Not a spectacularly busy day. D + M drove into town fairly early to arrange for our transit, returning with the news that it was set for Thursday. Val + I were assigned various minor irritating little jobs to do around the boat, but considering the imminence of our departure, + the fact that there were still important things to do, we pretty much wasted our time. We loaded 2 foldaway bikes on board, stowing them inside the canoe. Once again, Val was busy with her sewing needle. Still, a good meal in the evening, sort of spicy meatball things.
In terms of getting work done, Tuesday was very little different. Once again, Dave + Monika spent much of the day tackling various administrative tasks, leaving a couple of jobs for us to get on with. The electric and antenna wires running to the mast had to be fastened to the mast – Dave opting for utility rather than prettiness + twisting some old pieces of wire round the steps to hold them in place. And then we had to screw on the ship’s bell. In the afternoon, I started our farewell party early, chatting with Eddie, a young guy from the neighbouring boat, and drinking beer. I also scrounged his tape recorder + a connecting lead, plus some tapes, + started taping, mostly light rock stuff. However, those activities were curtailed at about 5.30 when the party proper began. I’d already warned Val that I intended to get drunk, and that was what I proceeded to do. Fairly sensibly, I stuck with the draught beer that Dave had laid on. Val braved the Bacardi + coke. However, neither of us had eaten anything since breakfast, so both beverages had the desired effect. And I would say it was a very successful party. Most people got drunk, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, with some people who never usually danced dancing. Finally met Kelly (see March 17th)+ his very attractive girlfriend. However, Val the life + soul.
All the evidence suggests that we will soon be on our way- farewell party is the biggest clue. Which cannot come too soon, so far as we are concerned.
Leave a Reply