04/23/2012 THROUGH 04/29/2012 FROM THE ABACOS TO THE USA

MONDAY 04/23/2012 GREEN TURTLE CLUB MARINA

We walked around the bay to the lovely Bluff House Marina (www.BluffHouse.com) for a breezy lunch on their deck that overlooks White Sound.  This would make a great alternative to Green Club Marina in the future.

In the afternoon we again bicycled in to New Plymouth in search of tortillas (found at Curry’s Sunset Grocery), a little dessert from McIntosh’s Bakery and a sample of the famous Goombay Smash from Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar.  This mighty tasty rum punch is known all over the Abacos and in not so sickly sweet as some.

A LITTLE SWEETS FROM MCINTOSH BAKERY

MISS EMILY'S BLUE BEE BAR

A LITTLE "SMASH" AT THE BLUE BEE BAR

On our ride back to Quest we made a detour to the sweeping Gillam Bay for a leisurely walk along the shore.  A couple of guys were netting small fish to be used as bait on their next fishing expedition, sometime after these wicked winds die down.

GILLAM BAY

NETTING BAIT FISH

The restaurant and bar was like a bee hive tonight, filled with people delighted to be out and about without getting drenched.  Once again, we have found that the local staff is most accommodating and delightfully cheerful.  Reene, the hostess had us charmed with her quick wit and Debbie, the bartender, kept us coming back for her yummy cocktails and delightful demeanor.  We made plans with Tom and Cheryl on S/V Cinderella to share a golf cart for some exploration and an easier ride to town. 

TUESDAY 04/24 2012 GREEN TURTLE CLUB MARINA

With the winds still billowy but the skies dry, I was able to utilize the nice laundry facility at the marina and get everything clean for the upcoming trip home to the US.  It was a busy place this morning as everyone is preparing to move as the storm passes on and the winds let up.  Tomorrow is looking like the perfect day with more pleasant days to follow.

The golf cart proved to be a great diversion and we explored the Coco Bay area and revisited the Bluff House for an afternoon cocktail before heading into New Plymouth for Tom and Cheryl to provision up.  They have been here numerous times while working as captain and steward on motor yachts and were a wealth of useful information and local knowledge.

CHERYL, TOM AND DAN READY TO ZIP OFF IN OUR CUTE LITTLE CART

WEDNESDAY 04/25/2012 STARTING OFF ON THE FIRST LEG OF OUR JOURNEY BACK TO THE US

64 NM TO AN ANCHORAGE OFF GRAND CAY AND SANDY CAY

After an early breakfast at the club, completing the departure check list and paying our bill for the last four days we were off on the first leg of our trip to the Florida coast.  Both Green Turtle Club and the Bluff House have a great incentive plan to entice the boaters to their doors.  Your daily dockage fee can be applied to all food and beverages purchased at the restaurant and bar.  So take Quest at 53’ times 1.95/foot equals $103.35 per day that can be used for food and drinks.  Not such a bad deal, especially since the food is really good, the facilities splendid and the folks super nice.  The docks were emptying out on this glorious day as boaters took advantage of the favorable conditions to move on.

QUEST'S HOME AT GREEN TURTLE CLUB

We reached our night’s anchorage off Grand Cay around 5:30 and took our last dip of this journey in the beautiful Bahamian waters, Dan checking the anchor for purchase and both of us giving the hull a little scrubbing at the water line.  We opted not to dink to the island but this is one of the preferred retreats to which President Nixon would escape for a peaceful regeneration during his tenure.

BLESS BTC (BAHAMIAN TEL)
THERE IS DECENT PHONE SERVICE ALMOST EVERYWHERE

 THURSDAY 04/26/2012  AND WE’RE OFF!

After a blissful night’s sleep in this comfortable anchorage we were ready to begin our long journey to St. Augustine on Florida’s coastline.  The weather was still most favorable and we were off.  Passing Grand Cay we took the cut that would take us out of the Bahamas Banks and out into the ocean.  Dan set our course and Quest was comfortable making the passage in deep waters.

