A small leak of red fluid at the upper helm has continued to get worse. We're replenishing the hydraulic steering fluid daily and also having to re-pressurize the system on a daily basis. One of things that was done as a proactive measure in Tennessee was to replace the seals on both upper and lower helm steering wheels when the lower helm steering was leaking.
On a sunny day with Pat at the upper helm and a barge nearby the upper helm steering went completely out. The steering wheel was free wheeling and luckily the lower helm operated independently. After steering to the side of the channel and dropping anchor we call our mechanic who leads us through troubleshooting the problem. At the time we were traveling with Beach House, an experienced cruiser, who immediately dropped anchor with us and waited to provide help. After figuring out that we can continue safely by piloting the remainder of the trip from the lower helm we send Beach House on and prepare the lower helm by moving the navigation equipment and charts down below.
Piloting from the lower helm has it's benefits and disadvantages. At the lower helm we can be with all the animals and it's a little more convenient for communicating as meals/snacks are prepared in the nearby galley. On the downside, the limited view from being lower to the water makes it very hard to see debris in the water. As there have been some big storms lately, a lot of big branches and other flotsam are floating in big rafts in the waterway. We are much more anxious now as we navigate our way. Just a few more anchorages and the group has spread out again so we're mostly cruising alone.
Our last anchorage in Okkatubba Creek has a very narrow and shallow entrance crowded with weeds. Proceeding cautiously and watching the depthfinder, we make our way in to a large, but still shallow wetland and beautiful sunset. Quiet tranquil night at anchor after a stressful day.
