March 30, 2023 - Radar Complete

I was invited to breakfast today by some of my neighbors.  We ate at one of the restaurants in the marina area.  It was a nice treat as well as a break from my somewhat monotonous fare.  There is usually a good size group of sailors at breakfast, so it is a good time to exchange information and share stories. 

My new radar dome installation is finished!  All the electrical connections are completed.   All that is left is to update the software on the plotter and test it out.  I will need my new laptop for this step.  It should arrive next week. 

Two of the blocks (pulleys) at the base of the mast need to be replaced.  I cleaned up the area today and will start that project tomorrow.  I tried to find blocks with the same base dimensions so I wouldn't have to drill new holes in the deck, but no luck...  Instead,  I'll drill new holes and fill the old ones with epoxy.

I have several new neighbors on my pier.  A couple arrived yesterday who are just finishing a 10 year curcumnavigation!  It will be interesting to hear some of their stories.  Another couple in a big catamaran docked next to me today.  They are from Edmonds -  small world.  Actually, most of the cruisers here are from the northwest and Canada.  A third couple arrived as I was returning to the boat after my shower.  They were having problems maneuvering, hit a couple of boats, and finally made it into their slip with a little help and minimal damage.

Many here in our little community of cruisers have pets on board.  Dogs and cats being most common.  One woman on my pier has a cat and a dog who I have gotten to know.   The dog is an Australian sheep dog mix and the cat is small and jet black.   They now greet me when I walk by.

Moorage rates have really increased this year.   My fallback plan, if I can't get the boat home, is to sail north about 380 miles to Guaymas where I can haul the boat out and store it for about $200 a month.  Let's just hope I can get it home this time!