Hi

 

Since Casa de Campo we have been moving around. A few days ago we headed off to Boca Chica about 40nm west. We got our Despacho from the Casa de Campo Customs and Immigration and set off knowing in the present conditions that we weren’t likely to make it. The wind has been a bit fickle early morning so we are not getting off to a good start. Anyway rather than fail hopelessly we didn’t try very hard. We anchored up behind Catalina Island off Romana and did some swimming then headed off to the Rio Cumayasa about 6nm away. This was a beautiful anchorage up a river. We finally anchored with 30 cm under the keel so a bit shallow. We were soon joined by another yacht with a german and austrian aboard. We joined forces and motored up the Rio in their dinghy along with their dog Othello. The river was really beautiful and lined with mangrove. There was a few hurricane holes along the way and a few boats moored up.

 

We tried to make contact with the local coastguard but without much luck and thought we would get away with our impromptu stopover. Anyway at about 21 00 after dinner on board a little light emerged from the gloom as a fishing boat pulled alongside with the local coastguard aboard. We explained that we had been ‘seasick’ and had to pull in. Apparently the Austrian had been ‘seasick’ too. They took our Despacho and said that we had to go to their office in the morning.

 

At about 08 00 the next day we rolled up with those from the other boat at their office. All was well after an exchange of a presentito. The coastguard much have thought Christmas had come early. Two gringos in one night caught in their trap.

 

Then we headed off to Boca Chica. A very friendly place and we will stay here for a while tied up along side. An interesting entry with breakers on either side but perfectly safe. There is a fella called Frank Virgintino who has written a number of Pilots for this area of the Caribbean. They are all available free on line. I have downloaded them all already and we are using his guide for DR and will use his guide for Cuba and the Cayman if we get there. He spends a lot of time in DR and is moored here at the moment so we had the chance to talk to him and shared a few beers with him and his friends. Also got a lot of other useful passage info.

 

Tomorrow we will be heading off by road to Santo Domingo.

 

Anchorage off Catalina Island

 

Mangroves

 

Othello

 

Rio Cumayasa

 

 

Anchored in the Rio Cumayasa