Craziness in Catalina Harbour

Yesterday's fiesta festivities included a small boat parade. We decided to take our dinghy over to the beach in Old Town where the parade was supposed to begin. At 2:30 pm, the start time in the brochure, the boat floats (small boats with a few balloons) were still at the dock being decorated. Then around 4 pm, they just sort of made there way out into the harbor in a much disorganized fashion and proceeded to organize quite a ways from our viewing point. So we went to follow them to get a better look. It seems this parade is a great excuse to go very, very fast and throw water balloons and buckets of water on other boats and boaters. They turn very sharply and cut very close to each other at high speeds. Sort of like they did on their motor scooters the day before. The Colombian Coast Guard was on hand in their two boats, pretty much letting people do as they pleased. It was pretty crazy on the water. We were glad Astarte was anchored a bit away from all the craziness. But, like with the motor scooters, nobody seemed to get hurt and everyone had a lot of fun. Of course, adult beverages were being consumed in great abundance.

We decided to pass on the activities last night - as we knew everything would start very late based on the afternoons start and end times. And we're cruisers and cruiser midnight is 2030. We did promise that we'd make it up for tonight's crowning.

There is a Tropical Storm Alex that seems to have formed pretty quickly just north of where we are. We are quite safe as it is far enough north and moving in a northwesterly direction. We've had a lot of clouds and a bit of rain - but nothing serious. We're glad we scooted out of the Bay Islands when we did. It seems Roatan is getting quite a bit of wind and rain from the storm.

This morning was boat project Saturday. Michael changed out the water pumps on the water maker. It is an 11 year old piece of equipment and we were getting lower quality and very low quantity water lately so it was time. The project was a success - some bad language passed his lips - but otherwise a smooth job. It was a big project that will make a big difference. Now that guarantees the rain will start - now that we won't need it as badly. Though we will always collect it to save the power and the filters.

We are safe from the storm - thanks to all who sent an e-mail checking on us. We appreciate the concern.

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