Port Antonio

Port Antonio is a place where the word "nap" will soon become a major word in our vocabulary.

The day usually starts around 6:00 a.m. when the combination temperature/humidity is still pleasant and after breakfast we can go through one or two projects (swim ladder, third reef, calibration of windmeter, etc...).

At 10:00 a.m. and until 4:00 p.m., better not be too active. A swim or a nap are OK, but nothing violent. After 4:00, it is time to go ashore and into town for shopping.

We finally managed to clear customs last Sunday, and immediately left the marina to take up a mooring. There, we can still use the WiFi, use all the facilities of the marina, but instead of paying 75 cents a foot per day, it is 10 dollars per day. The water is 10 cents a gallon and the electricity 60 cents per KWHd, so, it's a no brainer. We have plenty of water and the solar panels and the genset cover more than we need.

During the day, we usually have a thunderstorm or two, which cool down the boat and the air.

During most of the night and almost all afternoon, the music never stops, from restaurants, bars, open air night clubs, and sleeping is best in the second part of the night.

We are beginning to find our way around town. Next to the marina is a farmers market with a good variety of fruits and vegeta

bles, and close by is a bakery and a supermarket where we can buy meat (mostly chicken, the safest bet), eggs and few groceries that we may need when in port.

Jean-Francois made an attempt at buying wine made in Jamaica. It's called Red Label, is 13.7 degrees proof and costs all of 1.5 dollars for a third of a litre. However, it never made it past the first sip. Obviously, the local beer (Red Stripe), which is basically a local Heineken, is a much better choice.

I was looking to buy a pair of shorts to wear on the boat, as mine are very very near the end of their natural life. But, no luck anywhere. Apparently in Port Antonio, only women and children can find clothing. At least, that is our perception. I wonder where the men get theirs. I asked around but had no luck.

Saturday, we are going to rent a car and drive to Montego Bay to pick up David. There is no public transportation available, unless you are prepared to change bus four or five times, and a taxi would cost upward of 180 dollars. The rental is supposed to run at 70 dollars, with no extras, and includes insurance and unlimited mileage.

If we are lucky enough to get our customs clearance on Sunday, we'll leave on Monday morning at day break, as I know that we will be motoring against the wind until we turn the NE corner of Jamaica. Early morning, the wind is almost non existent which is why I want to leave early. But customs might decide otherwise. We'll see. As usual.