Saturday, March 15, 2014

A Piece of Heaven

full moon over Puerto Bahia marina in Samana

Wow. I wish everyone could see this place - Puerto Bahia Marina & Resort, in Samana, Dominican Republic. Google it. It's stunning.

Last Thursday, our parts package finally arrived at Ocean World at 2pm. It got from Virgil, Ontario to Santiago, Domincan Republic in less than 24hr. .... and from Santiago to Ocean World (a 1 1/2 hr. drive) in another 24hr. (that's "island time" for you). It was good enough to catch the weather window      to get to Samana.

 I'm starting to think we have a little jinx on board. We had cast off all but the last line. As Gil was backing the boat out of our slip, and I was ready to take in that last line, the engine sputtered and quit! Honestly?! Fortunately, Gil knew instantly what our issue was. He had changed the oil and replaced all filters the day before. After doing so, he restarted the engine and it ran fine, so he figured he didn't need to bleed the air out. Wrong. We had to retie our lines, and finish yesterday's boat job before we could go.

We've been very fortunate (to date) with all of our passages, and this one to Samana was no exception. The first few hours were the most frustrating, as both the winds and waves were on our nose. Motoring into them was slow and bumpy. Tacking was less uncomfortable, but it effectively doubles the distance. Fortunately, the winds and waves settled after the sun went down, and the going was much improved. The moon was full :)  We left Ocean World about 3:00pm Thursday, and arrived in Samana at 2:00pm Friday. The scenery is spectacular on the coastline of the DR .... cliff sides, capes, caves, mountains ... lush with palms.

see the arch in the rock?

We chose to come into a marina again. Fellow cruisers advised us against anchoring in the DR. At each stop it is required to 'clear in' and 'clear out,' and this process is much smoother at marinas. At anchor, the officials who board the boats, generally expect 'gifts' or 'donations' .... this isn't the case at marinas. Less intimidating.

Puerto Bahia marina & resort in Samana

Puerto Bahia Marina in Samana is stunning. OMG I've died and gone to heaven. It's nestled against the slope of the land, and built on levels. There are pools here, whose edge rises above the ocean. It feels like you could swim off the face of the earth; but who would want to with the view of those mountains across the bay (from inside the pool).

1 of 2 infinity pools


We have found a little piece of heaven on earth here. As luck would have it, the marina is hosting a regatta, and if you choose to participate in the regatta, you stay free for 4 nights AND get a bunch of other perks .... each person (not each boat) was given a duffle bag full of goodies (t-shirt, hat, towel, sunscreen, aloe, snacks, drinks); free reception; free dinner; and there's music and dancing tonight.
A total no brainer. I think every boat that's here is participating in the regatta.

More tomorrow .... gtg.

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