 During the lazy day we had a humongous sea turtle lolling off our port side in the sapphire blue waters and found a stowaway aboard just before sunset.  Since we were more than 60 miles from any body of land we were perplexed by this little Bananaquit’s visit.  First he showed up in the pilot house, just as chipper and unabashed as you please.  Slowly I worked him out to the open stern door and slid the screen closed.  Thinking this was the end of it I headed back to the pilot house to continue my watch.  I filled Dan in on my adventure when he got up from his short nap and he had no problems believing me because the little guy was right there sitting in the galley.  He showed no fear of us and never freaked out like most birds do when becoming entrapped in a house.  Again I got him out but shut all possible reentry points to avoid a replay.  I don’t know how long he stayed aboard Quest but he sat looking in the pilothouse window for quite some time, wandered up to check out the anchor pulpit and strolled down the side handrails.

OUR CURIOUS BANANAQUIT STOWAWAY

FRIDAY 04/27/2012 HELLO USA!

223 NM TRAVELED FROM GRAND CAY TO ST. AUGUSTINE MOORING FIELD

Around midnight our predicted pristine weather took a major leap to the “dark side” with winds abruptly soaring into the 20s from the west, some gusts near 30.  Dan fought it for a while then made the smart choice to alter Quest’s course and headed towards New Smyrna on Florida’s eastern coast.  Once we got a little closer to shore the winds and smacking waves drastically let up and we again turned north towards St. Augustine, enjoying the return of tranquil conditions.

By 1:30 we had made it through the St. Augustine Cut and picked up a mooring ball in the Salt Run Mooring Field.  After calling the Department of Homeland Security to report our arrival back in to the USA, we received clearance from Customs and Immigration over the phone and did not have to report in.  Our membership in the SVRS (small vessel reporting system) made this so easy!

THE LIGHTHOUSE RIGHT OFF OUR ANCHORAGE IN SALT RUN

Chores done, we were able to make calls, once again, to family and friends without the terrifying threat of unmerciful charges.  We didn’t even take the tender over to the lovely town of St. Augustine but, instead, opted for dinner overlooking Salt Run at the Conch House then made it an early night in an attempt to catch up with the previous night’s lack of sleep. 

SATURDAY 04/28/2012  LOOK OUT JACKSONVILLE, HERE WE COME!

50 NM

This morning Quest exited the St. Augustine Cut and made the day’s run on the outside instead of taking the ICW to Jacksonville.  There was a mass exodus as sailboats, yacht and weekend fishermen took advantage of the calm seas.  We saw several large fishing trawlers at work with their massive wings spread and their nets sifting the waters.

SHRIMP TRAWLER CRUISING THE WATERS NEAR THE J
ST. JOHNS RIVER INLET TO JACKSONVILLE

Entering the Jacksonville Cut was reminiscent of merging onto a freeway.  Boaters were zipping in and out, small fishing boats congregating around the breakwater to cast their lines, ferries following their coarse, military ships docked, dredges digging up the ever present silt, tugs assisting ships and barges in the channel and a mass of folks enjoying the balmy day at the beach.  Whew!  It’s a lot for this nosy girl to take in!   

FERRY TRAFFIC HAS THE "RIGHT OF WAY"

THE MILITARY PRESENCE

THERE IS ALWAYS DREDGE WORK NEEDED TO KEEP THE CHANNELS OPEN

THE TUGS KEEP EVERYTHING RUNNING SMOOTHLY

MILITARY DRY DOCK

Meandering up the busy St. Johns River we passed the Mayport Naval Air Station, the Coast Guard Station, bustling shipyards with boat in dry docks for maintenance and repairs, huge car haulers unloading their precious cargo and a few dolphin vying for our attention. 

A LITTLE LUXURY IN DRY DOCK

                                                                                                                                                                                Our Newfoundland friends on S/V Whisper were on the dock at free Jacksonville Landing to grab our lines and dole out welcome hugs.  The last time we saw Vic and Marilyn was just before going to Miami for our run to Bimini.  They spent the winter in Cuba and had many stories to tell. 

MARILYN AND VIC WERE A WELCOME SIGHT ON SHORE

WHISPER BACK FROM CUBA

DAN AND VIC GETTING A BREW

The Jacksonville Landing had a constant turnover of young dancers performing on their stage all day long and we cheered and clapped for them all.  Marilyn and Vic had gotten tickets at the adjacent Jacoby Symphony Hall for Cirque de La Symphonie and we spent the evening being awed by the circus like performers and the magnificent symphony orchestra.  Thanks to Vic and Marilyn for making the arrangements!!

