Another Welder, More Dashed Hopes

 Two frustrating weeks after he had originally promised Rodriguez, the Brazilian welder turned up. He seemed competent and was happy to do the job. He said he was going to consult with the engineer at the boatyard in Peniche about the best way to do some of the work and would then get back to us with a quote, He estimated that the work would take around a week. This seemed a bit long since the original welders had taken 2 days to do one side but then they didn't do a good job and he was going to have to redo quite a few of their welds.

A few days later he messaged us with a quote of 45 euros an hour plus gas and materials. This seemed a bit steep but we were anxious to get the job done so we agreed.

The next morning we got another message. The 45 euros was for 1 person. This was multiplied by 3 since it would take 3 men. Clearly he was taking us for a ride, an additional and cheaper, labourer, yes, but 3 qualified welders. Obviously foreigners were rich and he wanted to fleece us. All the Portuguese people we talked to were gobsmacked at the prices. The previous welders, albeit not good, had wanted 29 euros per hour. We then asked him for a price for the whole job as this is what the Portuguese generally do. He came back with another crazy price and said that it would be more if the work went on for more than one week. (We suspect it would have.) Needless to say we were once again welderless.

We searched. Joao and Andre from the marine workshop searched. No luck. We explored the possibility of transporting Erica home by road. This is not how we wanted to come home. We miss sailing and it was also extremely expensive but it was looking increasing like the only option for an unseaworthy boat. We talked about all options such as filling the holes with epoxy and sailing (a no go since it would have led to more work in the end putting on then taking off fittings and removing epoxy from hundreds of holes etc,) Bringing out an English welder was not an option thanks to Brexit and the problems of equipment and work permits.

To say we were getting a tad frustrated and deflated was an understatement. To cheer ourselves up we went back to the north east of Nazare to see if I would make the climb up to the top of Sao Bras the hill with the fire lookout on the top on this the second attempt.

 Despite my determination, I copped out yet again, a few metres from the top. It is the drop to one side of the worn, stone steps. My heart starts beating fast and I get clammy.

Ah well, at least we had a plan for life after our return to the UK.