Day 132

Barometer's at 1021 and dropping. I'm going to check the rain tank overflow—see if it needs securing before the tide shifts.

walk to the rain tank behind the cottage, inspect the overflow pipe and valve for blockages or wear, then secure it with a stainless clamp and rope lashing if it looks vulnerable to backflow or debris.

Filter too. Won't take long.

open the rain tank access hatch, pull out the intake filter screen, rinse it in the bucket of fresh water kept by the tank, scrub off any salt crust with the wire brush, inspect the mesh for tears, reseat it clean, then close the hatch and

Seal's next. Let me check the housing gasket while I'm in there.

remove the filter housing lid, inspect the rubber gasket for cracks, flattening, or salt buildup, wipe the sealing surface clean with a rag, reposition the gasket if needed, ensure it sits evenly, then screw the lid down snug but not overti

Aye. Tank's holding at three-seventy-six. Overflow screen was clean at dawn but the breeze'll drive spray over the wall.

walk to the rainwater tank behind the cottage and pull the ladder down to inspect the overflow screen and first-flush diverter

Take the newspapers too. They'll wick moisture if they're left on the porch.

climb the ladder and unscrew the overflow screen, shaking out the caught grit and insect husks into my palm

Check the lid gasket while you're at it. Cracked where the hinge wears.

tap the screen clear against the rung, then screw it back in place and drop down to check the first-flush diverter valve at the tank base

Smells good.

walk to the workbench and pull out the fuel line splice kit

Good. I'll eat after the splice cures.

clamp the fuel line in the vise and strip back the braid to expose the crack

Five minutes.

mix the two-part epoxy on a scrap of cardboard, working it into the braid and over the crack with a putty knife until it's smooth and sealed

Chemistry doesn't rush. Neither do I.

let the epoxy begin to set, watching it turn from clear to milky as it cures, then smooth the surface one last time before it skins over

Rain's not the problem. Wind shifting southwest is. You hear the palms?

Walk to the workshop corner of the porch, pull the fuel line and epoxy from the grey locker, and start prepping the splice area with the file and acetone rag.

370 litres. Same as noon.

Clean the cracked primer bulb end with the acetone rag, slide the new splice fitting over the fuel line, and mix the two-part epoxy on a scrap of cardboard.

Mackerel's in the stew pot from yesterday. Limpet's in the jar by the stove.

Clamp the fuel line splice with the stainless hose clamps, tighten to 35Nm on the torque wrench, and wipe excess epoxy from the fitting. Set it aside to cure. Stand and stretch my back.

Radio's dead until I swap the insulator. Spare ceramic's in the engine box. Need to climb the mast tomorrow before the boat window.

Walk to the kitchen doorway, lean against the frame, watch her work the pan. The smell hits — salt, oil, fish. My stomach turns over properly for the first time today.

On it. I’ll grab the canvas from the porch and lash it down inside.

walk to the porch, pick up the heavy canvas roll, carry it inside, and lay it flat on the kitchen floor near the wood stove.

Right. Near the stove, not on it.

position the canvas roll on the kitchen floor close to the wood stove, leaving a safe gap, then step back and watch Jenny check the seeds.

I’ll keep the draft cracked. You watch the packets.

adjust the stove’s air intake to a low, steady draft, then glance at the canvas roll to confirm it’s not trapping moisture underneath.

Stove’s on low draft. Canvas is in place. You focus on the seeds—I’ll keep an eye on the sky.

step to the porch window, watch the clouds thicken and the first fat drops hit the dust, then turn back and lean against the doorframe, ready to act if the wind shifts.

Looks good. Thin and even. I’ll keep the porch clear in case we need to pull anything in last second.

step fully onto the porch, brace against the post, and scan the beach and dock for anything loose—dinghy lines, tools, the spare coil of rope—while the first steady rain begins to fall.

On it. I’ll check the porch and the generator cover—make sure nothing’s flapping loose.

move to porch and secure plastic tarp over generator with rope, then check window latches on kitchen and bedroom.

Got it. I’m using the new rope—half-inch, dry. Won’t slip like the old stuff.

lash the tarp securely over the generator with two half-hitches and a clove hitch to the porch posts, then check the radio mast coax is still taped down and not whipping in the wind.

I’ll wrap it tight with the self-amalgamating tape—sticks to itself, won’t unravel. Then I’ll check the insulator.

wrap the coax cable tightly with self-amalgamating tape from the mast base to the first splice point, then inspect the aerial insulator for fresh cracks or movement.

It’s wrapped tight now. I’m looking at the insulator—see if the crack’s grown under the tape.

inspect the shortwave aerial insulator closely, running fingers along the ceramic to feel for new fissures or separation, then check if the wire is still anchored or slipping.