Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th February 2024
San Cristobal - Isla Isabela, Galapogos (49nm)
On this overnight trip, we were very honored to be accompanied by Rachel, our ARC representative. Rachel was such a trooper, opting for the graveyard shift from midnight to
3 am. We left the anchorage under motor heading towards our destination with the brightest full moon to guide us. We approached the anchorage as daylight was dawning, and once anchored, we hosted the unofficial Rally Control for the rest of the fleet.
One of the many advantages of traveling as a group is that we share so many experiences. The highs and the lows. A low point swept through the fleet on this beautiful island. Slowly, most picked up a stomach bug. Dugald was the first on our boat, followed swiftly by Iain, which was unfortunate as it coincided with a major failure of the day heads. I felt terrible as Dugald tried to sort the problem, which was not helping his illness. Eventually, Iain took over, also not in the best of health. The whole system was dismantled, revealing the pipes had completely calcified. Not one of the better jobs undertaken, particularly as this major maintenance job was not even on The List for this period!
It soon became apparent that every boat had at least one person feeling "under the weather", so we tried to isolate from each other. We were anchored opposite a resting rock for the Blue-Footed Boobies and the Galapagos penguins. Such a treat as these species are endemic only to this group of islands.
Between this setback, I enjoyed the many delights of the island. Rachel looked after us very well, joining all our island activities. A new group was formed, the “Younger than Average” group, having fun at their first activity ashore at the Pink Iguana Bar. It is quite a fun bar and inevitably the older and younger groups all ended up spending the night in the same bar!
As the boys were fighting their affliction, I had my first solo evening out with Caroline, Mark, and Robert from Axonite. Much to Iain’s annoyance, I was delivered back to the boat quite a lot worse for wear, but with very fond memories of my evening. For once, it was my turn to wake Iain from his slumber, smelling of stale alcohol, declaring my undying love while telling him about our exploits. It would seem this scenario only works one way....
Sadly, we spent most of our time on the boat trying not to pass on the bug and watching the more able members of the fleet enjoying the wildlife right on our doorstep. Ever, the hero, Garland, on Esperanza, single-handedly conducted the rubbish run, collecting bags from every boat for delivery to the recycling center on the island. What a trooper!
Thursday 29th February 2024
Isabella - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos (45nm)
Iain and Dugald were still not well, but luckily it was a short motor to the last of our stops in the Galapagos Islands. Most importantly, we were sailing to collect Sophia. Finally, her passport had arrived after months of delays.
We lifted the anchor at 04:35, motoring with Whit and Cathy on Bountibou. By 13:50, we arrived and were anchored. The anchorage was not the most comfortable. We had been advised to use both bow and stern anchors, a first for us I think!
We were very excited and pleased to finally be in the last of our Galapagos stops. We would be a family crossing the Pacific as we had always planned.
Sophia arrived at Galápagos Ecologic Airport, a few days later. Our family boat was complete. I was so excited to see my little girl, I didn't get a photo of her arriving as my arms were ready to engulf!
The Rock Bar was the centre of our ARC activities. Nev and Fergus set up the office here making it very easy to pop in for a coffee or glass of wine any time of the day!
But 17:00 Sundowners at the bar were always the best! We were cementing friendships and learning more about each other.
Prize giving was lots of fun. Fergus and Nev organised complimentary cocktails of the day. There were lots of novel categories and worthy prizes for our group. The one prize Which is an honor to receive is the Pride of the ARC Flag, which is awarded for outstanding camaraderie. This time the flag was awarded to Andy and Heej Westcoat on Kaja, for their outstanding weather and local information, which they share with the fleet! Invaluable to most. We look forward to seeing Andy and Heej's needlework display at the next award ceremony.
After the prize giving evening, we were ready for the big sail. The longest sail yet, to Hiva Oa, French Polynesia.
SARAH COOK.
Parted by the oceans and time. Taken without warning. A most treasured wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
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