s/v Nine of Cups Venezuela to Bonaire

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Our plan had been to visit as much of inland Venezuela as possible. However, on 2 December 2002, a national strike to oust President Chavez began and continued beyond our stay in Venezuela. Shortages of food, fuel and beer were most noticeable. The value of the Bolivar plummeted from $1=1200 Bs to $1=1800 Bs and inland travel was inadvisable. The U.S. and Canadian embassies issued traveler's warnings and advised Americans in Venezuela to leave. For our part, we never experienced any violence, only inconvenience. What a disappointment to be in such a beautiful country and miss all of its wonder.

Isla Paraiso Resort & Yacht Club was our home in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. Exclusive high rise condos on a little peninusla jutting out into the lagoon seemed rather extravagant, but since construction wasn't quite finished, the price was a steal. We spent the holidays here before heading out in mid-January

Archiepelago Los Roques (the Rocks) is comprised of about 40 named islands and another 250 unnamed islets, sandbars and cays. In 1972, it was established as a Venezuelan national park. Huge coral reefs and  mangrove islands provide lots of spots to explore and tuck into. El Gran Roque is the largest settlement in the Roques with a population of about 1200. It is very distinctive upon approach with its large 380' hills. Gran Roque is a colorful town and very tourist oriented with lots of shops and restaurants lining its sand streets. There are no vehicles other than golf carts. Electricity is produced via diesel-driven generators.

Catch of the Day! The starfish are huge and clearly visible under several feet of clear, aquarmarine water. The one David is holding washed up on the beach. Beachcombing and shelling have become pleasant pasttimes. We identify and catalog some of the more unusual shells and others we use for decoration around the boat.