I couldn’t have started this journey without my brother-in-law Nico. Thank you for all the help brother (not in-law). Nico returned home yesterday, however he left me with a solid plan. This past week I felt like Neo walking through the matrix for the first time being guided by Morphious. Thanks for taking my hand and guiding me through this strange land they call New York.
Nico’s last morning here was great. We woke up, got in the rental car, and went out to find a cup of coffee. We were all wrapped up in a humorous conversation and completely drove through town without realizing. We took a wrong turn and got stuck on the Tapenzee bridge during rush hour. At first I was bummed at the loss of time and being stuck in traffic but as always, my path was unfolding before my very eyes.
Once on the other side we had a nice breakfast at a diner. I really enjoyed taking the time with Nico before he left. I haven’t had bacon in 7 years or so, I ate an entire side order :) Our round trip toll on the Tapanzee bridge cost over $10 but was worth every penny in the end.
As soon as we got back to the yard I met a great guy from New Zealand that works here. He is a mechanic, welder, sailor, jack of all trades, and an all around great guy. He has a beautiful Cheoy Lee out on a mooring. He spoke to the owner here and fixed all my problems in 10 minutes.
I can stay here till the engine is back in and I have propulsion to push me south. They are going to put me out on a mooring after the 15th and tow me back to the dock when it’s time to put the engine in. The guy from New Zealand said “no worries mate, i’ll loan you a generator while your out in the river”. The river is going to be cold once the boat is in the water. Nico is fedexing me a propane camping heater which I’ll return once I get to Florida. I bought an adapter hose and will hook it up to a 20lb tank. It is safe for indoor use. Life is so much easier with a friend or two ;)
I’ve decided to go with a different mechanic who is more local (New Jersey) and can turn the motor around in 10 days or so as opposed to 3-4 weeks from the place in Florida. I got a weird vibe when it came time to pay the guys in Florida. They didn’t want me to use Paypal even though they advertise and sell their work on eBay and I found a “rip-off report” on them online. I spoke to the guy in Florida about it. I’m sure they are legit and feel bad about pulling out of the order but I feel better this way.
I have to pay more money with the local guy but I can watch and document the process. I really want a hand in the rebuild so I know her inside and out and what parts are going into her.
I also need a new exhaust manifold and have really put a lot of time into the process of finding one. Marine exhaust manifolds are kind of like tires. They are somewhat disposable and only last so long. The material of the manifold suffers extreme heat and cooling. Stainless usually cracks after a few years and iron rusts quickly.
I found a really nice manifold in the UK that is made from aluminum. It is an exhaust manifold, a heat exchanger, and the tank that holds the coolant all in one:
I get to pull all that extra crap off the motor and stream line it, very cool, I like simple!!!
I had a standpipe riser which I’ve never seen before. They are perfect at keeping the seawater from backing into the motor unless they corrode internally, then they just inject water into the cylinder head, which is what happened here. I have to be grateful to it, as if it wasn’t for its failure and drowning the motor, we would never have gotten such a magnificent boat & home at such a fair price.
I miss my wife and can’t wait to see her in November. We talk daily and we are both working hard to make this all happen. Carla tells me she still looks at the pictures of Rocinante daily. I’d like to have the boat running, clean, and all pulled together for her arrival to our new home.
Rocinante was sitting on the hard for like 7 years they tell me. She needs new house bank batteries, new starting batteries, and a new battery for the windlass. I need to buy a new head for the forward bathroom (for charters), a new exhaust system, racor filter, pay for the yard, cranes, a CPT autopilot, fowlies, and a bunch of other little things like up to date flares, fuel, oil, filters, belts and a bunch of stuff I don’t realize yet. I’m totally overwhelmed by expenses. When I return to Panama I have to use the new motor to run backpackers, back and forth between Colombia and Panama while Splendid is for sale. I’ll charge $550 each, I can take 6 at a time, and the trip takes about 5 days. I should be able to clear 2 grand a trip after expenses. It hard work, and hard on the boat, but real San Blas charters are much harder to come by.
Crossing an ocean soon is in the cards for us now. I want to be in higher latitudes with seasonal weather. It’s nice to sleep all wrapped up in a sleeping bag and have to wear a sweater and hat. I could leave the cold driving rain behind, but got to take the good with the bad :)
My feelings being back are double edged. On one hand I like hearing the New York accent. I used to sound like that when I was young. When I speak to people now they think I’m Australian by my accent, maybe Canadian.
Its fall, and all the red and golden trees are beautiful. I enjoy all the lovely fruits, meats, and cheeses from the market. I’ve had a roast beef and a pastrami sandwich for the first time in 7 years or so. I haven’t seen one shitty car since I’ve been here. Every car on the road in Panama seems to be rusting to the point of extreme danger. Everything here is pretty, fancy, super clean, and expensive. Even the working class like welders and carpenters have expensive cars here. All the lawns are trimmed just so, and everyone is well fed, however extremely busy. That “laid back Caribbean vibe” Is nowhere to be found.
I’ve been re-reminded why I don’t like living in western culture. The truth is I’m a drain on the society and it doesn’t feel good.
In my world I’m the guy that helps inspire and unplug men from the system to live their dreams. Some people, believe it or not, look up to me and ask for advice, and I love to help without regard to financial gain. They thank me all the time and send us beautiful emails on how our example living helps them walk, or dream of living free in the world.
Here I’m an indigent that has to negotiate more reasonable rates, and ask for a ride to the shop where I can’t afford to buy things in the first place. I much prefer rowing to the reef, shooting a fish, and helping a friend.
I walked to Starbucks last week for the internet. I was asked for money twice by “homeless” and felt really bad I couldn’t share. I ordered a small black tea because it was the cheapest way to get the internet and a comfortable place to sit and write. A few minutes into enjoying my tea in luxury the homeless man who had asked me for money in the street walked into Starbucks, greeted everyone by name, and ordered an expensive large coffee drink. I didn’t feel so bad for not sharing my pocket change at that point.
It’s a strange world here. Sure I could go back to work and plug myself in, but I know I would end up on that same beach in Malibu contemplating my very existence. Once again I’m reminded of the matrix. The scene when Neo wants to get out of the car and Trinity gently takes his arm and tells him he doesn’t want to get out. He asks “why” and she simply replies “because you have been down that road before”.
If you guys enjoy Project BlueSphere, and can afford a donation now is the time. I look at donating to Project BlueSphere like donating to public radio. Public radio is free, and once a year or so they try to raise money to keep providing the service everyone enjoys. I’m really over extended at the moment. A little love in the paypal account would go really far these days. Getting this boat is a big jump-start for Project BlueSphere and getting us under-way to distant anchorages once again.
Peace,
Sail far and live slowly.
-alex
Published in Alex Dorsey
Recent Comments