail that we replaced on our boat to the local cruisers swap meet. The electronics sold in the first ten minutes and we had several people interested in the sail that we gave cards to. Last night one of those people called and said he would be over this morning to buy it. I guess he measured his rig and found it would fit. Great now we will have a little more room. Not to mention a little extra money. This anchoring out is great, cause it's free, and there ain't much of that left in our society these days!
Ya know, I really like that word, ( FREE ). I don't know what it conjures up in your mind, but in mine the list is endless. Especially if you add "dom" to the end of it. Mexico isn't totally free, as no organized society is. But ya know, in my humble opinion it sure as hell beats the USA. Oh! and to all you folks up there that say " If you don't like it, leave it" Well I did, and I'm loving it!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Kicked Back!
Yep, thats what we are, "kicked back." We haven't done much in the last three days except relax and enjoy paradise. La Paz days are in the 80s with the nights in the 60s. This is what we call perfect weather. We are anchored off the city's front walkway, known here as the "Malecon" which always seems to have some event in progress with many venders and a carnival like atmosphere. The city of La Paz has its venders everywhere, but they are not pushy like the venders in Tiajuana or Ensenada. They are very polite and respectfull. Quite a pleasant change from the border cities.
Steve and Lulu joined us for a late lunch, or early dinner yesterday. We had a great time doing nothing. Actually Steve did help us set up our Skype account, so we can now call our kids and friends in the states for next to nothing. It's a much better deal than a cell phone!
I will not be able to upload/download photos on the blog until I figure out how to shrink them down on windows 7. It is very different from windows vista. I'll figure it out sooner or later. If you want to make it sooner, don't be bashfull, tell me how!
Steve and Lulu joined us for a late lunch, or early dinner yesterday. We had a great time doing nothing. Actually Steve did help us set up our Skype account, so we can now call our kids and friends in the states for next to nothing. It's a much better deal than a cell phone!
I will not be able to upload/download photos on the blog until I figure out how to shrink them down on windows 7. It is very different from windows vista. I'll figure it out sooner or later. If you want to make it sooner, don't be bashfull, tell me how!
Friday, April 1, 2011
April Fools Day e.g. Anniversary
It's April 1st and Judy and my first anniversary. Yep, we were married on April Fools day one year ago today in Reno Nevada. Today has been a good day. We went to the Immigration oficina and picked up our FM 3 visas. Made an appointment with the Doctor for Judy. Dropped off our VHF radio with Victor to figure out why we can only transmit on the low power mode. Went to the bank to see if anyone has made their payment yet. We stopped by the Super Macado (super market) on our way back to pick up our laundry. Then it was off to the dinghy dock for a ride back to the boat. We anchored it yesterday in about 18' of water. How do I know? I finished the wiring on the Sonar and it works great! I am very impressed with its capabilities. It looks forward, down, and 180 deg. to port and starboard. Now we will have a fighting chance to avoid any errant shipping containers lurking in the night. It is my understanding that they loose thousands every year off of ships around the world. Unfortunately, they all don't sink to the bottom. I can't understand why they don't make them sink when they go overboard. We decided to splurge and go out for dinner tonight. Actually it is not expensive to eat out here. A great meal with much more than you can eat will run under $25 for two. Well I better go for now, Judy wants to check her e-mail. Oh yeah, we got our internet back on.
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