When I mentioned in the last Captain’s Log that “a freeing port had been torn off in storm”, I have been asked to point out that the storm in question was while we were at the dock and not at sea. Just to be clear….
Onward…
Sometimes it rains but mostly we have been having excellent hot, sunny, late summer days. Great for getting work done on the ship. Work proceeds apace and picks up speed. I am impressed with what crew are getting done. We have a great gang aboard and they are “givin’ ‘er”, as the phrase would have it around here along the waterfront.
New white pine deck planks are getting fitted and getting caulked. Minor weldings here and there, a new foc’sle head ladder, all safety gear like PFDs (aka life jackets), exposure suits and all else out for inspection and replacement if needed. All needs to be tickety-boo. A bit of knock-a-roost and repainting. The quarterdeck is pretty well done with taffrail stanchions all nicely prepped and painted. The teak taffrail cap is all new and fresh varnish. Planking on the quarterdeck is all done, a little caulking and that’s a tick.
We ripped up the old waterways, curiously made from old oak from 1928 and patched here and there over time. Now all will be renewed with nice concrete as it should be. I have been wanting to do this for some time.
We have scraped the bottom with divers to get rid of the kelp and to make water blasting on the slipways go better.
New big house batteries showing up after rebuilding the battery compartment. The foc’sle has a fresh coat of paint and new varnished bunks. Donald The Chef’s cabin is getting refreshed as well.
The engine room works carry on with just the usual battle to get us sent the right parts.
Last Friday we had a BBQ by the bay with our big West Indian grills. Pretty relaxing and enjoyable and all to the good after a long dirty work week!