I finally got the workers off the boat - of course they still had lots to do but you have to draw the line somewhere. Most long term stores were aboard and so after almost four months at last it was time to go. I decided to sail here to Bahia de Caraquez, about 100 miles, to test the boat after so much having been done. Of course the wind was against us but Sapir turned out to be an excellent watch keeper often spotting fishing boats before I did. Avoiding them at night is no fun as they have no logically consistent course. We arrived next day outside Bahia de Caraquez at 1100 but had to wait until 1600 to get a Pilot to take us in at high water. With constantly shifting sand banks unaided entry is just not an option.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is Sapir's birthday so we are going to the beach and then a nice dinner out. The place here is run by an American who is more than helpful. He sorted out my Galapagos paperwork in no-time. Well, I hope he has it sorted.

We will stay here for a few days and then head 600 miles west to the Galapagos. There is no wind in sight so it will be a long trip. I have no intention of motoring.