Status of boat projects

Boat projects underway in Marina Seca, San Carlos

Since the Captain continues to wait for his laptop to be fixed,  I'll give a quick update as conveyed via fuzzy skype conversations.

Westerbeke 53 hp engine

Omar, the primo San Carlos diesel mechanic, advised Kelly that he is hopeful all our transmission needs is new seals.  He had one and could get another locally.  If that is the case then we are very pleased; fingers crossed.  The work on the rudder is proceeding and the fibreglass repairs are done; now there is some drying time required.  The head has been dismantled and sits in the cockpit as Kelly intends to take some pieces to Hernandez Brothers in Guaymas to remachine the parts. However, as this is a 30 year old unit, albeit an excellent product, we are wondering if it is indeed time to replace it, in case other parts decide to pack it in.

The past weekend in Mexico was a long weekend in honour of Benito Juarez.  The Condos Filros where Kelly is staying filled up with a number of groups with partying on their minds.  Sleep was limited for a few nights.  However, there has been a few days lull until folks arrive for the Semana Santa festivities. Kelly is hopeful he will have pulled all his projects together by then and be on his way home.  We will see!

Kelly says he's enjoyed spending time with cruising friends;  he's had a chance to take some walks. Disappointingly, where he's staying doesn't provide a safe roadway to ride his folding bike to Marina Seca or to the stores.  

Gravel road in the Ranchitos area leading to highway

Good food!

He's scoped out the way to reach the Canon de Nacapule, hoping to find someone with time to enjoy the hike with him.  This is apparently a very lush, tropical oasis of sorts, with freshwater pools when there has been sufficient rain.  Having a kitchen in the condo is economical for breakfasts and lunches, but it is still reasonable to have a meal out.  Kelly has been enjoying El Novillero, an open air restaurant under a palapa roof; keep it in mind if you are visiting San Carlos.  It is on the way to the marina and near the new Santa Fe grocery.

Back home, we've had more of the same:  a bit of sun, much more rain and often high winds.  At the moment the sun is glinting off the raindrops on the trees and flowers and it is sparkly and cheery.  Home projects continue and I feel I'm keeping Kelly company in spirit.

Happy 12th Sebastian!

Today is the 12th birthday of our 'big guy' Sebastian , a solid tan and white cat we've shared our home with for 10 years.  He is a complicated, restless and loving feline with an unpredictable streak we've never been able to tame. At the moment he is soaking up sun while he can and just enjoyed his daily spoonful of vanilla yogurt.  Tonight he'll be treated to his favorite salmon dinner.