Mona Passage - April 21st-23rd
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico - April 24th-26th
Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo, P.R. - April 27th - May2nd
Being left to rely on our emergency 5 gallon water jug a few weeks ago has us considering a watermaker. No rain, and the water in our tank started growing! Nassau was suspect as there were so many microscopic particles that the filter kept clogging. Fortunately, no one got ill and the tank health is restored.
Ray in his "car".
Fernando invited the kids to sail with him. Ray is so excited because Fernando let Ray steer.
Maribel, the master paddle-boarder, is keeping up with them.
This little bay is so calm. It's calmer than being at a dock. Located on the west side of Puerto Rico, the waves have not directed themselves this way. We experienced some of the northeastern wave action from the Atlantic on the way here.
Fishermen out and about
The Mona Passage is known to be quite difficult when winds are high. The waves come across the north of Puerto Rico unbroken from the Atlantic towards the Diminican Republic. In the middle of very deep depths, over 3000 feet, there is a bank with depths as shallow as 38 feet. Wave intensity can be ferocious. The winds are generally from some easterly direction which makes a sailing trip east 3 times as long. 
Dale wanted to keep us company on our overnight watch. I think she read 2 books on our 2 night passage.
Dan was sailing along the 2nd morning and happened to notice that our port shroud was broken! My fast-acting guy tacked to ease the strain on the shroud and dropped the sails. He then reinforced that side with all the available halyards and saved our mast! Imagine how happy we were that the day involved low wind - only to 8 knots, and the waves had calmed considerably, since we had to motor 38 nm to the next port. It helped to be in the lee of Puerto Rico.
See what looks like Spanish Moss hanging off the outer left cable? There are only a few strands left holding one of the 3 cables that support the mast.
We soon realized another dilemma...... we ran out of gas for our diesel generator! Planning on sailing all the way, preparing for motoring didn't cross our minds. Plus the diesel generator doesn't use much to help charge our typically solar-powered electric motors. Usually there is plenty for all our needs.
Soon after, a ship hails us. It is the coast guard. They ask a lot of information but don't offer help. Which I expect. Generally, they rescue people if needed but not boats. But, I ask if we might obtain diesel from them and they say they will check. Then, a bunch of guys bring over, not 5, but 10 gallons of fuel for us, do a safety check and not charge us a thing. They say it's their duty to protect us since we are citizens. Rescued by the awesome coast guard!
We are so fortunate and thankful that we won't be motoring all day and night at 2 knots, now we can motor for 1 day at 4 knots!
Isla Desecheo, enroute to Mayaquez
It rained toward the evening, just a tease, without even pumping the wind up much. There were several sailing jellyfish, pink, that looked like a Barbie accessory. They were too fast for me to get a picture but I will always remember that strange sight. We thought at first that they were pink plastic cups thrown overboard by a cruise ship.
After midnight, we motor into the big bay of Mayaquez, the closest port. This is the 3rd biggest city in Puerto Rico and the water shows the effects. The following day we prepare to clear in with customs just as a rainstorm blows in, which blows us off our anchor. Happy that we were still on the boat, we finally use 2 anchors to hold us in the mucky muck.
I wouldn't recommend anyone clearing in here, though it is supposed to be an easy port of entry. The paperwork was easy but they have no dinghy dock only a huge, industrial dock to tie up the giant ferries. They suggested we beach our boat nearby, which was very shallow with surf and smell. We found later that the prop was damaged there.
Finally, we found an appropriate dock to tie up near a park within walking distance. There were flowering trees, very colorful houses, a horse with extra long mane and friendly people on the way.
A woman named Tanya directed us to another dock with a grocery store within walking distance. I could get my half & half fix! We were starting to get so low on food that we started being creative enough to know that, really, we still had a lot of food! I made more loaves of bread that didn't turn out brick-like! Split pea soup, yum, yum. Lots of rice! More sushi!
(by the way, all the beer is diet beer. It's "light" and only 10 ounces. What's up with that?)
Happily, on Saturday morning, we motored on to cleaner water. Awaiting parts here amidst late night music and early morning rooster rousings along with dogs barking and a symphony of animal sounds to wake up to. Pretty nice.
After pestering my bosses so much about letting me field check the maps we drew of Puerto Rico, I finally get to see it from the ground!
Marty
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