s/v Nine of Cups The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

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We left the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands and headed for the Dominican Republic.  We spent a wonderful month in the DR exploring this beautiful country.  Spanish is the official language, and few of the people speak English, especially in the outlying areas.  The Dominicans are, however, not only physically beautiful people but are as friendly as any we've met in our travels and were very patient with our limited Spanish vocabulary. Our travels in-country included Puerto Plata, Santiago, Santo Domingo and an ascent of the highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte

The island of Hispaniola is divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  Due to government safety warnings, we did not visit the Haiti side.  Our route is noted in red above.

Our port of entry was an anchorage at the tiny fishing village of Luperon on the north coast.  The DR is so pleasant a place that we met several cruisers that intended to stay a few days and are still there after years.

Columbus landed here on December 5, 1492, and named the island Isla Espanola from which the name Hispaniola was derived.  Columbus lived here for many years until his death, and his remains are allegedly buried in the cathedral in Santo Domingo.

This is a view of Puerto Plata harbor from Fortaleza San Felipe, the oldest fort in the New World.  Isabel de Torres Mountain is in the background.

Our ascent of Pico Duarte took 5 days.  Each night was spent in small (and often rat infested) huts or casitas.

Juan Pablo Duarte was a patriot during the struggle for independence and is thought of as the Father of the DR.  Above is a statue of Duarte next to the Dominican flag at the summit. (Altitude 3087 meters)

Marcie taking a break and sharing lunch with the mules.  The lower elevations reminded us of Jurassic Park which was filmed here.  Riding mules 8 hours a day raised blisters in different places than we're used to on the boat.

After a month in the DR we left for Puerto Rico.  The 48 hour passage was a bit rainy, but otherwise uneventful.  We headed through the sometimes treacherous Mona Passage and anchored in Boqueron.

Sunrise after a long passage to Boqueron

Old San Juan was one of the most beautiful cities we've visited.  This is a view of the City Gate taken from the top of the old City Wall

Without a doubt the image most associated with Isla del Encanto is the sentry box or garita.  The boxes are located at the outer angles of the bastions and along the city walls, and protected the sentries of long ago as they kept watch over the city.  Their form and function fascinated us and provided many photo opportunities.