04/29/2012 SUNDAY IN JACKSONVILLE LANDING

This morning brought a thorough rinse down of the salty Quest and then a stroll around town before meeting Marilyn and Vic for a leisurely ride around in the con-Quest.  I had no idea of the massiveness of the mighty river that rushes past Jacksonville.  Once under the train bridge the current dies down and the river opens up into a warren of lakes and rivers lined with beautiful homes as well as private clubs.  What an perfectly divine afternoon spent relaxing with friends and seeing new sights.

04/15/2012 THROUGH 4/20/2012 THE BAHAMAS

SUNDAY 04/15/2012 “ WELCOME HOME” TO COMPASS CAY http://compasscaymarina.com/marina.html

THE NEW SIGN AT THE ENTRANCE

19 NM

Fresh supplies are running shy on Quest and, this being Sunday; the little markets in Staniel Cay are all closed.  We made a quick run in the tender to Sampson Cay’s marina store.  This is such a beautiful marina and resort we are having a hard time figuring our why we have neglected to stay here in the past.  On our next trip through, we will remedy that slip-up.

With the wind continuing, we skirted out of our anchorage and traveled the 9 NM to Compass Cay and were warmly “welcomed home” by Preston and Jamal at the dock.  It is a snug harbor to seek shelter in a blow and was occupied by several yachts.  Quest got a good rinse down, we satisfied our hunger with a couple Compass Cay lunch burgers, inspected the advances in the building of a new tiki hut, paid our respects to the resident nurse sharks and then took a walk over the hill to watch the effects of the blustery weather on the east facing beach.

WORKING ON THE NEW TIKI HUT

THIS WAY TO THE BIG BEACH

ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME RIGHT ON
THE COMPASS CAY BEACH

LOVING BEING HERE!

MONDAY 4/16/2012 COMPASS CAY

Feeling totally comfortable with the familiar and seeking refuge from the blow we opted to spend another day at Compass.  We used our time exploring in the con-Quest.  Skirting in and out of the numerous coves, tarrying on the unblemished beaches, swimming in the refreshing waters and ogling the nurse sharks that inhabit the marina filled our day. 

QUEST DOCKED AT COMPASS CAY

TUESDAY 4/17/2012 HIGHBOURNE MARINA  www.highbourncaybahamas.com

41 NM

With the wind down we found smooth sailing on the bank.  Surprise, surprise!  Dan spied Meant To Be sailing north too.  We hailed them on the radio and wished them a safe journey.

HIGHBOURNE CAY MARINA

Highbourne Cay Marina proved to be a delightful destination with sturdy docks, a nicely stocked store, an inviting beach with lounge chairs and a restaurant with a great view.  Even though we planned on spending only one night before moving on, said plans had been amended by the time we had our first cocktail while watching the sun setting over the pristine waters.

WEDNESDAY 4/18/2012 THE PERFECT DAY IN PARADISE

After establishing that we might spend another day in paradise, we grabbed a couple of the marina bicycles and took off to peddle the small island and seek out the many beaches.  The expansive east facing beach offered over 3 miles of beach combing and we spent quite a bit of time there.  Next we jumped into con-Quest for a more thorough “look-see” around the area.  Everything is so close here that we were able to investigate many nearby anchorages, snorkel several reefs and place our footprints on unmarred sandy beaches before heading back to the marina.  During the later afternoon Dan took the con- out fishing and returned with a nice Skipjack. 

A RAY RIGHT IN THE MARINA

THURSDAY 04-19-2012  ON TO SPANISH WELLS IN THE ELEUTHERA ISLANDS

57 NM

Today we finally made it out of my beloved Exumas and into the more populated Eleutheras.  Our destination of Spanish Wells is located in the far north of the island chain.  We entered the long cut which makes up Spanish Wells and runs between St. Georges Cay (Spanish Wells town) and Russell Island on the western part and Charles Island on the eastern section. We first anchored just off Gun Point but then pulled up and repositioned to the south of Charles Island for a better fit.

ENTRANCE TO SPANISH WELLS CHANNEL

This port is all about the fishing industry.  Seventy percent of the annual Bahamian lobster is harvested by the Spanish Wells fishing fleet.  

THE WALL LINED WITH FISHING BOATS

 The homes here were charmingly colorful and neatly maintained. It appeared to us that a large slice of the population was not comprised of local natives but made up of Canadians or US expats. 

