My parents have returned to the states bringing out mini vacation to an end. Now we are working hard getting the boat ready to keep sailing on into the Mediterranean Sea!
The Best Inhibitor of Galvanic Corrosion
In the world of advanced chemical compounds, it seems that the best solution to a simple problem like galvanic corrosion would be a synthetic concoction. The truth is, all modern chemicals are compared to the best solution to the problem: lanolin.
Lanolin, sold as Lanocote, is removed from sheep’s wool. The lanolin is separated from the wool and bottled up into small jars. This agent is natural and safe to use without gloves, and will not react with your skin!
It works great at keeping water out and dissimilar metals separated which then prevents any galvanic issues.
I personally use this anytime I have bronze and stainless steel touching, and an extra thick layer anytime I am mixing stainless fasteners with aluminum fittings. If you don’t use lanolin, or one of the other more expensive materials, you will quickly see bubbles form in the aluminum adjacent to the stainless steel fastener.
Lanolin is easy to use and good to keep in the boat. Best of all, it lasts a long time. I have been dipping into my same pot for the past 5 years and it is still full enough that I don’t need to think about buying more of it anytime soon!
Is it a boat or a building?
This building from the 1500s bears a strong resemblance to an upturned hull! The architect actually designed it to purposefully work like the frames in a boat to better support the expansive ceiling in this palace.
Marine grade construction really does stand the test of time!
Coimbra by the River
Coimbra is an ancient town in Portugal, built up around the ancient university and library at the top of its hill.
While walking up the steep streets, one has to wonder how they hauled the massive stones up the hill to build the town.
All these thoughts vanish when you see the town from across the river. The lights glistening over the calm water, washing away any concerns you might have had.
Biblioteca Joaninha
Imagine standing before a library that has been in use for half a millennium.
This library in Coimbra, Portugal is the oldest library in Portugal, and (according to the Portuguese) the oldest library that has been in constant use in the world!
How does a library get to be over 500 years old and never be forgotten? By being part of the oldest university in Portugal!
In 1290, this university started in Lisbon. In 1536, the university moved to Coimbra and the library was built. The university has had a class every semester of every year for the past 729 years!
This is just mind blowing to me being from the United States, where our continent was discovered by Europeans only 527 years ago, and the United States came to exist only 243 years ago. Our ancient history is their recent past. I guess it’s all relative!
