February 2020 Update - so far

Continuing on from our January catch-up posting . . . .

We continue to stop by, either during our walks or when out on errands, at "Dorado" to spend time with our amigo Lucky.  He certainly does have folks keeping an eye on his food and water bowl but we miss his company and a few treats are usually in order.  We travel with a bit of cat food just in case his bowl is empty! 

I can see the bottom of my food bowl!

Several weeks ago, a young male kitten was "dropped off" nearby and he spent days crying and hiding behind a padlocked metal gate.  He apparently could squeeze out to check what was in Lucky's bowls and for some companionship and guests left water and food nearby.  We were concerned as well and made some attempts to see if a foster home was available, however, unlikely.  Happy ending so far - the owner of the rental condos provided a collar and arranged for neutering at the upcoming spay and neuter volunteer clinic and posted online to find "Dorado" a home.  We wish him a happy, safe, indoor life.

Lucky and his gatito amigo Dorado

Boat Projects:

Mountings from cutting board material for instruments

Perhaps the Captain will eventually find time to describe his efforts.  In the meantime, here are photos of the instrument mountings he designed and made out of cutting boards.  Another hole saw was needed and hand sawing to correct size, then mounting the pieces to the pedestal guard.  Then installing the wind and boat depth/speed instruments and connecting them, as well as the gps chartplotter, which is above the compass binnacle.  Voila - we now have navigation information at the helm again.

Instruments inserted and ready to go

Filling v-berth water tank requires taking bedding and cushions and all sorts of stuff off the berth to access the water storage below.  Our starboard water tank developed a leak we have been unable to locate, so it has been drained and that project is for another day!

V-berth location of forward water tank 

There are some compensations for all this effort!  We followed a nearby cruiser out towards Nacapule Canyon to the site of an in progress development on a large ranch, as he had offered to lend us a tool to help the Captain with yet another project.  It was a treat to take a break and explore a bit of the Sonoran desert environment, even if we were driving.

Following towards the home site location

The View - The Silence

Work in progress towards a home in the Sonoran desert

 We must find time to explore this spectacular environment.

INTREPID II - "What do you mean you are putting me back on the hard already?"

Sad but true.   The past month was a busy one for Captain Kelly.  He had planned to stay at least one week longer before hauling out then heading homeward.

INTREPID II once again settled into dry storage

However, "time and tides wait for no boat or captain".  While checking for a suitable depth in the shallow marina, during working hours, Kelly determined that the entire last week of March was no-go!  The next best option was this current week and in order to have a 'Plan B' (apologies to Ken S.) to allow for any unforeseen 'oops', INTREPID II was lifted out of the water yesterday (March 19th) at 10;)) a.m.  The works yard at Marina Seca was the first stop to finalize, organize, stow and take off any extraneous items.  Kelly managed to book a cozy room down the way at the R.V. park for two nights.  It's at the very back of the property, so hopefully quieter than the 5th wheel which was home base at the beginning of this sojourn.

A link for anyone who might want to check out the accommodations:
http://www.totonakarv.com/home.html

Today (Friday) was part two of moving INTREPID II back into the dry storage yard. Kelly ensured she was settled in and secured for the Sonoran spring, summer, fall.  There will be blazing sun (it is already hot), gritty winds, thunderstorms; hopefully no hurricanes track this far north!  

Although the sailing opportunities did not arise, there was time to make new friends, connect with a few from previous years, battle the "bo-bos" and wish for the air conditioning unit that was sold for a song last season.  He pondered the whys and wherefores of what kept causing the Internet to go down at the marina.  Thank goodness for the cell phone data plan!  Kelly took on the task of 'weather reader' on the morning net when most people could not get wifi.

Happily, after many attempts, the stars aligned to actually do the hike in the Nacapule Canyon with intrepid fellow hiker Ken H.  Pictures to be downloaded; in the meantime here's a link:
http://www.whatsupsancarlos.com/nacapule-canyon-hike-canon-de-nacapule/
Looking forward to hearing about the hike details...stay tuned.

This event comes "Highly Recommended":  the annual 'melodrama' to raise funds for the Rescate services of San Carlos area.  Lots of fun, laughter and for a good cause.  Keep it in mind for next year if you are in San Carlos at this time.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Departure Day.  The Captain is still sorting out his itinerary it seems.