This is the view out of the back of Bob’s fifth wheel in San Carlos just as the sun rose. We arrived yesterday just before the office closed so we were able to get access to the boat. It was in great shape inside, pretty much as we had left it. I was pleasantly surprised, I had been thinking that we might have experienced some rain damage but besides dirt build up on the deck, all was fine, YIPPEE!
The empty stove spot.
The new one waiting to be installed.
Today Barry and Bob spent most of the day taking out the old stove and then installing the new one, as someone on Facebook commented, boat jewelry. It sure is shiny. The installation took a little longer than expected because the new stove was smaller than the old one. Barry measured and had discussions with the West Marine dealers but could not determine which size he needed from the imprecise description in the catalogue. The guys figured out they just needed a thick block to attach the gimbal mechanism to one side and then the stove would fit. It took several trips to the chandlery to get two different sizes of bolts and voila it was in and functioning. The oven seems quite a bit smaller than the old one, I probably won’t be able to cook a turkey in this one, but cookies, muffins or a roast are doable.
Bob also was having trouble with his battery for the trailer, it would not hold a charge, so we had no lights and the water pump would not work. We headed into Guaymas this afternoon and found a place to buy a 12 volt battery and he came back and installed it. We now have lights and were able to do the dishes with hot running water, bonus. We are really enjoying the luxury of his spacious trailer.
I washed all the summer’s dust off the topsides today and put some lines on. At the end of the day while Barry worked on the stove, Bob and I put on the dodger, without a cross word being spoken. I must be getting mellow, or perhaps I have just done it so many times that I actually know how to do it now!
Making the transition back to boating life has not been too difficult. You basically wake up in the morning and work all out, all day to get the boat ready to put in the water. The guys have been on my case to start using the heat gun we purchased to start stripping the cabin sole. I don’t understand how they think I can do it with stuff piled high all over the floor. Tomorrow I am going to move stuff around and get a start on that yucky job.
