Equipment Malfunction

Michael has been hunting and catching fish on the reef and we've enjoyed eating and sharing fish and seafood meals. Michael hunts with what is called a Hawaiian Sling, which is kind of like a giant slingshot. Our friend Gene made Michael's first one and the original bamboo holder (and the spear) are still being used. There is rubber tubing (surgical rubber hose) that attached to this bamboo holder which has a small "spear holder" piece on it. You put the spear in this holder, draw back the rubber (after aiming at your target) - all while holding your breathe under water - and shoot. When you miss - you have to retrieve your spear. Sometimes you hit a fish and it swims off with the spear still impaled - and it can shake it loose or finally give up. So it requires some chasing after the hit.

So we've been getting some mighty tasty hog snappers that seem quite abundant in this area and quite large. Then one day, Michael sees a giant one and pulls back and snap. The rubber breaks. No sling for the shot. He comes back and uses the spare hose on board and re-ties the sling. This lasts for about four shots. He has some other rubber tries that and it doesn't even survive one shot. The rubber is old, age and heat have made it brittle. So now we are on this lovely, fish heavy reef where you are allowed to spear and the spear is not workable. Bummer. When we get to Providencia, we will hope to find some new rubber, but, that may be difficult. Michael's having a hard time "just looking" when he snorkels.

We have been here in The Hobbies (Cayos Cojones) for more than a week now and it has been a wonderful week. The boat is secure in a good sandy anchorage in about 15 feet of water. We have lots of chain out and have sat through a few good squalls. Not too much rain - just the annoying stuff that makes you get up at night to close all the hatches and then stops. The wind is steady trades with some gusts in the squalls - but not uncomfortable. The reef really knocks the seas down and you just hear (and see) the waves crashing on the reefs in front.

Three sailboats are anchored here and we've enjoyed each others company and shared meals on each others boats. We are certainly eating well (fresh fish and seafood) while sitting in this remote location. The snorkeling has been good with lots of rays, turtles, some giant fish and even a small shark.

The little island near us is quiet, though stacked with lobster traps. A few fishing boats have come by and spent time at anchor nearby and have gone back and forth to and from the island. There are lots of birds around here - frigates, boobies, pelicans and various gulls. It's been a bit too windy to explore the other side of the island by dinghy, but we've made it out to a variety of the patch reefs around the area.

We're getting some boat projects done and doing lots of cooking and baking. Michael's tackled cleaning the underside which seems to be a project that requires more and more attention as out bottom anti-fouling paint is starting to wear out. It's a good workout!

All is well aboard and the good news about being in the middle of nowhere - lots of zero dollar days. We've had 10 so far!

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