Having guests aboard reminded us again how much the boat needs regular maintenance. Monthly, daily, weekly. If not performed in time, bigger problems may develop. However, having visitors makes us want to go explore new shores and swim, snorkel, and paddle around.
When we do not have guests aboard, the first day after dropping anchor is for relaxing and catching up on lost hours of sleep. The following two to three days are then spent doing maintenance aboard, such as changing filters, oils or other liquids, fix anything that needs fixing. Currently we do not take the time for these little chores. We choose to go explore towns and beaches, eat out, and wander around.
However, once we set sail again, Rua Hatu reminds us what we forgot to do or fix while we were at anchor. May it be a chafed line, a rope that rubbed through. Or a squeaky windvane, whose job it is to steer Rua Hatu without any power needed or human input, that is now desperately complaining for some grease in its salty gears.
Our dinghy floor has been leaking air for quite some time. Nic has successfully fixed many holes but unfortunately many more keep appearing at the seams. I fear the end of our poor dinghy is near! Aside from these bigger items requiring attention we also have plenty of small things that enhance comfort but are not urgent, so they keep getting pushed down the list.
We once again pulled out the rusty to-do list to rewrite, reorganize, and add plenty of new items to it. After our time in Acapulco, we will be on the lookout to find a marina to cross some items off our never ending to-do list.