Thursday 17 April 2014

When finally graced by the official host, very polite all, cockpit was chockers with jack-booted multitude. Animated Spanish conversation and pointed questions from translator elevated angst for potential imminent expulsion, but, as the fellow who fell from a tall building thought to himself passing 25th floor, "so far so good!". We were allowed ashore for sustenance and requisite, previously alluded to, medicinal ministrations. However, snorkeler due 0900, may impose grievous recompense for befouling pristine World Heritage Site environment. Despite highly toxic anti-fouling treatment in Grenada, thorough cleaning of bottom was prohibitively prolonged after using a tankful of air at La Cruz Huanacoxle (additional juvenile cackle)and bulk of speed-robbing encrustation was removed, but with some soft growth remaining and heavy barnacles on bottom of keel.

Although wifi is reputed to be available by virtue of free, but highly censored government network, this has been another wicked deception, perpetrated, no doubt, by the forces of evil that pervade all human activity and have invade our brains to... Ouch... Jan just slapped me, so I'm OK now.

After bottom inspection, must deliver ourselves ashore to present at immigration as able 1000. Assuming no finding of moral turpitude (records have been sequestered) expect to be allowed to stay for maximum 20 days without official autografo.

- Later

Just got word that bottom of keel sufficiently encrusted with barnacles it may be necessary to remove boat 40 NM offshore to chisel them off, then get reinspected. Awaiting Port Captain decision. Of course, tomorrow is a holiday and then the weekend. Guess the critters know not to spawn until later next week.

Satisfaction with Sea Hawk ablative including TBT (stuff that's banned due toxicity for private yachts (but not the Navy) in US, New Zealand and Australia) at lowest ebb. Further info as story develops.

Jack