Caribbean Cruise Continues
    The following was written just before we learned that we had been vandalized last night. Our motor to the dinghy was stolen. Our dinghy was damaged in the process but not too badly to use it. My view of Luperon and Dominican Republic changed overnight - yes pun intended!  


     Traveled overnight to reach Luperon, Dominican Republic. What a sight this mountainous island was in the morning light!  No fish caught on this crossing - rats!
     We were boarded by the port authority then we cleared customs (multiple stops).  This took much of the morning. We then returned to the boat to rest and relax from the 19 hour trip. And yes, we did sail with the gennaker on this night crossing, because the wind was so light. 
     Lush green mountains surround us on the shores. The water is not as clear as the Bahamas water so no beach swimming for Roxy. 
     On Easter Sunday, we went with some other couples to the waterfalls. This was an awesome experience!  Climbing up a mountain then sliding down or jumping into pools of clear river water. It was a great experience!  We have "explored" the town, gone to a beach festival, watched some fast-pitch softball, and eaten out a lot. We have made many new boat friends here and our Spanish is improving rapidly!
     We are all waiting on the chance for weather to allow us to leave. It looks like we will get a chance in the next 2-3 days to move farther east. The next major water crossing is called the Mona Passage (between DR and Puerto Rico). It will take us over 24 hours to make that hop so we wait for the right weather opportunity. 
     We spoke to Kelly and Stephen (made this trip in 2009) the other day. From them we learned that there is much to explore in Puerto Rico, too. We are really looking forward to seeing them in a few more weeks (probably).