12th of August, 2009

The bay that Tanasza is anchored in is sheltered from the wind but I moved to a buoy closer to the shore, just for a few days. I can stay here until its owner comes back. Waves are smaller here and it is easier to work on the engine. The place is full of water taxis, pontoons, tourists, fisherman boats... the port is really busy (yet, when I mentioned that I am from Poland I heard in response: ‘Oh yes, The Pianist, a sad, but beautiful, movie...”).
On Richard’s (guy from Panama) advice, I met Frank Englemayer. He is a descendant of one of the first inhabitants of the islands,  the people who were born on the Galapagos Islands. Frank has a lot of yachts, he knows the trade and he proved to be most helpful in repairing Tanasza. Jonncy, his employee, devoted entire two days (he had to survive with me next to him :) ) to Tanasza, a result of which is a long list of ‘fixed things.’ Jonncy is extraordinary, very clever and he does a really good job.
We fixed my dear genoa, we fixed a capstan (another one got serviced), we changed fuel filters, an alternator, and water pump belts. Finally, my bilge pump was repaired (although we burnt 10 fuses in the process, and they are not to be found on the island). The autohelm got new linkages, the companionway got repaired, the bottom is clean again. ‘zinc’ level was checked and the deck was brushed. As regarding my wretched water pump – the impeller was checked but the pump leaked again after it was assembled. Hello Jonncy:) It was almost 9 p.m., I guess. Working extra hours, he disassembled it and fixed once again and... it works, finally!!! All of this thanks to Frank who found people to help me, looked for those fuses over the entire island, gave me a new anchor chain and a sewing kit to sew the torn mainsail. I have also received a lubricant that I’ll need for repairs. Żubrówka (Buffalo Grass Vodka) went to a right person! Frank – thank you so much!
At the end of the day, I had a chance to look at the sea lions which rested on the yacht next to me. Before I went to sleep, I was visited by a blacktip shark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacktip_shark), a tiny, completely harmless creature.