Salinas, PR and Spanish Virgin Islands

We ran a few errands in Salinas, PR prior to setting sail for the Spanish Virgin Islands. We found a marine supply store and replaced the recently deceased little horn that came with the Signal Mate (automatic signaling device) we bought at the Miami Boat Show. This one is much better and right on time.

Isn't that cute, frigate birds sqatting on masts (read: broken wind equipment)

Audible for miles. Necessary equipment to be sure, but then, Craig may have been harboring a secret jealousy for my chopperette horn...

We left on schedule around 6:30 for our passage. It was a relatively smooth ride until the wee hours of the morning. Craig sailed us through a few squalls and then it was my watch. Uh-oh. My goals are to not wake up the captain and to not die of fright. While one can see it coming, zip the enclosure and mentally prepare, it is another thing altogether to be completely and suddenly engulfed in a wall of rain traveling at 30 knots. In case anyone is wondering exactly what comprises a squall, here is a pictorial expose, complete with a post-storm rainbow:

Our first port of call is Vieques. This island is 7 miles off the Puerto Rican coast and has a colorful history, including until 2003 as being used by the US Navy for bombing practice. There is no evidence of this visible now but the cruising guides are very explicit about potentially dropping anchors on unexploded ordinance. Conveniently, they have installed free mooring balls. We take one. There are only 2 other boats, S/V Pacific Quest and S/V Bold Endeavor. We spend a day snorkeling, spearfishing and collecting conch and then make plans for a beach cookout and bonfire. We meet Roy and Dune of Bold Endeavor and from New Zealand. Roy, as it turns out, is the most right-wing conservative I have ever met.

The captain at work and play.

Vieques.

Cookout on the beach (snapper, chicken, conch rice, bean salad); the pyro twins; President Roy and us by the fire: