Ninja’s big adventure.
I know, I know, I know, more doggy tails.
Over the last week, since her run in with Olivia, Ninja has been getting clingy. She just doesn’t want to be left alone. She a very smart little puppy and has cottoned on to when we get the rental car. As I have to walk from the boat, through Ocean World, passed the gate and through the village to collect the car, I’m normally met at some point by a little black bouncing dog who’s pleased to see me. She’ll then walk with me to the car hire place. Now in the past this hasn’t been a problem, as I could drive off and she’d sit and watch me go. But this week things have changed. As I drove off, back the Ocean World I looked in the mirror to see Ninja running as fast as her little 3-inch legs would carry her behind the car. She followed all the way back without stopping until I got to the car park. She was knackered. Her tongue was almost dragging on the floor and her little paws were red hot. Now just to give you an idea, it’s about half a mile from the car rental to the car park and she was flat out all the way, it was also about 30 degrees. She really didn’t want to be left behind. Well, I got her some water and sat her in the shade to cool off a bit. Once she’d had a rest, I said bye to her and started to walk the quarter mile back from the car park, around the dock to the boat. Now, we’ve never encouraged the dogs to come onto the dock as there’s no shade and the concreate gets red hot, and we didn’t want them trying to get on the boat and falling in. So, I have a route to make sure that Ninja doesn’t follow me. You see as she only has such little legs, she really doesn’t like steps, either going up or down, so from the car park I can take the back steps to the marina ramp at the Terrace bar and Ninja won’t follow. So, off I set, and as always when I get to the top of the steps she stops and just watches me. Now a couple of times she has run back through the car park and around the corner to the road entrance at the Terrace bar, but I’ve always been down the ramp and away before she gets there and then she can’t see me. All was going well, I got to the top of the ramp and she was still sitting at the top of the steps watching me with a very sad little face. Well, I carried on down the ramp and around the corner onto the dock, past the Lifestyle Dome and on towards the boat, the odd quick look back told me I was in the clear. “OH, HOW WRONG COULD I BE”!!!!! I’m now ¾ of the way back to our boat and I’m just coming to the Ocean World Seal Show, when I heard a faint click, click, click of little paws and nails on the concreate right behind me. OMG, how on earth had she figured it out, she must have sat on the top step and watched to see which way I had gone, then once she’d got her bearing, she’d legged it after me at full tilt until she caught up. What was I to do? I carried on to the boat and Ninja came a sat beside the power transformer on the dock, in the only bit of shade there is. I took her some water and she gulped it down, poor little thing was boiling hot. There was only one thing to do. I picked her up and carried her down the narrow walkway to the boat, and I carefully passed he to John. It didn’t take her long to make herself at home and find a nice cool shady spot.
Okay, now we had things to do and we couldn’t just leave Ninja on the boat all day, so after about an hour, once she’d cooled off, we were ready to go. We lifted her off the boat and back onto the dock and we walked back to the car park. Once at the car, I opened the door and she jumped in. Well it looks like we have a passenger. She sat quietly on John’s lap all the way into town. We thought we better get her a collar and lead before we do anything else. So, I stopped as the vets as they have a good selection. Back in the car we put her new collar on her, she looks so cute. Off we went to do the rest of our chores. First was the bank, which took ages, John sat with her in the car with the AC on and making sure she had enough water and shade. Finally, that done we headed to Jumbo, the large supermarket. I nipped in and grabbed the bits we needed for Christina at the Cassetta. On the way out I got two ice creams. Oh, you can see what’s coming. Yes, Ninja had ice cream too, and she loved it, even having seconds. Then it was off to the Cassetta to give Christina all the bits we’d got for her, and of course Ninja came too. It’s the first time she’d been there, and we didn’t know how she’d be, but we need not have worried as she walked on the lead quiet well considering it was her first time, and then sat nicely under the table in the shade. We even took her for a little walk on the beach to see how she’d be. After a slow start she had a good nose around and really enjoyed herself. Then it was off for the last few chores before heading back to the marina. So, we parked up and Eddy the dock master asked if we’d like a lift in the golf buggy to the boat, well, we thought Ninja will just stay by the car and we’ll see her in a couple of hours when we go back to feed them. EH NO, she just chased the buggy all the way around the dock and when we got to the boat, she wanted to come back onboard. You can’t say no to that cute little face. I put her down in my room with the AC on so she could cool off and have a little sleep before going for dinner and play with Harvey and Blondie. We’d planned to go to see Christina that evening so after feeding the puppies we slipped away and left them playing together. We had a nice evening and got back late. As we drove past the gate to Ocean World there sleeping at the side of the road was a little black dog. 20 feet on and that little black dog was no longer asleep but tearing after the car, flat out. How on earth did she know it was us? We managed to give her the slip, but only just. Once back on the boat we were sure we could see a little dog running up and down the dock. The next morning there was no sign of her at the boat. We still had more things to do, including going back to the bank. Well, when we got to the car, there was Ninja waiting for us. Eddy said she’d been there when he arrived a 08.00 in the morning, she looked like she’d been there all night, bless her. We tried to drive off but she just chased us again and we were worried about her running into the road and getting hit by someone else, so we stopped and picked her up and put her in the car, where she sat on Johns laps again. When we got back, she again followed us all the way back to the boat, and this time we picked her up and she came in and made herself at home. We took her up with us to feed the others that evening and we were met at the car by Harvey. I think he was wondering where Ninja had been. After we fed them and had a few beers in Chris and Mady’s it was time to head back to the boat. You’ve guessed it, Ninja came too, and she came back on the boat, she slept on the floor in my room, curled up on the rug. She was as good as gold, not a peep. I got up about 08.30 and she was still asleep, lazy little devil. I had to take the car back to the rental office, so I lifted her off and I walked her around the dock to the car park. As soon as we got off the dock, she found the first bit of grass and had to stop and pee. Poor little thing must have been busting, she was so good not to go on the boat, bless her. Anyway, she got in the car and I drove back up to the rental office and then we walked all the way back to the boat. She’s spent most of the day on the boat and is slowly finding her feet. She like to sleep in my room with the AC on full. I think we’ve been hijacked, and we may have a little boat dog. We’ll have to see how things go over the next few weeks.
