![\"IMG_3284\"](\"http:\/\/www.capetocairo2010.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_3284.jpg\" "\\"IMG_3284\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe arrival of Jacqueline!!<\/em> <\/p>\n Loading the bike was a clumsy affair of four guys hoisting the big girl up a plank onto the deck of the catamaran where she was then tied onto the side. We left the dock by about 13h30 and immediately got into open seas. It was common knowledge that there would be a 30 hour crossing until we were in the shelter of the reef around the san blas islands and that the crossing would probably be rough and that many people suffer from seasickness as a result. This trip was no different!<\/p>\n Loaded and tied down!<\/em><\/p>\n The good catamaran Jacqueline<\/a> has no air-conditioning inside and airflow is provided by a series of hatches that lift upward from the bunks onto the deck of the boat. The temperature (not to mention the funky odour) inside the boat as a result was bearable until a big wave covered the upper deck and came pouring into the open hatches which the captain had failed to advise we should close when in open rough seas! The result was a mattress and bags that were soaked with salt water and closed hatches with no airflow to assist with drying\u2026so THATS how the funky odour has permeated this boat!!<\/p>\n Armin, the captain of Jacqueline.<\/em><\/p>\n Lunch was a stainless steel pot of burnt mash potato and some fried sausages around a table not capable of seating 17, however, I am obviously yet to learn the backpacker rules of being at the table on time in order to ensure that the food doesn\u2019t get finished before my arrival\u2026which it was barring some burnt mash!!<\/p>\n The afternoon was spent trying to sleep off the seasickness on a dry corner of a very wet and smelly mattress and getting to know the group of people on board which are actually a great bunch of folk. <\/p>\n<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/a> <\/p>\n