After safely arriving at Portland Island I cut open the strip loin I bought from Save On Foods and applied a generous portion of seasoning followed by a liberal brush of extra virgin olive oil. But when I tried to turn it over to season the other side, I realized it was vacuum packed and there was another layer of plastic to cut through. Fortunately I had lots of seasoning and oil. Hilarious.

On a more serious and potentially life threatening note, I almost blew myself up with my Sea-B-Que. I had it out on the Port side cockpit lazarette, hooked up to a 5 lb. propane tank, preheating the grill. I kept smelling propane but dismissed it as paranoia. That’s when the regulator caught fire.

I couldn’t believe it. The whole regulator unit, sticking out of the side of the bar-b-que was engulfed in fire. Engulfed I tell ya. The end of sailing days passed before my eyes.Naturally and without thinking I turned off the valve on the propane tank, which was lying only inches away from the open flame! Catastrophe avoided.

It’s 21:24 and there have been no further safety concerns. Although I’m writing this in the glow of my propane heater. Doors and hatches are battened down. We’ll see if I’m alive to post this later.

 Boston is on the stereo. I’m warm and happy and almost ready to call it a day and slip off of this conscious plain. Goodnight from Portland Island.

click for chart view

 Bar-B-Que strip loin, roasted potatoes and Caesar salad for dinner.