 |
| Becoming Pura Vida again |
It’s been three months and a lot of work and fun since our
arrival on Thanksgiving in Guaymas.
We made the decision to paint the topsides of our boat this
year. It proved to be a wise choice for this year, as it met a number of our
goals.
Reason #1? We don’t know in which decade she was last
painted – and it looked like it. Even the guys at the marinas who offer to wash
and wax our boat have told us “man, you need to paint your boat”. Every year.
So, you could say it was time. Like any home, it’s wise to keep it well
maintained and we care a lot about our home.
 |
| Portrait of a Boat Yard |
 |
| Primer and taping off the stripes |
So the painting project started in December and was
completed on February 15th. Our crew, Alejandro, Aldo and Alejandro,
were great and careful throughout the process and in the application of primer
and paint. While frustration was, shall we say, prevalent in my mind sometimes during
the long process, I remind myself that you can’t push a rope. And you can’t make
someone work any faster than they are going to work. ‘Nuf said. Ultimately, building
relationships works better for all. That,
along with a few burritos and beer.
 |
| Fun with power tools, cutting the crazy custom cut wood for the anchor locker rebuild |
 |
| New 'condo' for the chain and rope rode. Nice digs! I added insulation afterwards. |
 |
| For the anchor locker project, 3M mask helps with application of Contact Cement in close quarters |
 |
| New fresh water pump - with an attitude! I cleaned, primed and sanded the hatch and cover after Mike swapped the fresh water pump and removed the old pressure tank, freeing up valuable storage space |
Contrary to what some might perceive, there are worse ways
to spend our days than working on Pura Vida. Because we consider every day a
blessing, we go into each day with our hearts and minds wide open for what life
will bring. Most days we start with our walk along the water and come back to tackle
the day’s projects, and on occasion, an outing beyond the dry yard (woo hoo!).
Yesterday’s outing was to find non-skid to mix with paint for
the entry points at the gates midships on port and starboard and at the stern. With
our shiny new paint on the toe rail (we didn’t replace the teak rail), it’s very
slippery, and dangerous for getting on and off the boat. After 2 trips to the
ferreteria (hardware store), I now know how to say crushed marble in Spanish. I
purchased 2.2 kilos (almost 5 lbs) for 5 pesos (27 cents)! I completed my
project today (well, as I write this I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can
add one more coat to cover the non-skid). I gave remainder of the bag of crushed
marble to another project boat guy in the yard. He was a happy recipient and
won’t have to wait in line at the hardware store.
 |
| Jamaica (hibiscus flower juice) and caldo (seafood soup) |
Sunday called for a lunch break ‘off property’ and led us to Leslie’s
Palapa restaurant on the water. I loved my Caldo, seafood soup. I asked for a
tool to break the crab leg and they brought me a lime squeezer. Well, turns out
that works, too. Mike enjoyed a tasty smoked marlin taco and taco el gobernador
(the governor).
 |
| The Pura Vida painting crew |
 |
| Great crew! We all worked hard to get us to this magical point |
Tomorrow, we splash! Late in the day because of the low tide,
we will be lowered into the water and wait until morning to head out into the
bay when the tide is high enough for our departure.
Who knows what’s next. We have some ideas and hopes but wind
and weather will dictate the next chapter on Pura Vida.
