More Trinidad
        
        Subject: LOG August 16th- September 21st
        Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 17:01:34 -0700
        
        From: rudys03@attglobal.net
        To: rudys03@ibm.net
        
        
        Still in Trinidad waiting for engine parts: Boundless hasn't moved since the
        beginning of August. A small job is always a big one in Trinidad. The latest
        challenge was getting a starter from the states. Pete Dayger pulled this one out!
        Total shipping cost about $225.00, but that's life in Trinidad!
        
        Boundless has also changed significantly while here. She has a full set of new
        cushions on deck, new upholstery in the main salon, some new cabinets in the main
        salon, galley and two of the staterooms. Boundless also has a new sunshade that
        covers her from bow to stern. This cools her significantly and reduces the demand
        on her air conditioning system that has been running for the last four months. I'm
        glad we replaced her cooling water pump earlier this year!
        
        While stuck at the dock here in paradise Rudy and I have been experiencing many
        of the activities that exist in our community of  Cruisers. I shared many of them in
        the last log.  Since then we have also enjoyed horseback racing, a Pig Roast, a
        Parade celebrating the last session of parliament for the year,( the President even
        waved at me...even though it was not PROPER to wave to him, a Dinghy Rafting
        (it was tricky figuring out what to bring and pass around to the other dinghies while
        drifting through a large anchorage with a formidable current and frequent
        traffic!!)and Dominoes.....a good reason to drink for several hours on a Sunday
        afternoon. Tonight we went to a Pan Yard where they are practicing for a bi-annual
        contest in October.  They play classical music and the sound is unbelievable!!!  We
        also listen to a Cruisers Net every morning which keeps us abreast of all the
        activities for the week, important messages and helpful hints.  It also has a
        "treasures of the bilge" section where the cruisers offer used or new boat gear for
        swap, barter or trade as it is illegal for foreign flag vessels to sell anything in
        Trinidad and Tobago. Many cruisers simply give away their treasures!!
        
        I have two activities that I have established as a daily routine.  One is exercising in
        the small gym and then going for a swim everyday in the pool here at Crews Inn. 
        
        
        The other "Hobby" I have acquired is fabric hunting.  I have now joined the F.A.
        (Fabric Anonymous).  I was told by the owner of the shop I am getting my clothes
        made that "I am not allowed to buy any more material!!!!!
        
        We are planning to put Boundless "on the hard" (on land) while we travel home for
        about 2 months where our daughter Stacy and her boy friend Rob have been
        holding down the fort. We will attend a family wedding on October 22nd, spend
        Thanksgiving and Christmas home, go out West for a week of skiing and visit our
        daughter Jaclyn and her boy friend Jason, and return to Trinidad for the New Year.
        We will stay in Trinidad through the end of February and participate in Carnival
        2001. From there we plan to travel West along the coast of Venezuela visiting
        many
        islands on our way to Bonaire. From there we will either head North to  start our
        trip across the Atlantic or stay in the Caribbean another year....decisions, decisions!
        At least we are still talking!!!!