Caribbean trip report

[Andres Darvasi]

Yesterday we flew from Cozumel to Cayman Brac, IFR, FL 11, some CBs on the way. Excellent flight. Left Cozumel al 11:10 arrived Cayman Brac at 2:15, 12 to 15 knots of head wind all the way.
Surprises:
1. No Avgas in Cayman Brac, even though I had checked availability by phone on December 23. They haven't had any for the last 6 month! Have to fly back to Grand Cayman before continuing on to Haiti.
2. 1 minute fumigation of cabin $37.50
3. Arriving on a Civic Holiday, customs charge $75.00
4. Hard to find a place to eat, everything is closed due to the holiday

Staying at an Apartment/Hotel extremely comfortable and well equipped, two bedrooms two bathrooms, living, dining and kitchen area and literally on the beach, see photo!
Next Leg Grand Cayman-Haiti

[N3322G]

Flew our dirty bird to Clifton today - I think you had more fun!

[Andres Darvasi]

Yesterday we flew from Cayman Brac to Kingston Jamaica to refuel, the weather wasn't the best, lots of CBs and low clouds on the arrival to Jamaica, the landing was OK and the approach to Manley beautiful. We chose Kingston instead of Montego Bay because in Sangster the usage of an FBO is compulsory and it quoted us $280 per airplane.
Kingston was self service in the sense that no handler was required, we paid $7.70 per gallon and $38.00 for all the other services.

After close to two hours in Kingston we continued on to Port au Prince, again, CBs on the way and hazy weather on arrival, my flight took two hours, landed in P au P at 4:35 pm and left at 5:10 pm for Jacmel, the shortest stop over ever to clear customs, immigration and file a new flight plan. They were extremely helpful to get me out ASAP to be able to arrive in Jacmel at 5:30 at sun set. Cost $100 because it was Sunday, so overtime, etc. they gave me receipt.
The landing at Jacmel was "interesting", my two friends were already on the ground and instructed me to land from the sea, there is no wind sock in the Jacmel strip. It happens that I landed on a 3,700 feet strip with 10 kts of tail wind, and it floated forever, finally we stopped at the very edge of the strip, and then the sun set!
Haiti is a beautiful country with unbelievable poverty and many needs, very nice and kind people.
There are many volunteers working here from the UN, churches, etc. today, at the beach besides the hotel there were a few church volunteers from Indiana organizing games, singing and swimming with a group of children from a local orphanage. It was such a fantastic experience to see the joy of the children and the dedication of the adults.

[JIMICS2452]

How is the trip going, Andres?

[Andres Darvasi]

Hello Jim,
Yesterday we flew from Hawk Nest, Cat Island to Exuma and Key West.
From Haiti we went to to Santo Domingo, RD which we really liked, after two days we flew to Aguadilla in Puerto Rico and then to San Juan, which we loved, it is really a great place with very nice people.
From San Juan, we went to Las Terrenas (El Catey airport) in RD stayed there overnight, beautiful environment and beaches. excelent French restaurant.
We continued on to Great Inagua, cleared customs ond flew to Pittstown were we were literally devoured by sun flies or something lile that, we can count the bites in the hundreds!
Today, weather permitting we fly over the Gulf to Merida, Yucatan and then home tomorrow or Sunday.
Back to work and reality next Monday

[N3322G]

Sounds like great fun!

[JIMICS2452]

It sounds like the trip is going very well! I am sure it was a lot of fun!

[Andres Darvasi]

Pat and Jim,

It was a lot of fun and the plane behaved great.

We decided to stay in Key West until tomorrow, it is a vey nice place!

[JIMICS2452]

I recommend the ROOFTOP for diner. Some of the best food in town. Have fun tonight. Where are you staying?

[Andres Darvasi]

Jim, we are staying at the Westin at the waterfront. Will follow up on your dinner tip.

[Andres Darvasi]

Jim,

We went for dinner to the Rooftop, fantastic! Thanks for the tip.

We left KEYW on Saturday and flew Key West to Merida 3.5 hrs and then on Sunday Merida to Mexico City (MMJC) 4.0 hrs.

I am tired!