LOVELY PASTEL COLORED HOMES

SAIL BEACH HOUSE WAS CHARMINGLY PERCHED RIGHT ON THE OCEAN
www.sailbeach.com/photos.htm

FRIDAY 04/20/2012  THE ABACOS

SUNRISE SPANISH WELLS AREA

75 NM

Today’s travels brought us from the Eleuthera Island, across the Northeast Providence Channel and into the Abaco Islands.  This chain of islands will be the last on our journey before heading off to the good old USA. 

We dropped anchor east of Marsh Harbor, just off Matt Lowes Cay (named after an infamous 18^th century turtle, wrecker and part time pirate) and John Cash Point.  Today we didn’t even venture off of Quest for a tour of the island.  Tomorrow will bring a front of more gusty weather and we pushed hard today to reach this point. By noon on the marrow we hope to be secured in a marina and ready for the next couple of days on land.

SATURDAY 04/21/2012 SEEKING THE SHELTER OF THE GREEN TURTLE CLUB MARINA
http://www.greenturtleclub.com/

 

CERULEAN SKIES WITH WISPY WHITE SWIRLS AND
GATHERING DISMAL THREATS

26 NM

It was anchor up relatively early and before noon we had ventured out into Whale Channel where the waters were still calm.  Before noon we had reached Green Turtle Cay where we would dock for the duration of the quickly approaching storm.  The marina has a great thing going for the boaters who choose to stop here.  The dockage is 1.95/foot with all your meals and drinks in their restaurant deducted from the fee.  Nice!  We quickly made dinner reservations in the “formal” dining room for tonight then took our bikes down for a jaunt into New Plymouth, the island’s town.

GREEN TURTLE CAY MARINA

The island was first settled by Revolutionary War Loyalists and is reminiscent of an old New England fishing village with its clapboard cottages and white picket fences.  The early inhabitants were skilled boat builders and fishermen and the now endangered green turtles once were found here in abundance.   

This is also the home of the talented Lowe family.  Father, Albert Lowe, created fabulous carved ship models and his son Vertrum has followed in his footsteps while his other son, Alton, is a world know painter and his works can be found in some of the homes of world leaders as well as reproduced on Bahamian postage stamps.

  SUNDAY 04/22/2012 GREEN TURTLE CAY MARINA  

WIND AND RAIN AND MORE WIND

  Sometime after midnight the wind announced it presence with power be interrupted and lines moaning with the strain.  Oh how nice to be safely tied up though.  Around 10:30 AM we were seeing gusts up to 38 and watching a couple of unlucky sailboats frantically attempting to reposition their drifting vessels under blustery conditions and the pouring rain. Although the afternoon brought some interludes of sunshine, the wind never took a hiatus. 

WITH THE WIND HOWELING AND THE WAVES SLAPPING AGAINST THE BOATS,
WE ALL HUNKERED DOWN WITHIN THE SAFETY OF OUR SECURED VESSELS

04/09/2012 THROUGH 04/14/2012 THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO THE BAHAMAS

MONDAY AND TUESDAY  (4/09 AND 4/10) OCEAN WORLD IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

We used these two days to recuperate from our long run from Saint Martin; lounging around the pool, cooling dips into the water,  enjoying the luxury of having our laundry done, dining back at Ahora as well as doing some preparation cooking for our next long travel leg.

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (4/11 AND 4/12) SETTING OFF FROM SANTO DOMINGO

With a promising weather window for the next few days, we checked out, paid our bill and set off for ports north around 9:30.  Our planned coarse will take us northeast past Inagua, the Acklins and Crookeds then up Long Island and across to Emerald Bay on Great Exuma.

Thankfully the seas and wind were quiet as Dan and I both succumbed to some mysterious malady that had me hugging the trash can and Dan making frequent trips to the head. 

We had curious dolphin checking us out for a short time and somehow managed to snag a rope out in the middle of nowhere.  Dan was able to dislodge it and it proved no hindrance but it will have to be checked out once we reach our destination.  He is getting pretty good at cutting those buggers of the shaft.

By Thursday morning we were slipping between the islands of Inagua and Little Inagua.  Later in the morning Dan discovered a whale spouting and leaping in the distance.  By 3:30 we had the Acklins in sight and before 5:00 we were passing the picturesque lighthouse on the southern point, Castle Rock, in the Mira Por Vos Passage.  As night descended upon us, we were happily scooting along in the Crooked Island Passage towards Long Island.

