Day 147: Hasta Luego Zendeavor

Day 147: December 12: It was a busy day. As usual, David popped over with his coffee to chat about the day's agenda. He and Sandra would be busy taking more things off the boat before it was to be hauled and John was planning on working in the engine room to take the pistons off the stabilizers. David left and the work commenced down in the engine room. 


After he finished his tasks, David came back to give John a hand. I was on standby, always ready to pass down a tool. It became apparent another tool was needed so David jumped in his truck to retrieve one from home. While he was gone, the boatyard crew pulled Zendeavor out. By the time David and Sandra returned, she was secured on the stanchions, absolute evidence their trip had come to an end. 


The pistons were successfully removed; David took them, planning to drop them off at a local shop for repair; he will meet up with us when they are finished. I'm hoping we are able to get them in time for the Gulf crossing. 

Soon it was our turn and Slàinte Mhath was hauled. Zincs were put on the props and John and David replaced the thru hull; they had purchased it yesterday as soon as we arrived at Nelsons. It didn't take long for the work to be done and we were put back in the water. Fortunately, Gator, the owner of the boatyard, said we could stay on the dock for the night. A side note: Nelsons has been a family owned business for years; Gator is the 4th generation. What else would his name be? Its Alabama. 


David and Sandra joined us on Slàinte Mhath for awhile to share some tips and ideas about anchorages along the way from Mobile to the Carabelle and beyond. The evening passed quickly and soon it was time to say hasta luego! Not goodbye by any means. They have become like family and we will definitely see them again. Probably in January; there is a rendezvous for gold Loopers in Punta Gorda and they think they will most likely attend. It will be a good time to catch up and hopefully get our repaired pistons. 

Even knowing we will remain friends forever and will see them again, it was difficult to say goodbye! We have traveled with them for over 3 months, spending every day laughing over coffee, sharing meals, jugging, rafting, waiting out the weather on Lake Michigan and anchoring in breathtaking coves in Canada; building a friendship that will last forever. It was emotional for sure! 






















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