(^24) The sailing routine continued to the next island, where the captain collected
outstanding money and served breakfast. Rumour had it this was our last stop
before a straight six-hour sail to Miramar. We all had enough of the boat by then
and couldn’t wait for the trip to be over.
Immediately after clearing the San Blas islands and reaching the open ocean, the
weather deteriorated. I am not speaking hyperbolically when saying I feared our
tiny boat wouldn’t make the final stretch. She rolled and pitched, and whatever
wasn’t latched down, came flying across the deck. It was a scary experience, and
landing at the bottom of the ocean was a real possibility. There was little to do but
wedge yourself in between the cargo and hope for the best. The rain came down so
hard that the engine noise was virtually drowned out, and visibility was barely a few
metres.
Finally, and to everyone’s relief, the Rey Emmanuel, against all expectations,
docked in Miramar in the late afternoon. We couldn’t have been happier being off
the boat. All the passengers went in search of accommodation in the village. Ernest
and I shared a room, and Simon, Matthias and the Colombian guy were in the other
room. The place was pretty basic, but I think we were all happy to be on a mattress
of sorts and to shower (the first in more than a week).
By this time, no one had any money and Ernest cooked our leftover pasta mixed
with the infamous pork & beans without the pork. Matthias also threw in his last
few cans and, in the end, it became quite a substantial pot of food.
leana
(Leana)
#1