Another Day, Another Problem, or Challenge or Whatever!

SHIP'S LOG:

The work schedule for today was as follows:
1.) Finish chaulking the Ports in the Aft Cabin & Head;
2.) Remove the boarding ladder and reposition;
3.) Fill the assorted screw holes throughout the boat;
4.) Adjust the latches on the rear deck hatch;
5.) Measure the stanchions for locking screws;
6.) Measure length & diameter of Main & Mizzen halyards;
7.) Measure LPG Locker extension;
8.) Pull wire.

1.) Got #1 done with no great problems except the muscle pull made moving around painful.
2.) Was able to get half of #2 done. Removed 2 of the 4 machine bolts that held it in place. The 2 in the cap rail came out easily but the 2 in the transom do not want to move, even with a lot of persuasion. They are part of the ladder itself which means they have to be removed intact so that they can be used again. The boarding ladder has to go as it is occupying the position that will need for the wind vane steering system.
3.) There ought to be some law that says if you remove a piece of equipment or a fixture that you have to fill the holes left behind. The nav station looks like a very hungry woodpecker has been at work.
4.) The back deck hatch doesn't seal tight. It has 6 latches but the set screws were not tightened down sufficiently. Unfortunately, there is serious corrosion on the screws and they also are fighting against being moved. So far lots of penetrating oil and elbow grease have yielded no movement.
5.) The Lifeline stanchions are current held into their bases by cotter pins. They need to be removed and replaced with 2" machine screws with locking nuts....to keep the lifelines on the boat.
6.) Thank goodness I didn't have to go up either mast. Found the measurements in the owners manual 100' x 7/16 & 62'x 7/16.
7.) I have been unable to find two vertical LPG tanks that will fit the locker. It appears that the locker will have to be extended about 4inches at the bottom. The LPG Locker is located in the locker above the Starboard settee. Access is OK but there is a doorpost right in the middle of it which will make working with the wet fiberglass a real pain. I hate fiberglass but if I want to used the stove and oven, it will have to be done.
8.) Pulled wire out of the boat, old wire connected to the air. It is a common practice that when replacing electronics or electrical components, to leave the old wire in place and run new wire for the new equipment. In this case, a good 60-70% of the wire is non-functioning and I have decided that if it isn't connected and working it has to go away. I have an ever growing pile in the rear of the cockpit. What with price of copper wire, it just might pay for something.


MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

I find it frustrating that this whole preparation process seems to be going so slow. Actually it was going slow before I hurt my leg and now it is positively dragging. It really seems that everything I tackle with a plan in mind gets stalled by something unexpected. Like the boarding ladder removal: 2 bolts pop out and 2 couldn't be moved with a two pound hammer. It is frustrating sitting in the "Thinking Spot" as much as I am. I am trying to figure out what God has in mind but reading God's mind is rather hard to do. Sitting and listening is the next best thing but while I sit and listen, God doesn't seem to be speaking. Actually, I can hear the voice but I just can't seem to make out what is being said. Some things come through, such as "Take your time.....live in the moment....practice mindfulness ," but I suppose that it is my eagerness that prevents me from understanding things clearly. I suppose all this is practice for what is to come, learning to become self-sufficient while being willing to ask for help.

As frustrating as it can be at times, I am enjoying it. I am getting more comfortable with this gift of God and at time I sit in the cockpit and just enjoy the day for a bit. The camping and knotting of the leg makes taking a break and just sitting a necessity. It's a little foretaste of what is to come.