Barra de Navidad, January 2018

We are hanging in the Barra Lagoon now. We have been in and out of the marina, towed from the channel leading to the bay, actually motored into the bay and back twice. That’s it. 

The rest of the time we are fixing the engine, working on projects and hunting down parts.

Some parts come by boaters from the US, some found in the odd, hidden (from us) shop, or brought down by friends when visiting. 

The list of accomplishments is long but consisit of electrical, plumbing, mechanical projects, NOT sailing, cruising, snorkeling and paddleboarding.

However, Barra is truly paradise, so our frustrations are mitigated by this fact, and since we are in the sun, warm and eat produce all day we try not to complain too much. Although I do understand now why cruisers drink so. We’e definitely noticed an increase in tequila consumption. (We buy it buy the gallon now)

The constant frustration with fixing things without the right part, tool or knowhow can get old. Some days drinking is the alternative to selling the boat, or beaching it and buying a ticket home. 

The biggest news this week is that we finally have drinkable water at the faucet. (HUGE! life changer.) And the diesel fumes in the V-berth are gone along with all the old ABS pipe the PO (previous owner) installed in leiu of fuel lines. The PO has another name also, I’m sure you can use your imagination as to what THAT is.

Once we have a few engine issues taken care of - not sure when or how that will happen yet - we can leave to other anchorages and maybe actually raise the sails.