When I returned, I found her sitting on the deck with another cup of coffee. As I sat down beside her, she said, “How about that bath now, then we will head over to the sporting goods store. They open around nine o’clock. It is a thirty minute drive, so we should get there by ten or so.” As we walked towards the boathouse, she said, “I often swim in the water just off the boat launch. The water is very deep right there, but you can see all the way down to the bottom. I like to see what is in the water before I get in. Call it what you will, but I would hate to meet up with a shark or whale while swimming.”
When we got to the water’s edge, I quickly pulled off my clothes and jumped into the warm water. The water down by my legs was much colder, but it was not so cold as to cramp my toes or legs. I heard a splash behind me and found Becky pushing my head down under the water. When I came up to the surface, she was giggling like a two year old. Once we had washed with soap, we moved into shallow water and finished rinsing off.
I swam to the dock and climbed up the ladder. Once there, I began toweling dry. When she joined me, she began giggling again. I asked her what she found so funny and she said, “Cold water and penises simply don’t make good bedfellows.” When I heard her words, I think my cheeks must have flushed because she snuggled up to me and said, “Sorry for that comment. The words just came out of my mouth before I thought about what I was saying.” I laughed and said, “But what wonderful things the cold water does to a woman nipples.” She looked down and giggled.
As we walked up the stairs onto the dock, she took my hand and said, “Let’s dry ourselves and head to the sporting goods store before the air gets so hot we roast. It is suppose to be in the high nineties and muggy from the rains that are predicted. The high humidity and heat will be miserable for you until you get used to it. There is no air conditioning in the Pacifica, so you will have to learn to dress with lightweight clothing while working inside the vessel. The air conditioning in the boathouse will feel good and we can put a fan in the hatch door if we need to cool the interior of the Pacifica.”
As Becky drove us to the store, I offered her a suggestion. I proposed that once the Pacifica was totally stocked and ready to live in, we spend twenty-four hours in the vessel while it was still in the boathouse. That would give us a better idea of the things we had not thought of. I looked her in the eyes and said, “Have you provided a toilet for use during foul weather when we cannot pee and poop in the ocean?” She stared at me a moment and said, “I never considered having to poop inside the Pacifica. I guess we might want a portable toilet of some kind. I certainly don’t want to have to poop in one of my minnow buckets. I am not shy with my bodily functions, but I had not considered doing my business with someone so close and smelling my odor.” I laughed and said, “We will soon adjust to each other’s odors, and pooping with someone watching will not be so difficult. Nevertheless, you are right when you talk about having to poop in a minnow bucket. That would not be cool or sanitary. Let’s check out some form of camping toilet while we are here at sporting goods store.”
Becky looked at me again and commented that we should have everything we needed moved inside the vessel by tomorrow afternoon. She said, “Let’s try moving in late tomorrow afternoon and we will stay until after breakfast the next day to test out our new home.” I agreed as she pulled the white cargo van into the parking lot of the sporting goods store.
We each took a shopping cart as we entered the store. When we stepped inside and looked around, I was amazed at the size of the building. We decided to address the toilet issue first thing. We discussed a wooden box type toilet with a removable standard toilet seat. Under the seat, we could put a white porcelain pail with a lid. As we talked, we decided to purchase two porcelain pails with lids, and a white toilet seat. We would build the wooden box that the toilet seat rested on in the workshop, and insure that the pails easily slid under the seat. We had plenty of extra marine grade wood in Becky’s boathouse.
As we talked, Becky said, “There is a small cupboard behind the bow hatch ladder. We can remove the shelving and make a toilet room just wide enough to sit down inside. The extra work might create a somewhat private toilet space. With a few coats of marine spar varnish, we could easily keep it clean.” We decided to build the box small enough that we could carry it up onto the deck and wash it with seawater whenever needed. We both hoped not to use the toilet often, but if we needed it, it would work out great, especially during inclement weather.
The next items on the list were lanterns and camp stoves. When we entered the store, we were uncertain what type fuel we wanted to use for cooking and lighting. As we talked to a man who camped on a regular basis, we soon decided upon using white gas fueled lanterns and camp stove. We realized that burning the lanterns or camp stove for any length of time inside the vessel could kill us, but we might need to use the camp stoves inside the vessel when the weather was inclement. We had battery operated lighting inside the vessel for most tasks, including reading.
We picked out two dual-fuel lanterns which would burn camping fuel (white gas), or unleaded automobile gasoline in an emergency. The lanterns had metal mesh globes so they would not break, but we purchased two extra globes just in case. We also purchased spare pumps and repairs parts, as they might be difficult to find on some remote island in the Pacific Ocean. When we began looking at camp stoves, we picked out two stoves that also used the dual-fuel system. Again, we purchased spare parts that might fail along the way. By the time we were finished, I estimated that we had spent over six hundred dollars. Part of that cost was due to the twelve metal fuel containers with screw on lids to store the white gas. The twelve containers would safely store three gallons of the fuel. I mentioned to Becky that we could drill three-inch diameter holes in a cabinet shelf to store the round containers during our trip. Becky giggled and said, “We could use the space over our new toilet box for the fuel container storage area.” I looked at her and said, “There will be an awful lot of flammable gases in that tiny little closet.” After a few moments she punched me on the shoulder and said, “Okay, I finally got the joke, methane gas and white gas.”
