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So, once again this leg of the trip didn’t get off to the start we had hoped for. I ended up taking an earlier flight to Dumaguete so that I could bring some critical spares back to the boat. Rod Hegerty hooked me up with the stuff to fix the steering, and Ronlad had my spare props all welded up and back from Batangas. I almost missed the plane, but did manage to get me and the props to Dumaguete. Once I was there I called Tequila to find out how to get to Nigel’s, but suddenly I saw Mark Higgins at the airport. He said he was waiting for some other people on the next flight, but I should hang out for a coffee and he could zip me down to Tongo with the props! Excellent!! I enjoyed my coffee, and then Mark asked if I could hold the props at my side, and I thought “yes, but why??” It turns out that he didn’t have the Land Rover, but rather his motorbike. We stopped at his house a few kilometers ahead, and I thought “these just might fit in the side-bags!” and they did! |
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Anyhow, we got the props sorted out with the assistance of Nigel’s dudes. Next morning, early AM we were off after just a few minor trim adjustments and some untangling of anchor lines! Both engines appeared to be in good working order for about an hour - then we saw black smoke coming out of the port engine again!! Sh*t! OK - based on recent exprerience, we diverted to a jerry can and everything was fine, 90 mins later we arrived at a sanctuary outpost - “Artistic Divers.” Arthur was nice enough to keep an eye out for us and rang as we came zooming past his beach. One of his dudes directed us to a mooring, and we went in for some vittels! Artistic Diving was very welcoming to us, and is definately amongst the best places we’ve stayed at throughout the trip! They also assisted us to get a very early morning start to Panay and Cuyo in the morning. Ha ha ha! The seas didn’t agree with our plan (once again!!!). We decided to hug the coast of Negros, which gave us the opportunity to see one of the 107 islands in the Philippines that disappears at high tide. Since it was low tide, we decided to have a beer, and got to greet a family coming for a picnic as we departed! |
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Bangkas are not so easy to paddle at Artistic Diving!! www.artisticdiving.com |
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Scenes from a remote island! |
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At the end of the day, we wound up in Guimarras island. Since it was so far out of our way, we decided to get a bit of diesel, and spend the night here. Mike knew a great spot at Baras beach, where we tossed anchor and drank all of their beer! (how unusual). |
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As a Bangkero slowly approached the beach with his wares, Sean decided without consultation from the rest of the group unilaterally what was for dinner! Three of the poor buggers were a bit small and still kicking, so we set them free! The crayfish dude will probably pick them up again tomorrow, but at least we’ve given them a fighting chance!! |
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The next day the sea was cooperating with us much more than in the recent past. We had no wind whatsoever when we left Guimarras at 6:45, and this continued all the way down the coast of Panay and over to the Cuyo Island group. In the Cuyos the wind picked up a bit, as did the chop - but nothing to be worried about. We slowed down briefly at Aman Pulo to take a few pictures of the beautiful island. This didn’t sit too well with their security, so a boat was sent out to chase us away. Sean put the boat up to about 28 knots and continued on course to Coron Island. The Aman chase boat stayed on for a mile or so and was ever so slowly closing in on us. As the chase boat was about 1/4 mile away, we booted the throttles up to 36 knots and waved bye-bye to them. Very amusing. |
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After our brush with Aman Pulo’s security forces we proceeded for another two hours to Coron Island where we once again found very flat waters. We headed on course towards Sangat Island at about 34 knots - the boat seemed happy to be back in Busuanga. After a few minutes we passed Sangat, and headed in to Conception for a cold one and an overnighter. www.thepierhouselodge.com |
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We had another day with an early start and flat seas. We left concepiton at 6:45 and arrived in El Rio y Mar just in time for breakfast at about 8:15. There we were greeted also by a speedboat, but to welcome us and not chase us away. After some brekkies and a rummage through the boat, Sean headed off to the airport for another week of work and Mike stuffed his face with wine gums in his airconditioned room. The chartplotter showed 950 miles when we pulled into El Rio, signifying the halfway point of the trip, and a good time to take a week off. |
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