Not Everyday is Paradise

So today has definitely been one of THOSE DAYS. The days that nothing you touch goes right. Right off the bat this morning as Ryan and I were preparing to go into town to clear customs the outboard broke. Not just a little broke, a “we need a machine shop” or a “we need a new outboard” kind of broke. The throttle controls broke off, COMPLETELY OFF. Great! So we decided that we would take our last means of propulsion; a trolling motor. We had to get to town and clear customs and we had no other means of getting there. No problem we have used the trolling motor for months now. It is a great way of getting around without all the noise and struggle. So we go in to clear customs and they want the Dominican Republic Navy to inspect the boat. Great, No Problema. Except….the DR Navy doesn’t own a boat. So, why we didn’t mind, Ryan and I now have to make the return trip to the boat with 3 extra people, and a trolling motor. They kept asking “Is it that boat? How far out?” Halfway there the batteries give out and Ryan is rowing. Super! We have just kidnapped the DR Navy. Luckily it just happened that Joe, a friend we had met in the Turks and Caicos, was at the boat visiting with Marilyn when they saw us break out the oars. He came and tied up and towed us the rest of the way to Sandy Dreams for our Naval inspection. Then once aboard everyone knows that you offer the officials cold beverages, especially cold Cokes. Well guess what, someone drank all the cokes and we didn’t put any new ones on ice. Soo we didn’t have anything cold to offer except Ginger Ale. They had to ask us what it was and didn’t seem to like it much. Poor guys. Fortunately they think that we are crazy and let us slide. In fact they posed for a picture for Marilyn so that we could remember them. Did I mention that I am the translator? Yeah! The Dominican Republic speaks Spanish. Do you know how long it has been since I spoke Spanish?! And I wasn’t good at it then! So now we have to get them back to shore - with our trolling motor. Oh! and we have another boat to inspect. So everyone climbs into Chase (3 Navy officials, Marilyn, Ryan, Sis, & I) and we make the trip to the other boat. When upon arrival we let the guys off to inspect the boat while we wait in Chase. Well most of us waited in Chase. Sis jumped aboard and inspected the boat with the Navy, apparently she is applying as their new drug dog. Somewhere in the go here, no go here, no go back to here, we finally cleared customs. FINALLY!

The Dominican Republic Navy. Note the one in the middle is holding the broken piece of our outboard.

Our first thought after clearing customs…food. So we made our way downtown to Capt Steve’s. It is a one stop shop for everything that you could want. Swimming, internet, food, groceries, transportation, whatever. He is also really nice. So we relaxed a little with a couple beers, some grub, and good company. (Sheridan & Joe met up with us.) Finally a little relaxation and things going the right way. Oopps to soon. After eating lunch and making our way back to the boat we were approached by a high speed dinghy. Apparently our anchor is dragging and we have to get back to the boat…NOW!…with our trolling motor and Ryan rowing. Fortunately Chris (Our Messenger) let Ryan and I board his boat while Sheridan helped get Marilyn back to Sandy Dreams with his dinghy. Whew. It has been a crazy day! Guess everyday can’t be perfect, but it still feels a little unfair. I think I will go back to bed and try this again tomorrow. Hope your day is better.