We are up before the sun to
prepare for an early departure. Weighing
anchor at 07:00 we wave good-bye to Scott on Dulcinea. It will be a long day with Aqua Verde more
than 50 nautical miles away. The sky is
still overcast, without rain. The wind
was directly opposite our desired direction.
Motoring gives us the opportunity to fill the water tanks. Five hours later and about 80 gallons of
fresh water, the tanks are full. After
passing out of the wind shadow of Isla San Jose, the wind moves 40 degrees to
starboard allowing us to sail for 2.5 hours.
The quiet was amazing, whisking along at 5 to 6 knots on wind power
alone.
 |
| Roca Negra |
 |
| Isla Santa Cruz |
 |
| Bahia Aqua Verde |
 |
| Roca Solitaria |
As we approach Aqua Verde we
prepare to anchor amongst the six existing boats. Finding a nice place to settle down for the
night at a depth of 17 feet, we can hear the waves lapping at the shore. Unable
to tuck back behind the reef for protection, there is a gentle rocking motion
of the boat. The sky is nearly free of
clouds as the sun prepares to set. Reg
and Sharon from S/V Pea Soup came over in their dinghy to welcome us and invite
us to a dinghy raft up tomorrow afternoon.
Tomorrow is also Susan's birthday.
I should have them all sing to her.
Susan's Birthday - Aqua Verde
After a good night at anchor with
gentle rocking of the boat we wake to the birds chattering and the sun
shining. The sky is finally clear of
clouds. Checking in with Mom and Dad
using the satellite phone, I am regaled with a rendition of Happy
Birthday.
Before noon we are in the dinghy
and headed across the bahia to explore. The
reef where we snorkeled in 2016 is still inhabited by a variety of birds above
and a variety of fish in amongst the rocks.
The shore has some interesting rock formations that appear to be
balancing by the thinnest of pedestal. We
go ashore on the beach that is populated.
Walking inland along the dirt roads, the homes are basic with little
amenities, but neat and clean. Dogs,
turkeys, chickens, and some pigs roam loose, while the goats are in pins. We have landed at the wrong location to find
the tienda, but there is an eating establishment where we decide to have lunch.
After an exchange of broken Spanish, we
are served two flour tacos, one carne asade and the other fish. It is very pleasant on the beach under the
thatched roof.
Back at the boat, dinner is
prepared and set in the frig to cool ahead of time. We have a date to raft up with the other
boaters in out anchorage this afternoon.
At four P.M. dingies and paddle boards converge in the bay to share
snacks and shoot the breeze.
A pretty good birthday, one I can
remember fondly for many years.
 |
| Susan's Birthday Lunch |
 |
| Susan's Birthday Dinner |
 |
| Rafting up with fellow boaters |
 |
| Looking east at sun rays of sunset in the west |
