Dockside

We're at a dock tonight. Not by choice, but out of necessity.

Our alternator needs a rebuild and so while we wait for that to happen, we are dockside.

The faulty alternator explains why we've been having issues with our tachometer and the lack of battery charging.

Today we had a couple of mechanics come and help us diagnose the issue.

Again, everywhere you turn there are tools and parts on every surface.

Aila described it perfectly in her journal entry by saying "it's like the tools were having a dance party!"

I would've said "rave" but she hasn't learned that word yet.

So yet again, we fix and wait and fix some more.

Pros:

We have met some nice liveaboards on the dock next to us.

There are clean showers and laundry facilities at the marina.

We are plugged into shore power. A strange feeling, but nice to be able to turn on any and all the lights on board. Although it feels instinctively wrong since we are so accustomed to conserving every little bit of electricity.

But tonight we can charge every device and electric toothbrush without turning on the inverter. Plus we've got hot water to wash up in!

The water pump is working again. It just needed some serious air pumping in the filter. However a new filter will probably be needed in the not too distant future.

We are hoping we can have the alternator installed and everything in good working order before the weekend. That's when the next good weather window is here, at least that's what it looks like right now.

Counting our blessings and not dwelling on the things you cannot control is not easy.

Especially when winter is approaching and we are facing yet another expensive repair.

However, I have noticed the astonishing growth in confidence and knowledge the kids have gained, and this makes all the delays and repairs seem less significant.

Happy election day, Canada! It is with regret I was unable to vote because we couldn't get a ballot sent somewhere since we did not know where we would be in advance.

However we are following the results closely and will stay up a bit longer still.

Aila has started reading by herself now, without needing Matt or I to sit next to her. Today she spent a good part of the day up on deck with her book in the sunshine. And again at the library. I am so happy about this!

7:30am. As we headed off our mooring ball and onto the 
dock early this morning, Tai shot out of bed and went straight 
up onto the foredeck to get his mooring lines ready to help.

Tai has learned how to whip rope. A new obsession has begun....

Whipping another random rope.

Nothing makes him happier than helping with the boat.

Folding clothes and putting them away is a struggle. 
But ask him to coil a rope and you will get perfection.

BONUS: Today we also got a tour of our dock neighbour, a 110ft racing catamaran that went around the world in 54 days. First time we've seen a mast with two mast feet!!!

The enormous G-Force mast!

Yes, that is Aila INSIDE the mast!!