S/V Summer Place: February 2018

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.