Preparaciones del Barco

Fuel Polishing Module

Polishing Module Connected to Fuel Lines and Filter

Scuba Tank and Hookah Hose (with second mouth piece)

Home Schooling

Installing the Dinghy Wheels

"Rocker Stoppers"

Wheels flip over and slide down a track mounted to the dinghy transom

We have been making preparations over the last several weeks for our journey into Mexico, including some preemptive maintenance projects on the barco (boat).  Taking on fuel south of the border is a concern for most boaters who dread the prospect of receiving contaminated fuel.  Although Mexico has greatly improved their processing of fuel in recent years, we decided to be on the safe side and install a “fuel polishing module.”  This compact module slowly circulates fuel through existing filters, using a minimal amount of electricity.  Under the definition of “a do it yourself project,” Leonard plumbed hoses into the existing fuel lines, attached the appropriate fittings, and completed the necessary wiring for power – thankfully accomplished without any leaks or air pockets in the lines.  Phew! Another project checked off the list.  We also purchased a scuba diving tank and hookah hose in case Leonard needs to dive the boat and untangle debris from the prop – one of those handy items for independent self-reliance.  An additional challenge visiting Mexico is beaching the dinghy due to the high surf and non-existent public docks in those remote scenic coves.  Our anchor and bungee-cord system for the dinghy works well in small surf, but isn't practical in high surf which tends to push the dinghy into shore, tipping and filling it with water.  It's common practice in Mexico to pull the dinghy up on shore with the use of dinghy wheels.  No doubt, we will be learning how to time the wave such that we can ride the surf into shore while raising the out-drive and lowering the wheels into position, then pull the 400lb dinghy upland – another new experience yet to come!  Got d’ Fever will be anchored in some beautiful bays; but as we have discovered cruising down the West Coast, bays exposed to the sea bring ocean swell and a constant rocking motion that makes it hard to get a good night’s sleep.  Yes, another purchase, this time for some “rocker stoppers.”  A string of large plastic discs are hung mid-ships on each side of the boat extending below the water line to help dampen the rocking motion; it will be interesting to see if they make a significant difference.  Our three-page list of things to buy and do has finally been whittled down to just a few items.  One thing is certain, we definitely want to be done with all the preparations so we can head out to sea once again.  Since we were in port, however, it gave me some time to work on my Spanish.  I have learned enough to at least communicate basic needs and ask some simple questions; of course understanding the answer might be a whole different story.  I have gained a better appreciation for those who speak multiple languages.  It is definitely much easier to speak and write a foreign language than it is to hear and interpret the different sounds of a foreign language.  Best to learn while you are young!  Perhaps we will earn some extra points since we both have Spanish names of Leonard and Lorena.  Speaking of names, we love the name of our local pump-out service in San Diego – “Pepe La Poo.”  We are always amused by the unique names used for pump-out services.  I am sure we will meet other Pepe's in Mexico and look forward to some new adventures and new found friends.