Loggie Stuff ....

Despite John's initial plan to head away by himself (what was he thinking - this phase was going to start together not repeating the patterns of the past!) to get the Sabbaticus work completed, even the operator has now admitted to the value of an experienced loggie on board plus an 'extra set of hands' are needed on a daily basis to hold/find or pass tools. The early days consisted of finding then surveying all available storage areas, measuring the space and then off on a local procurement run (aka shopping) to town to find suitable containers. Sounds relatively simple but no storage containers are ever the exact size/shape of the available space so there have been many trips into town - this is after spending time identifying what shop to purchase from.  Town is a 3.2km walk or 13 min bus ride to the marina so at least I'm able to get some exercise completed when doing some chores:).  

When the groceries are purchased they then have to be stored properly - yes - they must be logged into the database, all unnecessary packaging removed, labelled and use by dates written on all items. Sounds a bit pedantic but when you have limited space and the 'pantry' is the whole saloon you need to know a) if you have the item and b) where to find it.  Currently 141 pantry items and growing -  almost ready to start baking now:).
  

When I need sun and fresh air there is no shortage of stainless steel to clean and polish.  I actually really enjoy this task as Sabbaticus 'gleams' after all the attention and I get to listen to another audio book while enjoying the sun.

Then of course there is the online shopping. The list is varied and includes charts, pilot books, spare parts and any tooling John needs. How we ever survived before amazon, ebay and online stores I will never know.  Having a marina address for the deliveries to be sent is a bonus - this will be more difficult once we start cruising and have no fixed abode.  We are currently up to 68 online purchase orders to track, receipt and inventory - arrrgh loggie bliss:)

John's days are busy with the never ending maintenance   tasks - everything from routine to preventative.  Thank goodness he has an athletic build and is flexible enough to bend himself to get into the tight spaces of the engine room (this will be a topic for another blog).  

I never quite now what state I will find Sabbaticus, or John, when I return home. The floor boards are constantly up, just as well OSH are not onboard, as John gets into the bilges to check, clean or repair yet another fitting while being interrupted for a photo shot. What a lucky Captain he is:)