Egersund, 25th June, sunday.

Near-gale force wind, straight up the harbour means Josin bobbs and dips. Heavy rain squalls now and again, so we stay indoors. Lazy sunday morning. English breakfast.

Margaret arrived, somewhat delayed, friday evening, but no luggage. Bother. Promised delivered tomorrow. Busses back to Egersund. Kiwi. Toothbrush etc.

Yesterday was a bit disastrous. I needed to investigate a water leak from the nether regions under the sink. Found. From the freshwater footpump. Margaret wandered into and around the town to have a look and to buy fresh rolls for lunch and fish from the fish stall for dinner. When she got back the foot pump was in pieces and no apparent problem. Reassemble with copious silicone. Test with pressure water from the hose. Still leaks. What now? Thinks. Might as well fill the fore water tank the while. Dismantle pump again. Microscopic inspection revealed a small split in a diaphragm, easily stretched. Telephone to Hovland boatparts. “No, I’m sorry, we’ve had one on the shelf for a year, but people buy electric pumps nowadays, don’t they? Sold it last thursday”. Electric galley pump? ” Yes, but the shop has just shut at two o’clock. Open again on monday, at seven. Have a good weekend”. If he only knew…..  

Attention being concentrated on the pump, I had forgotten the hose. Now, water likes to find it’s own way if allowed, and yes…. OMG! The floorboards were afloat! Energetic activity with the bilge pump. Turn off hose. Phew!

And then, a weak voice from M. “My bed is all wet”. Dudgeon. Deep. Rest of the day was spent drying things, with a little help from an intermittent drying wind, good help from the tumbler driers in the facilities, and fan heater in the forcastle. All dry in the end and M could move back into her quarters. Fish dinner followed by lots of strawberries and cream, and Alls Well again.

Studying all the available weather forecasts indicates that the winds will drop to something more sailable on tuesday morning, veering from west to north which will be good, followed by more veering to east, which should be even better. Long term looks good too. Hope the forecasters don’t change their minds.

Alls well, from Margaret and John.