April 18th 2007
This morning, it was off to the Electrico shop (Alternator Shop), for the Captain and his translator. In the central part of La Libertad, we passed the malecon (waterfront), the shoe maker zone, the plastic ware tiendas, and the bustling mercado where there was an abundance of fresh melons, banana stalks and 6 feet tall heaps of rice. This was the day to be provisioning for fresh goods, however, we were on a mission to check on the prognosis of our anchor windlass.
As we pulled up in our taxi, four men in the shop cleared away from the store front where like a bar, parts and tools were scattered about. Amongst the black and greasy matter were the assemblages of our windlass. The repair man had the entire works apart and was testing the components. What he needs to do is rebuild the coils and the inner workings. We will be able to pick up the rebuilt Anchor Windlass in the morning, for the cost of about $15.00. Bargain!
After this, we were off to buy a new battery and terminals for the anchor windlass, just in case this was the real culprit of our woes. We can´t complain, we had the last battery for 7 years and for batteries, that is a good long run...it was not an Ever Ready Bunny Battery...but still a good one.
John and the Galley Chef walked up the two blocks to the fish market where we took advantage of our delay to buy some fresh large prawns, 5 pounds for 5 people. Judy and Anya had been coached by Sam (cruiser friend) to buy the prawns with the heads, then after cleaning the prawns, to first saute the prawn heads into a sauce, then sprinkle the herbs and other magical flavors, to create a pasta wonder. Of course, we had an incredible lunch to enrich our lives.
Of course for a few, then a nap attacks was in order. Or perhaps it was due to the Encanto crew, minus the sleepy First Mate, partaking in a farewell party the night before, with s-v Meta, Eric and Jenia (Dutch boat). Anya made a delicious banana cake for the occasion. They had soooo much fun telling stories and listening to stories with these cruisers who speak six languages and have lived in Asia, Europe and elsewhere. They were raised in Japan, Indonesia and Russia. And of course, all tales eventually told of the typical cruiser favorite subject: ¨head¨-toilets from around the world...that has to be a title for a book.
Tomorrow morning, we will pick up the repaired Anchor Windlass. Hopefully, we will be catching the afternoon breeze and the next report from us will be that we are on a beam reach to the Galapagos Islands.