We're Floating

Finally, after a couple of weeks of waiting and working, Gran Vida was launched today.  It was an interesting adventure.  Our old generator, affectionately known as Genny, had served us well over the years but was getting tired and having a few issues.  She really was overkill at this point for what we needed.  We had removed our electric stove a few years ago and replaced it with an Origo cooktop that uses Methyl Hydrate for fuel, we have solar panels, a little inverter charges our electronics. A small portable generator tops up any gaps.  Our power needs are met just fine and we can stay at anchor for ages with no problem.  It was time for Genny to say bye-bye.  But how to get 'er out that hole in the floor?

This is how it went:  They got us up in the slings and drove the travel lift over to their old boom truck, which looks like it would make a better planter than a functional piece of equipment.  Then they very carefully extended the boom through the back door of the boat and into the salon, hovering over poor 'ol Genny hiding there beneath her hatch in our floor.  With a lot of guidance and communication, they carefully positioned the boom, hooked Genny, gently lifted her out through the glass sliding door and she was gone.  Easy-breezy. (At least for me, standing back and taking pictures).

Then came the launch.  With a little coaxing, a bit of fan-dangling below by the captain, a few cranky coughs and a big puff of exhaust, Pearl the trusty Perkins diesel engine sprang to life.  Hooray!  Gran Vida lives!

We are now tied here on the dock at the boatyard, being bounced around by the retreating tide.  Oh yeah, tides.  We'll have to brush up on the tide charts.  Tomorrow we'll be on our way.  We're not really sure how far we'll travel or where we'll end up, just South, taking it day by day.