Now that we had purchased the lanterns and camp stoves, we decided to tackle the fishing-equipment shopping list. That adventure filled my shopping cart, mostly with large rolls of fishing line. We purchased simple rods and reels. The reels we decided upon were bait-casting reels due to their simplicity, and the fact that we would not have to cast for long distances. We normally could fish directly under the boat. We also chose rods and reels designed for use in salt water. The fishing pro that was helping us suggested we purchase a special grease to help keep the gears and bearings inside the reel operating properly in salt water. He also showed us how to disassemble the reels to insure we cleaned them properly.
After leaving the fishing department, we decided to pay for our purchases, load them into the van, and then return to finish our shopping. Once we left the store to unload the carts, Becky discussed with me her desire to purchase a tiny stove that we could use on deck to dispose of paper products and other items. I looked at her for a moment and then she looked down at her feet and said, “I will have tampons and such items that should not be disposed of in the ocean. I would like to be able to burn them occasionally.” I put my finger under her chin, raised her head and said, “You don’t need to be embarrassed. We will look in the camping department for some type of stove that will do the job. We can purchase a few boxes of wooden tongue depressors for kindling to make a hot fire.” Becky giggled and said, “I don’t know why my words embarrassed me, but they did. I will have to get over it soon, or my cheeks will be flushed the entire next year.” I again looked her in the eyes and said, “I have worried since the day you mentioned this trip that I would be the shy one. We will find ways to insure each other’s privacy, and protect your female modesty when needed.”
As we shopped, we soon discovered a small stove that was about ten inches square and had four legs that would ke
ep the heat of the stove up off the decks beautiful paint job. We also found safety flares, two tiny life rafts, swim rings, and life vests. We decided to purchase two life jackets for each of us to insure we had spares aboard. The weight of these items really made no difference to the vessel, Becky had designed the Pacifica sturdy enough to handle whatever we wished to put inside her. The life jackets had rings sewn into them so we could connect them to safety lanyards during stormy of high sea conditions. We would be running under full sails as much as possible, so we would be spending a lot of time out on the deck. Falling overboard in high seas would not be very pleasant. We purchased four, fifty foot long, and four twenty-five foot long lifelines that had metal locking hooks at each end. Becky stood looking at the safety gear we had in the carts and said, “This seems like a lot of safety gear, but as I stand here thinking about Mother Nature’s fury on the Pacific Ocean, I like how we are both thinking about our safety.”
As we walked along the isles of the sporting goods store, I stopped and looked at some plastic containers that were stacked inside each other. There were twenty-five containers in the stack, each measuring about a foot long, six inches wide, and four inches tall. They had plastic covers that locked into place. Becky stepped up beside me and said, “A penny for your thoughts.” I looked at her, smiled and said, “I was thinking about using these containers to capture rain water up on the deck, but cannot figure a way to secure the containers so the wind would not blow them overboard when they had no water in them.”
Becky looked at me a moment and then said, “I have another idea to capture rain water if you would like to hear it.” I turned and faced her and waited for her input. She smiled and said, “How about a large condom that we can stretch over one of the hatch doors. Then the reservoir end could hang down into the Pacifica and slowly fill up. We could cut a small hole in the end and allow the rainwater to fill containers inside the vessel.” I looked into her eyes and asked, “Are you horny?” Her mouth dropped open and she put her hand over it in shock. I said, “Sorry for that comment, but your idea is very sound. Instead of stretching a condom over the hatch, we could build a wooden frame that would secure the condom over the hatchway. Then it could quickly be moved out of the way if need be. The reservoir end could fill plastic potable water jugs that we could purchase here. What to use for the condom is my question, I don’t suppose they make them big enough for an elephant.” Becky stood in front of me giggling, and then said, “If I needed a huge condom, I would go to the hardware store and buy the large contractor trash bags. They make some that are big enough to fit inside a fifty-five gallon barrel, and one that size should fit over the hatchways with little problem.” I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Then I told her that she would make some man a good wife. She stood on her tiptoes, kissed me on the cheek, and said, “Is that your idea of a marriage proposal.” I laughed and said, “That my dear was not any type of proposal, just a comment. You will have to wait awhile longer before I propose to you.” She snapped her fingers and said, “Shucks, I thought I had gotten lucky today.”
Becky looked over our shopping list and told me that there was one item left on the list. The Johnny Ray battery terminals I had mentioned this morning for hooking up our electronic equipment. I looked around and told Becky that we should find the trolling motor section of the store, or the marine electronics section. They should sell the connectors. When I mentioned the name of the connectors, the salesman smiled and said, “Right this way.” Within a couple minutes, I had enough connectors to supply all the vessels electrical needs.
