From: "Jon Bickel" papillon31@earthlink.net

Subject: Papillon update

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 22:01:23 –0500

N 34°40.81 W 77 ° 06.74

Yesterday, Sunday June 6 we pulled into Swansboro, NC. In all the miles since we left we have experienced very few mechanical difficulties but yesterday we were hit with our first major problem. The alternator belt failed. Unfortunately it did not just break (no such luck) but separated and lashed about in the engine compartment. Since it also drives the cooling pump it must be dealt with. The problem is while lashing about it took out the regulator electrical harness which controls our ability to charge the batteries from the engine. I was able to change the belt and continue on to Dudley's Marina, a planned stop, to make repairs. I had to order some parts so we will be here until Wednesday. The good side is the damage limited to the wiring harness, which I was able to repair, and the belt itself. In the process it blew the 100 amp breaker. Now that is a lot of juice to be jumping around. We are waiting for a new breaker to be sent in.

There are worst places to be stuck. I have stayed here several times before and was glad to make it into here for repairs. l went to the grocery today, via their courtesy van, and probably will wash clothes tomorrow since I have to lay over another day. Life is a beach and then we have to swim.

Next stop is Beaufort, NC. We begin the fun part of the trip with some side trips planned and finally hopefully a trip back through the Dismal Swamp and Portsmouth.

I spent an hour or so watching an filming my Egret friend fishing. Will post more pix to the web page.

UPDATE:

N  34°40.81 W 77 ° 06.74 

As promised I have updated the web page. Copy and paste the link below unless you have bookmarked it. Hopefully the parts we are waiting on will be here shortly and tomorrow we will head to Beaufort, NC.

Check out our position ( copy and paste to your browser) liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/chartourcourse.html

To check out Ruby's web pages (copy and paste to your browser) liveaboardsvpapillon.homestead.com/rubyspage.html

"Goin where the weather suits my clothes"

Capt Jon & Ruby