Preparations for Panama
02 March 2017 | Bas du Fort marina, Point de Pitre
Gillian
We had a good time at Les Saintes but things didn't go quite as planned. We decided against hiring a scooter and instead slogged up the hill to Fort Napolean. The views were stunning though and on the way we say some very large iguanas, a rooster and a number of goats. The fort was strong and well built but unfortunately closed, so we were not able to explore inside. On our return to the little town a parade of Princesses strolled past us, young girls and big girls participating, and afterwards we had a nice cold beer at a waterfront bar whilst we waited a heavy shower to pass.
To our delight, Venture Lady arrived the next day and it was great seeing them. We had a delicious reunion dinner of spicy Nasi Goring on Persephone to celebrate and a good time was held by all. So much so that we got to bed at midnight - very late for us.
In the morning Venture Lady departed and we also left, saying goodbye to them and Persephone. We felt very sad saying goodbye to them as we are all going separate ways from now on - they are all heading further north towards the States and us to Panama.
We decided to leave as our outboard engine packed up. Absolutely no spark and Neil at a loss as to the cause. So we pulled anchor and headed off into rough sea and winds gusting up to 30 knots. It was a horrible sail beating into the wind and as we arrived at the channel entrance to Pointe de Pitre, a horrible squall hit us with heavy rain. We waited until the squall was gone before entering the channel and eventually arrived at the calmest of anchorages very close to the marina. After a peaceful night we arrived at the marina and are here now getting a few things sorted. Neil has managed to source a 2 stroke yanmar engine so we are pleased with that, and we are hoping to haul out on Monday to give the bottom another coat of antifoul.
Last night we had a lobster dinner at the Pirate Bar and we both felt like we had eaten a Christmas dinner after that!
The next few days should keep us busy with laundry, passage meal cooking and provisioning, and topping up diesel and petrol. The weather is not looking good for an early departure so we will just have to be patient I guess.