Utila, Bay Islands

Thursday, June 20, 2002

016-5.400 N
086-54.000 W

Ahoy from Utila, Honduras! This is our first stop on the way to the Rio Dulce. Well, I suppose that's not quite true as we've been working our way here all along, but this is the first direct step towards our final destination.

We left the Lagoon Marina this morning at about 10:30. Toni had finished installing the anchor roller and I had gotten the jib installed and we were ready to go. Well, Sue would disagree as we had forgotten to move a water melon to somewhere safe and when we hit some rolling seas, it ended up splitting in half on the floor. Of course this was my fault...I cleaned it up..

We had a fast sail over here, but not fast enough for Sue not to get very burned on her back. The winds went from 15 kts to 20-25 by the time we got here. It was only an 18 mile crossing, but the 5-7' seas on the beam made it seem longer. We got into the harbor with no problems, but we've worried all evening if we were dragging. I let out more chain and if we drag it'll be amazing.

East Harbor is a delightful town. Tons of dive shops. From what we've heard it's the cheapest place to get PADI (SCUBA) certified around. Competition has driven the price down to $95. That's a fraction of what it cost Sue to get certified. Ive been diving for 21 years, so my cost doesn't apply.

Anyhow, the town is wonderful. Lots of little shops and restaurants. The transport of choice is a 4 wheel ATV. Lots of motor scooters too. The vast majority of the tourists here are early to mid 20s. Kinda strange to hang around them.

Tomorrow it's westward about 45 miles. I'll report from there.

-- Geoff BlueJacket
Log ID: 259