Well, Ninja now has become part of the family. She goes everywhere with us, well mostly. We can’t take her to the Terrace bar in the evenings as they have strict rules regarding people eating, but we understand that, so we wondered what we were going to do? So, after feeding the others and letting them all have a nice play at the beach, we went back to the boat to get showered and changed before going out. Ninja was back on board to and by the time I got ready she was curled up and fast asleep on the rug in my room. She had water, and I left the radio on as well as a side light, so she wasn’t in the dark if she woke up. John and I went off to the bar and had our dinner and a few drinks, well, you have to, and it was a couple of hours later when we got back. We weren't sure what we’d find, but we didn’t have to worry as she was still asleep in the same spot I left her. We now knew we could leave her for a short time in the boat and there wouldn’t be a problem. She’s really very good as she hasn’t made a mess of any kind or eaten anything she shouldn’t have. We’ve got water bowls all doted around for her and she has her dinner in the galley. She’s absolutely no trouble at all, we’d said we wouldn’t have a boat dog, but this little cutie has worked her way into our lives and now she’s one of us.
That’s another year I won’t get back.
Birthday fun.
As October passes and the days start to get that bit shorter, it reaches that inevitable time of the year where I get that bit older. It’s just any other day and I’m grateful if I just wake up in the morning. But this year was going to be a little different. You see, our friend Christina and her sister Leonora would never miss the opportunity to have a party and as it was going to be Mark’s birthday a few days after mind the girls had double the reason to set something up.
Mark had arrived at the weekend and was going to stay an extra day. So, as usual on Tuesday we had all planned to go out for the day to visit a place called Dudu Lagoon. Frank arrived and collected us from Chris and Mady’s before we picked Christina up from her house in town. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take Ninja as it’s a private park and they don’t allow dogs in. Poor little thing had to spend the day on the boat sleeping.
Anyway, it wasn’t too far to Dudu Lagoon and after a couple of beer stops on the way, we arrived. As I said it’s a privately-run place, with a couple of beautiful clear freshwater lagoons and a small park area with a coffee shop and bar (which was being extended when we were there). We had a couple more beers and looked around. There are a few small caves to explore and a short walk down to the lagoon. It’s a bit of a climb to the lagoon but well worth it. Such a beautiful spot to chill and have a paddle or swim, but it’s cold, damn cold. After an hour or so we headed back to the car and started to make our way back, but Christina had other ideas. First, she wanted to stop at Sosua for a drink, she was clock watching. Suddenly she told us we had to go, so it was all back in the car and we headed back to town, and finally pulled up outside the Bohemios bar, which is owned and run by Christina’s friends. Now, something was a little a miss, and as Mark and I got to the door we realised what all the cloak and dagger chatting between Christina and Frank was about. Christina had organized a party for Mark and I and we were met by hugs and kisses from all the girls. Leanora and Chache had been getting everything in place and were on the phone to Christina to let her know when things were ready. It was a proper military operation, and they got it timed perfectly. Well, what an evening we had, with food and drink and lovely friends. The girls had got us a cake and balloons, as well as T shirts with “LEGENGS ARE BORN IN OCTOBER” on them. Finally, full of BBQ and beers we made our way back, dropping Christina and Leanora off on the way. What a wonderful evening and it was a total surprise. We have some lovely friends.
The following day we were all in recovery mode for a while but after taking Ninja for her morning walk, I felt much better.
Thursday, Mark had to head back to the States. This was going to be the last time we saw him for a while as his US visa needed to be renewed and that meant he would have to go back to the UK to sort it out. So, it would be down to John and I to keep an eye on the girls and help out where we could. Later that evening we resumed our normal routine of going to the Terrace bar for a couple of beers and some dinner. It wasn’t very busy when we arrived, and we got ourselves a table and ordered our drinks as usual. That was the end of USUAL for the evening. The next thing was all the staff, and I mean ALL the staff from the Terrace bar, including, waiters, chef’s, cashiers and security ALL came out with a lovely large cake and singing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. Know, I’d been surprised on Tuesday, but this just blew me away. Rosa, the manageress, was leading them all out, I was totally overwhelmed. There was hugs all around and I got a couple of bottles of fizz and made sure everyone had a drink with me, although the security guys settled for coke, but they were on duty for that’s fair enough. Well, another wild evening with cake and fizz, what a birthday week I had, my poor kidneys.
Thunder and lightning.
The following day was again a bit of a recovery day, although I think I must be getting used to it as it didn’t take long and I was as good as I’m going to get by lunch. Well, as we’re still not out of the hurricane season yet, the weather tends to turn each afternoon with the rain starting at about four ish. Friday was one of those days, in the afternoon the sky got blacker and blacker. Lightning was striking everywhere, and some was very close indeed. Well, as I’ve said before, regardless of the weather we still had our duty to carry out and feed the dogs in the park. So, in a break in the rain John, Ninja and I made our way to the park. Well, no sooner had we got there than the rain started again. It was hammering down and so we decided to take shelter in Chris and Mady’s bar until it stopped or at least eased off. Needless to say. We were followed in by a couple of soggy doggies who really didn’t like the thunder and lightning. Chris and Mady are really good letting us sit with them all at the front of the bar out of everyone's way. Well poor Blondie didn’t know what to do, every bang and flash she jumped out of her skin, so finally John managed to pick her up and give her a cuddle to settle her down, she really liked that and just went into limb and floppy mode in his arms. She’s such a beautiful little puppy and she’s had such a hard and violent start to her life, it breaks my heart at times to see who some of the locals treat her. Finally, the rain stopped, and the dogs were happy to go back outside and play. We said good night to them and took Ninja back to the boat to dry her off.
Why, oh why are people so hateful?
The rest of the weekend was much as always, but on Sunday afternoon when we got the park to feed our little friends we were met by poor little Blondie, bloody trickling down the front of her face. Someone had hit her between the eye with a rock. The poor little thing was stunned and confused as to why this had happened to her. I managed to clean her up and luckily, I had some antiseptic cream in the doggy bag and after some biscuits she was back to herself. Of course, we’re not going to be able to be there and watch over them all the time and we’re never going to find who hit her. So, this was the last straw. On Monday I started to contact animal sanctuaries in the area in the hope that they would be able to take Blondie and Harvey off and give them a chance of a better life as I was feeling it was only a matter of time before something terrible happened. Unfortunately, all the sanctuaries were full and couldn’t take any more in. This didn’t stop me from trying.
A few days later, a friend of ours, also Steve, from another boat here in the marina, were taking a drive into town for some supplies, when the danger these poor dogs are in was played out right in front of us.
