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| Mahi-Mahi catch early morning on the way to Los Roques. |
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| Dog box. |
We weighed anchor at midnight at Cayo Heradura and set sail for Los Roques. It was great to have a 3rd person (Vic) helping with watch keeping. Maria managed to sleep nice and cozy in the front berth even though Songerie "rock and rolled " as usual with a broad reach tack and at times confused seas.
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| Fransisque anchorage at Los Roques. |
At day break the reel screamed and Jaco caught a delicious Mahi-Mahi.
Phil from "Chaser2" does not believe the following, but at midday the reel screamed like a banshee. Jaco, with his new "koeipoepol"( strap-on fishing rod holder) was at the rod (beautiful deep sea fishing rod and reel, a present from Vic), Vic assisting and advising and Christelle at the steering (the self steering is not safe and accurate on a broad reach tack). It was extremely difficult to steer where the fishermen demanded, trying to prevent an accidental gybe, as all sail was up. After 2 hours holding on to all, Jaco got the fish at the side. We estimate it a 100 kg yellow fin tuna. Vic got it on the gaff, but the 2 men could not lift it over the guard rail! Just as Christelle engaged the self steering to tie a rope on the tail, the gaff broke, line broke and we lost all!!!
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| Our favorite anchorage at Barlevento. |
We spend 3 nights at Los Roques. Vic and Maria visited twice the little village at Gran Roque. (celebrating with an abundance of sparkling wine) Pity they miss snorkeling the islands' pristine coral reefs.
Just after day break we set sail for Aves de Barlovento. Here we spend 4 nights at various anchor spots. Vic and Christelle took turns to preparing meals from the fresh fish Jaco supplied, while Maria took care of the salads. We end every day's dive by collecting the day's fresh conch for the starter.
Once again we were sorry that our visitors never took time to snorkel these turquoise waters and pristine reefs!
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| Grouper and snapper. |
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| Smoking fish at Barlevento |
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| Aves de Sotavento, the jewel of the Carribean |
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| Canela at Sotavento |
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| play full Coco at Sotavento |
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| Bonaire |
After 3 days of being blown away at Aves de Sotavento we set sail for Bonaire. Once again Songerie "rocked and rolled" as usual on a dead run from the wind.
Vic and Maria found a affordable room just after checking in. Next few days was spend cleaning Songerie and doing laundry. An excellent hamburger night ended the trip with Vic and Maria. It was great having the ever enthusiastic Vic and Maria on board Songerie. We sail on to Curacao and they go on to USA etc. etc. keeping on travelling...
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| Great end to a great trip. |
