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Bonaire
Bonaire is a diver’s paradise, not so much what you see but the enthusiasm regarding it. Eileen snorkelled, Deb dived with other people on the rally. They invited us to great nights out too, on other boats.
They were not there for long, so we were left trying to get the auto pilot sorted, as bad winds were forecast ,not good.
The marina helped us to find help but we had to wait for parts to be sent and get through customs.
Reports came back to us of difficult times for those on route to Panama. Staying the extra week meant we had to miss the san blas Islands to get to panama on time to go through the canal
However, we did see more of Bonaire, a place well visited by cruise ships.
Eileen hired a car, well a left hand drive with a gear box and a complete lack of suspension and roof!!
WE went to the national park and had to drive through. T he lack of made up roads was soon forgotten as we saw a green Iguana Within minutes of entering the park. It was lovely to spot animals and birds much more difficult to take pictures as the car signalled our arrival. We saw parrots blue lizards, who posed for us, iguanas and flamingos to name but a few. Peace and tranquillity was over whelming.
Later we got to know the local restaurants and people who were very interested in Scot-Free and our 2 person up boat!
Auto pilot fixed, sea trial completed, Time to set off for Panama to rejoin the Rally, 800miles to go
Bonaire to Panama We were lucky as the problem with the Auto Helm delayed us for a week and during this time the weather subsided somewhat and was kinder to us than our fellow Blue Water participants some of whom had their boats blown over. Knowing those ahead of us had a difficult time in winds up to 50 knots made us very cautious in our use of canvas, so we started with just a storm jib. Also we were alone but we had a working auto helm, so we could rest in 30 knot winds and waves that completely obscured our vision at times.
After 2 days we lost all wind for 36 hours and had to use all sails!
That was closely followed by a bolt shearing on the auto helm and we were back to helming for the last 3 days but the weather was good to us and although we were tired we did not suffer the knock downs and pouring water over the poop deck and into the cabin, that the others did and We arrived at Shelter Bay to be greeted by the rally people. A sight for sore eyes and aching limbs! Debs slept for 24 hours upon arriving at Panama ! Panama Canal Journey (From the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans) This was quite an experience as we were first inspected and measured and then had 3 line handlers to help us, all volunteers from the rally. The pilot, transit adviser, was literally dropped off onto the boat, and then we were 6! We were rafted up to 2 other boats with our Panama warps and proceeded to head for the first of the up locks A “monkey fist” was thrown to us to attach to each of the warps, we were forewarned that some of these have cracked hatches so we needed to catch them. By the time we were through the last of the 3 locks it was time for dinner and moored up to a buoy for the night. The pilot was lifted off to go back.
The following morning the 2 boats with us set of much faster than us so we were soon left behind and by the time we reached the down locks they were through. We were then rafted up to an American passenger boat and all the passengers were very interested in our voyage and wished us safe passage when we left. We were now moving into fresh water canals with the promise of crocodiles if we decided to swim, we didn't!
As we passed under the Bridge of the Americas we were now entering into Pacific waters and the port of Balboa, a new world. During our stay in Balboa we were greeted by carnival time, so effectively everything stopped. No repairs or servicing or getting parts for 5 days. We made the most of it, visiting the rain forest where we saw monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and huge ants making nests marching across our path carrying leaves and sticks. The carnival was fun for all ages from new born babies to the elderly. Not on the scale of some others but just as enjoyable and beer was 90 cents a tin.
Now to stock up the boat for the journey ahead and get the auto helm fixed, again.
27th Feb 2010 stop press Survived a tsunami caused by an earthquake in Chile (sadly 900 people died). No one on the rally hurt very little damage and it wont delay our journey.
20th March 2010
The trip from the perlos Island s was 9oo miles plus.
There were dolphins galore jumping around us in circles which was beautiful in the blue seas and brilliant sunshine, however it was soon sea, sea and more sea but the wind did pick up for us.
Soon there were no other boats and no life except for a few flying fish, but we did find squids on the deck,( unfortunately dead). How did they get there? Surely not jumped or flown, maybe dropped by birds we thought.
The winds were now getting stronger so we stopped worrying about the fuel capacity as we reached the equator.
Deb and I were pleased to be 2 up as we were not subject to rituals of being given hot sauce and raw eggs and shaving cream. We did dress up and took pictures of ourselves to celebrate being welcomed by King Neptune and we are now trusty Shellbacks.
The ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and other navies that commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at sea. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed (Trusty) Shellbacks, often referred to as Sons of Neptune; those who have not are nicknamed (Slimy) Pollywogs. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. The eve of the equatorial crossing is called Wog Day and, as with many other night-before rituals, is a mild type of reversal of the day to come. Wogs—all of the uninitiated—are allowed to capture and interrogate any shellbacks they can find (e.g., tying them up, cracking eggs or pouring aftershave lotion on their heads).[citation needed] This is not a thing that a true shellback will ever have happen to them.[opinion] The wogs are made very aware of the fact that it will be much harder on them if they do anything like this.
Polish line-crossing ceremony (Chrzest równikowy)
The beautiful Galapagos Islands. Arriving in the Galapagos Islands we were met by the BWR and all was well. We dropped a rear anchor as well as a fore, as it was rocky in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.
The Islands are a little expensive, especially the organised trips but there is plenty of opportunity to explore, though not in your own boat and you have to dive with a dive shop. This is part of the conservation which is paramount, Charles Darwin Centre is explicit about conservation of all the species of birds animals and sea life.
Wild life is not really the word as they are all so friendly, from Iguanas to sea lions and we have dived and snorkelled with both. Sea lions sleep in your dingy if you leave it in the water. The pictures sum it up, words are more difficult. A lot of people have gone off on trips and left their boats for others to watch and there has been a huge swell and the boats are dragging anchors. Deep joy!
The local fish market attracts sea lions, sea Iguanas and pelicans who are ready to fight each other for the fish
We are reluctant to leave here and start preparing for the longest trip in the rally, 3,000 miles to the Marquesas. Time to prepare the boat. again.
25th March set sail for Marquesas 27th March 2010 Current Position Sailing back to Galapagos Islands Encountered numerous problems including an overheating engine so decided it would be foolish to attempt 3000 miles in these circumstances so limping back to port to endure a few more days in paradise !!!!! |
