Beautiful day at the end of cherry blossom time. Okinawan cherry trees are a different variety from the classic cherry trees of Tokyo.
The Okinawan trees are named Kawazuzakura and the first to bloom in Japan, exploding in late January, early February. This morning I am out early on the top of a hill, looking through cherry blossom down to the blue, blue sea and the startling white of the waves breaking of the reef. I am unable to take a good photo. It is beyond photography.
And so down to the boatyard where I have a long chat with Sato san about the restoration. He is a very wise and experienced man so I give him a bottle of Islay Mist in the hope that he will like me.
I set to to clean the fuel tank. I unscrew 30 screws and slice through all the sealant with an Opinel that James gave a decade or so ago. I undo all the fuel lines, which submit very satisfactorily to the power of the spanner.
To my surprise, the tank is full of diesel. I do not know why but I had assumed that it would be empty.
How to remove the diesel? I feel very pleased with myself when I realize I can bail out the fuel with an old water bottle and pour it in the jerry can that came with the boat.
I am elated. I have opened the tank and am now draining it all by myself. I had never imagined that there was more diesel in the tank than the jerry can could hold. This was however the case, which I realized when the funnel, which was jammed in tightly, shot out of the filler hole with a loud pop. I do not think I have been more surprised but manage not to shriek.
I am very pleased with myself.