Adios Mexico

LShould I stay or Should I Go?

I cannot get that song out of my head. The last month seems like a roller coaster with all kinds of issues presenting themselves. The main concern has been the engine but I am happy to say that it has finally been resolved.

So David and Armon have been busy checking off things on the list while I concern myself with the provisioning, bond documentation and general organization of all the things that need to find a place on this 37 foot boat!

I do not think any of us will actually believe it is happening until we leave the dock but we are moving forward as if it is.

David and Armon have installed a secondary bilge pump with float. Armon also made two beautiful shelves for the shower. 

We have only used the shower twice in the last couple of years and storage seemed to be more important. Showers take place on deck! All eyes aft boys!!!

The new water heater and tank has been installed. This proved to be a bigger job then expected as the boat seemed to be built around the old one so David had to completely dismantle it in order to get it out of the lazarette. Thank goodness the new one went in okay.

I revarnished the forward hatch 

and David put new weather stripping. We do not need leaks on our bed in the v-berth when those big waves break over the bow.

Arturo cleaned and waxed and polished the cabin sides and top sides.

The boys are cleaning and taking the air out of the dinghy. Then they will try to squeeze it back into its' original bag. Then it will be strapped down on the cabin top. 

I spent the morning at Armon's house freeze packing and organizing all of the meat and fish into four large zip lock bags. One for each week.

I cooked a turkey last night with all of the trimmings and we had a farewell dinner with some friends. Then I made up a turkey Shepard's pie which we will eat on week two!

Now I am in the lobby trying to finalize all of our papers for our bond application. French Polynesia requires one of the following before they will let you into the country:  A return plane ticket to your home port or the posting of a $1700 US bond per person which is the equivalent of a plane ticket ( returnable when you leave)or registration with an agent. We chose the third option - at a cost of $270 for the three of us. As we do not know when we will. Get there it is hard for Armon to buy a return ticket. The agent greases the wheels for us and allows us tax free gas and discounts for groceries and moorage. It is a little involved but worth the hassle free sign in process. In the mean time it is my job to send her a copy of the boat registration, copy of our health insurance, signed document of the terms and agreement with the agent, signed copy of the boat  and a signed copy of David's responsibility as the Captain of the boat. Thank goodness for the ability to scan and email documents.

Our office in the lobby - printer, MacPro, HP, IPad, beautiful view!

Confidence is in the first row second boat from the right with the blue sail cover.

On Wednesday the boys will do one final check of the alignment which involves Arturo diving to inspect the shaft and propellor. Then we will drive into Manzanillo to the Federal building to clear customs and Immigration. Then a stop at the Port Captains in Barra to get our Zarpe to clear the boat.

Last job is the final provisioning of all fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs and what not.

So if all goes well we will depart on Thursday  morning.

Am I scared? Absolutely not! I have total confidence in my Captain and crew and the boat. Am I excited? You bet! I have butterflies and feel like a kid waiting for Santa to come.

I will post one more blog the day before we leave giving everyone our email address for the Single Side Band radio.

This entry and the next one are not too long as I just have too much to do. I will probably work on some blog entries on the 4 week crossing - what is involved in provisioning and the emotional preparations for such a long journey.

Keeping everyone Posted!!!