First thing this morning we called the Panama Canal scheduling office and were told our time slot was 7am. So that means if we make it through in a single day, it will be sunset when we arrive in the marina on the other side. Today was to be filled with minor errands to get ready. But first Melissa took Jim and Margaret to visit the Milaflores lock and museum. We got there just in time to see the last container ship headed east go through the locks. Then we got a few supplies. While Margaret and Melissa were at the deli, Jim attempted to find a spare start/stop lanyard for the dingy motor at the Yamaha store. After much humiliating gesturing attempting to explain what he was after while the store employees looked on as if he were a recent escapee from the local insane asylum, he finally spotted the lanyard hanging among spare parts on the wall.
Meanwhile, Dave had replaced the water pump. Again. He replaced it two weeks ago but it failed again - likely because of some type of contamination in the tank, though no contamination was immediately obvious. Good thing we had Jim bring another new one down to us! Since replacing the pump two weeks ago, Dave also installed a filter on the tank side of the water pump, so (fingers crossed) this pump should be ok. Oh, but during the troubleshooting process, Dave discovered there was also a leak under the kitchen sink which was contributing to making the pump run continuously. Fortunately, Dave says that he thinks the two week old pump is easily serviceable. Famous last words.
Dave had also managed to pump out the aft trunk so that the spinnaker could be stowed away dry, and hopefully stay that way this time. He stowed the flopper stoppers away so that there is minimal stuff on the decks. And had almost completed an oil change on the engine as the troop arrived back at the boat. Yep, Dave was indeed productive while no one was around to get in his way!
Then it was time to hoist Dave up the mast as there were several things that needed attention. Firstly, and most important for the crossing was the fact that our courtesy flag line had blown apart while we were gone. So Melissa picked up a brand new Panama flag, and Dave fixed the flag line that hangs from the shroud. He also installed a new deck lamp which had burned out, and fixed the radar - which appeared to be a loose connection issue.
Then it was time for Melissa and Jim to try and return the broken the generator to the store with Luis. This meant putting the 100 lb generator into the Balboa Yacht Club skiff. Dave and Jim hoisted it up using the spinnaker halyard and lowered it into the skiff. Then Jim and Melissa were able to get it onto the dock and subsequently into the taxi. Luis helped interpret when we arrived at the store. Melissa explained that the voltage generated was zero. And amazingly, they decided to refund 100% of our money. A small miracle here in Central America where the words "buyer beware" could not be more true.
When Jim and Melissa arrived back at the marina, Dave had completed the remainder of his "get ready for the canal" tasks and it was time for Margaritas at the Yacht Club with Mike and Holly. They are staying at the hotel near the marina tonight, and will come aboard first thing in the morning to make the crossing with us.