18 December Marina Hemingway

on the dock in canal 2

We arrived at the Customs dock in Marina Hemingway at 8am just as the rain and wind of the approaching frontal system arrived.  Clearance inward was simple.  We were inspected and passed good to proceed to the marina dock.   We were directed to canal number two next to the marina office, the showers, etc and next to our British friends Jason, Anita and grown up kids Natasha and Nick on Aventure who we'd met in the Bahamas in May.  Sometimes it's a delightfully small world.  Mon Ark followed us on to the dock a couple of hours later.  We had done our tie up in the rain.  They had dry conditions.

Once we were on the dock the dock master came on board for his inspection and paperwork.  His name is Gabriel and we think he looks like Denzel Washington - a real gentleman.  The health inspector and the vet stopped by to say hello and see Polly.  David was telling the vet how he fishes for Polly when he can and the vet said he was a fisherman too when he had hooks.  A small gift of  packet of hooks was found in the fishing cupboard for him.

plenty of room for more boats 

What can I say about Marina Hemingway?  It's nine miles to the west of Havana.  Ernest Hemingway was a frequent visitor in the forties and fifties and took Fidel and Che out on his boat on fishing trips.  Today it's glory is fading.  The four canals are mostly empty with most boats in number two between the marina office to the north side and Hotel Acaurios on the south side of the canal.  Today we are one of six international cruising boats visiting.  More boats, mostly sports fishers, some owned by Cubans, are permanent residents.  Our neighbours are a Chilean family visiting their Halberg Rassy Williwaw for the holidays, Amorie and Maria from Canada (via Iran) and Spain on a Hunter 36, Dutch Rob and Bowdeen on Bojangles, British Balls on Aventure with their two little dogs Chloe and Fluffy and lovely Canadians Linda and Chris on Mon Ark.