Moving and Killing Two Birds With One Stone

Monterey Harbor from Municipal Wharf

Malo has had a great spot on this dock.  But 14 days is enough.  She will be moving tomorrow - not far - just to the other marina that is in Monterey Harbor.   

Slowly we are zooming in on our engine starting problem.  We got a new starter in Half Moon Bay which was our last port.  Now in Monterey, we have unsuccessfully tried to leave 3 times but we cannot leave because of air in the fuel lines.  We have figured that the fuel injectors are bad and need to be replaced.  Our mechanic Kevin and his "parts person" is trying to figure which type we need to then order them.  I mentioned to  Dan that this could be a long wait to get sorted out. Why not get our boat pulled at Monterey Boatworks and repair the keel that experienced damage from an anchor rode   that wrapped it while we were in Drakes Bay.  He thought it was a great idea and jumped right on it. This would save us from hauling out in Ensenada, Mexico which is what we were planning.  So that is why this post is called "Killing Two Birds With One Stone".

Dan and I did a lot of cleaning and investigating our engine to try to locate this air leak. We could start the engine after a lot of bleeding the air.  But the next morning, it would not start again.   I noticed a small amount of fuel under the nuts of 3 of the 4  injectors.  Based on this and some further research, we have hopefully determined the problem.  The pencil below is pointing to the leak.

Dan and I walked over to the boatyard to see if they had any openings to get the boat hauled out.  We are scheduled for 1:30pm tomorrow afternoon.  The mechanic will be able to work on the engine even if it is "on the hard" or up on land.  He plans to take out the old injectors tomorrow late afternoon to be sized for replacements, since we cannot really go by part numbers.

Meanwhile,  I have gone to the beach the past few days.  It has been hot here, and it has been enjoyable to get wet, even if only part way.  I have also enjoyed bringing a book and reading, as the waves crash onto the shore.

Today, it was not as much surf and I actually got totally wet for a few seconds.  The water is cold, there is a strong current, and thus it is not great for swimming.  But it is peaceful to sit on the beach.

Do you notice that BIG monstrosity in the distance?  Yup, another cruise ship snuck in during the night.  Monterey was invaded with lots of people again.

This morning I took the SUP board out for a paddle.  I did not go for long, as the water seems a bit swirly for me, and there were boats coming and going that I constantly watched for.  Plus the harbor is loaded with wildlife and there is always the chance a harbor seal, sea lion or sea otter will pop up nearby.  I really have not seen a harbor with more visible and active sea life than Monterey Bay.  It is truly amazing.