Wednesday 20th
Providenciales Arrival Evening January 2016
I was received with open arms, everyone
impressed by my boat and arrival, Adam and Porsche his second in
command, whom I haven't seen for approx 5 years were having their
annual Staff party that very night! (called Diamonds and Denim) in
the 'Salt' Bar and Restaurant. So Adam kitted me out with a Blue
Haven hat and 'T' shirt so I could fit in and join in the fun,
everyone made me so so welcome. But..I was very tired after the trip
so had to pike out a bit early and crash out.
Thursday 21st
January 2016
I had to sort out my
customs clearance quickly so that was top priority. Very kindly Adam
and Porsche took me to immigration to extend my stay more than 7
days, I already knew it would cost $300.00 US to do that, (very
expensive for an Englishman in a British Overseas Territory I
thought) when I got there I found out I needed the Customs form
first, but filled all their forms out in advance, I was then taken to
Lunch on the beach and a 'quickie' tour of the Island by Adam and
Porsche showing me all the places I would need to find. When we
arrived back and after ringing the customs we arranged to meet
customs at the Bar about 1700hrs. He was a bit late and we did the
bis at the bar approx 2015hrs instead. Bed again after that.
Friday 22nd
January 2016
Had found out they have
Magic and I mean Magic internet here, so spent the morning updating
my Blog to let you all know were I am and what I have been up too for
the past month, after lunch they took me back to immigration and that
job was completed, I now have till 26 March to stay for my visit
here, and from what I've seen already I am going to enjoy this place
a lot.
Saturday 23rd
January 2016
Of course there are a few
jobs to do on the boat, as always, so it was boat day today.
Sunday 24th
January 2016
Hopefully the weather
will have improved today so I am not held up with the job list, and
my planned excursions into the Island. Weather front that got me on
Wednesday is still affecting the Islands at present. Its now 7am and
the wind and rain have set in hard, have cancelled any work today,
but, not to worry, as Adam is an Aussie he has arranged an Australian
Day Party for everyone, Captain and Crews on the marina docks, this
with real Kangaroo Burgers and Pleeeeenty of beer! This started at
1300hrs it was very cold 16°C
/ 66ish F its the coldest I've experienced so far since arriving
this side of the world!! as there was little else to do I let myself
go and had a great party time ending pretty late!
Monday 25th
January 2016
Was able to get going on
the list today, so a big clean up began, having been tossed about so
much on Wednesday there was a big mess and re stowage to do. Did a
bit of a reconnoitre around the Marina and resort area, nice, also a
bit of shopping at the on site market.
What with the wind and
tide blowing from the north all last night the current in the channel
must have been running at over 7 knts past my stern, boat has never
gone that fast backwards in its life!
Sorry about the lack of pictures as I did have so many too post, somehow they went missing from my SD card while I was transfering them, probably had a senior moment and sent them to the trash but didn't find them there either.
So a couple of pics of my new generator installation which I finished yesterday. I got it from China, and I tested it yesterday on full load. Had the engine in gear at about 180 rpm on propellor shaft, put 4x 36 watt lamps on and the fridge, so with a current draw of approx 12.5 amps voltage was creeping up past 13.5v, if that happens when sailing at approx 6-7knts all systems could be turned on and still putting a charge in without the engine running.
Water in the Marina here at Blue Haven is really a lovely colour turquoise and what should be passing the stern....
2 Nurse sharks looking for bite to eat.
There are so many fish swimming about its as if the boat is floating in an aquarium,
Duran (left) who guided me past the reef, and works at the Marina, was given the task of giving me a guided tour off the tourist track of Provincealas last Saturday. He showed me the local hot spots and we had such a good day out. Adam had arranged it on pupose to make me take a break and relax. This we both achived in good style, and ended up back at the Marina I don't know when....
for the required 'One for the road' ???? We had both had a good time and I had seen the real side and met a lot of the local guys and gals.
More to come
Roy
