One of the things I like so much about my life is every day on Splendid is a learning experience. I had no idea a hatch would set me back as long as it did but I know more about such things.
I have the stern done and I’ve re-mounted my windvane. The paint looks good and I’m praying for sunny days. I should get my stencils this week and I’m looking forward to painting Splendid’s name on the stern.
I’m also finding time to write at night in this peaceful place. I love the deep rumble of thunder, squalls, and sound of the jungle. I woke up last night and sat on deck looking at a fairly fill moon. There is a magic here that touches my soul. This is the place where the rain forest meets the sea, it is quite extraordinary.
I’ve been a bit more social than usual and I’ve had some friends over for a dinner party. Good laughs, music, food, and unfortunately a good hang over to boot. I’m really not used to drinking much anymore and the wine really went to my head.
I’ve had an offer on my dive compressor & satellite phone. I wasn’t really planning on selling them but the money would be enough to order my camera. I’ll have to buy another satellite phone but I don’t need it for the moment. It’s been too long since I’ve been emerged in making a film. My cameras have taken me as many places as my boats and my inspiration comes through the lens of a camera. Simpler is better and I’ve realized that I have 5 engines in my life, no bueno! I should just have two, my main engine and my motorbike. I want a sailing dinghy and that Kubota has brought me nothing but heartache even though it runs perfectly.
Anyway I’m off to get some work done, it’s 8 am and the sun is shining.
Peace, Love, and Panama.
alex
Published in Alex Dorsey
Alex,
Things sound like they are going well for you. I have been following your stories and travels for a few years now. I am looking forward to you getting a camera so you can start your next DVD. It’s also very good to be social even though sometimes it feels easier and more comfortable to just hang out by yourself. You usually get some good social fufillement out of the deal. You will have plenty of time to be alone once you cross the big pond. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to some videos.
Dave
Hey Alex, hope the hull painting is progressing. I’ve got to face that job next spring.
Wanted to ask you about the BZ products MPPT solar controller you got.
How is it working for you? I’ve read a few reviews about problems with noise on the VHF, have you found that? Also did you wire your panels in series or parallel? Many thanks for any help you can give.
Cheers Colin and Nichola
Yacht Emerald
currently in North Eastern Scotland
http://www.facebook.com/yachtemerald
I think that Kabota would make a great anchor…”It has been nothing but a waste of time and a heart breaker.. Time for a “DIVORCE”
http://www.solotheamericas.org/
Hey Alex and others check out this web site. This guy is sailing thru the north west passage and around the americas. Totally cool. I never realized that the distance is the same as actually going around the world.
Colin,
My BZ controler is great, I have it wired 24v to the controler easier on the wiring.
Curtis,
I’ll check it out. I’ve looked at the charts north around the americas many times, totally cool for
sure
Colin,
I have the MPPT250 controller. For the price it can’t be beat. It has a volt meter, amp meter, a low voltage disconnect, and an auxiliary battery trickle charger. However; Some people have reported that they are not getting true MPPT out of it. The other side issue is that it performs a bulk charge, not a three-state charge like the xantrex c35. Also does not have the automatic desulfation feature of the xantrex. Adjusting the float level can be difficult and it varies dependent upon the state of the battery.
Hay Alex,
thanks for the feedback, money as always is tight so this seems like a good option to try and live off 12 volts. Hope the spraying is continuing! keep the faith on the rebuild. Emerald has been difficult, but another winter or two and we’ve got her were she needs to be, then life is clean shirts, lazy maintenance and sunshine.
slainte
Colin
Colin, I dream of a life of clean shirts.
I got some epoxy paint for the decks and non skid yesterday. I also got my first haircut in about a year, wow, I was getting a bit maingy. I also managed to get a video uploaded and it will be available soon. My buddy has to get it on our server.
It’s a beautiful day to work.
Cheers
I have an interesting friend here, Thomas (French). He is making his own rum onboard and will make fuel for his outboard. He has a home made still but i found much nicer ones on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Copper-Alcohol-Moonshine-Ethanol-Still-E-85-Reflux-NR-3-/260836768662?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbb153b96
what a cool thing to do. Iwould like to do this once Splendid was finished and under way ;)