Engine Saga 2 Continued

With the dinghy safely slung from her davits, we motored into the harbour wall at about 10 a.m., on the off chance the travel lift would be free early. Miracles began to occur.

The travel lift was free early. 

An initial attempt to lift Django was met with failure as the straps were too short. This was quickly remedied by the installation of longer straps. David and WW rumbled about being useful. Margaret and I watched diligently.

David being useful.

Once up out of the water, Django was transported to Carl’s workshop where the business of seal replacement began. We were delighted to see Danny would be working on the job.

David descending while Django is in her slings at Carl's workshop.

“Look , Danny,” I said, “your favourite boat.”

“Yeah,” he said. He almost smiled.

“Aren’t you happy to see her?” I asked.

“The boat is happy to see me,” he said. He definitely grinned.

Consultations and ponderings while Danny deconstructs the prop.

He very quickly had the propeller off and various bits and pieces removed. Then he drained the sail drive. A creamy pink liquid poured out into a waiting bucket. “Pepto Bismol,” I said. Danny agreed. This was the  transmission fluid contaminated by sea water. Uncontaminated, it is a clear transparent red.

It does look like Pepto Bismol, doesn't it?

While Danny and his team worked, WW started scraping the other propeller. David offered to help and got a bit of aluminum to scrape the keels. He cut his finger and thought there were nails sticking out of the wood. Nope. He’d just met his first barnacle. He quickly developed a fine case of barnacle respect. Margaret, too, pitched in.

David being useful, again.

Not to be outdone: Margaret being useful.

The work was done by about 1:30 p.m. and we were back in the water by 2 p.m. We went to the fuel dock to fill our water tank. The wind was blowing hard off the dock, so we had to come around the side. All watered up and ready to go, WW went to toss his shoes into the dinghy and missed…one went overboard. There ensued a daring sea rescue with many cries of “boat hook!” Sodden but safe, the shoe was placed carefully in the dinghy with its mate.

Preparing to leave the fuel dock. 

Photo taken because Margaret like the bougainvillea.

Because it was only about 3 p.m. by now, the decision was made to run for English Harbour. After WW had cuddled with the now fully functional port engine and raised a beer to it, we headed out.

WW cuddling with his shiny happy port engine...

...and toasting its good health.

We made it in time to take our guests to the Tot and to attend the Friday evening fish fry on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Stores Hotel. Anthea was there and gave Margaret a scopolamine patch, good for three days, to prevent motion sickness.

 Our guests continued to dazzle us with their ability to enjoy just about anything. We figured we’d wipe the smiles off their faces next day with a windy, swelly run down to Guadeloupe, patch or no patch.