Lazy Day (12) in Nawlins

After a VERY long 14 hour day to get to New Orleans, we slept in, took naps and are going to bed early. Since we arrived after dark, we did not get much of a view of the marina (and RV park). Our neighbors are very different. On one side we have a new 2 story houseboat.

On the other side there is an equally new "land yacht".

We are on the edge of the marina facing the main channel between Lake Ponchartrain and the Intracoastal Waterway, which connect to the Mississippi River. It is a 3 day holiday weekend (Memorial Day) so there is not much commercial traffic but plenty of pleasure boaters.

   We stated by repairing the rudder angle indicator (RAI). There are twin rudders which are connected by an arm to keep them parallel. The RAI is an essential tool since most of our maneuvering is at low speed. Unlike in a car, which turns quickly, at low speed it is not possible to "feel" where the rudders are pointed so the RAI is essential since to maneuver at low speed the rudders need to be centered straight ahead. Then at low speed you turn by putting one engine in forward and the other in reverse.  It is a lever arm that turns as the rudders move, and it had broken lose.  A couple of stainless steel radiator hose clamps are now very securely holding the bracket in place. Thank goodness for all of the parts and tools that we brought along on the trip!

    We also replaced a 12 volt switch on a pump.  We have 4 sump pump boxes on the boat.  They consist of a "box' that collectes water. Inside is a small bilge pump that collects water and as the box fills up, a switch activates the pump to pump the water overboard.  In this case, the sump collected water from the head (or bathroom) sink and shower.  If the switch and pump do not activate, the box will eventually over flow and the soapy water would flow into the bilge...

    After a lunch onboard, we had short naps and then road our electric scooters about 1 1/2 miles to a large Winn-Dixie Supermarket. Not real exciting but fresh fruit and vegetables greatly improve the quality of life while travelling. For dinner we went to the restaurant on site. When we walked into the large patio, I took one look and said "Wow, that looks like Rod Stewart!" Sure enough there was a guy dressed like I would expect with the hair standing up, etc.  I asked the waitress if he was a regular, and she laughed and said that he had just shown up... "Rod" (the impersonator) was obviously enjoying himself having pictures taken with "fans" in the bar.  The patio was covered, and it had begun to cool off. However, the food and entertainment made for a pretty good experience.

     Tomorrow we are taking the shuttle to the French Quarter and hopefully one of the new movies, like "Star Trek".