Luperon, Dominican Republic

We arrived and quickly settled into this beautiful country. Luperon is a safe haven, secure harbor, friendly folks and a suprisingly large cruising community. Now, there are 85+ anchored boats in this harbor and last month there were 210.

Chillin' out, enjoying the local food and Presidente and Bohemia beer, life is good. Intending to do some inland travel to see Santo Domingo and Santiago as well as Puerto Plata-on this north coast-if they get road construction stopped for a few days...but doubt it.

Old gated entrance to the now present, Luperon Yacht Club. A competitor to the long existing Puerto Blanco Marina, it is well run altho struggling to get fine tuned. Food is good, service wonderful and friendly and run by Robert, a gentle bilingual hard working fellow.

Was planning to go further East before turning and running for Guatemala for Hurricane Season, but life throws curve balls. Weather and taking time to smell some roses, has prevented us from that. Our plan has changed to trying to see some of this country, then going around it one way or another and Country Hopping to Guatemala. Have not taken much pictures here, but will soon.

PA-po is the local character that does everything for a price. Fuel, water, bottom cleaning, tours, repairs, boat maintanace etc. etc. etc....did not ask about mistresses..but I'm sure he covers that too. He operates out of the Marina and shows up with the Navy for first clearances. Nuf said.

Fuel here at the Yacht club-where I will by it- now is $3.80/gal. diesel. The government sets the price once per week. A 20 oz. Presidente is 65-80 pesos, about $2.00 US. at any restaurant in town, cheaper in the outer areas. We have enjoyed the food very much.

Luperon harbor is the end point for a minor river and at the end of town. That means rains turn the basin brown and twigs to logs can be found floating around as well as town trash and sewerage.. Hey, do not be surprised! This is part of the 3rd world experience you and I have paid maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as loosing as much for NOT working, to get here. When you do, "Enjoy it" it is very relaxed.

later ya'll!

We are well.