It had been 7 years since we installed our batteries, time for new, along with new battery charger (also seven years old). When knocked down we confirmed that one alternator was pretty well gone (bearings, brushes, springs, internal regulator all toast). We installed our spare. Fortunately, we were able to swap over the pulley for the old alternator; we did not have to get new V-belts.
We cleaned all raw water strainers and replaced the impeller of the Perkins raw water pump. Then decided that it was time to install new heat exchangers as well.
We launched on Nov 7 and continued the recommissioning afloat where it was much cooler. We slowed our pace markedly. It took us a week to bend on sails and stock provisions (including 20 bottles of wine).
Our friends from Cedar Key Florida arrived on Nov 13 and we were ready to shift to the play mode. However, more problems surfaced. We had not properly decommissioned our Honda generator in the spring, so had the fun of cleaning the varnish from the carburetor bowl and jets. Thanks to fellow cruiser, Ian, for pointers on that repair. Cleaning of the float switch for the bilge pump did not make it operate properly. We replaced it with a new switch.
Finally we could start to play.
We enjoyed live music and dancing at “De Big Fish”.
There were pizza and good times at the Tiki Bar on the other side of the harbour.
The Beach at Grand Anse is always a pleasure. We discovered the roadside sugar cane juicer on the way to the beach, delicious.
Peggy got a special treat in the park just behind Grand Anse Beach.
We formed a group of fellow cruisers for a trip downtown for an Oil Down at Nedd's Place and to see old friends there, Nedd, Narlene, Martelle & Nicky . Before dinner, with pan music, this group of cruisers from Texas, Isle of Man, Ireland, and Florida played pool and solved the world's problems with the assistance of the local brew, “Stag”.
Aboard the Charlotte D we established an agreeable division of labour. Peter was the breakfast cook.
Catherine usually prepared lunch.
We all pitched in for dinner preparation. Peggy was always willing to do dishes, bless her.
On Nov 20, we four departed Grenada for the 90nm passage to Charlotteville, Tobago. We had useful fun with flares on the way. Even 6 years expired 3 out of 4 fired and burned.
This was the first ocean passage for some of the crew. Fortunately, the seas were benign, and the wind was from a favourable direction, but there was not as much wind as forecast so there was a lot of engine time. There were three mild squalls. It was a pleasant crossing over 17 hours.
Our next blog reports on our 19 day layover at anchor in Man-O-War Bay, Charlotteville, Tobago.
“Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes”, Henry David Thoreau
No comments:
Post a Comment