We are anchored in Nanaimo harbour, visiting family here, and Bert is trying to download  programs for the SSB, ( single side band), not a easy task it seems, there are some strange noises coming from him and the computer……..       We have been working on the boat, installing a Hydrovane, which is a self steering system , mounted on the stern.   It will basically act like another person on board, Bert had taken measurements, made drawings, took photos, all of Curtsy’s stern, we have an arch on the back, so it would have to fit free from that.    The manufacturer assured him that it would indeed fit.    Once we took all the pieces, which came very well packed in wooden crates, from the UK, and put them on the dock, Bert realized that the windvane would hit the arch, when used in certain winds.     So, his first reaction was to cut the arch off of the boat. No way!!!!!!      We put our heads together, and mainly, through his engineer brain, he designed a bracket, which would bring the whole system away from the stern, enough for it to NOT touch the arch.  A metal worker made up the bracket for him, out of stainless steel, and did one heck of a nice job.     Slowly but surely , we put the whole thing together, the main component is very heavy to say the least, with Bert working on the inside of the boat and myself , hanging over the water on the outside, we put the huge bolts in place.    It started to look just great, very impressive.  here are some photos, to give you an idea what its all about.

We have been here for a while, so many things to do, so many friends to see.   You dont realize how many friends you have until you come back to a place where you used to live!!!        The anchorage is great, we are at the front of the bay, as the rest of it is full of boats on buoys!!     This is a busy harbor, but we have had no problems at all.  Its fun to watch all the different boats come in , every shape and size possible.   We wont be back here for a while , so its very important to see everyone. I hope to write again soon, when  have a connection, we are on our way next week.