Ok, so the plan was to leave on Jan. 11. But that did not happen. We want to leave after noon, as it will take 24 hours to get to Topolobampo at 5 knots (the speed we use for planning) but we typically go closer to 7 knots when we motor and that would be more like 17 hours. So, if we leave here before noon, we might have to hang out at the other end waiting for day break to go in. So, Renee’ was waiting for a phone call that was supposed to happen in the afternoon, and we won’t have cell service for much of the trip across. So, we waited and waited, and finally she called only to be told, NO, we don’t have you on our list to call, but we can set up a call for later in the day. Well, that made it too late to leave, so we said fine we can leave on the 11th.
So, the morning of the 12th, I started doing the last minute checks before getting underway, cleaning strainers and changing filters, and checking oil level in the engine and generator. No issues except that the generator had a 1/4” of water/oil in the bottom of the housing. This looked like pure oil. So, my thoughts were not pleasant. After quite a bit of cleaning and calling, I found a hose from the heat exchanger to to the anti siphon device had broken an end and was leaking. This is sea water that cools the heat exchanger then goes to the anti siphon device then the exhaust mixing tee and out the back of the boat. I was able to find heater hose for this at a local chandlery (marine parts store) and hose clamps. I even found someone who could come and work on the boat on the 13th. So, I called him at 8 am (per his request) and he came down and finished hooking everything up. Which meant we would be able to leave today.
But, OH YEAH THE WEATHER! Yeah today is not a good day to leave, so it will be tomorrow. Jan 14. Again there is a reason we refer to this as VELCRO BAY. In the meantime, another trip to the laundry, (70 pesos per load, washed, dried and folded, 20 pesos to the dollar, so $3.50 US) they don’t let you wash your own because COVID. Later today we will walk to Harkers and have our happy hour there, and tomorrow we will get underway. No, really.
