New props, new paint

As I write this, the last bits of painting are being done to the boat. New antifoul paint is important to keep the growth of barnicles, etc. from taking over. This annual paint along with weekly bottom scrubs by us while we are in the water will keep Blue Sky happy when under way.

While the boat was being painted, Paul installed the new folding props. He needed some help getting the old props off. These we”ll keep for spares. When he removed one of the props, he discovered some old fishing line tangled around the shaft. Who knows how long it’s been there as it was not visible until the prop was removed. Again we feel blessed that it didn’t cause any issues.

I spent time walking the dog and making a batch of Ginger Snap granola (a new favorite breakfast).  This morning Charlie and I cleared the accumulated 6-8″ of rain from the dinghy which we left tied to the dock during the haul out. I can’t believe the amount of rain that has fallen in the last 48 hours. They call them Christmas rains. Paul was  talking with the painter who said he’s lived here 15 years, and this is the first time he’s seen this much rain in November and December. I guess we can count ourselves lucky to have been here to see it.  It’s not so bad. You can give your hair a rainwater rinse. Even shower in it if you are so inclined and it’s still warm, so not complaining.

On this morning’s walk, Charlie and I were greeted by 5 goats at the entrance to the boat yard. They stood their ground while we sidelined them to get to the sidewalk. They seem friendly enough, but you never know, so we kept our distance. They, like most animals on the island, have the freedom to roam where they want. One of them wagged it’s tail at Charlie. I think he was curious about our little pup.

Blue Sky heading back to the water with new paint and props
Blue Sky heading back to the water with new paint and props
So how do you roll around a 30,000 pound cat?  Easy with one of these toys.
So how do you roll around a 30,000 pound cat? Easy with one of these toys.
Moving from the hard to the soft, water that is
Moving from the hard to the soft, water that is

 

 

On the hard

Charlie loves paddle board or kayak and hops on and off readily
Charlie loves paddle board or kayak and hops on and off readily

Monday was one of those perfect blue sky days. Charlie and I were on the paddleboard before 9 am. We headed to the beach. While I combed the beach, Charlie managed to get himself into a patch of burrs. His fur is like velcro and the burrs were sharp little things. I managed to pull them out one by one. We were met at the beach by Paul, who kayaked over. After heading back to the boat we decided to go snorkeling again. This time I put Charlie on the paddleboard while I snorkeled. I was able to tie him to a dinghy mooring line which kept him near me.  The snorkeling was great. So many fish to wander with. After snorkeling, we put up the sails and had a pleasant drift sail from Norman island, back to Soper’s Hole on Tortola.  The skies were clear all day and evening, which has been rare. Most days we see rain showers.

New Flexofold in open position
New Flexofold in open position
Flexofold doing what it supposed to - fold
Flexofold doing what it supposed to – fold

Tuesday we woke early to ready the boat for it’s haul out. We are having the bottom painted as well as installing new folding props. We’ll be living on the hard for a few days. For the first few hours, we both felt like we were moving. The motion of the ocean really gets under your skin. No sooner was the boat out of the water, and the rain came down in sheets. This has happened three times so far. You can’t paint a wet boat, so the prep work is done and we wait for the clouds to clear again. The plan was a few days on the hard, but my guess is it will double at least.

Fishing line wrapped in starboard prop - luckily didn't break the saildrive seal
Fishing line wrapped in starboard prop – luckily didn’t break the saildrive seal
Our old fixed pitch prop
Our old fixed pitch prop

Meanwhile, Charlie is enjoying the extra walks and we are doing other tasks on board while we have shore power. I’ll try to get some photos uploaded to the blog soon.