Svendborg and an oil change

The plan was to go to Lohals on Langeland today. But it was always a bit doubtful: it is a 'crossing', although not a major one and the forecast was not great. We decided to give it a go with an early start as the wind would get stronger later and it was just a two and a half hour trip. When we got to the end of the Svendborg Sund, the wind was already around 18 knots, and as we do this for fun and not to prove a point, the decision to turn around and head for Svendborg was an easy one. So by 9:30 we were safely tied up in a corner of a very full harbour.

As Svendborg is quite a big place (well, the biggest one we have come to since entering Denmark, since Bremerhaven to be exact), we took the opportunity to restock in the big supermarket close to the harbour.
As we have already done about 200 motor hours this year, it was also time to give the trusted motor some TLC. Onbekommerd has a 6 cylinder, 6 litre, 105 HP Ford diesel engine. It requires very little attention, but every 200 hours it needs an oil change. So we pumped the 15 litres out of the engine into old oil containers (Onbekommerd has a pump on the engine for that). We changed the oil filter and then put 15l fresh oil back in and checked the level. So far so good. Then we disassembled the diesel filter to clean it. That's a very awkward job, the filter has been fitted by some masochist who does not realise that a 61 year old is not necessarily a contortionist. Anyway, that too got eventually done. Finally, we did the easy job of filling the grease press, a piece of equipment which lubricates and seals the propellor shaft.
Then we disposed of the old oil, the used filters and the oily papers and rags in the special containers they have here for that purpose. Of course the boat needed to be cleaned after that (and so did I!).
By that time it was time for tea.

The wind is blowing strong at the moment and there are rainy spells. But it is nice and cosy on board and now that dinner and coffee are also behind us, I am sure we'll sleep well.

Chances are that we'll be here tomorrow as well. The forecast for Wednesday is a lot better so that's likely when we will carry on. In that case, probably no blog post tomorrow, but an 'admin day'.