March 29

Sad to say hasta la vista to Luperon. Fun times with good people, gringos and locals, but new discovery beckons, so thus I will away... huh?. Dispatcheo will be delivered after inspection of boat at 1700 ('at 1700' being a relative expression meaning sometime this afternoon, probably) by Commandante or one of his minions, after which boat will ('will' actually means any possibility greater than zero) be moved to Pinzon anchorage at mouth of bay for departure around 0400 tomorrow. Currently planning short hop to Sosua in the morning, followed by long run to Escondido tomorrow night to give seas more time to lay down tonight and still make Boqueron Thursday morning. This will (see above) happen.

A leap of faith is required to believe trades will abate tomorrow, as wind is whipping through anchorage at 15 to 20, now. Probably 20 to 25 outside, paralleling coast.

Spent afternoon changing oil/filter, checking heat exchanger zinc and battery water. Plan diving on prop to check barnacles and zinc after moving to cleaner water. Anchor and chain may require goo-ectomy after laying abottom for a week.

Hope to maintain contact with several boats during progression to US territory. Puerto Rico soon to be 'eat up' with ex-Luperoners.

- Later

Bugger! Have been led astray by evil forces, we shall call them Don and Ken, who have forced multiple rums upon a completely innocent victim. Forced to watch "Underworld 3" during virtual incarceration. Find myself jonesing to see 1 and 2. Chance of departure AM approaching zero (cero in Spanish. Is it possible to have likelihood less than cero?). Will (see above) move to outer anchorage early AM to hide from Commandante who expected departure tonight. Request emergency rescue from Dominican prison as necessary. If this paragraph makes any sense at all, please send confirmation. I love each and every one of you like a brother or a sister. Thank you for your support.

Jack