103. Pirates Week

Fireworks over Hog Sty Bay

I went with Dana to watch the fireworks and the start of Pirates Week; lots of people dressed as pirates and lots of rum drinking. The next day there was a pirate invasion and the Governor was kidnapped. Later there was a big pirate parade and lots of rum drinking. I missed most of it because I was at work, but I still managed to meet lots of pirates.

On Sunday a nasty storm passed right over Governor’s Creek – 35-40 knot winds, lots of lightening and torrential rain. I started dragging, but with two anchors down it was really difficult to do anything. I tried motoring into the wind first, then ditched one anchor and hauled up the other, but I got anchor rode wrapped around my propeller, so my engine cut out. I jumped in the dingy and managed to cut it free. Luckily (for me) I had been headed towards (and bumped very gently) Dana’s boat, so she jumped in her dingy and helped me to the dock. The next day I retrieved my spare anchor, and freed (and cleaned) my propeller. No damage done; another lucky escape.

Sonic Boom back on the Sea Wall

102. Turtle Reef

Ben (and Dana and lots of Tarpon)

Me, Dana and Ben went diving off Macabuca. It was amazing – so many fish; grouper, parrot fish, an eel, a turtle. We went down to about 60 feet for just less than an hour, swimming around in clear water, surrounded by beautiful coral and some caves, it was lots of fun, and cost just ten bucks for the tank.

white spotted filefish

banded butterfly fish

http://www.crackedconch.com.ky/turtlereef-shorediving-snorkelling.php

101. Paper work

Sonic Boom from Vida Libre

I went to customs and they’re happy now, and I have another extension for Sonic Boom (which costs $100 a month), to go with my work visa from immigration. I have a bank account at Cayman National Bank, a local phone number; it feels like I’ve moved to Grand Cayman.

On Sunday when I cycled to work there were people lining the streets cheering me on. I was smiling and waving back when lots of racing bikes flew past and I remembered there was a triathlon on that day. It was nice to be cheered on to work though, I thought until I turned off their route and everyone started shouting ‘you’re going the wrong way’, instead.

S/V Vida Libre

Now I have all my papers in order I will go for a sail round to Seven Mile Beach again, and spend a few nights on mooring balls with Dana. Next week is Pirate’s Week, which is a big deal here; I’ve heard it’s like a carnival.