CASTLE ROCK LIGHTHOUSE

FRIDAY  (4/13) ARRIVING BACK IN THE EXUMAS

423 NM AND 55 HOURS LATER

In the wee small hours of the morning Dan altered our course to insure a smoother passage.  The wind and waves had picked up slightly and Quest was doing a bit of lobbing from side to side.  Our new sailing direction brought us west of Long Island and to the south of Great Exuma, protected from the developing elements and traveling peacefully. 

Heading to Black Point for the night, we found it absolutely mandatory to again alter our course.  Right off our portside, about a mile and a half, Dan discovered a menacing waterspout threatening to interfere with our intended route plans.  Again, change of plans!! (Remember, we’re nothing if not flexible!)  After making the necessary coarse modifications to steer clear of the ‘water tornado”, we watched as it slowly lost its form and its strength dissipated.

THIS BABY DEFINITELY GOT OUR ATTENTION!

We dropped anchor off Great Guana Cay, shut off the engines that had been working hard for the last 55 hours and welcomed the quiet that engulfed us.  I took a quick swim in the transparent aqua sea while Dan did a little rope-clearing maintenance. It was loosely wrapped around the shaft and Dan just tugged it free and hauled it up for the requisite photo opportunity.

THE BLOODY CULPRIT THAT

We marveled again at the beauty of the Exumas and concluded that our venturing on the Quest to the Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands or St. Martin would probably never occur again.  The Bahamian water is remarkably clearer with viable aquatic life, the boaters are typically occupants in their own vessels and not quick-change charters and the islands are located so near our US shore. 

WHY WE SO LOVE THE EXUMAS

SATURDAY (4/14) AND A NIGHT ANCHORED AT BIG MAJORS

Oh, what a wonderful night at anchor!  The wind, however, has arrived with considerable force.  Being on the bank side offers much protection and we are able to move on.  We pulled into Black Point and dropped the anchor, expecting to go ashore for some of Loraine’s Mom’s bread.  For some reason the anchor didn’t take purchase and we began to drift under the influence of the forceful winds.  Phooey! We decided to just pack it in and continue our journey past Sampson Cay and on to the Big Majors anchorage. 

Again, Quest’s anchor did not get a good latch into the sandy bottom.  This time we pulled it in, did some re-positioning and sat it again.  This seemed just too weird because we NEVER have dragging problems due to Dan’s mastery of this anchoring thing and more than ample chain and rope to give us plenty of line on the bottom.  Once Dan thought we were good, he did a little dive on the anchor which reaffirmed his positive opinion of our security.  With concerns of Quest drifting dispelled, we headed for the cruisers beach.  Jim and Janie from Pirate, along with numerous other trawler residents, were enjoying the glorious afternoon and we were happy to join them. 

04/02/2012 THROUGH 04/08/2012 CULEBRA TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

MONDAY 04/02/2012 ENSENADA HONDA ANCHORAGE ON CULEBRA

136 NM FROM ST MARTIN STARTING YESTERDAY

Our night run was peaceful with calm waters and around 4:00 AM we were skirting south of the twinkling lights on the Island of St. Thomas.  We pulled into the anchorage of Ensenada Honda back at Culebra in the Spanish Virgins around 8:30 after traveling 136 NM.  After napping we were ready to tender ashore and explore the town of Dewey.  We found that the ferry from Farjardo on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico had just arrived and day tourists flocked ashore looking for vans to Flamenco Beach.  We stopped at Zaco’s Tacos for a most delicious lunch then deserted the island for a serene swim off Luis Pena’s Cay, a Natural Reserve island just west of Dewey.  The waters are so lovely and warm this time of the year!  I don’t even have to brace myself to jump in.

TUESDAY 04/03/2012  ON TO PATILLAS IN PUERTO RICO

49 NM

This morning set of for the southern coast of mainland Puerto Rico.  The waters were so calm and beautiful; I had almost forgotten how blissful it could be. 

