15 November 1999 - Monday

On the 10th of November 1999 at 18:15 at 089' 57' W Antica crossed the equator completing an almost one year's stay on the southern hemisphere, the stay which was rich with exciting sea events on the highest possible level.

We are yet to visit many interesting places in Central America and on the Caribbean Islands. All this draws us near the end of the voyage and brings us closer to our home.The latest part of the voyage from La Libertad to Puerto Baquaregio Morena on San Cristobal (550 miles) passed in an enjoyable multinational company. Galapagos hasn't changed since our last visit in 1993. What stikes us is a higher number of tourists, bigger bureaucracy and corruption - omnipresent in this area. In an explorative sense Galapagos still fascinates and interests in its flora, fauna and history providing intense impressions to the visitors. We spent two days in San Cristobar and then, in one night, we sailed to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz traversing famous Santa Fee. We spent three interesting days on Santa Cruz. Rafał and Wiesiek treated themselves to an under-water day swimming with sharks and mantas. Additional attraction for us was: a visit to Darwin's station, walking through a one-kilometer tunnel along the sea in a volcanic lava and a visit to a turtle farm. Satisfied with the impressions we left Galapagos on November, 9th 1999.

There was champaigne, of course, a traditional crew toast proposed with coconut juice mixed with a just proportion of rum drunk straight from a nut. There were certificates made of leather and shells, new sea names and a traditional spank of paddle in the ass. Neptun was wearing a big lace dress fringed with shells, a toga made of nets and had a genuine Papuan paddle from Karu which substituted a trident. The celebrations came off well, the only thing we gave up was an equatorial salute with our new rifle.. Our further route leads to the Cocos Island where we're going to stay for few days to have a chance of diving in warm water. The Cocos Island is a national park full of curiosities. The next report will be from there.

Capt. Jurek Wąsowicz

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