How quickly time passes when you are doing boat projects!

Our neighbour - stately great blue heron

It is Tuesday, January 31st.  Where did Enero disappear?  Actually, we have a very clear idea of how our days have been spent. We are pleased with the slow but steady progress on all the boat projects. It is still a shock to realize the first month of 2012 is at an end. 

As you might anticipate, we chose to pay for one more week, as the northern winds were blowing off and on over the weekend. We waited for a period of calm to put the mainsail on the boom and raise it, after Kelly had completed all his algebraic calculations to determine where the fittings should be placed on the new topping lift.  Of course that meant on Sunday morning, when we'd planned to head out to Empalme for the Sunday Market, the wind was still.  A quick change of plans and we spent a successful few hours completing this outstanding item.  Now the main is attached, the Dutchman lines are in place, as are the reefing lines; the sail cover is on. 

Results of UV on webbing - next project

Next project - repairing our Achilles dinghy with the d-ring patch kits; this required further investigation of what type of adhesive had actually been provided - we had two tubes of 'no name' adhesive and the instructions didn't appear to refer to what we had.  Once again, thank goodness for Skype and the ability to phone suppliers for clarification.  The challenge here is that the lines used to lift and carry the dinghy are spliced on to d-rings which were attached to heavy strapping; all of a piece.  Last season, with very little exposure to the sun, we thought, the strapping basically disintegrated showing the power of U.V.!  Our new kit provides hypalon patches with attached d-rings, but no lines.  The Captain is designing a way to utilize the existing spliced lines with the old and new d-rings.

Upcoming on Febrio 2nd is Dia de la Candelaria, Candlemas Day; halfway between the winter solstice and vernal equinox.  In Mexico, this day is a traditional follow-up to Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes on January 6th.  We'd mentioned celebrating this occasion with the rosca del Reyes special bread with fellow cruisers. Carol was one of several people to find a 'mona' or small statue in her piece of bread which meant hosting a party February 2nd.  As we are still in the marina, we will contribute towards a feast of tamales on Thursday.  Fortunately for everyone, we have an expert tamale chef amongst the cruisers ranks who has offered to spend her time making a variety of tamales.  We contribute the funds and Suzy does the hard work!  Although we all take time to chat during projects it will be a treat to put down tools and tasks, enjoy each others' company and celebrate another Mexican holiday.

The Guaymas pre-Carnaval activities are underway. 

From our attempts at reading the local papers we understand that there has been some controversy over the election of the Rey Feo, or Ugly King.  Last Friday evening the runner up apparently lodged a protest and returned his 'prince belt'.  However la Reina and the Flower Queen were apparently elected without challenges.  While we've enjoyed past Carnavals in La Paz and Mazatlan, we are far too close to activities here to pick and choose our participation.  With good weather our plans will be to have a quiet time in a peaceful anchorage in mid February.  Perhaps some Bob Marley or Toots and the Maytals to liven up the atmosphere; but we have control over the 'off' button!

Newly elected Reina 2012 and Queen of Flowers

Rey Feo for 2012 - not without controversy