Our destination, Patillas, was void of any anchored boats.  We crept in between the submerged reefs, dropped anchor then went ashore to check things out.  The homes were neat and tidy and there was a lovely park with permanent kiosks that looked to be open on weekends.  After our walk we ambled through the park and found several tents right off the beach and stopped at the one open kiosk for an evening drink before returning to Quest.  Well, at least that was our plan.  A group of locals were singing, laughing, visiting and having a great time.  They quickly took us under their wing and soon we were communicating through broken English/Spanish and signs.  Thankfully Milli, who works for Jet Blue, came to our rescue and things got much easier for us.  Our new friends operate a restaurant in San Lorenzo and have invited us for a good time on Thursday.  It was well after dark, after a couple of drinks and after a night swim before we made it back to quest.  This evening was truly what we wish for in our travels and we enjoyed every minute.  And yes, Cheryl, I am going to learn Spanish this summer so pass on that information about the Guatemala language schools!

THE PATILLAS BEACH

WEDNESDAY 04/04/2012 A NICE RUN TO PONCE, PUERTO RICO

39 NM

The good thing about returning to previously visited ports is that you kind of have the hang of it when you get there.  Earlier in the day we had called the marina on the phone requesting a slip.  Dan gave the fuel dock a call on the radio as we approached and found them busy fueling-up boats for the upcoming busy holiday weekend.  No problem, we just dropped the hook and waited our turn.  While Dan was pumping the fuel ($$$$), I headed for the office to check in and see if Enterprise had a car for us.  By the time we had finished pumping the liquid gold into Quest and gotten her to the assigned slip, the Enterprise guy was there to shuttle me to their office while Dan finished hooking the boat up to power and water.  Talk about efficiency!  We got it down, folks!

THURSDAY 04/05/2012  PONCE, PUERTO RICO

Today was filled with the chores of laundry, provisioning and finding some extra engine oil in case our Quest develops an unexpected thirst.  By early evening we were ready to take off in search our new found Patillas Beach friend’s restaurant.

Milli had written out the address and her phone number on a napkin that Dan proceeded to tuck into his pocket just before we all took a dip in the ocean on Tuesday night in Patillas.  Off we went with our tattered and ragged direction for parts unknown.  We opted to go east along the coast then up the windy little mountain road that would take us to San Lorenzo and Vicki’s restaurant, El Escondite.  Traveling higher and higher up the mountain brought us past a lake, huge stands of towering bamboo, lush foliage, rivers and charming homes.  All this was accompanied by the welcomed cooler temperatures and the chirping of the tree frogs.  This was some of the most beautiful sights we had seen and we were so grateful to have chosen this route to our destination.

We made it almost to their doorstep but couldn’t quite find it, even after numerous stops to inquire from passersby. Finally we gave Milli a call on her cell and she talked us right to it.  Don’t think we would ever have found it without her!  Vicki and her husband treated us to some truly scrumptious Puerto Rican food.  Nothing was pre-packaged or purchased frozen.  The fried tostones patties were made from fresh plantains and the mofongo were rich with garlic and oil.  Thanks so much for our taste of real Puerto Rican culture as well as its delicious foods.

VICKI AND HUSBAND WORKING IN THEIR  KITCHEN

JUST HANGING OUT WITH THE LOCALS

FRIDAY 04/06/2012 PONCE TO JOYUDA ON PUERTO RICO’S WESTERN SHORE

47 NM

With a great weather window approaching on Saturday for crossing to the Dominican Republic we moved on to the western coast of the island to be ready for an early start.  We did wake up to quite a surprise in the slip nest to ours.  a boat was tied up in the slip next to Quest when we returned from our escapades last night, all nice and tidy.  Well, this morning things were not looking so good.  Sometime during the night, unbeknownst to us, the boat quietly sank and flipped.  Holy cow!  Let me remind you that it is Good Friday of Easter weekend and that even the marina office and fuel dock are closed today.  Everyone is playing on this lovely Friday but this guy is really going to be unhappy when he arrives with his friends and family for a day on the water.  We were off before anyone was able to make contact with him and Dan was bummed that we would miss all the excitement of  raising the boat.

OOPSIE!

It is so nice to be back out on the water again and doubly nice to have the prevailing winds of the winter done and gone.  The conditions are once again calm and delightful for a day’s sail.  We are expecting our crossing of the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to be much more pleasant than the crossing from the west two months ago.

We anchored in Joyuda, took a dip from the swim deck, barbecued on board and made an early evening of it in preparation for our long journey that will begin at sunrise tomorrow morning.

SATURDAY 04/07/2012 A LOVELY DAY UNDER NEAR-PERFECT CONDITIONS

Our long day began early as we pulled up anchor and were underway by 6:20.  The weather was most cooperative and the seas were a lovely, boring calm.  At one point this morning four dolphin joined in escorting the Quest for a brief period and we sighted yachts, fishing vessels and ships throughout the day.

