Nothing special going on around here right now—just everyday life.
Imagination.
Ouest took this pic of the barber shop.
The dinghy motor has been giving me issues since the Turks and Caicos last year. First it was the carburetor. I replaced that and that solved one problem. Then we weren’t getting waterflow. I replaced the thermostat and cleaned out the water jacket. Things seemed all good again after that. Then the water flow slowly weakened and died in Key West. Here I finally tore off the bottom end of the motor to get at the water pump, which is basically the last thing on the engine that I hadn’t cleaned or replaced. The impeller looked pretty bad and was the likely culprit of the lack of water flow. I replaced that and a bunch of gaskets, reinstalled everything, fired it up, and… no water. Crap.
I took the lower end off again and found that maybe the pipe that goes into the water pump hadn’t lined up quite right when I had done it the first time. So I wiggled things around, and put it all back together again. This time when I fired it up the water flowed. I took a celebratory drink and put the rest of the thing back together again.
On our previous boats we’ve had Yamaha 15hp 2-stroke engines. They are basically the best engines ever made. This boat came with a Honda 10hp 4-stroke, and it’s just good enough to make me not spend the money to replace it with the Yamaha. I almost wish I couldn’t fix it, so I could just bite the bullet and get my favorite engine again—but alas, we carry on.
I was down in the engine compartment turning on the watermaker the other day when I looked around and marveled a bit at how many things I’ve learned from the boating life. I didn’t come from a family of tinkerers. In my house growing up the tool box consisted of two screwdrivers, a crescent wrench, and a hammer. I didn’t know the first thing about engines, plumbing, or electrical. Now I’ve got a firm grasp on all of these things. I know where all these hoses and wires go and what they do. I know how to troubleshoot and fix just about anything on an engine. I can install and maintain a watermaker, and two refrigerators. When something electrical doesn’t work I know how to check the wiring. The list goes on. I’m not good enough at any single one of these things that anyone would ever pay me to do them, but I know them all well enough to keep a 33 year-old boat chugging right along. I’m not saying any of this to toot my own horn, but instead just to let people know that they don’t have to know any of this stuff before they can set out cruising—the boats will teach it all to you along the way.
Down the road at the baseball game. That guy with his hands over his ears stood like that most of the game—and I couldn’t blame him. The speaker was so loud we finally had to move to the other side.
Mexican baseball—pork tacos, chips, and Tecate.
Not sure why the Isla Mujeres team had to play as the visiting team, but they cleaned up on the Cancun team.
While the infielders at the baseball game were taking bad hops off their heads due to the patchy grass, the fútbol field next door is pristine turf.
Sadly, it’s true that man can not live on tacos alone. I was in the mood for pizza. This happens once every couple of months, and the quality of pizza in Mexico usually results in the mood passing without much satisfaction. At least in Mexico we can always make it a little better by adding piles of jalapenos.
15 Comments on “Everyday Isla”
Hey Pat! Give yourself some credit, a pat on the back even! The boats will teach you what you need to learn? Only if you’re motivated enough & apply yourself to the lessons-as with all things in life….kudos to you!
That engine compartment looks way more complicated than a 58 VW bus engine compartment.
Everyday life looks like highly enjoyable life!
Your engine room looks pristine! And as mentioned before, you only learn stuff when you are willing. Awesome pictures as usual.
The apparent roominess of your engine room is a testament to your photographic skills! 🙂
We have attended many quinceaneras and weddings. Having a pair of ear-plugs is an essential for me.
Got it. Thanks anonymous. Your internet whispers have been heard (all three times in two posts).
I think “anonymous” is a teensy bit jealous… lol Or, perhaps is just wishing they were one of the lucky wandering Bum kids!
Pat and family, I continue to follow you since the very beginning. You continue to be an inspiration for how to live life to the fullest and to create an amazing environment for your children. Thanks for sharing your life, including the incredible photography. As for your skills at maintaining your boat- it is true that the boat, like life, will teach you all you need to know if you choose to listen.
I just love those chrome valve covers! Reminds me of stuff we did in high school.
Ali, you’re still a babe!
Thanks, Marie. 😉
Hey Anonymous, leave them alone. Its their choice, and from what I can see the kids are having a ball. I only see joy and happiness here. I for one am grateful that they as a family are choosing this means of giving a bit back to the world.
Well said, Annie. Thanks.
Rolandi’s Pizza is pretty good. Stayed at their hotel a few years back and enjoyed the whole atmosphere.