Anchoring Adventures and Culinary Creations: A Day in the Life Aboard

Getting Ready for the Bahamas

Last week was a whirlwind of activity as we finally got the water maker installed. With that major task behind us, it was time to tackle the next big project: installing the anchor chain. We’ve been talking about making our way to the Bahamas for a while now, and we knew we needed to have the right equipment to get there safely. So, here we are, ready to get some serious work done.

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Installing the Anchor Chain

We picked up 300 feet of chain, which you might remember from a couple of videos back. Exciting, right? Now, let’s dive into the installation process. I spread out our anchor and marked the chain, measuring it out to ensure we have everything we need before we start dropping it down. Using the anchor alarm, I’ll be able to estimate how much chain we have out. With winds at around 10 knots, it’s a calm day, and I’m feeling optimistic about this installation.

Once the anchor is out, I’ll tie it off and quickly get the new chain back down. My wife, Danielle, is back there a bit nervous about the whole process. So, I’m under a bit of pressure to get this done as smoothly as possible. I had to pull the cover off to feed the chain through the bottom, and I can already feel the tension as I work to reattach everything before she starts to freak out!

Challenges Along the Way

After managing to install the anchor, we encountered another challenge. We hooked onto another anchor on the bottom and couldn’t pull our anchor up. This is the third time this has happen us, guess we are lucky like that! The situation became a bit tense as there was also a cop nearby who offered to help. However, I used my boat hook to pull the chain off that fouled our anchor.

We had to re-anchor the boat, and I was on high alert, watching how we were swinging. Once you anchor, you have to hangout out to see if it’s going to hold. Thankfully, we have our 300 feet of chain installed, which gives us a bit more peace of mind.

Splicing the Anchor Chain

The next day, I faced another challenge. I had to pull all the chain out again to tie it onto the rode. The splice on the end of the old chain was loose, so I had to make a better splice to ensure everything would hold properly. Also I needed the splice to be tight enough to fit through the windlass.

When splicing the anchor to the rode, I found myself on the front of the boat, getting my hands dirty. I had three strands to work with, and I carefully threaded them through the links of the chain. After a bit of braiding, I secured everything and melted the ends to prevent fraying. It was satisfying to see everything come together, and I felt confident about the strength of our setup.

Time for a Break: Beach Adventures

With the anchor work done, it was time for a little break. We decided to head to the beach, hoping it wouldn’t be too crowded. Bella, our little dog, needed her life jacket, and was already getting grumpy because we weren’t moving fast enough. It’s always a balancing act between getting everything ready and keeping the crew happy!

Once we got to the beach, we found that it was a bit lacking in land. We had to turn back and head back to the boat. On the way, we passed a dock where we could get water and pump-out services. It’s always good to know where you can find these amenities when you’re out on the water.

Back to the Boat and Cooking Adventures

Once back on the boat, we turned our attention to dinner. Danielle rummaged through the pantry and came up with a delicious mix of corn, beans, onions, and ground turkey. She seasoned it up with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, tossing it all together with noodles. Cooking on a boat is often about being resourceful, so having canned goods on hand is a must!

As we prepped dinner, I couldn’t help but think about our grocery shopping plans for the weekend. We had some packages to pick up, including parts for the boat, and we needed to stock up on food for our upcoming journey to the Bahamas.

Handling Technical Issues

W faced some unexpected issues with our YouTube account getting hacked. It was a nightmare! We spent two days working to recover it, and thankfully, we were able to get everything back on track. It was a stressful experience, but it taught us a lot about the importance of securing our accounts.

Haircuts and Pizza Night

After dealing with the tech issues, it was time for a little self-care. I decided to give myself a haircut using a vacuum haircutting product. It’s designed for dogs, but it worked just fine for me! It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it got the job done.

As the night rolled in, we had our version of pizza for dinner. Danielle made hers, and I made a mess out of mine, was losing the pizza contest. We had a fun debate over pineapple on pizza—she was all for it, while I preferred the classic meat toppings, but like pineapple as well. It was a friendly competition in the kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to see how our creations would turn out.

The Final Pizza Reveal

Once the pizzas were in the oven, we anxiously awaited the results. Danielle’s turned out fluffy and delicious, while mine was more of a cracker crust with all the toppings piled high. We both enjoyed our creations, and it was a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

Overall, it was a day filled with challenges, teamwork, and delicious meals. From installing the anchor chain to whipping up pizza, every moment was an adventure. As we continue our journey towards the Bahamas, we’re learning and growing every step of the way.

Reflections on the Journey

As we look back on the day, it’s clear that life on the water is anything but dull. Each task brings its own set of challenges, but they also bring us closer together as a family. We’re excited for the adventures ahead, and we hope you’ll join us as we navigate the waters and tackle whatever comes our way!

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Explore Life Aboard: Anchoring and Culinary Skills | Ep 50