Rio Dulce, Guatemala

We left Utila, Honduras in the Bay of Islands for the over night sail to the Rio Dulce. Actually mostly a big motor as wind was almost nonexistent. We  arrived in Livingston right at low tide. Fortunately we only draw 4 feet so no problemo! Most monos are not so lucky and a couple had to wait for the rising tide. Others that draw more than 6 feet choose to wait for the next full moon when they get an extra 2 feet on the high tide. We checked in at Livingston in a driving rain storm. First rain we have seen in 6 weeks. Unfortunately it rained so hard I have no pictures of Livingston. After clearing out we headed into the gorge.

 Local lanchero going up the river

 nice shot of the gorge

 fishermen using hand lines in cayucos as they have done for eons.

 Main Street Fronteras(Rio Dulce). A very hectic and sensory over load when we first arrived.

 The local vegetable market. Although, today we bought some meat and veggies from the orphanage here on the river. They come by in a boat and sell to the marinas. The kids raise most of the produce and pigs and chickens. The quality is very high.

 View down river from the bridge

This tree was covered in orchids. Hopefully they will bloom before the time to leave approaches.

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Out with the Old

Been looking long and hard at replacing the canvas cockpit cover for the boat. Heard about Sherman Arch in Roatan and that build quality was good. The price was excellent by the way. With the new top we will be able to capture rain water for the fresh water system and be able to ween ourselves from the water maker. The water maker makes excellent drinking water but requires a generator to accomplish the 25 gallons/hr. More expense and maintenance so the top will be plumbed to fill the water tanks. Good shade and water too!

 removing old top

 old top with center run way for working the sail

 Wilson doing sanding of primer

A little fill and more sanding

Oak Ridge Harbor, Roatan

 The Harbor on the south coast of Roatan is an interesting collection of towns. There are no roads so the locals use boats or water taxis to move from one area to another. In addition, all the houses tend to be elevated above the water and connected with narrow canals. The Venice of the Caribbean?

 View looking East

 Passage between towns can be made without going outside the reef. Here a pass thru the mangroves exists.

 One of the many passes.

Le Chat Beaute at Calasbash Bight. We could travel five miles west from here by dinghy inside the reef.