Fishing prep and waiting for propane parts

Not too much going on this week as we’ve been in a holding pattern waiting for parts to come in for the propane conversion. The highlight by far was on Sunday when some friends had us over for dinner and to teach us how to set up our trolling rigs on the boat for fishing. Richard is an experienced cruiser with Atlantic crossings, 1000s of miles of trolling, and from the pictures we looked at, lot’s of big fish! We hung out on his sailing catamaran, and he showed me how to make the rig and lures and then coached me as I made some lures. After we wrapped up with fishing school, they shared a yummy dinner with us, and we chatted into the evening. We have always heard of the generosity of fellow cruisers, and experiencing it for the first time was awesome.  Thanks Richard, Janet, Steve, and Bree!

Believe it or not, this mess of rope, bungee, and thick mono wrapped around this old water bottle is our trolling rig. It’s a hand line. No pole or reel. When a fish hits, you simply pull it in, with gloves on, by hand. Richard had pictures of a big marlin that they had caught this way plus plenty of big tuna. Mmmmmm, sushi!

Later in the week, parts began to come in for the propane system. Little by little our living room is starting to be buried, and Lindy loves it!

While we waited for yet more parts to arrive, we took a trip to Bass Pro to use a gift card I got at my retirement party (Thanks Brackens and Bergwalls!). To continue with the fishing theme, we got set up with a bomb diggity spinning rod and reel and tackle for dinghy and kayak fishing while at anchor or to throw at circling mahi while we’re hand lining in their family when trolling. I talk the big game….but I really am the worse fisherman ever… Hoping to change that shortly! It is the equipment that makes me better…right?

Finally, the most difficult part to obtain for the propane system arrived, the 12″ fiberglass pipe that will actually become the propane locker itself. If anyone is doing a similar project, just call these guys for fiberglass pipe pieces. It’s a lot more substantial than I had imagined. That joker weighs about 40 lbs! Tomorrow the stove is supposed to arrive and then it’ll be time to cut some big holes in Holiday! Woo hoo! (not)