Tempus Fugit

Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies

Author: Garry

  • I’m a Supply Chain Hostage

    I’m a Supply Chain Hostage

    BREAKING NEWS!
    Negotiations have resolved the situation and provided a release of our car!

    Hostage for 5 months and 8 days waiting for a fuel pump.

    Back on June 15, 2022 our 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe experienced a fuel pump failure. OK, things happen. the big surprise was the dealer informing me that there were no parts in North America and the wait for a part was 3-4 weeks! This is not good. It’s the start of the summer and for us that means lots of time at the cottage on Lake of the Woods, lots of driving, lots of hauling stuff in the car.

    We bit the bullet and rent a car but a month later and $3,500 poorer, the rental car must go. Fortunately, a family member loans us a car so we’re not stranded at home.

    Over this time there are many calls to the dealer, emails to Hyundai Canada and finally to the Hyundai dealer President and GM. The dealer calls were pretty much all the same, “next week but no guarantees”. Weeks would come and go, but still no part. The reason? The Supply Chain. Things are messed up, it may or not be manufactured, it may or may not be on a boat, it may or may not be on a dock, it may or may not be on a truck. End result, it’s not on my car.

    On September 13, 2022 I get a response to my email to the Hyundai dealer GM. He explains all the steps he’s taken to get my fuel pump, explained the issues, expresses understanding of my frustration and handles the situation very professionally, I’m glad somebody has heard me and understands. He also offers to deliver a loaner car to our house and says the Service Manager will call and arrange it. About a minute after I get off the phone with the GM the Service Manager calls and asks if he can deliver the car now. Fifteen minutes later a brand new red Hyundai Venue with only 1,000kms is in my driveway.

    Also, on the call with the GM he says the information he has now indicates the fuel pump will arrive September 19th and that either way he will call me back on the 19th. Well, no part and no call on the 19th but I got a call from my Service Rep today (21st) and he updates me that now the part might arrive in Toronto on September 28 and might be at the dealer on October 4, 2022. Again, no guarantees

    Still frustrating but now I have my own hostage. ?

    My Hostage – A new Hyundai Venue
  • Electric Start

    Electric Start

    A couple of years ago the electric start on our 1990 Mercury 25hp outboard stopped working. I’d thought about taking it in to a marina to get it repaired but that would be awkward, put the boat out of commission for an unknown amount of time and likely be costly. It still started well with the manual “pull the rope” method so nothing was done. This year it was the target of a DIY repair.

    (more…)
  • Where not to buy gas

    Where not to buy gas

    At any marina on Lake of the Woods! The price is sky high. Gas stations in Kenora were charging $1.89/l but at a dock on the water it was $2.49/l. I knew there was a premium for the convenience of dock gas but on this trip I committed to getting the gas before checking just how exorbitant that premium was!

    Our track to Kenora for water, gas and DQ

    The first stop was our boat up Safeway to get water followed by the shocking gas tank fill-up. To ease the pain of that we went over the the docks at the Discovery Centre and walked up the road to the Dairy Queen for a treat.

    To change it up a bit we returned home via the Second Channel, a nice scenic route with some interesting navigation to keep you on your toes, The GPS makes this so much easier and I’ve been through here quite a few times it’s pretty familiar.

  • Something Fishy

    On the weekend, August 19-21, Parker and Dane had their friend Aryton down at the lake. It was a busy weekend with swimming, tubing, seadoo rides, kneeboarding and fishing!

    This was Aryton’s first time fishing and he hit the trifecta, first fish, biggest fish and most fish! Over several outings on the weekend the boys collectively caught 18 bass.

    Aryton’s 1st fish
    Dane has one on the line!
    Parker with one of his many fish

    Fun fact: Aryton’s grandfather was a big Formula One fan and he is named after Aryton Senna, in honour of his grandfather.

  • Dealing with the Deck – Part 2

    Dealing with the Deck – Part 2

    Shorty after opening the cottage on the May long weekend I noticed a beam supporting the deck on the lower north side had some very bad rot and was collapsing! Also, some of the posts supporting this beam were in pretty rough shape too! Part 1.

    The old beam on the way out.
    (more…)
  • Car Part Delays

    Car Part Delays

    Still waiting for my fuel pump. ☹️. It’s been over 60 days since it was ordered on June 17, 2022. No ETA.

    Supply chain delays are the supposed issue.

    www.cbc.ca/news/business/consumer-prices-supply-chain-delays-1.6558371

  • Fishing with Grandkids & Friend

    Fishing with Grandkids & Friend

    Two days of fishing just around the corner of our point yielded 15 bass in short order, lots of action! The three boys kept me busy getting fish off the hook and into a bucket.

    /im

    Day #1 08/20 in Red, Day #2 08/21 in Green 7.52 NMi or 13.9 km
    Parker
    Aryton
    Dane
  • Around Hay Island with C & E

    Around Hay Island with C & E

    A nice calm and sunny day and our friends C&E are at the cottage with us for a few days so we decide on a boat cruise.

    (more…)

  • Why NASA Wants to Go Back to the Moon | WIRED

    The space agency’s upcoming lunar mission will launch the ambitious Artemis program, building on the landings 50 years ago.
    — Read on www.wired.com/story/why-nasa-wants-to-go-back-to-the-moon/

  • Route Bay Rip

    Route Bay Rip

    2022/08/12 – 10 NMi or 18.5 km

    A solo cruise over to the Route Bay boat lift into Blindfold Lake to check out the water levels at the lift. Levels are down to a manageable level and the fixed concrete dock on the Blindfold side is out of the water and the railway cart appeared to be operational .

    On the way over I looped by the old Wilstrop place and there seems to have been a massive update with a major building expansion connected by a very large deck.

    I saw lots of people enjoying the lake on this warm August day, swimming, fishing and two kids jumping off a boathouse roof into the lake. That looked like great fun!