Ever try pushing a rope?

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 15^th. 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.