Work Day on the Boat

The tiny wavelets on the water of Quahog Bay are glistening silver in the sunshine, and as we rest on the water, we are surrounded by islands large and small. Coming right down to the shoreline are tall, straight, dark green conifers interspersed with lighter hued deciduous trees such as oaks and sumacs. As the tide ebbs and flows within its nine foot range, islets and rocks that are hidden beneath the surface of the water  emerge at low tide then disappear again at high tide in the endless cycle. 

Sunlight on the water

Great Island as seen from Mantra near high tide

Today has been devoted to work. Peter and Shalako took a lot of sails, tarps, the sea anchor, fenders and other gear out of the forepeak to gain access to the depth sounder at the bottom of the forepeak. Everything has been spread out on the deck to air and dry in the 70 degree temperatures and light breeze. Shalako removed all the wall panels on the starboard side, and they ran a new wire for the depth sounder inside the hull where it meets the deck. This took a couple hours as threading it through walls and bulkheads was a challenge because of minimal space. Finally, when that was all done, they took a break for lunch.

Peter working on the gear from the forepeak

Tarps, sail bags and other items airing out in the sunshine

Shalako removing the wall panels

Shalako and Peter clamping wires

Wall panels piled up on the bed and the table yet again

Peter splicing wires

In addition to cleaning, I spent the morning and early afternoon making black bean vegetable soup; a pureed soup of sweet potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, onions, garlic and some herbs; and tuna fish salad. In addition to other food I had previously prepared, they had many items on the menu to choose from and decided on tuna fish salad wraps. 

After lunch, I cleaned up the galley. Peter installed the new old depth sounder, with the gush of sea water quickly contained. It works! We will all feel more secure navigating among the hundreds of islands and rocky coastline being able to read the depth on the instruments at the wheel. Knowing the job was successful, they were able to put some of the panels back after pulling some other wires. I went back to cleaning and also peeled off the old and cracked Sundeer decals. In the next couple days, I will polish the sides of the pilot house and Peter will affix the new ones. The boat is looking more spiffy all the time. 

Peter installing the new old depth sounder in the forepeak

It is so peaceful here. Occasionally, a power boat speeding by will interrupt the tranquility. Otherwise, the sound of the water moving against the hull and softly slapping against the dinghy is all we hear.