Problems in Port Douglas

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Well our plans have come to another halt.

We were just about to fire up the engine on wednesday to leave the inlet for the Low Isles. I did my usual engine checks and found the radiator tank bone dry. Poured in a glass of water and the dripping that eventuated lead me to the puddle of coolant on the engine bay floor. Seemed to be leaking from the water pump and learnt from a little reading that the seals commonly fail.

Spent the rest of the afternoon with my head in the engine bay taking out the pump, with Naomi helping to retrieve the last hard to access bolt with her thinner fingers. Spoke to the local mechanic about repairing it but since he said he couldn't look at it until tuesday he suggested buying a new one would be quicker and maybe cheaper. So this morning ordered a new pump from Sydney which should be here about the middle of next week.

So for now we are stuck in the inlet about a mile down from Port Douglas with not much to do. Still not seen any crocodiles.

Luke

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Photos

Naomi & Alex watching Finding Nemo
in the aft cabin