Thursday, March 01, 2018

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

Ok, I get it.  You aren't here to read about my day.  You are here to read about the adventure YOU would have if you were here on vacation....    got it.  I'll work on less work and more play.

Lynn the question sister said to stop discussing my ‘boat chores.’  

But today’s adventure was a little noteworthy.  So, if you can stomach a short discussion of laundry, here goes.  Today I rode my bike back to the laundry that I found yesterday.  It uses tokens.  $2.50 per normal size washing machine.  $3.50 for big ones.  Dryers $1 for 10 minutes.  I used two machines, 1 dryer @ 50 minutes.  $10 and cheap by Caribbean standards.  If you are asking ‘why’ as in why is this noteworthy?  

When I first got to shore I met another cruiser who told me, “the electricity is going to be off while they install a new part.”  I laughed saying ‘it will happen when my clothes are soapy.’  Didn’t happen.  I rode my bike with backpack of soaps in the basket (milk crate) in back, and the Navy duffle bag on my handle bars.  Rode it a mile to the Shell station.  Found my two washing machines.  (actually, a helpful local lady pointed out the ‘two best’ machines for me.  Truthfully.  You cant make this stuff up.)  Then I went to the window to – buy tokens.  The token window is over against the Shell station.  You can look through and see inside to the register and the same Shell lady sells the tokens out of the register.  She came over and informed me, “the water is off till 2pm.”  So I went back and gathered up my stuff and found a spot outside in the shade to cool off before my long ride back home.  (my plan B was to reschedule for tomorrow)  About the time I’m ready to jump on my bike and start the ride home a ‘laundry mechanic’ stuck his head out and told me, “waters back on Mon.”  So I got my tokens and started my 2 machines!  Next, I’m visiting with the lady near me and she says she smells something burning.  In runs the ‘laundry mechanic’ and he starts RUNNING down the aisle behind the machines unplugging them.  Then he runs in front lifting the lids off each machine, when WHOOSH out jumps FIRE!   Immediately with much yelling they evacuate the laundry while he shoots an extinguisher into the top of the offending machine.  Open doors, windows, turn on fans and reopen the laundry.  



Two minutes later we are washing again.  It was pretty routine after the Fire Drill.  I made it back to the boat for lunch and a nap.  Now I’m trying to get enough gumption to try a second chore for the day.  But Lynn, don’t worry, I think I’ll go back to shore and ride my bike to that Bakery again and see what’s good……….           One Fire Drill is enough for today.               




Yum the Bakery does it good.  Coconut Pastry $1.89 for all you can eat.   - Fat Pirate