Archiv
CW 51 2002
09.12. - 15.12.2002
The week starts with new, fresh batteries that I put in last Saturday and
finally the energy supply is ok again.
To load the new batteries, the generator hums steadily and suddenly SILVER
BLUE has plenty of water in the engine room. The reason is quickly found out:
the generators water pump! I had expected problems with that and I had ordered
a new one in Venezuela but unfortunately they'd delivered a wrong one. A piston
seal broke in the water pump again - one that I've already replaced once.
It's really time to get a new pump now. So I set out to organize a new one,
and I find one that can be delivered. They promised me the arrival of that
pump for Friday, but today, Sunday, I'm still waiting for it. And actually
I'd planned on weighing anchor tomorrow. Oh well, I'll hopefully get the pump
tomorrow and then I'll just leave a day later.
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I spend the rest of the week on Flamingo-Island running a few errands. Almost all European products can be obtained here, and - of course - also scuba diving. Diving is the main attraction here on Bonaire and it really has a unique underwater park. The water quality is so amazingly good that even after mooring for almost 2 weeks there is no growth on the ships water pass. Usually algae start growing on a ship after 3 days. |
On one day I set out to discover the North of the island - if only to avoid spending all my time under water and risk growing fins and gills. The islands entire northwest is one national park, the Washington Slagbaai Park. It's a huge area full of cacti that serve a useful purpose on Bonaire. And the cacti here in the park are the size of trees; everything is a little larger and older here; time seems to have stood still. |
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That's probably why the Iguanas, the dragons of Bonaire live here (image
below, left).
Really, very impressive, these animals. To get through this park you need
a four-wheel-drive; the paths are really in a terrible condition, but you're
rewarded with unspoilt nature and - here also - with the sightings of beautiful
flamingos. Flamingos mainly feed on small crabs that they fish out of the
salt water and the red colour in the crabs' shells tint the flamingos pink
(image below, right).
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In the park I also discover an uninhabited lighthouse that offers a great
view of the direction in which I will be heading next week.
About 500 nautical miles to Carthagena, where I'll hopefully be by next Sonday.
More about that, next week, if you like …
Until then … take care
TOM
