[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gwx3ToF_Y-s/Uhaqyf63CTI/AAAAAAAAWWw/CllFtExMLIQ/s144-c-o/P8180056.JPG” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/112133179186774955122/SouthAmericaSection2Stage15VenezuelaBoarderColombiaToCaracas#5915102945136281906″ caption=”The low but still annoying wind surf on the western side of the Gulf” type=”image” alt=”P8180056.JPG” ]

Tough headwind and minefield waves day

Pos: here
Loc: Isla San Carlos
Acc: tent
Dist: 37 km
Start: 6:25 End: 15:40

Why can youngsters on motorbikes not use their brains for once? I really hoped the weekend happening was over and the many cars and motorbikes on the beach had gone home, but no, at 11 pm three young men on *one* motorbike were shining the headlamp on my tent, and desired noisy to know about my whereabouts. As I was not answering instantly, pretending to sleep, they started to pluck out my tent pegs, and I started to angrily talk to them. They may have been a bit surprised by a female voice, still didn’t stop pestering me to know where I came from and such. I surely still angry said I am tired and needed to sleep, but as one of the guys didn’t take his ass off my kayak (I could at least shout the second one away…), I eventually handed them three of my promocards with signature which seemed to satisfy and even eventually impress them as *I* was asking them now their names. Fuck off, guys! I hate being disturbed at night especially at such time being already asleep.

You think this was all? They must have told their friends about me, and at 1 am!!! two motorbikes with four women and two men came also noisy by and desired a “photo” Are they crazy? At 1 am? I didn’t say anything, pretending again to sleep, but unfortunately had my outer tent door open for ventilation. But the inner screen was almost up. Still one of the girls eventually tried to take a naughty look inside my tent after all their calls didn’t work, and suddenly I shone her with my very strong flashlight, raised like a zombie, right into her eyes, telling her she is so impolite, which made her scream and quickly drive off with her friends. No signature cards at that time of the day! I think I will write  in big letters on my tent (In Spanish): German paddling woman is tired and needs to sleep. Please do not disturb! No noise, no lights, and no photos after darkness”…(or such)… Do those youngster have a brain at all?

The paddle was tough and chewy, against the wind now, still with a minefield of unexpected breakers anywhere. Still no violent ones, but annoying. I had to go in and rest about three times, and to fight my way out again. No recovery rest out there possible. But as soon as I was in first time, a van drove along loaded with about fifteen people, male adults and youngsters, all seemingly fishermen, but looking very dark and unfriendly. I had to be extra friendly and cheerful, signing my cards again, to get a few smiles out of them and their respect. Not that they unilaterally decided to load me and my boat… they were a bit scary and may well have been some kind of pirates controlling the locals. But who knows…

Tonight I am camped more away from people, still there were just when I decided to land four fishermen and an old local woman walking along the beach. They live here somewhere remotely in the dunes, but those genuine people are fine and friendly. They know the sea, hard work, and I like them. Enough encounters with very different locals today! I really hope I can have my peaceful desired rest tonight,my tent is a bit inside the dunes this time.

But sorry, I wil take two more days reaching the suggested meeting spot with Gabriel, my Maracaibo host, as the meeting spot is way inside the bay, at Balneario Lago Mar, close to Maracaibo. No problem, I just will take a bit longer! I am looking forward to meet you, Gabriel!