Both wanting to see a beach before we left Cuba we talked with the Chens and decided to travel 65 miles and anchor behind a small island called Caio La Visa, a spot recommended by the Chens
One small problem, we chose not to purchase a chip of Cuba for our chartplotter so we had to do it the old fashioned way, using only paper charts. Because there is a reef that has a narrow opening through which you must pass Tom sat down with Mr. Chen to map out the path before we left. I thought we were buddy boating so I wasn't extremely worried. Tom and Addison decided we should go ahead. The old power is faster than sail factor. Now I'm worried! As we left the dock I was reminded that we had to be especially careful since our insurance did not cover our boat in Cuba. A small but important piece of information that I really didn't need to remember!
It was a beautiful day to be on the water and I tried hard to concentrate on the beauty around me and not the fact that we were headed for quite the challenge.. Soon we arrived at the point that we would have to maneuver through the reef ,WITHOUT ANY BOUYS! This is one of several times we were truly thankful for taking the navigation class at the Michigan City Power Squadron. Tom kept a close eye on the water while I read him the coordinates and kept a close eye on the depth finder. We shared responsibility of watching the compass. I of course was a nervous wreck. Are you kidding me,
1 mile at 50 degrees then 1/4 mile at another degree then......, you get the idea. I thought I was going to be sick! We zig zagged through the passage for what seemed like forever to me but of course it was only about 15 minutes. What a challenge!!! I was proud and pleased that Tom had the coordinates spot on!
Once safely through the reef and breathing somewhat normally again we headed to the anchorage. we selected a spot, dropped anchor and oogled our surroundings. Mountains behind us, an island in front of us, and clear blue waters beneath us. It was beautiful. We shut off all the electronics, followed our routines for anchoring and were about to lower the dingy to go to shore and check in when an old fishing boat pulled along side. It was four o'clock and the official wanted to go home so he came to us to check in. He indicated that we were taking to long to come check in and we politely apologized. Two men boarded us, the official and boat captain. Our information from Marina Hemingway was taken as well as the typical questions about what was onboard. I had an orbitz container of gum on my little table and the captain asked what it was. We gave him a piece. He was so excited about the taste I gave him the remainder of the container. He was very grateful. About the time we were done we heard yelling and honking from another boat. The weight of the officials boat tied to ours caused our anchor to drag and we were in danger of grounding. Tom ran to pull in some anchor chain while the captain and the official jumped on the other boat started engines and untied from us. They were gone in a flash and we were left to quickly pull ourselves in deep enough water to start the engines and re-anchor. It wasn't long before we were re-anchored and enjoyed a much needed cocktail before going ashore.
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