Starting the Day with a High Tide Surprise
Picture this: You’re anchored in the beautiful Dominican Republic, and the full moon has turned the tide into a super high wave crashing nearby. That’s how our day kicked off on SV Agua Azul, our trusty 41ft Hunter 410 sailboat. As Army veterans turned full-time sailors, my wife Danielle and I love sharing these real moments. We grabbed our rental car – a bit beat-up and propane-powered, but it gets the job done. First stop? Gas, because the last driver left it on empty. We snapped pics of some dings on the car, reminding us to chat later about handling accidents here – police get involved fast!
From there, we headed to a local spot for breakfast with an epic ocean view. Danielle went for the classic Dominican style, packed with fresh fish, while I stuck to American comfort food. We even shared bites and treated a hungry local to a meal. The waves were rolling in, and our friends were prepping to sail out. It’s these simple joys that make boat life special. (Link: For more on our first days in the DR, check out Our First Days in the Dominican Republic: Cruising, Exploring, and Local Life | Ep 76.)
Grocery Shopping Adventure: Navigating Chaos Like Mad Max
After breakfast, it was time for the weekly grocery run – always an adventure in the DR. We drove to Jumbo, the big store, dodging traffic that feels like a post-apocalyptic chase. Parking lots are wild; crossing them is like playing frogger! Danielle lit up seeing early Christmas displays – her favorite holiday – though it’s a bit soon. I grabbed some vodka for later, but she held off on buys.
Inside, we filled the cart with essentials: meats, veggies, and snacks. Back on the boat, unpacking is key. Last time, we had bad chicken that nearly made Danielle sick – yikes! Now, we sniff everything and repack into stackable bags for our tiny fridge space. It’s a chore, but it keeps things fresh. We also picked up treats for our furry friend – peanut butter and bacon bites, her fave (cheese upsets her tummy). Boat storage is tight, so organization is everything. (Link: For tips on fridge management, see Boat & RV Fridge Cool Down: Mastering the SECOP/Danfoss Refrigerator | Ep 33.)
Loading Up and Heading Back: Dinghy Duties
Loaded with bags, we hit the marina. The tide had dropped, making our dinghy ride smoother. Spotting our little boat bobbing in the water is always a relief. We crammed everything in – groceries, fuel jugs – it looked like we were prepping for Puerto Rico! Danielle hopped in first; I passed bags over. She’s finishing a to-go margarita, because why not? The dinghy engine, two years strong, chugs along loud but reliable. Don’t fix what ain’t broke, right? Rain started as we motored back, but we made it. Living on a marina would be easier, but anchoring keeps the adventure alive.
Boat Fixes and Maintenance: Keeping SV Agua Azul Afloat
Back aboard, it’s project time – boats break constantly! Our front hatch exploded open; the pin snapped. No new part in town, but a longer screw and curved washer did the trick. It’s not pretty, but functional – better than the stick propping it before. We swapped seals on the water maker too; the Seawater Pro is great, but pre-filters need more changes in these waters. And the head? Clogged again. Vacuum systems are handy – reverse the pump to unclog without mess (watch out for ooze!).
Danielle sorted meats while I tinkered. Heat’s hitting 90s, so open windows are a must. I cleaned the back wall with Dawn – sprayed, let it sit, wiped – dirt fell right off! One side went from dingy yellow to bright white. Big difference in our cozy space. More scrubbing ahead, like tearing down the bed. These DIYs save money and build skills. (Link: Dive deeper into water maker installs with Basic guide for Installing SeaWater Pro Water Maker | Ep 49. And for general boat life joys and trials, read Discover the Joys and Trials of Life on a Sailboat | Ep 51.)
Wrapping Up: Reflections on Island Life
As the sun sets, we’re unwinding. Grocery runs, fixes, and little wins – that’s our rhythm. From Army days to Caribbean sails, Danielle and I team up on everything. She’s whipping up recipes (check her Cucumber Pico De Gallo for a fresh side), and I’m on repairs. It’s not glamorous, but it’s ours. High tides, wild drives, and hatch hacks – all part of the fun. Till next time, fair winds!
Conclusion and Tease
This day shows the real side of sailing: chores mixed with beauty. Join us weekly for more. Subscribe to our YouTube for unedited vlogs, and explore recipes or DIYs here. What’s your biggest boat challenge? Share below!
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