I have to vent a bit!
I promised myself that when I returned to Panama I wouldn’t get caught up in the cruiser soap opera, keep to myself, and steer clear of bad JUJU and people. Sometimes it’s impossible. Many of the cruisers here get stuck and complacent as life here is very easy. It reminds me a bit of the movie “The beach”.
I had bad neighbors move in about a month ago and I wish they would leave. A couple came and anchored on top of me about a month ago. Their anchor drug and they almost hit me in an early morning squall about a week ago (I understand, ship happens). They pulled in their scope so as not to hit me and never reset their anchor. I can tell by the way they swing they have about a 3:1 ratio of chain to depth out and its just a matter of time before they drag again and hit me. They are anchored in front of me in the prevailing winds. I don’t really care they are so close, but what really chaps my ass is the guy has been complaining to me about my sanding and getting dust on his boat. He told me I “should leave” for a more secluded spot so as not to annoy “anyone” (him). This coming from a guy that blasts a generator on deck and has a large barking Rottweiler (the dog is quite nice). He is an old complaining type of guy that stands on his deck bitching to the locals about going by too fast in their launchas and waking his boat. He reminds me of the old neighbor to Dennis the menace, ARRRGGGG! If he doesn’t leave in a few days I will most likely relocate just to get away from him. Funny as I write this he is on the phone (in his boat) and I can clearly, CLEARLY, hear every word he says, that’s how close he is. I’m in my cabin as well. I’m trying to figure out why his problems (a complete stranger) are my responsibility? I ended up telling him a few things yesterday and I really hate being drug down to such a place……, Gozzzzfraba :)
On a more positive note.
I’m well on my way to having the 1/4 stern fair. I’m spending more time with it than I had planned and will end up with a better finish as a result. Time is on my side. I’ll be ready to paint the stern (hull) soon. I’m painting it black (decks white) and will live with it for a week or so as I decide if I like the dark finish (heat & appearance). If I don’t like the black I don’t know what I’ll do, I’m not so interested in having another all white sailboat. I came across Ben Afflic’s boat in Tahiti. The hull was awlgrip brown. I didn’t really like it at first but it really grew on me. Splendid is a classic boat, and I want her painted with classic colors. I really like the color scheme of the Guinness label. Black, tan, burgundy, and gold.
I’m also refinishing my guitar. I have the 5th coat of varnish on and I just ordered new machines ($30.00) for it. I haven’t played it since Australia :( I cant believe I almost tossed it back in Florida. I’ve had it since I was a young teenager.
I also got Splendid’s bottom cleaned yesterday, wow, was it a mess! It took me about an hour and a half (Thank God for my sea breath) but I’m ready to move if need be. I will be moving to a more secluded spot when it comes time to for me to shoot paint.
Man I cant tell you how much I love my motorcycle. I love taking long rides in the rain and getting myself covered in mud. Its a bit hard on me not being ready to do some serious sailing at the moment, however being able to harness the freedom of the open road is really filling some of that gap. There is such a feeling of freedom on two wheels :)
I’m going to have a disk brake installed on the rear wheel and at some point I’m going to paint it with a zinc chromate to protect it from rust and the harsh environment of the sea. I want to return to the Marquesas and ride, ride, ride, through the mountains & jungle hunting pig :)
Anyway I’m off to sand and unintentionally (unfortunately) annoy my “too close” neighbor. The funny part of it all is the wind doesn’t even bring the dust to his boat. I hope I don’t end up a crotchety old man :(
On a health note I’ve almost completely wiped wheat out of my diet over the past 4 months and “WOW”, do I feel fantastic. It’s taken me 45 years to figure out I’m allergic to wheat. I’ve lost about 15-20 pounds in the last 4 months, my energy level is much better and my digestive issues have gone the way of the doe-doe. It’s good to live clean & healthy.
I’m working on a new video I hope to have up within the week.
Peace, Love, and S&M (Sailboats & Motorcycles)
– alex