28Dec2006 Puerto Lucia
La Libertad/Salinas, Ecuador

We had a wonderful Christmas Day. We have a tradition of munching on steam'ng hot popovers and hot beverages (even in the tropics), while we enjoy the gifts that Santa brought to us. Fortunately for us, Santa was once again very generous and quite creative.  Of course, we felt that Santa had already bestowed upon us an incredible gift, our magical trip through Ecuador, Peru and the tip of Bolivia, but he found time to dash to the local store, plastic Mi Comissario bags were the wrapping paper, on Christmas Eve and brought John some 12 year old, Flor de Cano Tequilla, Judy some anti-oxidants-- in the form of a head of broccoli and local wood chips, that are known to be bug repellants (so she’ll stop nagging for screen protection), Gaby an Indian skirt, a can of cranberry sauce and a can of black olives, (now, she does not have to share), and Sami a roll of varying grades of sandpaper (our aspiring wood-maker) and a Santa Gaby made puzzle book for Sami. There were more presents, but these were just a sprinkling of our delights.  In addition, our family was blessed with, surprise packets from s/v Rdreamz, a special serenade of “Merry Christmas” sung by Richard, the gift of time on a GatoGo’s satellite phone to call home, many emails from friends from all over the world, the continued gift of website technical support, and the generous gift of additional cruising funds from Judy’s parents. We are grateful for the generosity of our family and friends.

Christmas dinner was great and delicious. Eleven of us enjoyed an evening meal that was traditional, both American and Ecuadorian. We had a sit-down dinner with tablecloths, china and flatware provided by the Yacht Club. We had lively conversations; how can’t you with people of all persuasions; doves and hawks, liberals and conservatives, Americans and Ecuadorians, atheist and Christians (with a sprinkling of Buddhist, too), all people of high intelligence and no timid- ness in the crowd. It was fun, not personal. Even the girls were engaged in the conversations held on world politics and the challenges of reaching “world peace”. So, we had a very good time and we feel blessed with this diverse family of cruisers.

S/v Encanto Status Report:
As challenging as this boat haul-out has been, it is delightful to see the progress of the boat’s face-lift. She really is looking like a “new woman”.

Application of the first high build primer has been sprayed over the initial primer/sealer coat. She has a smooth flat white undergarment. We will wait a few days for the paint to harden before applying the next coat. The purpose of the high build epoxy is to help fill voids.

Over the last several days, the family has been discussing what should be the final color of the boat. Shall we return to the traditional white topside, as most boats? Or should we seize this as an opportunity to do something a little more daring, creative, and unique in the typical vein of the Amberchan’s. Encanto is already a one of a kind boat; maybe selection of an unusual color would be appropriate.  Any suggestions?

Below the waterline, two coats of epoxy-based coal tar were applied over the initial primer/sealer coats.  A tie coat was then applied over the coal tar. The tie-coat is to permit non-epoxy paint to adhere to epoxy based paint. In our case, we will be applying the anti-fouling over the tie coat. The anti-fouling paint will complete the painting below the waterline.  

Other projects continue to proceed:
John is spending long, hot days grinding the rust spots on the deck, and then applying a protective paint over the bare hull. It is not a pretty sight, but necessary.

Several other projects are in progress…

Sketch Phrase: The Captain is sketching several designs for everything from cutlass bearing sleeves, dinghy motor lifting mechanisms, and a means to protect the hull from the abrasion the dinghy when it is lifted while at anchor.

Dingy Floor Boards: The Captain has applied several coats of varnish to the dingy floorboards, a process of sanding, varnishing, sanding, varnishing, sanding, and more varnishing to get that perfect hardened layer of protection.  He may not be the “Queen of Varnishing” like Jan on m/v Manana, but he could certainly hold court with her.

Sweet Water Holding Tank (350 gallons): Pending sanding of the tank, painting it with protective paint and building the fiberglas baffles.

Dinghy Cover: Purchased the repair suede leather, at a shoe making shop in town. Time to cut out the patches and sew ‘em on. Eventually, we will need to adjust the solumbra portion of the dingy cover, as there is a lopsidedness that could be relieved by lengthening the entire cover on one side by a few inches.

Reefer: Permanent solution—Pending. John will plumb the system to use fresh sweet water, instead of seawater, to cool the refrigerator. The concept is to dedicate a sweet water-cooling tank to cool the refrigerator system.

Floorboards: 80% completed. Last 20% on hold.

Cutlass bearing: Pending need to remove the prop and lift the engine, then shift the engine and the transmission back so we can replace the cutlass bearing--a bearing that supports the prop-shaft as the prop-shaft exits the boat.  

Bug screening: Pending. A design has been roughed out for the cockpit entryway. Finding the stainless steel anchor rods (or could be wooden rods) and sewing the solumbra frame to hold the netting is pending.

School: Approaching Test lesson 40.  The girls are really doing great at maintaining their independent schooling. We have begun to review High School Home school programs. Anyone with experience, knowledge or recommendations is welcome to send us information on HS Home school Abroad programs.

Five days before we crack open the first bottle of Sami’s homemade orange soda. And on that sweet note, we close and bid you a happy and healthy 2007.  Celebrate and enjoy New Year’s Eve. Be sensible. Be safe. Be simply surrounded in love, even if alone on New Year's Eve night.

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