As we drove into town along the new road, we were following a large 6-wheeled dump truck full of dirt. We were doing about 25 mph and due to the crap flying off the back we had held back. We were coming to the traffic lights and could see a little young dog trotting along the side of the road minding his own business when for no reason at all the dump truck swerved hard right and deliberately ran the poor helpless puppy over. It was a deliberate act, there was nothing in front of the truck, it was just hate. We just couldn’t believe what had happened. I stopped and blocked the traffic as best as I could so I could get the puppy out of the road before someone else hit him. The poor thing was still alive, just, but what a mess, all his backend was smashed with his hips and rear legs broken and his stomach split open and his organs all crushed too. We couldn’t get him to a vet in time. There was nothing I could do but try and make him comfortable, so Steve and I managed to at least get his legs back together and laid him on his side. I realised he only had a few minutes left, so I did the only thing I could and gently held his head and stroke him, so probably for the first time in his short life he knew that someone loved him. I stayed with the poor little chap as he slowly slipped away quietly. He was a lovely looking pale brown and white young puppy, probably only 9 months old. He did nothing to deserve this. He never had a chance. Steve and I covered his little broken body with a large piece of cardboard and said goodbye to him. By the time we came back from town the doggy angels had been and taken him. It was heart breaking and should never have happened.
It’s a dog’s life.
Ninja’s next step.
After seeing just how little some people think of animals, I was even more determined to get Harvey and Blondie somewhere safe. Ninja was now well and truly settled with us and is quiet used to her routine now.
I carried on trying to contact agencies that may be able to help but with no luck.
We had decided by this time that Ninja needed to have a pet passport so she can travel everywhere with us. So, after getting some information we found a local vet who could sort out the whole process. We rented the car one Tuesday and set off the Dr Bob’s. It’s a bit of a drive but worth it. He’s a nice chap, who has a lot of dogs of his own. His clinic is a wonderland for animals. It was all very strange and new to Ninja and she was a little upset by all the dogs walking about, they couldn’t care less about her but that didn’t seem to help. Her poor little heart was racing, and she was shaking with fear. I gave her big cuddles and she settled down. Well, to get her pet passport she needed a lot of shots, but luckily most can be given in one go, while the rest is in tablet form. She had to also be chipped. She was so good, not a peep from her even when he had to shave a bit of fur to put the chip in. She has to go back in a month for the rabies jab, and them a month later for blood tests to make sure the rabies has taken. As we were leaving, we noticed that next to the clinic is a pet lodge and grooming place, there didn’t seem to be anyone there but it looked a nice place if we needed to put Ninja somewhere safe should we have to go back to the UK before her passport comes through. As a special treat for Ninja being so brave, we took her to the beach at Cabarete and let her have a nice walk and paddle, followed by ice cream. She’s very spoiled.
Well, another week went by and I was still desperately trying to find someone to take Harvey and Blondie with no luck. I was starting to think I’d never find anywhere.
Now our friend Steve has a lovely little dog called “Booza”. She’s very cute and she gets on well with Ninja, but Steve can’t let her off the lead as she just runs off. She’s already escaped from his boat several times and it’s taken him hours to find her each time. In fact, we caught her escaping one afternoon and managed to get a lead on her for him. Anyway, he had said he wanted to see about getting Booza a pet passport as well and could we take him to Dr Bob’s one day the following week. So, we planned to go on the Tuesday again but unfortunately, I picked up a bug and was laid up for a couple of days, but I did manage to drag my sorry arse out of bed on the Wednesday and we set off with both Ninja and Booza onboard. When we arrived, there was a big sign in the car park saying, “CLINIC CLOSED FROM THE 13TH TO THE 30TH" Bugger! It was the 13th and everything was closed up. We were just about to leave when a local chap came down the path and told us to wait. Luckily, Dr Bob hadn’t left, and he came and had a quick chat with Steve about Booza’s passport. While he was doing that I went and rang the bell at the Pet Lodge. A very nice lady called Judith came out and showed me around the facility she had. I was nice, clean and well kept. She also gave me information about grooming, but I’ve not told Ninja about that just yet. She’s bad enough when we just try to wash her after she’s rolled in crap. I told Judith about Blondie and Harvey, and she told me to send her photos and she’d see if she could help as she had contacts. After we had all finished, we took the pups to Cabarete again so they could have a play on the sand and more ice cream. When we got back, I had an email from a chap who runs one of the sanctuaries. He told me he was going to be in the area the next day and would like to come and see Harvey and Blondie for himself and see if he thought they’d be suitable to be rehomed. I immediately got back to him and arranged to meet him at Chris and Mady’s at 13.00 the next day.
Tears of joy.
So, on Thursday 14th Nov 2019, John, Ninja and I made our way the Chris and Mady’s bar to meet with Mark Diekmann of the “Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic” sanctuary. We didn’t have to wait long before Mark found Chris and Mady’s and came and introduced himself. We had a quick chat, during which Mark told us that they had adopted out several dogs that morning and he had space to take Blondie and Harvey there and then, if we could find them that is. As it happened, John had seen Blondie laying on the grass further down the park, so he went off to see if she was still there. A few minutes later he was back with that lovely bundle of chaos, she was so pleased to see us, and she jumped all over Ninja too. I took her across to the park and gave her some food, as usual she was hungry. Mark was very taken with her and started to put a crate together for her. I had a play with her on the grass, the usual bit of rough and tumble and a lot of chewing my fingers. She was so happy, and she knew something good was going to happen. Once Mark had the crate together, he asked me to put Blondie into the crate. I pick that wonderful leggy bundle of joy up, she licked me, and I gave her such a big cuddle. We’ve watch her grow from a tiny blob of fluff into a gangly leggy nut case, who only wanted love and to play, oh and food, lots of food. Mark held the door open and I gently put Blondie into the crate. No fighting, she just went right in. I gave her a last stroke and she licked my hand and we shut the door. She sat and looked out at me as if to say, “Thank You”. We put the crate into the back of the pickup and Mark asked if we could find Harvey?
