Power Restored

Chips With Everything

Sun Jul 17th 

First batch of machine mixed sour dough

The power in question was for our UK appliances which operate at 220v-240v/50Hz and needed a more specialist (and much more expensive) type of transformer, that also changes the power frequency from the North American 60Hz, as well as the voltage.  It now means we can use our beloved Kenwood as well as my Denon TV/Audio amp, record deck (very frequency sensitive) and Fred's sewing machine - just not all at once.  It was cheaper than the cost of replacing the kit it was purchased to power.  
Chips with everything!


The chips were for mulching the garden beds.  We had bought several bags of the stuff when we had to modify one of the veg beds and needed to make good, but it was expensive.  In the end we managed to track down a tree surgeon who offered to drop a FREE load off from his 'mulchinator' machine.  I was expecting a cubic metre or so.  We got the whole truck load.  The smell of cedar wafts round the garden every time the sun comes out!  Even if we 'mulch' the whole garden we are likely to have some left!

There was no yacht racing on July 3rd as a number of boats were away at the Malaspina Regatta up in Garden Bay,
and there was little wind.  We were the only crew that turned up and as it wasn't a formal race day we didn't get a no-show win!  Early showers for all.

Today (Sun July 17th) eleven boats arrived at the start line with Cronky at the helm.  I've been re-designated as the owner on board is also Mike.  It looked as though we were going to be a crew of three, but one of our visitors (David) sails,  and in true maritime fashion was press-ganged in to service. The '1st mate' is also a David.  A tad confusing with two David's as well two Mike's, so he became Dave.  

Utter concentration on the face of Helm Cronky
watching the genoa 'ticklers/tell tails'
What a race!  We were in heavy seas for most of the race with a 3' to 4' swell. It was hard work keeping the boat on a heading and the sails consistently filled as we rolled and pitched with the swell.    I shall be checking out some YouTube videos this week on the finer points of trimming and holding headings in heavy seas. 

We were sixth over the line, but once the handicaps were applied, ended up last.  

After the last race a fellow competitor put in an objection to our handicap rating, which ended up being lowered.  This resulted in a longer race time.  The aim of the rating is to equal out the various performance factors of the boats so that results are driven by the on-board decision making, not the technology.  A rating certificate is issued on the actual size of the sails, folding props etc.  Even boats of the same model can have different handicaps if, for example, there are large differences in the sail sizes.

While I was out sailing the high seas with 'Dave',  Fred headed off to the Sechelt Racquet Club with the remainder of our guests to play tennis.  She booked both of the indoor courts, so they had the place to themselves.
'Not interested'


Jack, who was deemed ballboy for the day, watched on from the side, completely disinterested in donning Wimbledon kit and returning tennis balls.  He slept.  

In the height of summer with many vacationing families there was nobody else around playing tennis.


Our resident Merlins have been out and about, continuing their aerobatics.  

They are quite happy to harass the local Ravens, Turkey Vultures and Bald Eagles; birds ten times their size.  

They have taken to sitting on our neighbour's and our roof as they are quite high vantage points.  Some images below.  They are the most stunning birds. 

The pictures are either on the adjoining roof or the local power lines.

Must get these manicured

Don't mess with me!

Our visitors arrived Friday afternoon and departed at the same time Sunday.  I can't believe how much we fitted in.  Smuggler Cove, Cliff Gilker Park, a seafood dinner at Smitty's Oyster Bar in Gibsons (just amazing) plus sailing and tennis on Sunday and a visit to the Persephone Brewery for post tennis lunch and beer.   Time for a few days R&R.


Down in Lower Gibsons, Mike's Place has the most amazing selection of ice creams including one called Kronk.    I have been testing it out.  I did ask if a bloke called Mike walks in with a surname called Cronk, does he get a free ice cream.  She would need to ask the boss.  I will keep trying!

Our visitors headed off to the afternoon ferry and it has gone quiet again.   We had a great weekend including a brilliant seafood supper at Smitty's next to Gibsons Marina.

A fun time was had by all.














 

    


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