10 September 2007

Activity in Luperon Harbor

September 10, 2007

The past few days have been eventful in Luperon Harbor. We finished the first half of our varnish job in the interior and, much to Mik’s delight, we also painted the interior fiberglass white. The results are spectacular and Whisper looks like a proper yacht. After finishing, we moved Whisper out to the outer harbor, away from the endless scandals and gossip of the other boaters anchored in the main harbor. The cruising community is developing a severe case of cabin fever. The tensions are high and small fights and scuffles have broken out. It is like a middle school cafeteria: person A won’t talk to person B because person B offended person C who is friends with person A. It doesn’t help that half of the people start drinking at 10AM every morning. It also doesn’t help that many people have not taken the initiative to explore the country, learn Spanish or keep themselves otherwise occupied. There is also a large number of people who suffer from KIAS (“know-it-all” syndrome), which seems especially prevalent with the benefit of 20-20 hindsight. At any rate, it was nice to be in the other harbor, anchored by ourselves for a few days.

Sunset at outer anchorage.

However, on Saturday night, as we gathered with some friends (none afflicted with KIAS) for a small campfire, Renee and Michael’s boat “Jacumba” was robbed and the thief made away with $1300. Of course, everyone in the harbor had immediate onset of KIAS and unwanted and unuseful advice poured in. Michael went to the Comandante (the local harbor master, employed by the Navy) to report the theft, however the Comandante said nothing could be done since there were no witnesses. Needless to say, Michael and Renee are very frustrated. As a result, we’ve left the tranquility of our private harbor and have moved back into the main anchorage for the additional security we may receive from the proximity of other boats.

Starting the campfire.


In addition to the theft on Jacumba, Renee and Micahel’s cat, Shaka, is very sick with kidney failure and they are probably going to euthanize him today. Life is far from cheery on Jacumba. When it rains, it pours.

2 comments:

Dirk and Nancy said...

Hans & Kristen, So I take it you are back on Whisper. Can't wait to see the photos of the new varnish job. Something about seeing something go from worn to re-newed excites me. Dirk and I have started our floor project. After buying the sheets of flooring I have de-oiled and applied two coats of varnish. I figure since the guy told us it scratches easily that it would help protect it as we cut and handle it. Now comes the fun part. Layers and layers of varnish. Wonder how many brain cells I'm killing each time, even with a mask and ventilation. Hows that new fridge working for you? Im sure its making life a little easier for you two. Knowing you can just run to the fridge for a cold one rather than having to run somewhere to get one has to be nice. Seems like you two will be glad when hurricane season is over and you can leave the harbor and move on. Sorry to hear of all the troubles you and your friends have endured. Its nice to think that when we leave home and embark on our journey that we get to leave all the bull&^%t that we cant control behind here. But being realist we know thats not the case. Just have to deal with it as it comes. Seems though that you make the best of all situations. I just cant imagine having to have our Butters put down while out crusing. Geeze thats got to be hard. He is our child and our buddy as Kit Kat is yours. Hope your situation improves for you two. Keep posting as I look forward to each and everyone. Nancy & Dirk
s/v Tybee Time

Anonymous said...

Pour Shaka and family. My prayers are with them. Sounds chaotic down in the harbor. Cannot wait to see you in October

Amy