Sea toilets and other boat jobs - Oeiras marina

 If you were to ask me what my specialised subject is these day I would have to say Sea toilets. I hate them, the most disgusting job on a boat, especially when people clog them with toilet paper. You know who you are. The reason they are so bad is that the ammonia reacts with salt water and creates a crystal like growth that furs up the pipes and clogs them up. I'll say no more except one of our toilets is now working like a dream after a day of dismantling, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and pulling really ugly faces.

The other outstanding job, a little more pleasant, is finishing off the installation of our water maker. With this, our sails and solar panels we are nearly completely off grid. We just have to get rid of our beautiful, 20 year old, Yanmar 4LH-TE 110hp smelly, noisy diesel engine. (My other specialised subject.) When the cook starts earning squillions he has promised us an electric engine. Then I will have 100 percent less boat jobs and can leave my Harry Potter home.

Number 1 has been just as busy as me. The hull and deck need regularly polishing to prevent the sun's UV damage. 6 hours she was at it, the boat looks great. As well as this she did all the washing in what is probably our biggest luxury on board - a super cool, fitted, mini washing machine AND tumble drier. Another reason to get the water maker working as it does take a bit of water.

We are in Oeiras marina, a lovely little marina, a little closer to Lisbon, that leave fresh bread on the deck every morning and have lots of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. We are staying here for about a week to get boat jobs done and Number 1 can go home. Also as I said we have friends visiting, another reason to clean the boat and fix the toilet. Again, lots going on, look at this monster that went past before. Never seen a screen this big.

We are still in the land of big tides, not in the med yet. Watch the E on the post rise as the tide goes out.

Had a force 10 storm last night, 54 knot winds. A bit scary even in a marina. Thank god we weren't on anchor.

There is always someone who enjoys the waves produced by a Storm, look at these guys - superb.

The cook has a friend visiting, Rosie, who like myself has the gift of being able to sleep anywhere. First night on the boat in a force 10, with all the banging, rocking and squeaking she slept like a baby - impressive.

Another storm due this Friday, apparently worse, everyone has doubled up the lines and, yes, battened down the hatches. Just in time for Mandy, Nick and Jen to arrive. Brace yourselves kids.