Saturday was spent getting "The Pearl" ready for her maiden voyage. I had a few locals helping me to install the pontoons, since I had absolutely no clue how to tie them so they wouldn't fall off, and to help carry the boat to the beach.
Carmen and I ended up getting into the boat the hard way (by getting wet first), and then jumping in. I'm glad the camera didn't get wet because we did get some good pictures. Some local boys were being a royal nuisance by trying to sink us, splashing us with water, and being plain pests...such is life as a white person in Indonesia.
The good news is that the boat floats...although there isn't a whole lot of room between the ocean and the edge of the boat, I don't think it was built for big people. I also learned the hard way that it can hold a lot of water...yes, a bailing bucket is essential when going for a ride in "The Pearl". I don't know where the leak came from, but I definitely need to get it fixed (finding fibreglass might be a problem).
Also essential to have on board is an anchor...yes, I ended up a ways from shore in a leaky boat and it took me a while to paddle back in. I was prepared to fish for the day, but didn't get the chance since I was too busy bailing water...
Sunday was spent making repairs (I made an anchor out of a rock), and am looking to patch the boat by the guy that made it. It wasn't the most pleasant fishing trip I've ever had, but I'm sure that next time I go out will be an improvement. Don't worry, I won't go far from shore.
Ahoy me Mates!
