We stopped at a spot that used to have a salt industry. It employed 200 people at one time, but closed in the 80's. There is a hunting lodge on the island, they have introduced big horn sheep to the large mountainous island and now you too can hunt for a week for a mere $70,000. We went walking around the old salt ponds and Barry started across and got stuck in the gooey, salty muck.
We crossed over to the mainland last week and now are in the process of getting ready to be hauled out. It seems as if we have to clean everything, I washed and waxed all the deck and cockpit. I figure that the wax will protect the fibreglass from the blazing sun all summer. Barry and I have washed and put away the staysail and the main, tomorrow the Genoa. It has been so windy here that we are getting up at first light to wash the sails as there is no wind then. I have also waxed the topsides, my elbows and wrists were getting so sore from all the rubbing I had to insist that Barry help, so he has polished about 3/4 of the boat. All the lines that has been salt encrusted have been soaked in fresh water and dried in the sun and wind. Barry has changed the engine oil and washed and cleaned the chain and the chain locker. We still have the inside of the boat to deal with, food to be disposed off, fridge to be cleaned, teak to be oiled so it doesn't dry out too much and cock roach traps to be prepared and set.
We get hauled out on June 1, then we are taking a bus to Tucson AZ, where we will rent a car and drive to Sacramento CA, to visit with some old friends before flying home.
