Still in Portsmouth, VA Part II
April 11, 2025
Lauren had a bad night of headaches and lack of sleep. She still managed to prepare a hearty breakfast. Jim and Karen of Rowe Boat III were leaving this morning; Lauren brought over a chunk of coffee cake and we said our goodbyes. Still trying to get Heidi to use the pee pad. Today weather is torrential downpours and winds all day, so … Heidi is stuck on board; hopefully she’ll breakdown and use the darn thing. Lauren’s migraine (fighting all week) again, reared its ugly head; tried to nap it off, but ….
Brian figured out how to download the pics we’ve been taking for the blog, so hopefully now everyone can see them. Yesterday when we were strolling around downtown, we stopped in a bakery. The proprietor specializes in cheesecakes and other assorted delights. Lauren really liked the lemon scones. They were out of them yesterday, but the owner said she would put 2 aside for Lauren today. Almost forgot about them. Brian donned is foul weather gear and trudged off to pick them up.
Brian reading: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Lauren reading: Just finished One Good Deed by David Baldacci and starting The Fraud by Zadie Smith
April 13, 2025
Well, Heidi never did use the pee pad. Rain finally let up, but still high winds and cold enough that we’ve had to turn on the heater. Today the sun is finally out – woohoo! Lauren took Heidi out for a walk and the wind pushed her around a bit. We are seeing more and more boats coming into the marina; there are a few with the Great Loop Flag (AGLCA). We were told this time of year it will really start to get busy at the marinas, because of the Loopers getting underway.
Before Jim and Karen left the marina, Jim had a discussion with Mike from Valhalla about our issues with the alternator; Mike has a background in IT and Marine Electronics. He and his wife, Caroline stopped by this morning. Caroline and Lauren visited while Mike tried to figure out our issues. He spent nearly 4 hours going thoroughly through our systems. He thinks after connecting the wiring to the alternator (which we had requested the last “tech” to leave it), an additional problem may be a blown fuse which is not allowing the regulator to turn on. The regulator controls the alternator. He suggested we contact the previous owner to see if he knows where the darn fuse may be located. Seems like finding the fuse would not be such an issue, but…. Brian left a message for Bob Parry regarding same.
The other day when Brian braved the torrential downpour to pick up the two lemon scones at Hello Sweetie Cheesecakes, (that were hopefully put aside), he actually came back with six. No complaints. They were individually wrapped and put in the freezer – well all, but one. Brian chose for himself a Pina Colada cheesecake and a Turtle cheesecake – they are packaged in single servings – just the right amount as a dessert or snack.
We will be meeting Mike and Caroline tonight at the marina restaurant, Fish and Slips – we have yet to try it out. Mike refused payment for his services this afternoon, so we will be treating them to dinner (they don’t know that, yet). Mike said he enjoys helping out other boaters.
Per Mike’s suggestion, Brian took two panels down in the helm station looking a fuse. There were none.