Well except for a major setback, we're enjoying our stay in Roatan and realize more now why we keep coming back here. Unfortunately, David, upon checking our anchor determined that our bowsprit is rotted and cracked!! Not good news. So we will be grounded for a while. Mike from Brooksy Point Yacht Club took David to a lumber yard and was able to get the wood we need for the replacement. A 4 x 8 block of wood cost $65.00 US!! I can't even guess at what it would have cost in the US. We're a little concerned that it may be a little on the heavy side for the bow. The wood here is very dense; it is difficult to nail into it.
With this new problem we may have to put the generator repair on the back burner. Although, we may be coming into Brooksy Point Yacht Club some time this week, so we're hoping to coordinate the generator repair at the same time.
It's been great seeing old friends, though we miss others that are still in the Rio Dulce, Guatemala. I think there actually may be more cruisers here this year than last, spread out between Roatan (French Cay harbor, West End, Calabash Bight, and Jonesville), Guanaja, La Ceiba and Cayos Cochinos.
We're realizing that we spend way too much time doing chores instead enjoying what Roatan has to offer. Diving and snorkeling! They are the main attractions here in the Bay Islands. We're told, Roatan is without a doubt one of the best places to dive. What makes it really special is that you can use your own dinghy to dive, so it's free! The French Cay Harbor is adjacent to the reef, so all you need to do is anchor in the sandbar and go diving!
David is certified to dive, (he may be certifiable too!) I'm not, but have recently been considering becoming certified. Rege on Pea Soup is my age and recently got his dive certification, so I am hopeful that I may still be able to conquer it. I think I need a one on one dive instructor and Joyce from Lady H, may be my best bet. No time like the present they say!
Believe it or not, we are able to get our dose of daily news on the “tube” and I was so, so sad to learn that Whitney Houston has died. She had such a gift. I still get chills when I hear her sing “I will always love you”, as well as the Star Spangled Banner. She, as many, many other entertainers succumbed to drugs.
One of Roatan's legends, Bob Lee (Hole in the Wall Bar) who had settled in Jonesville has passed. He had moved his family onto a 40' trimaran in 1990; setting sail from California in search of “utopia”. They broke down off the coast of Roatan, were rescued and towed into Oakridge by a local lobster captain, who became a life-long friend.
Bob and Rhonda found jobs and settled in Jonesville. They found a 12 x 12 shack on the water, that subsequently became “The Hole in the Wall” Bar/Restaurant; living in a small room at the back. By 1997 they invited friends for an “opening day Sunday BBQ. It's “All You Can East Surf and Turf” every Sunday and cruisers come from all over the world to check it out.
They eventually built one of the most unique homes on the island; made of hand cut Blue Rock stone. Tragically, after moving in (2004), Rhonda died due to a tragic fall and died. In 2005, “Hole in the Wall” had to be rebuilt in 2005 after it burned in a July fireworks display.
The “Hole in the Wall” is definitely a unique place. Unfortunately, many locals weren't able to afford the $19.95 all you can eat Sunday BBQ, but we're told Bob was very generous with the “locals”. At this point, it's uncertain whether Bob's children or a new owner will continue on with the “Hole in the Wall”.
Bob is remembered lovingly as the “Tom Sawyer of Roatan. Clever, smart, mischievous—with a heart of gold”. “He saw humor and adventure wherever he looked. That was Bob Lee”. (Taken from an article in the Bay Islands Voice magazine; see the link on the blog.)
You may remember pictures of the yellow seaplane at Fantasy Island on our blog. We also read in the Bay Islands Voice about the plane crash. Apparently, shortly after taking off from West Bay, with 3 passengers, one of which was a 4 year old boy, the seaplane lost an engine and then was hit with a strong gust of wind. The pilot lost control and after flipping several times, and landed in the water, upside down, trapping the pilot and passengers inside. Bystanders on the beach ran to help. The mother handed her child to someone's before she passed out. A Utila dive boat arrived shortly thereafter to help in the rescue, but by this time the pilot, Bob Brown had rescued his passengers. Everyone survived and only the mother had sustained broken ribs. The passengers were then flown by private plane to San Pedro Sula where they were treated. All expenses, the flight, ambulance, and hospital stay ($14,000. US) were paid by the pilot, Bob Bodden. Sadly, he and his daughter and son-in-law have lost their livelihood.
Every Sunday morning is the "Swap Meet" at Brooksy Point. David should not have to spend one more sleepless night worrying that we will drag anchor. Our friends, Petra and Rene have decided to sell Motu and sold us their anchor. It's a 55 lb. anchor, very similar to a Manson.
Last night, in commemoration of “Fat Tuesday”, Brooksy Point Yacht Club hosted a “Gumbo Cook Off”. The winning Gumbo was made by Paul on Lady H. Congratulations to Paul and honorable mention to Bob from Adagio and Lorenzo from Arlene Farrell. After dinner some of the cruisers stuck around for Karaoke. Debbie from Sailors Run and employee Osmom, sure can belt out a song! We all had a grand time. Wish I had a picture of David performing “Mustang Sally”; it was a hoot!! I think maybe he missed his calling in life and should have been an entertainer!!! Too bad he left his guitar back in Orlando.
Hopefully, sooner rather than later, our repairs will be completed and we will be on our way to Guanaja.
Stay tuned!
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