Back in Trinidad
/Yes, we're back in Trinidad. It was a long, two days to get back here, but things went like clockwork. The flights were all on time and the airline crews were hospitable and efficient (though we still only got one drink on the 5-hour flight). Trinidad Immigration and Customs at the airport were a breeze and our ride was there to pick us up, help wrangle the luggage and whisk us off to the boatyard. Note: Thanks to Mike Fiedler! Next time we have a layover in Fort Lauderdale, we'll head to Lester's Diner instead of taking out a mortgage for crappy airport food!
Cups was a sight for these tired, sore eyes. She was covered in dust and dirt, but otherwise looked to be in good condition and perhaps happy to see us. We gave her a quick once-over then, driving our short-term rental car, we retired to Tammy's, a local B&B that the cruisers favor. We had been up a total of 36 hours straight. Marcie took short naps on the plane, but David's not a plane-napper, so by the time we finally arrived, we were both exhausted and sleepy. We managed to stay up until 8:30pm and then, after a hot shower, collapsed into bed for a comatose night's sleep … until about 3am.
Tammy fixed a great, full breakfast and sent us on our way before 8am. The traffic in Trini is horrendous, but we made the trip along the winding West Main Highway in about 20 minutes. We hauled up the duffels and suitcases and began the process of trying to get settled in. Cups was in a shambles in a matter of minutes, but first things first. It averages about 90-95F with high humidity here each day and seeing about an air-con seemed like a really good idea. David ordered a rental unit, then pondered how he'd get it up the ladder and install it. No worries … the workmen showed up about 20 minutes later with the air-con unit on a forklift. They'd done this once or twice before, it seems. They installed the air-con unit over a hatch using a baffled plenum. They sealed all the gaps and in minutes we cooled down to a comfortable level. Now, we could work!
David had painted several galley lockers before we left. He re-installed shelves and hardware as Marcie began the duffel unpacking and stowing. It was a slow process since the settees were full of locker gear which also needed stowing. By 11 am, we were making some progress and it was time for a cuppa.
At first glance, all was good aboard Cups, but as we looked around, a few things came to our notice. Like the tea kettle wouldn't whistle or pour, for instance. The little ball that whistles and allows me to pour was stuck. David fixed it, put the repair item on his list and immediately crossed it off. “One thing done!” he boasted. Then, we noticed the clock wasn't working. No fix for it; the works are kaput. The biggie? The fridge isn't working and this will take some time to evaluate and determine a fix. Sigh!
The varnish is in rough shape and needs redoing. No surprise … add it to the list. There are already some sizable tasks on the list … replace the cutlass bearing which requires removing the prop shaft; replace the shaft seal; replace the engine room thru-hull. Not to mention anti-fouling the bottom and all the usual annual maintenance chores. And that's all we noticed in our first afternoon aboard. What other insidious gremlins are waiting for us?
We're back and demanding mistress that she is, Nine of Cups is commanding our attention (and she shall have it!).