Ashore in La Guaira, Venezuela

Friday 30^th January

Arrived off La Guairá this morning. I took the wheel as we went to anchor. We were told we would be going in at 16.00. For the rest of the morning I was working with the crew painting the ship’s tonnage etc. on the fo’castle bulkhead above the well deck. In the afternoon we spent the time fishing. We had a shark line over the side but had no luck. At 16.00 we were told that we were going in the following morning.

Saturday 31^st  January

The Pilot boarded at 06.00. I was forward with the third Officer and the Bosun. We weighed the anchor and then were soon tying up. Almost as soon as we were made fast a passenger liner tied up aft of us.

It was amazing how many people came down to watch it. The rest of the morning was spent using a fresh water hose to clean the port side of the ship in preparation for being painted. That night I had a look round town with Steve the 2^nd electrician.

Sunday 1^st February

Today two taxis had been ordered to show those that wanted to go around the area. We drove out of La Guairá to the cable car (Teleferico).  The ride up to the top station was fantastic. The views over the sea and back down onto the forest were incredible.

The Cable Station was at 6,460 feet and by walking up the hill at the top you reached a height of 6,906 feet.

Looking down on the other side all one could see was cloud. We got into the cable car and soon we were through the clouds admiring the view over Caracas. At the bottom the taxi picked us up once again and we drove around the city, having the points of interest shown.

These included the modern buildings, monuments to the independence of Venezuela and the Officers Club. This is a free luxury hotel for Officers in the Venezuelan Armed Forces. We had a glass of rum punch which was excellent and then some sandwiches. We were driven back to the ship along a new road which included a couple of tunnels through the mountains.

Monday 2^nd February

Today they started to unload the cargo. I was on cargo watch with the 3^rd Officer. I had to collect all the airbags up as soon as they were freed from between the pallets before they could be damaged as they cost about $20 each. The bosun’s mate tied them in bundles and stowed them in the steering flat. Whilst this was going on the crew was busy painting the ship’s side. They managed to do the whole of the Port side. At 18.00 Billy and the 2^nd Officer took over (till 03.00). I went into the bar where we showed a film.

Tuesday 3^rd February

Today I worked the morning cargo watch. The sailing time was arranged for 18.00. In the afternoon I decided to go and have another ride on the cable car. Unlike the first time, today was very cloudy, only giving one the occasional glance of the forest, cacti etc. below.

I was on the bridge as we left. After escorting the Pilot to his boat I took the flags down.