Too Many Hallelujahs

Hallelujah Chorus: 22 Jul - 6 Aug 08

Rainbow over TOBY

Our self-steering gear was on order and we needed a quiet dock for work and to add seemingly another million other boatie things to WJ3 – does it ever stop? Time Out Boat Yard is tucked away near Marigot Bay Pont Levant (lifting bridge) and is home to regular yachting folk and their “character” boats. The Cap’n is in his element. So here we sit and wait and wait and wait…. Still no self steering. In the meantime, we have the canvas lady coming, the GPS installer over and a welder to construct our stainless steel dodger frame. 

WJ3 at TOBY

Our families however, may be pleased to know that we have unwittingly been doing some good for our spiritual souls! We are docked directly opposite a large stadium and for the last 6 nights (yes – six long nights) we have been privy to soul saving religious gatherings….  enthusiastic music, impassioned ministers and receptive crowds.  All at ear-splitting levels. Of course, it’s all in French but we do know that demons have been mentioned (many times) and “hallelujah” often repeated. (Is this similar to the Pope’s recent visit to Randwick I wonder?

Guard Iguana

Every boat seems to have a dog onboard - in a strict ratio. The smaller the boat the bigger the dog! These dogs seem to relish their life and appear used to limited “yard” space. Also they are quite adept at travelling in dinghies. However, they are generally not friendly – unless of course, it’s my French accent that’s putting them off? The nearby petrol station had 2 huuuge iguanas as guards - a novel approach and they certainly kept me away. But I just loved their bright green uniforms and spikey haircuts though - oh so chic & so french! 

One of the joys of being dockside is the facilities. Here at Toby’s, we have our laundry & loos in a converted 20 foot shipping container. And as we forgot to purchase shower tokens on Friday, we will not be using them until Monday. Phew!

Internet at TOBY's

Access to the internet has been the bane of our life aboard; hence painfully slow blogging efforts. As with all things, connection is never easy. It seems that WIFI provided at most marinas is very much influenced by electronic gear – so stay away from those superyachts, charter craft and all other craft. We found a great internet café in Marigot, only to have them take holidays for the “season”. So here we sit, perched on old desk chairs with a battered chest freezer as a desk on the boatyard office veranda (with loads of mozzies and a few yard dogs for unwilling company). Finally – a connection be it ever so humble! It’s just taken 2½ hours to retrieve security updates & forget uploading photos…