Tuesday 4/21 Luperon, Dominican Republic

We are enjoying the town of Luperon. There are limited areas with big houses but the the town, as a rule, is very poor by American standards. However, the people do not lack in warmth and friendliness. We are greeted with shouts of “hola” (hello) and “buenes tardes” (good afternoon) by everyone we pass. There are children everywhere, playing with simple toys, sitting on grandma’s lap or chasing chickens. All with big smiles.

These are some town shots. Farmers bring in fresh produce and sell on the streets. I bought potatoes, plantains, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber and onion for about $5.

This is Steve's Place and Bethany, one of his little girls playing in momma's makeup. Also a security fence made with broken Presidente (beer) bottles.

On Sunday 4/19 we went on a tour to Salto del Rio Damajagua, a local waterfall attraction. We had understood this to be a waterfall excursion in which we would travel inland by bus to a waterfall, hike to the waterfall, perhaps swim around, have lunch and return to base. Well, we were wrong. Fortunately some fellow cruisers told us to bring our wetsuits as the water might be cold. Upon arrival, we were instructed to don a life jacket and helmet and to store anything we did not want to get wet. We geared up and hiked to and (yikes) UP seven waterfalls (there are 27 at this park). Sometimes we climbed the waterfalls and at other times, we were man-handled up the fall by our guides. At the final waterfall, we learn that we are riding the waterfalls back down. Uh-oh. One of my favorites is one Skip, Craig and I came to call “the flush”, appropriately named not only due to the downward circular spiral but also the fact that I thought I would pee on myself in fright. In the action shots, we are both wearing black skins, Craig is wearing the red helmet and I am wearing yellow. A big shout out to Skip for the action shots of Craig and Angela, as well as many of the town shots.

A couple of the waterfalls and a somone coming up the flush.

Angela does the flush...getting instructions or last rites, not sure....

Craig making the big leap and then assuming the "coffin" position for the bit one.

Monday 4/20 was a day of deep tissue healing and a few chores. Craig dived into charts as we study and prepare for the 236 mile passage to Puerto Rico. The Dominican Republic’s recently implemented paperwork (dispatcho) at each stop (even if we do not get off the boat) makes us reconsider how we will chart our course. Weather is significantly impacting us and causing delay as we consider the open water between the countries. We wanted to leave Thursday and have learned today that we will remain here for at least another 10 days waiting on a weather window. We do not know now if we will be able to get Skip to Puerto Rico for his flight or if he will need to redirect out of the Dominican Republic. I adhesive-patched a few small holes that have worn in our canvas top and attached new Velcro on the back of salon cushions to better keep them in place. Even heavy duty needles would not penetrate the canvas backing, so I wound up suturing it on with 1-0 silk on a cutting needle. I needed to refresh my suture skills anyway. Medical friends take note: If you can score some, I need some 0 silk or 1-0 silk suture real bad!!

Skin...canvas. Same difference, but glad I refreshed lest I cut myself with my new petite switchblade ($4.28, US)...all the cool girls have them.