Now, as we’ve found in the past, Harvey could be anywhere from the marina boat yard to the far end of the lifestyle beach and beyond, this is several miles and he has more hiding places than enough. Well we had to start somewhere, and Mark and I headed off towards lifestyle with Harvey’s old rope lead in my hand. I couldn’t believe it when we had only gone 200 yards when Harvey just appeared from nowhere. He just walked up behind me and licked my hand, as if to say, “are you looking for me mate?” He’s such a cleaver boy. He let me drop his old lead over his head and as we turned to walk back to Chris and Mady’s he looked up at Mark as if to say, “are you going to look after me know?” Mark was very taken with Harvey, he told me he’d lost his old dog a few months ago and Harvey would be a lovely dog for him. I could feel the lump in my throat. When we got back to the grass outside Chris and Mady’s, I gave him some food while Mark put the second crate together. Now, Ninja knew Harvey was there and she dragged John out of the bar so she could come and say hello to her friend, she licked him and gave him kissies, jumping up at him, he’d looked after her and Blondie when they were first dumped and she loves him. He knew just what was going on and finished his food, he sat in front of me and put his head between my knees as I tickled his neck. I put my arms around his neck and cuddled him too. Then with no fuss at all he just walked into the second crate. He’s such a good boy. Once Mark had secured the crate, we lifted him onto the pickup and slide it next to Blondie. The two of them looked at each other and quietly sat as if Harvey was telling her “it’ll all be okay now”. Poor little Ninja didn’t like it at all. John had to take her back into the bar as she was crying. She wanted to be with her friends. We only wish we could have kept all of them, but we couldn’t. We said our goodbyes and both Harvey and Blondie looked at me as if to say, “thank you for helping us”. As Mark drove off, I had to go and have a quiet 15 minutes at the beach. Ninja knew something was wrong and John let her come and join me, she sat under my legs and we both looked out to sea. John was also very upset and went for his own little walk. We both went back and finished our beers without saying much. I think if either of us had said anything we’d have both lost it. The three of us walked back to the boat knowing that we’d done the right thing, although Ninja was very confused. That evening we were all very subdued.
The following morning, I got an email from Mark to tell me that both Harvey and Blondie were fine and were settling into their new surroundings. I’ve had a few more emails from the manager of the Coconut Hounds sanctuary, a lovely lady called Kim Watson, to let me know how things are going and it sounds like they are both having a good time. At least they’re safe and being fed, getting their jabs and any other medical care they need.
Heavy hearts.
We tried our best to take care of those little pups since the beginning of the year and had grown very attached to them and their funny little ways. Although they weren't ours to speak of, they loved us, and we loved them. Every evening, there they would be waiting for us, rain or shine. We took them to the vet when they got hurt and we tried to defend them when people just wanted to hurt them. They will always have a place in our heart, our little friends, bless them.
Everything is good.... ish!!!.
Welfare visit.
It’s been just over a week since Mark from the Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic sanctuary came and took Harvey and Blondie off to a better life. We’ve been in touch and they are both doing well, but we decided that we needed to go and visit our little friends, just so they knew we’ve not just dumped them like other people did. So, on Friday morning I walked up and rented the car for the day, we got our act together and set off at about 10.30 to find the sanctuary. Steve came along too with Booza, so we had a car full what with Ninja and us. It took about an hour to drive there, it’s just outside of Luperon and I was surprised that the satnav found it, as it’s way off the main road in the middle of nowhere. You drive down this track until you come to a large heavy green metal gate which is blocking your path. After pressing the buzzer and waiting a few minutes the gate was opened and we were waved in. We still had a bit of a drive. As we passed some horses, Ninja got a bit scared. I don’t think she’d seen anything like them before and she couldn’t make head or tail of what they were, bless her. A few minutes later we arrived at the main building and as we were all getting out of the car Mark came to meet us. He then introduced us to Kim Watson who is the manager of the sanctuary. Kim then disappeared into the kennels and returned with Harvey. He looked so well. Ninja was beside herself, jumping up at him to give him kissy’s, she still misses him. While we were saying hello to Harvey, Kim went to fetch Blondie, OMG what a difference. For a start, she’s clean and looking beautiful, the cuts and bruises have started to heal, and she just looked so cute. Well, until Kim put her down on the lead. She really hates it, and fights like crazy to get it off, so Mark had to pick her up, so she didn’t hurt herself. Finally, she calmed down and once she saw Ninja, she wanted to play. The two of them both jumped on each other and then on Harvey, who by this time had, had enough and I think he was more interested about his street cred with the other dogs. Kim told us how Harvey has become a bit of an escape expert. Not only can he get his collar off without any trouble but that morning when Kim had gone to his pen, he was standing on the top of the 7-foot wall. I think he just wants to prove a point. Mark and Kim gave us a nice tour of the sanctuary and we got to meet some of the vets and helpers too. The sanctuary has only been at the new location for about 6 months as the land was a gift to them. It had one old small building which they currently use as an admin centre as well as a place for the helpers to interact with the smaller dogs and cats. The site is 15 acres in all and as well as looking after 100’s of dogs and cats they also rescued 6 horses (they were the one we passed on the way in), 2 donkeys and a pig. They have big plans with new buildings for all the animals as well as a proper hospital and educational facility. But they are a charity and rely solely on donations. Which makes what they do even more impressive. Vet’s from Canada and the USA come for a few weeks at a time and give their services for free, sometimes staying for a couple of months. There are also quite a lot of volunteers who come in to help with the general handling and feeding of so many animals and give their time for free as well. Without these wonderful, kind-hearted people, all these animals wouldn’t have a chance. Now if any of you would like to find out more about what they do, or even adopt a Coconut hound or cat then you can take a look at their website at, www.dogsandcatsdr.com it’s worth a look and you never know one my touch your heart.
Catching up with old friends.
After we said our goodbyes to Mark, Kim, Harvey and Blondie we decided that as we were only a couple of miles from Luperon we’d go and visit our friends Kelly and Alf, who had been at Ocean World when we arrived but had moved their boat to Luperon earlier in the year for a change. Steve also knew them as they had helped with moving his boat from Luperon to Ocean World to have some work carried out before he arrived. We made our way to the Marina Blanco as it has a very nice bar and restaurant and they are dog friendly, which is a good thing. Anyway, once we arrived, we got sat down and waited for Kelly and Alf. Steve knew a lot of the people and went to catch up with the gossip. We ordered a couple of beers and before long Kelly and Alf arrived, complete with Seeka, Strikey and Mono (who is a new little pup). So, with all them and Ninja and Booza it was quite an interesting couple of hours. It was so nice to catch up and to see that Kelly was back to herself after having been very sick with one of the mossy borne diseases, chicken changa or chicken tikka, something like that, but whatever is was it made her very sick for several weeks. We all had a good laugh and the dogs all played together, well, most of them. Strikey was his usual self and wasn’t going to expel any more energy than blinking required. He is the most chilled out dog I’ve ever seen. Old Seeka is almost completely deaf but she still likes to play for a bit with the little dogs, she’s very sweet. Mono and Ninja just got on like long lots buddies and had a whale of a time which was nice for them.
Not the best way to end the day.
