Cheeseburger in paradise

'Sarf & West mate, Sarf & West'
Pete Bernfeld
Mon 9 Sep 2013 10:47

I finally tackled the fuel filters with my ‘new’ chain filter strap. I have two in-line fuel filters and one engine filter. The filter housings were changed in Fiji, one housing was bolted through a wooden strake and the other was attached with self-tapping screws. First job was to take out the self-tappers and replace with bolts so the torque from the filter wrench didn’t rip the housing out of the wooden strake. After that it was relatively easy. One filter was as clean as a whistle and the other was really badly gunged up. Problem solved? Well I got full revs out of the engine for ten or fifteen seconds after the filters were changed so maybe. I’ll find out shortly because the Indonesian Navy, here in force for the presidential visit want us all to move to another anchorage so they can ‘play’. Welcome to Indonesia dear tourists and we hope we are doing everything to make your stay a pleasant and hassle-free one. Another side-effect of the navy being here seems to be nobody wants to bring fuel out to the boats. Not sure how we’re supposed to get it then but I reckon I have 50 litres in the tank which should be enough to get to Bali if I either sail or drift! Water is another slight problem. Other places there was no delivery charge here I’ve been told the price is very inflated. The situation will be worse in the other anchorage. Ho hum. STOP PRESS: We have to move by 0700 tomorrow morning. I heard that at 1815 when it was already dark. Also apparently we were being ripped-off over the water. I’ve been told that actually 20L of drinking water costs RP5K not the RP25K we were charged in other places. Having to move buggers up my plans a bit because the new anchorage is 2nm out of town so I won’t be rowing it!

 

I met another blog reader yesterday here in Labuan Bajo.

 ‘You’re a walking disaster, what bits have failed now?’ He commented. Perhaps not an exact quote but you get the idea.

 

Be grateful that I was in a mellow mood my friend. Yes the boat is in a real state. She leaks, not too badly but she needs pumping out from various places four times every 12 hours. I have one engine that works and one that might but I have no alternator or starter motor despite having purchased same and no money to buy replacements for those stolen. Two sails (out of an original three) both the worse for wear. I have had help and encouragement/advice from many people in various forms. All of it deeply appreciated, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and when I can repay, be it in monetary form or ‘passing it on’ I will do so. I currently have a disposable income of £100 per month, not week, month. That has to cover food, fuel, drinking water (not free in Indonesia) boat maintenance and ‘living’.  There are no reserves; they were used up in Fiji. But I’m a walking disaster.

 

Well maybe but you exist on £100 a month then you come and talk to me about the state of my boat, until then keep your opinions to yourself and f*** off. People have asked ‘why no crew?’ The boat basically is marginally seaworthy. I don’t want the moral responsibility and in any case I only renovated my cabin the other two are really not fit for human habitation. Anyway, pulling up the anchor by hand is good exercise!

 

Right (right), rant over.  If you’re ever in Labuan Bajo and hanker after a ‘cheese burger in paradise’ then I can thoroughly recommend the Treetops restaurant. For the rest of this month I’m back on the rice and beans, I wish the rest of you more prosperous cruising. And yes, I’m still having some fun.

 



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