Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Commemorating ANZAC Day

Australian War Memorial 2017
On April 25th each year, Australians come together to remember and honour those brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country.  We could not join you this ANZAC Day but our thoughts were with you.  

We'd also like to salute all those front line workers who keep our country safe, free and healthy.  Trinidad, 2024.

Well done, Tumbi Vale Scout Group 2024 with Miss Phoenix wearing her
Great Grandfather Middleton's medals.  (Photo by V. Middleton)

Artwork & Ode on a Truck 2017
DO'Neil, via Wikimedia Commons
At the going down of the Sun, And in the Morning, We will remember them.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Checking In

Miss WJ3 Bare Butt Naked - stripped to the gel coat.

We’ve been back in Chaguaramas just over a week now.  Work on WJ3 so far has fitted around the heat, the humidity and a nasty dose of local food poisoning.  Back door trots, so my Gran said.  Trot we did indeed…  Firstly, getting off the boat (without incident) sliding down a 20’ galvanised metal ladder, scaring the Yard Security on their night rounds, then finally making a desperate dash for the closest facilities that are never close enough when you need them.  Or worse, they’re occupied!  Always someone sneaking in a quiet chat or a bit of betting on their phone. 

So here we are and loving it!  Slowly getting things in ship-shape order.  Sadly, the batteries drained in our absence, leaving the interior full of mould.  Also, a couple of smaller hatches had been left open by workers so that left us with a major spring clean effort.  Other than that, a few bush fires across the road saw cinders blown over the boatyard (thankfully all boats were washed down).  So, it would seem we’ve missed an exciting “away season”.  The Yard is fairly quiet now but will ramp up with people hauling in a month or so.  Yes, I know we are just splashing – its an antipodean thing!

Now, we are only waiting out for on a few deliveries.  And trying to find yet another leak in Bruce – he’s very temperamental these days, though in pretty good nick for an old fella.  A bit like ol’ Cap’n Iron Guts. 

Well, you did want to know the ups and downs of life afloat.  We’ll keep you posted on our movements… 

Oh no! Not red papaya for dinner again...