Taking Over

Wow! Old Melodious is really starting to become a looker! The deck has been painted white and the only traces of the crusty blue paint lies on the bottom of the Cockpit floor. Rufus moved it this week and produced an awesome dogbox, which we're all incredibly stoked about and have confirmed that it's where we'll be found hiding from the sun during plenty of our journey. The portlights are in the process of being replaced to ensure that we have a water-free boat. The storage area, opposite the heads, is almost completed after some extreme carpentry which happened in the late hours of the week. Stoked!

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Fun In The Sun

After Wilhelm and I spent our Saturday moving house, we were relieved to be able to catch up with Ruf and enjoy our Sunday on Melody on a beautiful day at Harbour Island.  We managed to service our winches, did plenty of  painting, sorted out the lazerette and had some fun inspecting the mast and roller fuller in the sky.  Just another spectacular day in Africa :)  

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Sunday Cruise

After having a memorable sunset cruise on Friday evening it was back to work on Saturday morning. With Rufus tackling the dreaded lazarette , he managed to do an amazing job in cleaning it up and giving it a layer of paint, all in the gruelling heat. Wilhelm replaced some of the old engine pipes and fitted a water strainer to the engine, as well as taking on some electrics. We now have a operating log (an instrument to measure our speed through the water)and a fancy transparent spaghetti of pipes transporting  super clean water to our mighty engine. I installed some long needed latches to the cabin doors to stop the formidable banging and spent the rest of the day trying to be useful - I'm not sure if it worked.  

On Sunday we awoke on  the boat to a disappointingly chilly and overcast day but motivated by the arrival of Chris and Carla, we revved up our dear Melodious and took her for an awesome motor in the Bay. The trip was topped off with the sighting of some playful seals, a school of dolphins in the distance and a lunch stop at a South African favourite, the ever faithful Spur.

Rufus has been doing such an incredible job since he's been back on Melody. Seeing the amazing progress as the days go by makes me realise how close we are to living our dream. Ruf, thank you for all your hard work. You are keeping us motivated and so excited about this adventure of ours.

I CANNOT WAIT.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Into False Bay after 12 Months

Yesterday we cranked up Melody's 80HP motor, stowed all the paint cans and tools, and motored her out into the bay for the first time in 12 months...

It was so nice to be out on the water again with our 'sea tank', and we could feel that Melody was eager to satisfy us with her performance - and she sure did. She ran beautifully and we just could not get the smiles of our faces. Bliss...

Why did it take so long...we moved the steering system below, we changed the controls, we rewired the motor / alternator, we changed the waterpipes, replaced the solinoid on the starter and cleaned the diesel tanks and retreated them...this along with the other million things we are upgrading and the 6 month absence of Ruf and Kate = 12 months

Within a few weeks she should be sailing...yes!!! 

Ruf

First published on offtheline.co.za

A Happy Year It Will Be

The last month or so has been filled with exciting times, from cooking our first meal on Melody, which was shared with Janneman and Robyn, and the happiness of our first coffee on board! Bachelor parties, the arrival of my brother, Philip and his wife Julie, home from Madrid for Christmas. Two wonderful weddings, one being Wilhelm's sister, Lizanne to Dawid in the little Karoo town of Matjiesfontein. The long and anticipated return of Kate and Rufus from Zambia! Rufus, Wilhlem and Melody's Birthdays and Christmas. All these celebrations have left little time for work on Melody. The good break and time spent with friends and family will inevitably give us the motivation needed for the last phase of refitting the old lady for our journey.

Viv