Captains Log 05/23/07

Luperon, DR

This was a tough run of 100NM into the trade winds which we caught off guard while trough was stationary in South Caicos. So we basically lucked out. At this time of year, you ride stationary fronts or light-wind troughs that stall the trade winds, all the way as far as you can. Until you hit trade winds. Sometimes it can be a wet and squally ride with hard rain and unsettled weather but we lucked out. And that's exactly what we did, leaving early morning out of S. Caicos on 22nd, and making a quick pit stop in Big Sand Cay for a 3 hours nap. Then all of sudden wind started blowing hard out of the north. It was gift we could not refuse. Broad reach tack to Luperon. It started off great. We enjoyed the evening with following wind and seas making 7-8 kts on a rumb line. This happens once per month on this leg. 99% of the time the wind is 15-20 out of the E, SE or NE. We I am very grateful that we have this wind. By about midnight the northern winds clocked almost to E, and we were beating into moderate winds and confused seas with swell out of the N, and light chop out of the east. Lightning was all around but nothing major got over us. In the wee hours of the night, the winds turned light I had to start motoring about 30NM out of Hispaniola. By the time it got light out, we could see the high mountains of the island ahead. At first, it looked like thunderstorm clouds, but as we neared them, you can recognize the palm trees, and vegetation along with multiple layers of mountainous terrain. The smell of farm animals and agriculture was felt far out in the ocean. It felt great. Like a different planet. Luperon is covered in vegetation and farming fileds. The water is murky and I would not dare jumping in. The entrance was not that hard to navigate but I would not get in or out at night or with any northerly swell component. Anyhow, we are glad we got here and this place looks like a complete change in culture, terrain, vegetation and climate. Its hot but bearable since every night cold mountain air rushes down to the valley and cools the bay almost like air conditioning.
Agriculture is extremely developed here. Prices are a lot more reasonable and farm foods are fresh, cheap and easy to get. We look forward to day trips and sightseeing as well as trying out the fresh meats cheeses, and other farm goods.

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see:

http://www.sailmail.com