Chain and Bridle

 We had a very sweaty, very productive day.  Our biggest accomplishment was reversing the anchor chain.  This required us to lower the anchor and 200 feet of chain onto the ground, lay it out carefully, unattach it from the anchor locker, switch the far end to now be the near end.  Thankfully Paul had a grinder for cutting the links.  Then carefully re-attaching it to the boat and raising it back in place.

                               I am standing on the bow after lowering approximately half

                                         of the chain.   Paul was on the ground laying it out.

                                                  The 200 feet laid out in rows (avoiding our 

                                            mini pond) so we could check links and count length.

                                                Paul's view looking up before raising the chain.

Replacing our bridle was next on our list.  Paul borrowed a "ladder" from the yard and attached the port and starboard sides.  Unfortunately the middle shackles need to be replaced.  So the task is half done and we visited ACE hardware on the way back to the hotel.

                                                 The old bridel dangling - worn, thin, brittle and dingy.

                                                    Paul attaching the port side.  New bridle 

                                                    thicker, stronger and flexible.

We opened our new portable additional fridge/freezer and plugged it in.  It works!  It is convenient to have a smaller place for the items we use frequently so as not to open the bigger fridge or freezer as often.  

Our project manager, Lars, continues to assure us Monday is our splash date.  The rudders are still not completed and additional painting needs to be done.  We'll see.  In the meantime we will keep checking items off our list.

And despite the heavy traffic returning tonight,this bicyclist rode between cars and even on the wrong side of the road.