Time to get excited, if you aren't already. Only one week left until departure. Preparations progressing quickly now, you can see how fast we are working
here. Taking out the engine for conservation was a milestone, now with it being put back in place, assembled and running smoothly, we can focus on smaller jobs. And those are plentiful: from leaking water pumps and gas valve needing replacement to cleaning out the bilge and making lists of equipment on board. There is always plenty of work on the boat, so we follow the golden rule:
First you make it a safe boat, then you make it a practical boat, then you make it a pretty boat.
Engine now back in place and running fine.
Andy replacing the chain on the mooring, the old one was so rusty he snapped it in his hands!
Last weekend the crew got together to pack the food. We had to pack barrels for the time we will spend on the boat, separate ones for
Into the blue project and separate provisions for the kayakers. We've done our best to mix things up, so we won't end up eating plain rice one week and chocolates another. We have gathered a superb variety of food supplies, no fear of monotony in our diet, many thanks to our kind
food sponsors and to Maire who established partnerships with them. Most of the food is already stored on the boat and ready to travel. Now we have to figure out storage solutions for the rest of our gear. With larger items like dinghies, compressor, kayaks or outboard motor the options are limited, but it all has to fit on board somehow.
Teamwork at its best: work force to supervision ratio 4:1
Vacuum packing to keep moisture away from our food and save precious space.