We raised our hook in Boqueron Bay at 8:00am, Sunday, June 1st, headed for Salinas Bay, on the Southwest coast of Puerto Rico. As we got underway, our starboard engine died, a sure sign of a clogged fuel filter. I switched over to the other starboard filter, and the engine ran fine (there are two filtration systems for each engine).
As we passed around the Southwestern tip of Puerto Rico, we spied this great lighthouse!
We pulled into Salinas Bay around 5:00pm and and everyone we passed by waved to us in the most friendly reception we have received to date...
This is a photo of the entrance channel to Salinas bay, bounded on both sides by mangrove forest. It is a really protected anchorage.
Boats anchored in Salinas Bay, looking toward the entrance.
Salinas Bay, looking northward toward the marina.
While we were at Salinas Bay, I decided to change the fuel filters that were so obviously clogged up. So the early next morning (Monday, June 2nd), I set to work, since our planned run for the day was only 22 miles. I figured it would not take long, and we could easily make it to Vieques before sunset.
WRONG! I didn't do the filter change properly, and allowed air to enter the fuel lines. Diesel engines do not like this! I worked the rest of the day to clear them, without success, despite consulting every maintenance manual aboard. The damned engines would not start. I finally called our friend Stan in Boqueron for a referral to a mechanic. He gave us the name of a guy (English Steve), and told us how to contact him in Salinas.
Steve was away, but Tuesday about noon, we found our man. He happened to be an associate of Steve's named Paul (also English). Paul had been trained in Diesel mechanics by the British Army! He came aboard immediately, showed me how to clear the air from the fuel lines, and within two hours our engines were purring like big pussycats! Best of all he showed me what I had done wrong to begin with, and how to clear them if I ever encounter the same problem. Not only that, but he was a great guy, friendly, open and humourous. Thank you God, Thank you Paul!!!
Salinas Bay harbour, and some of the boats at anchor.
So the next morning, Wednesday, June 4th, we made the short run to Isla de Vieques, anchoring off the beach near the Northwestern tip of the island. As you can see, it was lovely.
The beach at Isla de Vieques
We spent the night here, and while the anchorage was scenic, it was not well protected, and we spent a "rolly" night. Not really that uncomfortable, but we were so exhausted, we went to bed at 8:00pm, and slept peacefully in our "rocking cradle".
Next morning, Thursday, June 5th, we pulled up our anchor at 6:30am, and made way for Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico, a short run of about 21 miles Northeast. We dropped anchor about 10:00am, and had Brunch aboard. Since this is a very well-protected harbour, we decided to do our cleanup and maintenance chores. Susan washed down the decks, cleaned the galley and salon areas, while I changed the oil and filters in both main engines and the big generator. Susan also caught up with our laundry.
Since we were able to get internet access again, I thought it a good idea to post this Blog update.
We hope you enjoy....
Tomorrow - Off to St. Martin, USVI -
Love,
Walt and Susan
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