I've had another Christmas Miracle.
Remember on Christmas Eve 2017, in Florida, when I ran into Mack and Vicky, m/v Confetti. They were hosting a Cookout at the Marina Grill. "Skip, please join us. We have everything, except something to throw on the grill." It turns out I had stopped at Mrs. Peters Fish house (miracle 1) and found it open, whereupon I bought a massive Pork Chop and had it in my camera bag. Here I am sitting on the deck with a pork chop in my bag when I meet them.
Well Yesterday back in Hope Town I came down from taking pictures up in the Lighthouse and ran into Mack and Vicky just arriving to do the same. We visited and they invited me to dinner - again. Another Christmas Miracle! I LOVE me some Mack and Vicky. (to reiterate: I met them in Stuart Fl. on Christmas eve, then ran into them at the base of the lighthouse in the Abacos.) (to re-reiterate: love them)
Prodigal moored in front of the Elbow Reef Lightstation.
Footnote: when i was up in the Light taking photos - ALL the other tourists left. So I'm all alone up there in the breezy quiet, taking shots up in the actual light, when i hear tiny voices and kids laughter. They yell and hear the echo, then a 'mom' tries to quiet them. Another kid bellows and i reply down toward them in kind. Something of a banshee howell and growl mixed. Then i tell them it's OK to make noise that there aren't any other visitors. Next, one of the kids yells, "Is it COOL?" (the redhead in the blue shirt) Well this totally locks me up. Is it cool? Does she mean with the windows open is it stuffy? Ohhhhhhh she means 'groovy.' Is it 'neat-o?' YES, you gotta see it! I was shocked to think any kid would not want to climb that lighthouse... Cool huh?
Kerosene pump tanks (hand pump far right)
101 steps
Now about what's been going on: Transmission Test. It's working exactly to spec. It clunks down into forward every time and I have control of the vessel again. Ahhh sweet bliss. I'm on a mooring ball here in Hope Town harbor with plans to depart Saturday. I'm thinking maybe go to Guana Cay, or back to Marsh Harbor? During the days i've had a chance to walk around the cute little town and take some photos of the houses. Meet some people and stay out of trouble. (it's a full time job)
Today I drug my bike off the boat and took it to shore for a ride. Turns out the sprocket was broken and it kept slipping out of gear and just spinning. Darn! Next stop bike shop. Fortunately there is a bike shop just off the city dock. I was hoping for an old used part. Nope.
Martin the Mechanic looking for anything that could work in the junk pile.
Had to buy a new sprocket. Except they didnt have a 7 speed sprocket. So I had to buy an 8 speed sprocket AND a new rear hub with an 8 speed shaft to fit. $170. Here I am putting that kind of money into a sixty dollar pawn shop bike... But I can ride again.
I got up and running and took off for Tahiti beach some very many miles south. When I got as far from everywhere as possible it started pouring down rain. But the bike ran fine. I 'swam' in to a little Carry out stand and found shelter and lunch. A plate of Conch, peas and rice, with a side of plantains. YUM. $12. It finally stopped raining and I made the multi mile ride down to the beach. (note: I had been there - on the boat - earlier in the week. just never 'SAW' the beach. Ray, my tranny mentor, came over just as I anchored and gave me a snooba rig and an air tank to scuba dive on my hull to scrape off barnacles. I spent over two hours under water scraping till my hands cramped up and the tank ran out of air.)
Now it's 7:15pm and i'm back. I'm over at Hope Town resort and marina using their WIFI to type this. Sitting way off in the corner watching all the rich white tourists in their dress clothes wait for tables at the restaurant. I'll try to sneak out and get back on the boat for some vienna sausages. Aint life grand!
I hope you are enjoying your Viennas wherever you're anchored.
- Retired Diesel Mechanic Skip
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