Ariel Starting Year With Bottom Job

We did not get the new year off to a good start on Ariel. In all of our years cruising, neither of us has been sick, thank the Lord, other than maybe a couple of very minor colds. On returning to the Rio Dulce, we became aware of a stomach virus and possibly a flu-like illness as well going around. This should not be surprising, as so many people are returning from their home countries, and there are also many vacationers here at this time of year. It hit Linda first on New Year's morning, actually just about midnight. Luckily, it is intense for about 24 hours, and then it takes a few days to regain strength and appetite. We had Ariel scheduled for hauled-out bottom painting at 9 am on January 3. Norm awakened on that day knowing his turn was next. Luckily, they were ready for us when we arrived at the travel lift, so the haul out went quickly. We had moved our stuff to the bungalow we rented at  Captain John's Marina and made up the bed the day before, so as soon as Ariel was secure, we were off to the bungalow, and Norm was off to bed. Norm, like Linda, recovered from the worst of it in about 24 hours.

Living Room and Kitchen Very Open (Bedroom and bathroom in back are enclosed and have windows)

Our Own Dock

Fully Furnished Kitchen

Paint Removed Port Side

Starboard Side - Almost Done Removing Paint

It has been over ten years of adding layers of bottom paint to Ariel, so we decided it was time to remove it all and start over. We contracted with RAM Marina to remove all existing paint, epoxy over any imperfections, apply a barrier coat (to prevent water penetration into the fiberglass), and then apply new bottom paint. Having experienced living aboard the boat while in the yard two years ago, we knew it was not something we would repeat. We rented a very nice, fully furnished bungalow for Q1200, which is about $150 per week, or Q2500 for an extended stay, about $320 per month. One of the benefits was that we were able to move our food from our freezer and refrigerator (which does not work without seawater for cooling) to the bungalow. The work so far has been progressing on schedule, which is somewhat of a miracle because each night since we hauled, we have had steady and at times heavy rain, but the days for the most part have been dry. As I am writing this, though, our luck seems to be changing, as it is raining in what looks like an all-day event.