Shelter Bay Marina 15 March 2024.
As I went to bed early I woke early. Due to the frustrations with the Wi-Fi on my MacBook I could not face doing a blog last night and so when I woke about 5.30am I slumbered for a bit and got up about 6.00am to start. I wrote the blog and was able to post it on the back up laptop I have for the boat. It is just not so easy and when you use at different computer it takes time to get used to it. Technology is great when it works but when it does not it is so frustrating.
We cooked a proper bacon and egg breakfast as Carolyn and David (who did not have bacon) were leaving today. We only had 5 eggs between us and it was a shame we did not have more. This went down well but David also had porridge but this is his favourite. Carolyn left in a taxi at 10.00am and we were sorry to see her go. She is an experienced and accomplished sailor and has been a great help on her time on Stormbird (and got stuck in and mucked in – which is good) and she for some reason wants to come back!! She will return in Tahiti at the end of September and go on to New Zealand. We wish her well and a safe trip back.
I went to the office and paid for the fuel, mooring and gas cylinder which they had filled when we had been away, which was a relief as we were not able to refill it anywhere in the Caribbean. David and Joyce took the washing to the launderette which was good and I am surprised the sheets did not walk there themselves!!
We gave the boat a good clean inside and out and made up all the new beds and changed our own sheets. The outboard servicer came and took both outboards (one is 9.9hp and the other 4hp). The agent was supposed to come today with 4 long 125 foot lines for the canal and 8 large fenders and the Blue Baron. This is the new parasail I ordered some time ago so I am very excited to see it.
The agent had not arrived by 12.noon so I went off by taxi again to Colon to collect the rope and turning blocks that I had ordered. This time they were there, and I also picked up some extra provisions for the guys arriving tonight.
I returned and we had lunch with David who left at 3.00pm. David is David – a very unusual and likeable character and who has been on board since 25 January 2024. He has also been a great crew member and support and I thank him enormously for his humour and energy and nothing is too much trouble. We have had some great times and laughs and I hope he has a great journey home. He cannot return this year due to family commitments but hopefully in 2025.
We continued to sort out Stormbird and the agent did not arrive until 5.00pm. Apparently their truck broke down but at least he came. He gave us 4 blue 125-foot lines which are an inch thick and 8 large round fenders – see some in the picture.
He then brought the Parasail which was in a large box 1.5m x 1m and we undid the box. It had a big round back canvas bag which contained the sail and which weighed 70 kilos. We got it on to Stormbird and somehow got it into the saloon with a struggle. It takes up most of the saloon table!! We will undo it at some point but I did not want it to get wet before we have used it. It is likely to be the other side of the canal now. I suspect you will more about the Blue Baron is due course and let us not forget the Red Baron which has been repaired but not flown yet!!.
Joyce and I had sundowner on the deck and we then had fish (which we got in the San Blas and froze) and broccoli which I got today. A healthy and light supper before all hell brakes loose when the guys arrive, I suspect about 10.00pm. The next chapter is about to begin.
Opportunity for any Readers/Sailors.
In late May 2024 we shall be in the Marquesas in French Polynesia and we will then move through to the Tuomoto’s before getting to Tahiti about the end of July 2024. There may be some space on Stormbird during this period should any sailor/reader be interested in joining for this period or part of it in what must be one of the most distant and beautiful places in the world. If there is any interest do email me at hine.nick9@gmail.com
The blog will continue as we head off to Panama and beyond.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com I can only upload one picture a day and visit our website www.stormbirdgoesglobal.co.uk