120. Underwater

A big rain storm that passed over Grand Cayman

I sailed round to George Town with Davide. We got wet but managed to avoid the worst of a big storm. Half way, a D ring broke on the dinghy and we had to go rescue it. Twice. It meant we got caught by a big aluminium German boat, also headed to George Town. We had a nice race down seven mile beach and were doing well – over six knots, but couldn’t keep in front. When we got to George Town, we both headed for the same buoy… we got a different one and went for a snorkel.

The Wreck of the Gamma - an old freighter that crashed ashore, now sticking out of the water

I bought an underwater camera – an Intova, for fifty dollars.

My friend Miranda bought a much more expensive one. She takes the best dive photos:

http://www.mirandaclare.com

119. Flat Batteries

Full moon in Governor’s Creek – the moon was so bright my solar panel made power

Last day off I spent snorkeling off the wreck of the Gamma, and then battery shopping with Davide. My starter battery suddenly died last week. It was almost exactly five years old. So I replaced it with the same Napa battery, for 120 dollars. I also need four deep cycle batteries.

I ordered some cheap(er) parts from the States: a new head pump, which Greg, who also owns a boat, is helping me get shipped; a new starboard running light and a new furlex screw. I’ll also get a new VHF radio; my mic isn’t working properly, and I’ve found one on sale that’s completely submersible.

118. Batabano

The Batabano carnival parade was on Saturday; lots of fun.

After stalling until payday, I reluctantly paid Customs two thousand dollars import duty on Sonic Boom. Ouch.

Last week I went snorkeling with Tyronnie and Mario over the Wreck of the Cali – a 220ft four-masted schooner that sank in 1944 and I felt much better. We saw lots of fish, some huge tarpon.