After a few hours we got going, and on the way back decided that we could go to see Christina at the cassetta later. By the time we got back to the marina there was just enough time for a quick shower and change, then off out again. Now, I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned before that there are major road works going on and the road layout to town changes almost on a daily basis, with diversions here there and everywhere, so you have to take extra care. Well most people do! The bain of all the driving around here are the water trucks, they are everywhere, and they are ALL driven by idiots. Now some of you may think that this is a bit of a sweeping statement, well, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt IT IS!!!!!! So, as we were sitting in the stationary traffic a water truck came racing down the inside of the que at a ridiculous speed, he was not driving in any lane, he was just making his own. And as it was now dark, he didn’t see the big “DIVERSION” sign until it was too late. He was only interested in racing the other water trucks that were coming down the outside of the que of traffic, well, as he swerved to miss the sign the tail end of his truck swung across the road and smashed into the front wing of our car. He didn’t even slow down, he just went right down the dirt track which is for the works trucks and cut out into the fuel station courtyard just to beat his mates. These guys are going to kill someone, and they won’t even stop for it. As it turned out the damage wasn’t too bad, but it could have been a lot worse. We had some dinner at Christina’s and as it was very quiet, she closed early, and we stopped off at Bohemios before dropping her home. It had been a very long day and by the time we got back to the boat it was 01.00 and Ninja was completely knackered. By the time I got some water and made it to my room, she was already out cold on the bed and she slept soundly until 09.30 when she needed to go out.
I took the car back to the rental office on Saturday morning and explained what had happened, it wasn’t a problem and by Monday morning the damage had been fixed. I paid half for the repair as I felt it was only fair, and it was only 40 dollars, bargain! I wouldn’t say it was the best ever, but with all the dents and chips in it already no one would know the difference.
End of the year.
December already!!!
Well how time flies. The weather has finally started to ease off and there are a few more boats moving in and out of the marina, although most only stop for a day or two, before heading onwards. However, we did make some new friends. Bob, Michelle and Stella stopped for a few days on their way to St Martin. Ninja and Booza made a new friend in Stella, a cute little pug who is Michelle’s best friend. While Bob had to return to the States for a couple of days, we tried to make sure that Stella and Michelle got a chance to see some of the island. But on Bob’s return they had to make tracks as they hoped to be in St Martin for Christmas. They made it to Capa Cana marina, where Michelle and Stella had more time to relax while Bob was called back to the States again. He returned a few days later and they decided to move on, but the weather in the Mona passage turn bad and so they returned to Capa Cana. Unfortunately, while coming into the marina they hit and uncharted rock and damaged their prop and drive. The DR curse strikes again. They ended up having to take a flight to St Martin.
More misfortune!! But not for us this time...
Our friends Steve and Booza were also getting ready to leave as he had his family arriving in St Thomas for Christmas. A friend of his from Canada came to help him with the move. Tracey is a lovely, bubbly young lady and we all hit it off from the start. Steve was planning to leave the day after Tracey arrived but, yet again the weather had different ideas and so his plans had to change. On the plus side, it gave Tracey a chance to have a look around and as Mark was down from the States too, we had a good trip out on the Tuesday with Christina coming along as well. Finally, the weather settled down and Steve, Booza and Tracey set off from the fuel dock at 18.10. At 18.25 they were back. They hadn’t even made it past the outer channel marker before engine trouble hit. You just can’t make this up. We felt so sorry for them. It turned out that Steve’s fuel injector pump had failed and would need to be fixed or replaced, but as it was only a week before Christmas there was no chance of them getting to St Thomas to meet his family in time and Tracey had to be back in Canada a couple of days later anyway. Tracey flew home the following day and Steve decided to fly to St Thomas to meet his family. He got the pump fixed and Arturo fitted it for him while he was away. Steve returned just before New Year and as the weather again had turned bad, he decided to just party with us and make the most of it.
Welcome to the HOTEL CALIFORNIA!!!!!!
But as this is the DR this was not the end of things. A few days into the new year the weather finally calmed down and Steve could take his boat out for a trial. He set off with Jonny onboard to help out and was out for about ¾ of an hour. When he returned everything was good. The engine worked well, and he was really happy that he’d be able to leave the next day. He gave the engine a quick check and noticed a small fuel leak from an injector. He gave Arturo a call and as he was in the marina, he came right over to have a look. It was only a loose fitting and it was a quick fix. “Better do a quick check”. As Steve started the engine the throttle assembly fell apart! Arturo helped him take it off and he discovered it was broken inside and unrepairable. We thought we had bad luck, but Steve is giving us a run for our money. Steve has managed to find a new part in the States and as I write this it’s on the way. So, keep tuned in to find out what happens next.
Tails of the unexpected.
Puppy Power.
Just before Christmas we decided to drive up and visit the dogs at the sanctuary and drop off some bits and pieces for them. As always, it was so lovely to see Harvey and Blondie and to see how well they both were. Harvey was his usual self, laid back and chilled out but still pleased to see us. He still has his prime spot on the sofa by the gate of the kennels, he loves it as he gets to see everyone coming and going. Ninja was pleased as always to see him and gave him lots of kissies. While we were saying hello to Harvey, Linda, one of the helpers at the sanctuary, went off to get Blondie. She returned a few minutes later with Blondie walking nicely on a harness and looking so sweet. She’s grown so much, she’s nearly as tall as Harvey. John and I took all three of the little friends for a short walk around the fields, then took them back to the kennels to wish them Happy Christmas and give them a big kiss and cuddle before we headed off. Little did we know that this would be the last time the three amigos would all be together.
Christmas and New Year... Again...
With lots of bits going on during December, Christmas sneaked up on us. We were very lucky to be invited to two lovely parties this year. The first was on Christmas Eve at Jennifer and Jason’s. Jennifer is Chris and Mady’s daughter and only lives a short distance from the restaurant. They have a beautiful home and we were made very welcome. They laid on a lovely dinner with a whole roast pig and all the trimmings. We weren’t the only ones there, they had about 20 people in all, and everyone had a good time, but as always it was over to soon. We thanked them and wishes everyone a very merry Christmas.
Christmas Day.
