After thunderstorms overnight giving us both an interrupted night’s sleep, we were up early on Wednesday morning regardless to collect the hired car, run a few errands and return to the hospital for a followup appointment. Our errands, however, took us all the way back to the Ao Po Grand marina to collect a few parcels before heading to the Boat Lagoon marina, where, as usual, we enjoyed a morning coffee and baked delight at Dean and Deluca, allowing Elaine to enjoy the pleasure of the air-conditioned environment while Roy did his rounds at the various chandleries again. We were, however, delighted to eventually take delivery of the two BMSs (Battery Management Systems) we’d ordered for our lithium battery solution as well as purchase a spare windlass controller. Slowly, but surely we’re getting everything we need for our departure, albeit that items have been significantly delayed with supply chain issues. Afterwards, it was Elaine’s turn to purchase a few items which didn’t involve a chandlery; a selection of cotton t-shirts that she’s needed for some time.

With rain overnight again, but thankfully the thunderstorms remaining in the distance, we woke to a cloudy, overcast, muggy day yesterday. While Elaine stayed onboard and enjoyed a lovely chat to Keenan and Brooke after the children had been put to bed, Roy completed a few more errands which we hadn’t managed on Wednesday, including making arrangements to get our dinghy handles replaced, buying a few groceries and eventually exchanging the last of our Malaysian ringgits which, surprisingly, will actually cover the cost of the dinghy repairs. Of course, all the treats Roy returned with, including Lindt chocolate, French pastries and a variety of sweets and biscuits, is definitely not doing our waistlines any good, never mind all the baked delights we’re consuming!

After an afternoon nap, Elaine woke to a quick video call from Justine before she headed to work. We also received the news that another nephew of Elaine’s had left South Africa to live in Zimbabwe; at this stage we’re not altogether sure what family will be left to see by the time we make it to South Africa. Regardless, we wish him every success in his new venture.

After a peaceful, calm night we both woke up full of beans today and with that a busy morning ensued. Taking advantage of the generator running to give the watermaker a jumpstart, we tackled a few more tasks; some modifications were undertaken on the dinghy chaps and outboard engine cover after both were removed in preparation for collection to have the dinghy handles replaced, cutting a few bungees to length to replace those on our blocks for our larger headsail and putting heat shrink on the new busbars. By then it was time for Roy to dinghy ashore to meet the staff of Cholamark Boat Company at the boat ramp as arranged. He’d barely returned in the “loaner” dinghy, however, when the heavens opened, allowing us to start collecting rainwater again for our next laundry day.

Given that it then rained on and off for the best part of the afternoon, we decided an afternoon matinee was a suitable way to pass the time, but we can definitely say we’re reaching the end of anything that is worthwhile watching now.