OUR ESCORTS

EVENING APPROACHING ON THE OPEN SEAS

SUNDAY 04/08/2012 HAPPY EASTER TO ALL AS WE ARRIVE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

228 NM TRAVELED OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS

Throughout much of the night we were within sight of the lights of the Dominican Republic coast.  It gives you kind of a warm feeling to see the welcoming lights.  This is so different from our rough eastward crossing just two short months ago and I thank the “sea-gods” for making amends. 

Before noon we were tied up at the Ocean World Marina’s fuel dock, waiting for DR Customs and Navy before taking on fuel to replenish our thirsty tanks.  After their visit to the boat, Dan did immigration right at the marina office and we were ready to satiate Quest then move on to our slip. 

The cooler temperatures (probably just under 80) with cloudy skies made for a comfortable afternoon but we did succumb to the inviting pool as we took a quick dip.  Being Easter Sunday, we were not sure if our favorite little local restaurant would be open.  Not to worry!  As we approached Ahora on the beach we found it opened and welcoming.  The beach was bustling with local families swimming, playing games and just generally enjoying their time together.  We found a spot overlooking all this activity, sipped our fabulous mojitos and enjoyed an early supper.  By 6:00 the beach had totally emptied out and everyone was heading home after a wonderful Easter weekend. 

Back on Quest we made sure all the windows were closed and the hatch down in preparation for the anticipated rains.  Good thing because the skies opened up and it poured down most of the night!

03/26/2012 THROUGH 04/01/2012 STILL IN ST. MARTIN

 ST. MARTIN

During this past week we experienced some extremely humid and hot days that had us all whining and an unbearable visitation of mosquitoes at the Hanson’s charming abode.  Dick, who is never bothered by the pesky critters, developed an allergic reaction to their attack and I finally convinced them to join me on the Quest.  I was most grateful for their company.

CHERYL AND DICK "DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY" AT PEG LEGS

We paid a visit to Phillipsburg, the capitol city on the Dutch side for some light shopping one day and on Wednesday we went to Marigot on the French side for Hanson haircuts and cocktails with Richard and Barbara Feingold before they flew home on Thursday.

Dan finally made it back here on Thursday and we all welcomed him at the airport.  We spent the evening on Quest where Dick, recovering nicely from his allergic reaction to the voracious mosquitoes, made us a scrumptious pasta dish for dinner.  Stories were passed around as we updated Dan on our recent activities and he reported on Vermont news. 

WATCHING DAN'S JET BLUE FLIGHT ARRIVE

Friday saw Dick and Cheryl leaving St. Martin to return home to Vermont.  I will surely miss their company.  Thank goodness they were here to amuse me during Dan’s prolonged absence.

By the way, contrary to our high expectations, Dan did not hold one of the willing tickets for the $640 million Mega Million jackpot.  So sad!

Saturday morning brought a flurry of activity in the marina as weekly charters returned in the morning and new, bright eyed sailors arrived for their upcoming week on the water. Dan noticed that a runabout would escort the returning vessels through the tricky harbor entrance then a captain would jump aboard and dock them.  This eliminated much of the true excitement of possible (and probable) catastrophes that often occur while docking the boats.

After exhausting this avenue of amusement and checking the current weather, I had had enough! It is really time to move on!  I did the check-out on the provided computer while Dan filled Quest with water and paid up our bill.  It was a tad bit rough right at first but most of the 9 miles traveled was just fine.  We dropped anchor at Grand Case, sunned on the deck in a lovely breeze, took a swim then headed to shore for a walk and dinner.  How nice it is to be out on the water!

GRAND CASE FROM THE WATER

Sunday found us again enjoying the benefits of anchoring.  Dan jumped into the warm waters of the bay and gave the con-Quest a good scrub to eliminate the gross buildup of green slime that had accumulated on her bottom in the marina.  We strolled on the beach then plopped down at Calmos Café to use their free Internet, sample their tasty lunch menu and spend some time just sunning on their beach chairs, taking time out to dip our warm bodies in the refreshing water. 

QUEST AT ANCHOR IN GRAND CASE

By 3:30 we were back on Quest, pulling up anchor and heading off for our night run to Culebra with light breezes and calm seas.