Christmas day was nice and quiet, just sitting around on the back of the boat drinking tea and coffee, eating bacon butties. Christina and Leanora had invited us for Christmas dinner the Cassetta later in the afternoon, the trouble was as the day went on the weather started to turn for the worst. At about 15.00 Christina called and told us that dinner would be at their house as the Cassetta was washed out. So, we headed off the Christina’s place for 18.30 as agreed. The two girls were running around like mad things. It turned out that their oven had packed up and the turkey wasn’t done so they had asked the lady next door if they could use her oven, luckily, she didn’t mind but it meant the girls running from one house to another to keep checking as well as keeping an eye on Jonas, Leanora’s little boy, he’s a real handful. After several beers and rum and cokes, dinner was ready. All I can say is WOW. They had done a fantastic job. The turkey was perfect, but Leanora’s carving is terrifying to say the least. I’ve never seen a turkey cut up with a machete before, and a 2 foot one at that, but it did the job. Christina hadn’t made gravy before, but it was really lovely. What we only found out later was she’d been on the phone to Mark in the States and he was telling her what to do step by step, don’t knock it, it worked. After we had eaten way too much, we wished the girls Merry Christmas and said good night. Fat and full we returned to the boat, took Ninja for a walk and fell into bed, knackered.
New Years was a much simpler affair at the Terrace Bar with a few friends. Christina, Leanora and Chachi, Jonny and old George joined us alone with Steve, who had just got back from St Thomas. We all had a good time and as always drank way too much, who cares? It was New Year. Happy 2020 everyone.
Let’s see what spanners this year will throw into the mix?
Christmas magic.
Santa’s not so little helper.
A few days before Christmas, I had taken Ninja for her morning charge around the marina and ocean world and as usual she made a “B” line for the terrace once she’d run me raged. This particular morning there was a young lady and her daughter sitting having their breakfast. Ninja decided to go and say hello. They were both taken by Ninja, but they didn’t know she was only looking for sausages. I sat a few tables away to give them a bit of peace, but Ninja had lost interest as they only had fruit. All of a sudden, the little girl came over and whispered in my ear “are you Santa”, well I was a little surprised, but I thought I’d play along. Ellie was on holiday with her mum and she was worried that Santa wouldn’t know where to bring her presents, bless her. Well I told her she didn’t have to worry as Santa had special Elves who kept track of all the children who couldn’t be at home for Christmas and they would be making sure that Santa knew where to drop her things off. The trouble is you have to be careful what you tell children. Ellie started looking for Elves everywhere, and what’s more see could see them. Lucky her mum saw the funny side and a couple of days later she told me that Ellie was telling everyone about the Elves. She thanked me for making Ellie’s holiday special. The next day I bumped into Ellie’s mum again and she was worried as Ellie had a bad cold and a high fever, I’d just been to the pharmacy that morning and still had the flu medicine in my pocket, so I let her have them to see if it helped Ellie. The next morning was Christmas Eve and I was out with Ninja, when I saw Ellie’s mum again. She looked worn out, she told me that Ellie had had to go to the hospital in the early hours as her fever went through the roof, but they had given her something and she was back in their apartment and starting to feel a little better. Poor little Ellie. Well, later that morning I had to pop to the supermarket to get a couple of gifts for the kids and I decided that Ellie should have a little something too. Okay, I’m a big softy. Ellie’s mum had told me at some point that she was taking Ellie swimming with dolphins on Christmas morning, so as I looked around at all the toys with no idea what you buy for 2, 3 and 4 year olds, I suddenly saw the ideal gift for Ellie. Anyway, after paying for all the bits and pieces the shop had a lovely gift-wrapping service, bonus, and it was free, double bonus.
So, after John and I had left Jennifer’s party we had returned to the boat to take Ninja for a walk. Now, I knew that Ellie and here mum were staying the marina apartment, so as we walked Ninja around passed the office and the apartments, I left John with Ninja and nipped up the stairs to the flats. Along with Ellie’s little gift I left a card, it read as follows,
“My Elves told me how good you had been this year, so I had to come and see for myself. They were right. You’re a very good little girl and very polite too. The Elves told me off for telling you about them, they had to try extra hard to hide but you spotted some of them. HO, HO, HO.. Have a wonderful Christmas. All my best wishes. Santa.... HO, HO, HO...
PS. I hope you feel better very soon.”
As John, Ninja and I walked back around the marina we heard a little voice calling out “THANK YOU SANTA” “THANK YOU”. Job done I’d say. What do you think?
The following morning as I walked Ninja, Ellie’s mum ran down the road to thank me for making a little girls Christmas holiday very special, I told her “it wasn’t me, it was Santa”. Ellie had a lovely time with the dolphin and returned to Canada a few days later after a Christmas she’ll not forget.
The Elves have had a shift change and are currently sitting at the Terrace bar having a beer or six.
Happy Christmas everyone. Never forget we were all children once upon a time, but that’s a story for another time.
Wonderful news...
On Wednesday I had an email from Kim at the dog sanctuary to tell me that Blondie had been adopted. This was great news and although we were very sad that we’ll not see her again we’re so happy that she finally has a good home with a new family who will give her as much love as she will give them. Kim told me it was all a bit of a rush as they had a spare place on a flight on the Monday 6th Jan 2020 and they had managed to get her on it. Now, I’ve said before that little Blondie had this twitch as a result of contracting a bit of distemper, we think it was when she was first dumped but luckily it was only minor and left her with a twitchy mouth. We thought this would put people off but as it turned out it seems to have worked in her favour, as the family who have adopted her have a young son who suffers with a nervous tick. Kim told me he has fallen in love with Blondie and right from day one she sleeps on his bed with him. What a perfect match. We’d like to thank the family for their love and kindness. We were and always will be very fond of her. Thank you.
Ninja’s big adventure.
Finally, after weeks of really shitty weather the wind dropped, and the sea calmed down. In fact, it was dead flat. Mark had said that he wanted to take his boat out for a run as he hadn’t had a chance for months, so John and I decided that it would be a good opportunity to move the static display and prove to the marina staff that we could move. After a couple of hours checking that everything was in order and remembering how to turn it all on, we were ready to go. Christina and Chachi had asked if they could come along as they wanted to get some photos on the boat, they take photos everywhere. So, with everyone present and correct this was going to be Ninja’s moment of truth. I put her new little bed up on the bridge next to the helm and made a sunshade for her from the instrument cover. Once Ninja was comfortable and tethered, I started the engines and although Ninja was a little spooked at first, she soon calmed down and settled onto her bed next to my feet. We slipped the moorings and I slowly moved the boat out of the dock and through the marina. It had been months since we’d last moved the boat and it took me a few minutes to get the feel for it again, but by the time we got to the marina entrance I was back in the groove. I was a nice calm day with very little swell and as I increased the power and the speed came up it felt great to be back in the water and moving. Ninja was actually starting to enjoy it, although she did spend most of the time on her bed, so she wasn’t worried by the vibration. Considering we’ve run the boat for so long, most things worked well, with the only problem being the bridge steering, which was a bit iffy as it had a bit of air in the system and would need topping up when we got back. Even so, we managed to get her up to 18 knots without any problems. John checked the fuel system to make sure we’d fixed the air leak and he also took a look to see if the vibration problem was better, for once, all was good, and after an hour we headed back to the marina. The girls had spent most of the time taking photos of each other, it’s a Dominican thing. I managed to dock without destroying either the dock or the boat and we moored up. Well, that was a nice little trial run, and the girls had an enjoyable trip too. As for Ninja, well she had settled down and seems to be getting used to the noise and movement like a proper little boat dog. We’ll have another test run before we go on just to make sure she’d okay with things.
