Friday, July 3, 2009

Canada Day Celebration

July 1 was Canada Day and, in honor of all our Canadian friends – we celebrated. (Jim – Hawk even wore his BSI hat!) We bussed over to Clark’s Court Marina for a cool sea birds presentation by some folks who are doing research on sea birds in the islands. After that, we stayed for “hamburger night – with bacon (to celebrate Canada Day). Folks came dressed in red and white and there were some interesting outfits.

Canadian Winners!

Maxi and Michael

One of our new pals, Maxi – won for her outfit – complete with red sparkly shoes. She’s a Brit – so everyone got into the act – Canadians, those whose country touches Canada, any country who likes the queen etc. We were hanging out with a couple of British couples – and they were fun.

After a night of burgers, beers and laughs, we headed back in the bus. It felt like grade school again – as folks started to sing songs (a few randy British songs) and some Beatles. Then, the bus (named King Elvis) put on – Elvis music. Perfect! Got back and had a “final final” at “De Big Fish” and headed back to Astarte. We thought it was midnight – but it was only 2100 (9 pm) – but we started the adventure at 1500 (3 pm). This was followed by the nightly routine of outboard and dinghy being put on deck.

Today (July 2), we had a full schedule of work on Astarte. It started with heading into the Venezuelan embassy to get a visa for visiting the out islands. Only the captain needs one. We took a local bus and actually found the embassy. Michael filled out the paperwork, handed over two passport photos (two from eight years ago that we took to get our Venezuelan visas back then – but Michael hasn’t changed that much and it saved some boat dollars). Then we walked to a bank to deposit the fee for the visa. This was quite a hike (thought it was a lot shorter than it turned out). Did that and caught a bus back to the “lagoon” for some boat parts shopping at Island Water World. Then a “roti” lunch (yum) and back to the embassy.

Then we got back via another bus; picked up the repaired sail; dinghied back to Astarte and started on more projects. Michael emptied out the lazarette so he could check out the steering – tweaked a few things and re-loaded the locker. Then he cleaned out his engine room – which – being a British engine – means lots of leaked oil. It was a mess. Barbara cleaned the waterline on the boat (at least she got to be in the water).

It was a tiring day – but we’re trying to get everything ready for the next islands – where there are little to no resources for repairs. There may be a weather window early next week and we’d like to be prepared to take it.

Tomorrow morning, we’ve been invited aboard a Moody 54 by the Brits Mark and Maxi. Looking forward to seeing this beautiful boat.

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