First, let’s get the dinghy in the water! We need our dinghy for use as we did our car - to get around and also to get to land. We had all hands-on deck, so we didn’t take any photos. We even had our next-boat neighbor helping us. We wanted to make sure that we lifted the small boat carefully, while using a halyard (rope) and a winch (rotating spool). I used the winch to pull up the dinghy, while the 2 men guided the boat over the rail and lowered it, right-side-up, into the water. Thanks for the help, Brad.
Next, we had to get the motor onto the dinghy in the same manner. Tying it on, winching it up and down into the boat. This time it was just the two of us. It was also heavy and cumbersome, as well as time consuming, in the hot mid-day sun.
Then, Tim tested the motor after he was certain that there was fuel in the tank. It took about four pulls, then started! Mission accomplished! We had wheels. I mean, a form of floating transportation!
Our first dinghy ride gave me the opportunity to be the fearless navigator. It’s time to utilize my skills! Tim brought us through the bay, into the open ocean and into the next bay. It was a bit more adventurous than I had anticipated. More waves and chop, splashing and holding on for dear life. Tim is an excellent captain. He knew just when to turn the boat in order to reduce the impact of the larger waves. What a trooper I was. So brave, courageous and full of self-confidence. What a great feat I had accomplished! After about 30 minutes of this scary torture, and back to safety of the harbor, I asked Tim about the heavy sea state (thinking at least 4-6 feet). “Maybe 2-3 feet” he said. Finally, we made it to the next bay and found our way to the dinghy dock.
And who was pulling up at the same time? Our friends, Janet and Erich. We spent some time with them and I ate my first Grenadian ice cream. Yum! Much like gelato.
Tim and I then walked a mile or so to a couple of stores looking for batteries and other boat parts - along a very busy road, with people driving on the wrong side of the street. We browsed a bit and bought our stuff, walked back to our dinghy and left for the arduous ride back to Liahona. Now, the ocean was even more wavy and choppy. I was trying to read the chart on the phone while simultaneously holding on and not straining my neck in my contorted position. I was seated facing the stern (back of the boat), water splashing on my sunglasses, hat blowing off of my head, while attempting to navigate. Finally, we made it back to the boat. Later, we realized that the navigation app was not properly set. I was actually reading where we should have been, rather than where we really were.
Another learning experience. I will not forget to make sure the app is properly set next time. I hope.
Sunny times,
Miriam
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