Getting in the Royal Mood

There are Royal Weddings and then there is Port Royal. We are now in a place called Port Royal still on Roatan – on the southeastern end. We spent one night in a place called Calabash Bight – but then heard from some friends that had just anchored in Port Royal so we jumped here. It was the next harbour to the east. We hadn't had the chance to see these friends from the boat Footloose yet this year – so we made the two mile passage.

It may have been a short passage – but it was eventful. We had to head right into some pretty big waves and wind. Right near the entrance with reefs on the right and left of us – we caught a line around our rudder. There was a buoy (probably marking a fish trap) with a very, very, very long line attached to it. It was soon attached to us and we had to shift the motor into neutral so it didn't wrap the propeller. Now we are getting pretty close to the reef and trying with a boat hook to get the line free. Of course, with the big waves, the boat is rocking pretty wildly. Michael was able to grab the line but unable to free it from the rudder and the reefs were getting way to close. So he had to cut it free. Luckily it worked with a little nudging of the rudder to set it free. We then made it into the calmer harbour waters and anchored.

We did take the float and line and after we off loaded the dinghy and motor we went to try to find the line and re-attach the styrofoam float so others would see it and the local fisherman wouldn't be out a trap. Michael got the coordinates off the track we made coming in and we used a handheld GPS to get to the line. And sure enough we found it – still too much line floating and dangerous for other boats to snag. We tied on the float (tightening the line a tad so there wasn't quite as much free floating, prop catching line. It was an adventure.

The wind is hooting but we feel like the anchor is well stuck. Tonight, we'll splurge and have dinner at Mango Creek with our friends from Footloose and another boat. It should be fun and very tasty! Mango Creek is a really lovely eco resort – with a great cook. The owners Terry and Patrice are former cruisers who have circumnavigated. They also love dominoes so there may be a match in the future.

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