Best. News. Day. Ever.
The Volvo mechanic came out and was able to fix the starboard gauges!! He also determined that the depth finder issue was due to old/outdated equipment and of course, he just happened to have a new one in his van. We went ahead and bought it; Mark and Ryk are installing it themselves.
I had forgotten to mention the other day - the non-working generator issue was due to a completely worn out impeller. We had brought a spare, so it was changed out...viola! Generator is working like a champ! I can't say enough about the talents of Mr. Mark - we would be lost on this trip without him!
I spent the day in work meetings - we are having our North America National Sales Meeting every day this week from 10:00 - 1500, so I haven't been much help to the boat efforts - other than laundry and cooking, of course :)
Last night we found a nice local restaurant within walking distance, and enjoyed a meal while being serenaded by a solo artist. He was pretty good and a nice change of pace. The weather today has been beautiful! We have had the windows and doors open all day - and I even cut off a pair of my leggings to make quasi shorts...the humidity got a hold of me!
The marina has an "owner's lounge" which includes a tv area, laundry room and nice shower areas - we all enjoyed long, hot, roomy showers. The boat does have 2 showers, however, the marina crew were working on the docks yesterday and broke a pipe, so we didn't have any way to fill the boat with extra water. It was fixed by mid-morning and we filled her up again!
Our plan is to leave a little before daylight tomorrow - we have a slow, easy trip west on the GCICW, until we hit Mobile Bay. We will probably stop in Gulfport for the night. We had thought about going offshore, but the swells don't look too inviting, so we are going to stay in "the ditch". It will probably take us 5-6 days. As much as I love our boat, I am ready to be home.
Yummy! Gulf Coast oysters for dinner last night!
The local restaurant, Ginny Lane, we had dinner at last night. Notice the Christmas Tree with Mardi Gras decorations - lol
You know you are at a fancy-schmancy marina when your 60 foot boat is the smallest one on the dock!!
Ryk captured this shot this morning - our boat and a tug cruising right by us in the GCICW.
Unloading dirt from the barge - right down the dock from us.
Glad the "tide has turned" with your mechanical issues!! Continued bon voyage!!