What will this year bring?
Checking on our old friend.
A few days ago, we decided to go a see how Harvey was getting on now that Blondie had left. We popped into the supermarket and got a big bag of food and some treats, then set off for Luperon. I’d contacted Kim at the sanctuary and told her we’d be come, so when we arrived, we were met by a very happy Harvey. Kim told us he’d recognised the car as soon as we got through the gate, so by the time we parked up he was full of it and came bounding to meet us. We were surprised to see he wasn’t on a lead. He was all over us and really happy to see Ninja, I broke out the treats and he was in his element. Kim told us that they let him have the run of the sanctuary so he can go and play with the donkeys and horses. As he clearly wanted to show off his freedom, we decided to let Ninja off too. She thought this was great fun, charging around the field and barking at the big strange dogs, well she’d not seen donkeys up close before and didn’t really know what to make of them, but Harvey soon showed her and the two of them were having a marvellous time. Now, there’s been a lot of rain here of late, and it was only a matter of time before Harvey went tearing off into a very large puddle, closely followed by Ninja. Now, Harvey was up to his knees, and yes, you’ve guessed it, Ninja was right in with little more than her head and tail out of the muddy water, what a mess, still she was having a lovely time and it’s only water, mud and lord knows what else, stinky puppy. It was so nice to see Harvey being a happy dog again and Kim said they hope to find him a furever home very soon. We hope so. It was time to say goodbye to Harvey and Kim and head home. Ninja wanted to stay longer and Harvey wanted to come too but we just haven’t got the room, It breaks our hearts every time we leave him, he’s such a sweet boy and will make someone a loving pet.
The weather is changing.
Finally, the weather seems to be settling down so we can get things done and maybe get underway. Our friends Steve and Booza had another visitor for a few days to help him move his boat but yet again the weather wasn’t playing for him and so he had to stay a little longer. As Mark was back down, we took the opportunity to head out to La Boca again. It’s a lovely place for a day trip. As there were 7 of us plus 2 dogs, we took 2 cars, Frank took Mark and Christina and I took the rest in the old Honda. We had a lovely time as always with plenty to eat and drink. On the way home we stopped a Hideaway Bay, it’s a surfer's paradise. Christina saw an old surfboard that she wanted to make a sign for the Cassetta. So, after Christina and Frank did their best haggling, we left with a knackered old surfboard and a project for me.
A couple of days later Steve’s friend had to return home and as the weather was again starting settle down, he decided he would go it alone. And so, after final checks we waved goodbye to Steve and Booza and wished them luck. I was very calm, and he was going to have to motor all the way to Puerto Rico. Luckily, he was close to the coast and we could still chat on WhatsApp and get position updates. He was making good but slow progress and he realized he would have to stop for more fuel. Samana was his best option, so after anchoring in the bay for a few hours he got to the marina in Samana early the next morning and pickup another load of fuel. He was soon off again and although there was still very little wind, he seemed to be making good time. Well, that was until he just reached the eastern tip of the DR. We got the message we’d been dreading. His engine had pack up. It turned out to be a blocked fuel line, and after a couple of hours messaging back and forth, we got him to put a fuel line into a can of fuel and head for Punta Cana. He got to Punta Cana without any more hiccups and that evening he found a large piece of crap in the top of the fuel filter bowl, once it was removed and he put everything back as it should be the engine ran sweet. The weather was still very calm and so the next morning he set off from Punta Cana for San Juan, and he finally had the sailing trip he’d been dreaming of. He has since made it all the way to St Thomas in the USVI and is having a great time. We hope to catch up again with them both one day soon.
No one knows what’s around the corner!
Dust and paint.
When I offered to fix the surfboard for Chris I had no idea just how bad it was. It turned out the thing had been broken in half at some point and put back together in the best Dominican tradition. Badly. Well, after a couple of days of sanding and filling and more sanding, I was finally able to get some paint on it. Well, as I said before, I don’t speak Spanish and as a result, what I thought was red paint turned out to be pink. Well, it made a good undercoat. I got some better red a couple of days later and it’s starting to look okay!! But more on that later.
Super Bowl Sunday.
How time flies, and Mark was back again for a few more days. It’s carnival time here in Puerto Plata and Christina and Leanora were going like one arm paper hangers getting the Cassetta ready. Mark decided he would go and help on Sunday morning, although I think his help extended to increasing their beer sales. So, by the time John and I got to the Cassetta the carnival was just starting and Mark was on top form. We all stayed for several hours until they started letting fireworks off and poor Ninja got terribly scared. So, we made our way back to Chris and Mady’s just in time for the Super Bowl to start. Okay, we don’t really understand all the rules of American football, but it was fun to watch. Shortly after we arrived, Frank turned up, having just finished work. We all cheered on whichever team was doing well, with Frank cheering for the 49er’s. Well, the game was over all too soon and everyone started to drift off home. We said good night to Frank as he left. Little did we know!
Goodbye old friend.
Monday morning, I took Ninja for her walk and bumped into Jonny. He was trying to get hold of Mark as he was supposed to be doing some cleaning for him, but he couldn’t wake him up. I wasn’t surprised as he’d drunk about a crateful of beer the day before. I finally got Ninja back to the boat and we saw that Mark had come up for air. I walked over to see how he was. SHIT was the answer. Oh well, you’ll feel better later.
Later! now there’s something.
It was about 14.30 when I got an odd message from Mark. He’d has some strange and disturbing news from a friend of his in the States. Frank was in hospital!
