Captain's Log Page 8

Tideline Yacht Sales
17 Lockwood Drive
Charleston, SC 29401

PHONE: 843.813.3711
FAX: 866.467.8840
Email: glen@tidelineyachtsales.com

      We decided to leave "mainland" Trinidad and spend the night at an adjacent island called Chacachacare. It is a U-shaped island with numerous protected coves and anchorages, and was a perfect stepping stone before setting off for Venezuela. The island had been used by Simon Bolivar when he was organizing his rebellion, and later cotton was grown there. During the Second World War the allies had also used it, primarily to keep watch for enemy approachment into the Caribbean. It's most recent use had been that of a leper colony, and it had been so large and active a facility there had even been a traffic light at an intersection. There are abandoned houses, hospitals, pharmacies, nurses' quarters and patients facilities spread throughout the island. The jungle has certainly reclaimed most of it, but it is still very visible and obvious. There is even the rusting chassis of a car parked next to the admissions facility. We found the entire island eerily fascinating, and would recommend it highly for those interested in history.

Our first stop in Venezuela was a small archipelago called "Los Testigos". They consist of some small islands that are manned by the military, but are otherwise uninhabited. Cruisers have to get permission from the soldiers there to stay, and there are limits on the time one can stay there. We opted to stay for three days, and had a relaxing and enjoyable time. Aside from snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the deserted islands there is not much to do. They are actually deserts, in that the annual rainfall is very low, and the flora that is indigenous reflects the lack of water. Most of the plant life consisted of scrub bush and cactus.

After "Los Testigos" we decided to experience some civilization. The island of Margarita is an offshore tax haven for wealthy Venezuelans, and they use it as their playground. Cruisers go there to buy "Polar" beer for $4.00 a case, albeit 250 ml cans versus 340 ml cans. We dropped anchor in the main anchorage, surrounded by a multitude of boats from all over the world. The water was clear, the breeze consistent and gentle, and the locals were friendly and helpful. There is a bus that comes daily to pick people up and take them the local version of Wal-Mart. However, it is all substantially cheaper. After a few hours the bus returns to the anchorage. continue to page 9 >>