April - May 2014
Okay so it’s been a little slow going keeping up to date on the blog. Although slow going seems to have been the theme of Dream Odyssey for the last 5-6 weeks. Have had a couple of mechanical issues arise that although not inherently difficult to resolve proved to be time consuming. First the language barrier but then after overcoming that, getting parts required shipped from the US to a town in Dominican Republic (DR), waiting for customs clearance and trying to avoid ludicrous import fees all came in to make it a bit of a frustrating time.
However with that being said it still isn’t a bad way to be spending my time. Amongst the waiting and frustration there have a been the good points too.
While I was in the Turks & Caicos (TCI) got a few nice dives in over a couple of days. Clear water, great wall drop offs, no crowds and being able to anchor in sand within swimming distance of the dive sites. My week spent in TCI went quick, and there were a few days with a hefty breeze blowing through ensuring that the best way to spend the day was anchored up in the best lee protection I could find. And then before I knew it I was poised off the southern most island, which happened to have an awesome beach and no development, awaiting my window to make the trip to DR. Didn’t have to wait long though, the hefty breeze that had been up passed and a calm came upon the sea. Hence my 12 hour passage south to Puerto Plata, DR was spent largely underway under power of engine rather than sail and not a drop of water sprayed onto the deck.
Now the DR… that’s where the waiting and frustration took hold. I really don’t have a whole lot to report on my time there. The locals were friendly, and it was a bit of a change from the time I had spent in the country years previously. It was just difficult to fully enjoy it while knowing that even if I had wanted to I couldn't move on until repairs were done. Needless to say, once the waiting was over and things were back up and running I pretty much high tailed it out of there and made way for San Juan, Puerto Rico (PR)
The same calmness of the seas was not experienced for this passage. Winds right on the nose and although not exactly gale force it was relentless and consistent for the just under 200 mile run. I was a pretty happy camper when the city of San Juan came into sight and I knew from a visit years ago that there was a large protected harbour to accommodate and welcome. A few days in San Juan, a little wondering about and getting to shops. A nice little novelty of being back in “civilisation” after the weeks spent sat in a small town. Since I have moved to the east coast of PR which is where I find myself now, just getting a few bits and pieces in order, doing the chores and will stock up a little before heading further east to the Virgin Islands.
The next update in the weeks to come will for sure have more glorious details to share, until then……