We couldn’t believe it, what was this all about? Mark made a few calls and unfortunately it was true, but it got worse. Frank had passed away. We were all in shock. We jumped in the car and heading to Christina’s house. She was in pieces. She said we needed to go to the hospital and find out what was really going on. John and I stayed in the car at the hospital and let Mark, Chris and Leanora go in. They were back in a few minutes. This was turning out to be a nightmare. Frank had already been moved to the Chapel of Rest, so we headed there. I don’t know about the others, but I wasn’t ready for what came next. We went into the Chapel of Rest and there laid out as peaceful as you like was our beloved friend Frank. My heart sank. With the lump in my throat stopping me from saying anything, I just had to turn and walk out. Tears running down my face, I wasn't the only one. We were all the same. Chris took it worst of all. Frank’s girlfriend and family were all there, she was beside herself in grief. After a short time, we left and went for a drink. We just didn’t know what else to do. Chris and Mady’s son John can to join us and find out what had happened. It turned out that Frank had gone to work as normal in the morning, but had started feeling unwell mid-morning, and when he started having trouble breathing his work mates called an ambulance. By the time they got Frank to hospital he was in a very bad way and had a massive heart attack. Poor Frank,
To say we’ll miss his is a massive understatement. Frank was so much more than our driver. Frank was our friend; he always had a smile and was the life of the party. He was our Mr Fixit too. Our guide around the Island he loved so much and our drinking buddy, and boy could Frank drink. Days out just won’t be the same without him. In fact, nothing will.
The following day was a blur. Christina and Leanora had been to sort out flowers, Mark and I went to see if we could help while John looked after Ninja. We found the girls and they took us the florist were Mark settled up. We then went back to the Chapel of Rest to leave the flowers. Frank’s girlfriend was still there, poor girl. Mark told me that Frank’s family were on their way from the States and would be arriving early the next morning. This included his son and daughters and grandchildren, and his wife. Yes, Frank was still married but had been back in the DR for 5 years by himself. I never got to the bottom of the story, but I believe he was planning on going back to the States and his family soon. We weren’t sure when the funeral was going to be held? But it was looking like the following day and they were just waiting for his family to arrive. The following morning, we got ourselves sorted out and all headed off to pick up Christina. We arrived at the Chapel of Rest and met Frank’s family. What a lovely family he had. His son, Frank junior looks just like him. It turned out that they were having Frank moved to Santa Domingo for cremation to take him back to the States. We each said our final fair well to him before we left. Now as I said Frank liked a beer but he also liked to smoke, but he only smoked other peoples, so someone had put a packet into his hands for his journey, and I’m sure he would have St Peter buying him a beer at the gates when he arrived.
Christina put on a little do that evening at the Cassetta for all his family and friends, I was surprised how many people turned up. Of course, his girlfriend didn’t come but I think it would have been okay if she had. We gave him a good send off and everyone said Frank would have loved it.
Life in the DR isn’t going to be the same again. Bless you Frank, you touch so many hearts on your travels. Goodbye old friend we’ll never forget you.
Whatever next?
Blondie’s new home.
It turned out that Blondie was only at a foster home but has now found a permanent Furever home in Canada with a nice couple. They have renamed her Maggie, and it appears she’s having a little trouble getting used to her new surroundings. A few days ago, as the couple were coming home from shopping and as they opened the door Maggie shot out and ran off, disappearing into the bushes. They tried to call her but no joy she couldn’t be found, so they got some of the friends to help, but still no luck. Poor little Maggie (Blondie) must have been freezing as she not big dog and she’s been used to living in much higher temperatures in the DR. When Jennifer, her foster mum heard what was happening she jumped into her car and drove the ten miles or so to help. Once she arrived it took her no time to get Blondie to come to her. I guess she’s not used to her new name yet. Anyway, a familiar voice and some treats worked, and she was soon safe and warm with Jennifer. She now back with here new family and would appear to be eating well and slowly getting used to her new home. I’ll keep you all updated as I know more.
I still thing Blondie suited her better, but I’m biased.
Moving on.
It’s only been a week since we lost our very good friend and everyone who knew him is struggling to believe what happened and how quick it was. We were at Chris and Mady’s the other evening and a silver car pulled outside. John, their son was behind the bar and for a moment he went pale, he thought it was Frank’s car. We’re all having the same issues. It’ll take a bit of time for everyone to come to terms with what’s happened, so in the meantime we’re trying to keep an eye on our friends and help where we can.
Nothing is simple!
A few weeks ago, one of our bilge pumps packed up and needed to be replace. We were able to get a new pump from the marine store in town but of course it wasn’t the same. Well, John dried out the bilge and we decided that we would fit the new one the following day and the weather was bouncing us about a bit too much. The next morning John lifted the floor panel only to find several inches of water back in the bilge. Where is that coming from? Have we got a leak? Well after a bit of investigation, we found that the toilet flush valve had started letting water through a pressure relief valve and it was this that was slowly filling the bilge. So, after pulling it apart and trying to clean it out with no luck, I had to come up with another idea. We have three bathrooms on the boat and all the toilets work the same. As we aren’t using the spare room, I said to John we can take the part from that one and fix his. It worked great, but now I had another issue. The spare room and my room run off the same pump and with the pressure relief removed from the spare room toilet the pump was going to run all the time and fill my bilge, so I had to pull half the plumbing apart and find a way to reconnect just mine with the bits I had. Okay folks, remember all those puzzles you got for Christmas when you were a kid? Well, now I understand why. After a bit of head scratching, I finally got it working. We’ll that’s one job down, now back to the original problem.
Now I’m a fairly patent man and not usually given to violence, but there are some things in life that push all your buttons and not in a good way. If I ever get my hands on the person who thought up the cockeye method of fixing two bilge pumps in using jubilee clips and odd bits of wood, I’ll gladly beat them until they apologize. What should have been a relatively simple job, take one out and put the new on it ended up taking the best part of two days and a lot of swearing. We’re too old to be hanging upside down in a bilge for hours at a time. Still, it’s always been said, “if you can’t take a joke”. Finally, the new pump was in and it works great, thank goodness.
Mark is bringing us the new toilet part in a few days, so I have all the fun of putting everything back as it was once it arrives. Still, it keeps me out of the bar.
We need a break.
Day trip to Luperon.
As we had the car for an extra day, we decided to take the opportunity to nip up to Luperon and see Harvey. We like to keep an eye on him as he’s still at the sanctuary. So, we got a big bag of food from the supermarket and headed off. Harvey is always pleased to see us, and it makes Ninja’s day too. She couldn’t wait to get out of the car once we stopped, she knew just where we were. Harvey is looking so well, and he’s top dog there now, with his own little group who are allowed to have the run of the sanctuary at certain times. The ladies told us how he decides when he’s ready to come back and leads them a bit of a dance, but they don’t mind as he’s so lovable and not really any trouble. We just hope that it won’t be too long before he to gets adopted, he needs a proper Furever home too.