Problems in Paradise
16 January 2018 | Playa Mata de Cana
Helen
Enjoyed another old movie last night called Seventh Sign. Had a lovely calm anchorage for sleeping last night. The breeze was cool and the hatches were closed. After breakfast, got in our swim suits and loaded our snorkels in the dinghy. Went to the beach closest to where the charter catamaran was last night. Pulled the dinghy high enough on the beach to not be affected by the rise in tide. Then got in the water. Mark's walking sandals dug into his foot yesterday and today it was the same place for the flippers. So, we didn't last long on the snorkeling. The visibility was poor and I didn't even see one fish. The winds piped up especially when we tried to get the dinghy back in the water to get the engine started. It all worked out and we were almost back at the boat when Mark turned off the dinghy motor. Apparently, there was no water was coming out from the engine. That means that the impeller needs to be changed yet again. Mark paddled the rest of the way to the boat. We took the motor off and stored it on the railing. Then hoisted the dinghy into the davits. Once that was done, we hoisted the main sail. then Mark hauled anchor and we departed around 11 a.m.. As we got clear of the surrounding hills/mountains, the wind really picked up. We had wind up to 30 knots and big ocean waves with white caps. We used both motors with the main, as the wind was right on the nose yet again. Along the way Mark turned on the water maker as our tank was less than half full. He also noticed we have a leak in the starboard bilge. He was able to pump it out while I helmed. He thinks it is caused from the hot water tank since it was fresh water in the bilge. We made it to Playa Mata de Cana just as a larger Fountaine Pajot charter catamaran pulled into the same bay. They didn't anchor. One guy took the dinghy to the beach and picked up a few people. Then they departed the bay. There are many chaise loungers on the beach at the far end. There is another resort up high and on the other side is a golf course. The good thing coming in here was that the wind slowed to under 10 knots. There are no white caps as we are protected by the mountain in front of us. Lots of houses are built into the mountains with spectacular views. We saw one sting ray jump clear out of the water two times. There are lots of birds fishing in the waters. Saw several fishing boats close to shore. We are in sight of Papagayo marina, which is where we will head to tomorrow. The cabin temperature is sill 84 degrees.