Chapter 15 - Day 16: Back to Civilization

5:25 am
Sunday, September 19, 1999
Day 15 (16)
Crew change day went fine yesterday. Steve and Chris helped us clean the boat before they left, and they got off about 11 am. The new crew arrived at about 1 PM.

Other things going on:
* Remember that pesky oil seeping coming from that manifold bolt? Fixed it.
I'm sure a real mechanic would not approve, but I used a caulk/sealer that I carry on the boat. One morning while the engines were cool I just took a little caulk and wrapped it around the outside of the bolt-and it worked. No leaks for a few days. Speaking of that----why do they paint engine rooms white? No matter how I try I can't keep it clean. Wouldn't at darker color make sense?

* Tropical depression "Ten" is brewing down in the lower Gulf. They predict it to go north east, and that would be good for us, but I'm sure we will feel the effects as we travel east this week. We don't plan to have to cross the Gulf until Thursday, or Friday, so we'll see.

* Great to be back in civilization again. Marinas, cell service, restaurants. I am really looking forward to traveling through the Intercoastal, and seeing all the boats, and marinas they describe in the books. Les, Terry, and I always love spending time in a marine store.
Today we plan to cross Mobile Bay and head for Pensacola, Fl. My plan was to go outside in the Gulf, and travel 41 miles before going back inside. Based on the weather I am watching as I type this, I think we will stay inside.

The winds are from the east so the waves will be at our bow, and there is just enough unsettled weather from the depression to probably cause a shower, so we'll travel the 50 miles, or so, on the Intercoastal. This was not my first choice because the inside route is pretty tricky (so the chats say) and it would have been easier outside, but... OH WELL.

Not much else to report. Sorry for the dull e-mail, but nothing is really worth writing about. I hope this is not because of our new crew. I was, and am, expecting big things from these folks, so the reports should be better.

Today's pictures....

I'll keep you posted.......

BK