Turks & Caicos, May 13-19, 2009

Having recovered from a touch of the crud in Luperon, by Tuesday Mike was ready to go as the weather window was slim to move on. The winds were a bit more than we expected, 20 to 25 knots, and the seas as well--6-8 feet with a 6 second interval. Very lumpy and right on the beam, which made for a very rolly passage! Got into Provo, Turks and Caicos, at noon on May 13, about 24 hours after leaving Luperon.

Traveling across the Caicos banks, an approximate 10-mile stretch, proved a little hairy as we were hoping for good light to watch for the occasional coral heads in the very shallow water. However, it was a partly sunny day with fast moving clouds which caused us to work very hard in searching our way.

We were very happy to reach Sapodilla Bay where there were about 8 other boats, all of which had sailed from the Bahamas together. They were a very friendly bunch with whom we joined at one of the upscale bars Wednesday afternoon after clearing in with the friendly Provo officials.

Thursday evening, the marina manager and owner from a nearby marina, South Side, held a barbecue for the cruisers in the marina as well as those of us in Sapodilla Bay. They came for us and brought us back as well. While there, we met some several cruisers from the Colorado area: Mark & Karen from s/v Susurra

had lived on Lafayette Street in Washington Park;

Jack & Marianne (a former finance professor at UCD) were from Evergreen; and Casey & Luralea were from Ouray. Small world.

Then Friday we joined ten other boaters in Sapodilla Bay renting a van to run errands, tour the island and eat lunch. It was a very fun day ending with a happy hour at a Turtle Cove bar and live music.

Another first while there was a "girls' day out." With the weather threatening storms and high winds, all of us stayed at anchor much longer then anticipated, so we decided to go to the pool at Neptunes, the only nearby, but very nice, restaurant. It has a lovely pool area and they welcomed us with open arms. It was a fun and different day.

When we returned, the guys had gotten together on s/v Lala to help Henryk cook then eat his famous latkes--which of course the girls enjoyed as well when we returned. Henryk and Mariola along with their two children, Rick and Lala, on s/v Lala are from Poland and British Columbia. Lala, age 10, is loving their sailing adventure and gets along famously with all of the adults.

Rick has buddied up with one of the single-handers and since they are traveling as a group some of the time, assists Marc sailing Opal.

The weather, though getting better, is still very windy with higher, confused seas because of a tropical wave. So we continue to wait for some improvement which is due around Tuesday to continue our journey.

Luperon, Dominican Republic, May 4-11, 2009

Arrived in Luperon at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 4, after a two-day and two-night sail from Boqueron, Puerto Rico.  Our new friends, Bruce and Lin, on the sailing catamaran, Alize, stayed in touch with us every hour on the hour during the nights and often during the daytime although we were a few miles apart.  Since the seas were a bit confused and choppy through the dreaded Mona Passage (between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic), it was good to hear another boat should any problems develop.  Of course, none did.

We were a little unsure of what to expect in Luperon.  We had heard it was a very dirty area where one dare not get in the water.  However, although the water in the anchorage is not especially clean, the town is delightful.  There is a large ex-pat community here.  We meet many people who sailed this far and stayed.  

The town is full of ramshackle homes, chickens, geese and goats running loose and mopeds zipping recklessly with two or three people or boxed wares.  Mike says it reminds him of Saigon.  We have found the people very warm, friendly and helpful.  

Joined with another boat, Bonnie and Jeff on the sailing vessel Quickstep, in a trip to Santiago, the second largest and oldest city on the island.  It was an hour away.  We had a wonderful taxi driver, Julio, who took us to the grocery store--a Walmart-type place, where we were able to get among other things prescription drugs over the counter for not too much.  Julio took us to a very nice cafeteria for lunch and for $3, we had a full meal--roast pork, rice and peas, salad and fruit.  Delicious.  Did some other shopping including filling our propane tank for $2--far less than the $20 it cost in Curacao.  Julio also filled the propane tank that runs his car! 

Meanwhile, we're enjoying the relaxed, friendly ambience here as we wait for weather to go on to the Turks and Caicos.  Looks like we'll leave Tuesday morning.

La Parguera and Boqueron, Puerto Rico, April 26-May 1, 2009

We left Salinas on Monday, April 20 stopping for the evening at Caja de Muertos, a small island about 4 hours west.  The following morning we left for one of the larger cities on the south coast, Ponce.  The anchorage is not great, so we filled up with fuel and water, anchored for the night and left for La Parguera in the morning.  

La Parguera was cute little town with lots of colorfully painted houses dotting the water.  There are several lovely mangrove islands all along the coast.  In fact, it was challenging finding the route in.  We stayed for several days as we could sometimes get the internet from our boat--always a great find.  Saturday night we ventured down to Club Nautico, the yacht club.  While there, we met some local families who come to La Parguera every weekend.  They were having a dinner and included us.  Most of the men there were doctors, dentists or business men.  The women spoke excellent English and were very gracious.  We thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

Monday, April 27, we motorsailed to Boqueron, Puerto Rico-- about 4 hours from La Parguera.  The wind has just not been cooperating for sails without motors!  Boqueron is a seaside resort with a beautiful beach, lots of cute little restaurants and a great cruisers' bar.  

Met a new friend on Attitude, Larry Higgins, who had rented a car and offered to take us shopping in Mayaguez.  We've had a great time with Larry and enjoyed his hospitality.

So, we're off to the Dominican Republic tomorrow, weather permitting.  Have some pictures I'll hope to add to this soon.