June 12, 2024
Ship Update #3 ?
These are the rudders on the ship. They are on the ship aft (backend), behind the propellers and they are responsible for the ship steering. The rudder stock we are awaiting are 2 custom made solid shaft, weighing 2 Tons each, and they fit inside the rudders and are connected via large bolts, in the 2 holes seen here. This retrofit is what's holding us up from leaving dry dock and sailing. This afternoon, we were told our best case of completing dry dock is 6/20 with a strong likelihood of sailing by 6/25. We were given tons of options, but basically have to amuse ourselves till 6/20 most likely 6/24. So, I am flying tomorrow afternoon from Gran Canary to Lisbon and then on to Hamburg, Germany to meet up and stay with my friend Tom Powl. We were supposed to catch up on the original itinerary and have at least a week together and we were both disappointed when that changed. So now we are seizing the opportunity to do it!
We just relaxed on the Island of Koh Chang, Thailand. It's one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and it has a dense, steep jungle & National Park covering the interior of the Island, which extends off shore, to coral reefs. The coast line is dotted with beaches and villages. This was a tender port, so we decided to stay on the Island for 3 nights, to be able to experience the nightlife. Turns out, it is low season, so nightlife was pretty sleepy. However, we did find a new favorite night time activity! Any Guesses?!?
Love Sea Days ! I got a much needed haircut and color. Think I'll be going shorter, but giving this a whirl! Can you see the back in the mirror? The bangs and side volume, is what drives me nuts in the heat and humidity!
Wat Bang Kung Temple was a quick stop along the way to the Train Markets . What makes this unique is the Temple is completely enclosed by roots of four giant trees (a banyan, bodhi and others). From the outside, it looks like nature has swallowed the building. Inside the chapel is a golden Buddha image, that locals still visit to pray. It was quite active during our short visit there. The Temple dates back over 250 years and survived the Burmese invasion.