Val has left for a visit at Kait’s and I am hunkered down here in Charleston SC until I head up to Toronto for the last week of November.    I do have to say that the “Southern weather” can be a bit fickle!   We get one day where we comment that we have “beaten winter” or “turned the corner”… and then 5 days of overcast, wind, rain and cold tempetures.   I guess we will need to press on as quick as possible when we resume our trip!

The marina viewed from about half way along the pier leading to shore

In the mean time the boat is docked at the Cooper River Marina, a state park facility on the grounds of an old Navy Base.  The staff is extremely helpful and the facilities are modern, clean and well stocked.  It is in the middle of nowhere but the staff will always give you a lift to do some shopping or run to the airport.   I have met a couple of my neighbors and they are great people.

Found a small new church plant to attend on Sunday and made a couple of connections.   We were amazed at the similarities in our walk in the church and theirs!   Definitely a sense of connecting to what God is doing.    I will return there for sure this Sunday.

I have begun a long list of boat projects for the time that I have on the boat alone.  There are a number of “leaks” to be tracked down and fixed, some improvements to the living space as well as some electrical/mechanical issues to deal with.   It is great to be located in one place so that I can order stuff and recieve it.   I have found that even though we are in a major boating centre it is cheaper, easier and faster to find things on line either at Amazon or an independent dealer and have them shipped directly to the marina.    I have ordered some new gaskets for the ports, a new Alternator and a spare drive belt for the Autohelm.

 

Here is the complete list so far and the status:

Jobs while Val is away

Remote switch for Anchor windless – done
Charging circuit for Anchor windless Battery – done
Battery Box for Windless Battery
Clean drinking water filter -done
Lift and clean dinghy.   Store on deck – done
Reinstall and seal windless. – Done
Clean and mark anchor rode – on going (need to let the rope dry out, before I can paint the marks on it!)
Clean and fix oil sump and extractor pump – done
Shop for food – ongoing
Get new spare alternator – ordered
Get spare autohelm belt – ordered
Get spare oil filters ordered locally – he will call
Get oil – done
Find and fix leaks
         1 Front left Staunton on pulpit done
         2 Windless and foot switches.  Done
 3 at helm station – still a mystery, but I have some ideas!
Clean deck with hose – ongoing
Clean cockpit
Organize Vberth –
Add Velcro to screens in preparation for a climate where bugs can actually survive
Look for port window gasket – ordered
Hook on door in hanging locker
Fasten knife holder with L brackets
Get Alternator belts
Check bulbs in engine control panel
This is a Joggling board. A feature of many a fine southern home. Here is an article that explains this rather unique piece of porch furniture.

 

 

We did do a day of exploring the history of Charleston when we first arrived.    Spent 90 minutes on a city tour and went to the Museum.  Very though provoking and informative.    When Val returns we will go on a Plantation tour.    I will let Val blog about this aspect of the trip as she will do it so much better then I.
Yes this is a display of Chamber Pots. That would not be unusual for any Museum. The thing that was unique about this display was its Location. It was in the “men’s room”! And yes there was a similar one in the Ladies!