While we stood in the electronics section, Becky looked at me and said, “Did you see that GPS system on the counter. I got all excited inside when I looked at it, but I don’t know if it would work with our enclosed vessel. We may just have to use our two handheld units that we can carry up onto the deck when we need to use them.” I smiled at her and said, “I love the new electronic gadgets. We may be able to find a way to make a full fish locator system work in the vessel. Let’s spend some time looking before we make any decisions. Our handheld units, a sextant, maps, and our sailing knowledge may have to suffice. In a crisis, we can always radio the coast guard and they will zero in on our position and give us our coordinates.”
I looked at Becky and said, “Now that you have opened the discussion of electronics, I would like to pay a visit to the place where you purchased your ship to shore radio package. I would like to discuss antenna systems with them that will withstand the salt water and harsh conditions we will face out at sea.” Becky said, “It is lunch time now, how about if we check out and load up our purchases, then after I find us a place to eat lunch, we can stop into John’s store. It is only a few miles south of my house along the coast.”
As we loaded the merchandise into the van, I asked if the pipes I saw protruding up onto the deck happened to travel all the way through the hull. Becky smiled and said, “Yes, they are for cables or such things that might be needed up on the deck, like ship to shore radio antennas. The larger four-inch pipe is for an exhaust fan, if we should ever need it. Those pipes were one of the big arguments that Jim and I had as we built the vessel. Jim harassed me so badly that I finally gave in and allowed him to weld the heavy tie down rings onto the deck. He said I would thank him later, but I figure they are nothing but a place for corrosion to seep through the fiberglass coating and cause damage to the hull. The pipes also caused me concern and I almost fired the man when he insisted that I allow him to install them. From a mechanical engineering standpoint, they are nothing but a problem waiting to happen. From Jim’s standpoint, they were very necessary. Jim felt that the batteries might need ventilation. I tried to tell him that the newly designed batteries made no gasses, but he argued until I gave in. Now in hindsight, I am glad the man stuck to his guns and forced the issue, especially with the smaller pipes for the antenna cables and lighting.”
I started to comment, then closed my mouth and said nothing. Becky looked at me for a moment and said, “You can tell me I was being an asshole, I can take the criticism.” I laughed and said, “I do not need to tell you things that you and Jim have already hashed out. The point is now moot, the pipes are in place, and I will use them to our advantage. I will purchase an antenna that will thread onto the pipes so we have a secure watertight seal. We will keep the cap presently installed on the pipe in the cabinet near the hatch door in case the antenna breaks off and we need to seal the hole in a hurry. We will also install a hand valve and hang another pipe cap inside the vessel so we can seal the hole if we are unable to get outside during a storm.”
Becky took hold of my arm and said, “Let’s get some food, I am starving.” Just as we started to leave the parking lot, I commented that we should have purchased some small plastic boxes with dividers to store the fishing tackle. Then it could be easily stored inside of the wood overhead cabinets she had built. She turned the van around and parked it again. As we got out and walked into the store again, the lady at the counter said, “Welcome back. Long time no see.” I chuckled at her and said, “We are planning a twelve-month fishing trip. We need a lot of supplies.”
Chapter 5 - A Run in the Rain
As Becky drove the van inside the boathouse so we could unload our purchases indoors, out of the rain, she commented that we should run on the beach while it was cool. She explained that the summer rains were warm and very wonderful on a hot day like today. I loved the idea but suggested we wait another hour for lunch to settle in our bellies.
We began laying all the things we had purchased out on the long workbenches. Becky decided to get the measurement for the toilet box, and soon began cutting the lumber to build it. I watched in amazement as she measured and cut the wood and carefully fit, glued, and nailed the pieces together. Other than my daughter Dawn, I had not found another female that could build whatever she wanted. I was certain there were millions of women quite capable of building this vessel, but for some reason, Becky’s skills pleased me. As she
worked, I picked up the glue bottle and looked at the label. The glue’s formulation made it waterproof, salt water resistant, and specifically listed it for the marine industry. She smiled at me after I sat the bottle down on the workbench and asked, “Is the glue acceptable?” I smiled and said, “Very acceptable. Again, your engineering and artistic skills humble me. That toilet is perfect and will last for many years. Would you do me the honors of demonstrating how comfortable your new creation really is?” She giggled, placed the new white toilet seat over the hole in the box, then pulled her pants down and sat down. I began to giggle at her action, but she reminded me that I promised not to laugh at her toilet activities. As I watched, I realized the girl was peeing in her new toilet. I began to laugh and finally walked away from her to regain my composure. Shortly, I saw her remove the new porcelain chamber pot from under the toilet box, carry it to the sink, and rinse it out with water. As she turned around to face me, I realized she was blushing. Then she put her arms in the air and said, “When a lady has to go, they have to go. What can I say?”
As I worked to get the antenna installed on top of one of the pipes sticking up from the deck, I realized she had varnished the toilet box and set it aside to dry. She was now working on the fishing gear and had most of it stored inside the boxes. Then she labeled each compartment with a label gun. As she carried the gear into the vessel and began stowing it away, she came back to where I was working and said, “My God, you have all of the electronics set up on the bench and hooked up.” I looked at her and said, “These Johnny Ray battery connectors make the work easy. Now all I have to do is install some eyehooks into the top of the bench. Then I will use these small bungee cords to hold the equipment securely in place.”
SS Pacifica Page 3
