Happy New Year! Okay so I lied again. We did not make
Cincinnati. Instead we had a major breakdown. Seems Rita (Yes – Mr. Bibber named the engines – Starboard is Rita, Port is Louise and our wonderful generator is Mercedes – we named her with not much imagination, she is a Mercedes generator.) anyway Rita got a bit obstinate wound up with her hydraulic lines cut so we were without steering. The Captain did a terrific job of circling towards the shore, then backing in so the hook could be dropped and we’d be out of harms way.
Shortly after Mercedes got all hot and bothered again. Lionel discovered she blew a “garter” belt. Bob and Lionel fashioned a new one for her, while Patrick and Victor performed surgery on Rita. Thank heavens Bob had the foresight to buy a smaller generator so at least the guys had light to work by.
So here we were again, no heat, no lights, no water, no steering and no engine. (Where’s Mike?) To add insult to injury – there is no phone or internet signal here.
The heavens produced the hardest rain we’ve experienced on the trip so far. It came down in buckets. Wind picked up too, but Achievement held fast.
They worked from about 12:30 to almost 7PM last night, but were successful and got both Rita and Mercedes up and running. Yuck, were they greasy! After hot showers and clean clothes we had dinner.
I was beat – and hit the sack early. (You would think I worked hard or something?) Victor used the washer and dryer (first time ever) on board to wash the greasy jeans, while the machines were doing their thing, the guys played Kings in the Corner (a card game). I’m pretty sure they had ample anti-freeze cause the game got livelier as the night went on. They are still in their bunks snoring away. They really needed some down time – it was a really tough day for them.
Needless to say we stayed anchored right were we stopped. I told them I am not going to again say we will be in
Cincinnati – but that is the plan for today. Victor tells me we are about 40 miles away. Mercedes chugged all night long and seems pretty content – so life is good. Heat, Water, Lights, steering and engines. We’ll see how the windless works!
4 comments:
Why are all the motor parts named with female names? That could be the problem you know. Thank heavens you guys are getting really good at quick repair so that I don't have to worry about your freezing to death out there. Patrick and Victor should come back as certified crew after this trip. Bob and Lionel have the experience but I don't think Patrick has ever spent this much time fixing anything. Keep up the good work!!!!
The previous post was mine, I forgot to sign it. Love, Joan
At the request of my grandson Jake I am posting this comment.
The entire Carrier family, particularly Jake and Jordan, would like to wish the Captain and the Crew of Achievement a “Very Happy New Year”. You are all doing a wonderful job of bringing her home. We are hoping that you will have more cooperation from Rita, Louise, Mercedes and all their daughters and assorted relatives (boiler, windless, etc.) in 2007.
In one of the pictures it appears that Lionel is on his knees praying to the generator gods!! I hope it works Lionel.
All of you stay safe and healthy.
Love, Linda
Good luck guys. And if your letting Dad work on stuff...... please be careful!
Mark
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