CURRENT LOCATION: Anchored in the Bahía de Boquerón, off the city of Boquerón, Puerto Rico

18 01.326' N, 067 10.804' W

When we first arrived here in Boquerón it appeared to be a sleepy little city. As the week has progressed, the place has gotten more and more lively. This is definitely a weekend town, and the weekenders have officially arrived.

This is good because more businesses are open and we get a chance to meet more people (from the non-cruiser category). The downside, for us at least, is the HUGE nightlife here. Last night, there were no fewer than 4 clubs competing to see who could crank their music louder (and sound carries very well over water). Unfortunately, it seemed that the karaoke club was the winner, and their clientele was none too talented, we can assure you.

Our recent trips to town have been timed to give us a more gentle dinghy ride. Mornings and evenings are good, while mid-afternoon winds make for enough chop to ensure that you and everything you own arrives well soaked. Meanwhile, time on the boat is spent marking items off our list of boat chores and boat projects.

Recently completed items include: cleaning & waxing the stainless steel on deck and making adjustments for our mainsail reefing. We were having trouble sheeting the main tightly along the centerline of the boat when reefed (as we need to do when sailing close to strong winds, which is most of the time these days), because of the height of our dodger. Therefore, we made two adjustments. First, we cut the poles on the dodger to drop it one inch. Second, we made some changes in the way we tie the outhauls in order to keep the reef grommet at the clew firmly against the boom. This appears to have done the trick, at least our test at anchor on a calm morning went well. We will be certain to put these adjustments to the test as we continue down the 'Thorny Path.'

For now, though, we have decided that Saturday should be an afternoon away from the boat (in order to keep us from tackling any more items on our list). We plan to do a little more exploration in and around Boquerón, so I really must go in order that we may make it to shore before the day's tradewinds pick up. Until next time, dear Reader.