Next morning, we were up early and caught up with the fleet comms. Piano and N'Oubliez-jamais were close and would probably reach the river that day. Freya had comms problems - no-one could raise them on VHF, though they were close. Ocean Rainbow were also close but not yet in VHF range.
Gaia left first, but even at tickover we were a bit quicker, so passed them on the way up to Bartica. There were plenty of updates about nets and the like, but the passage was easy - the Doyles guide and updates were fine for us. Least depth we saw was 2.3m.
Once we arrived at Bartica we anchored. The bottom is soft mud, and our anchor can be ploughed through it if we get to 'excited' with the astern-revs. No bad weather was forecast, so we were happy we'd stay put but it wasn't 'good holding' at least for us.
Romaine on Gaia directed us to the slipway at the commercial ferry dock. For our dinghy this is very easy to use as she pulls up nicely on the ramp with the wheels. You get odd looks from the locals, but it works and is a nice secure landing.
Check-in was easy. Just around the corner from the dinghy landing. Everyone knew the rally was coming so even as the first boat to clear in, we got great treatment. A boat in the anchorage at Bartica had told us it was long-winded but it was pretty rapid for us. Cleared in and out at the same time for GYD5000 (16). We'd been told that you could only get GYD1000 notes (about 3) but we got GYD5000 notes from the ATM, which made things less bulky.
Next day we explored the market and got some really nice fresh veggies and fruit. Meat seems to be on the morocco-style, one-price per animal. We didn't need any meat, but we may stock up before leaving Guyana. We've been told the beef is very cheap. Rum is also very cheap, at 2.60/750ml - I've tried some and I'm not blind yet :)
So far, we've really liked Guyana. Bartica is a mental mining town (where else can you buy mercury on the high street?), but everyone is friendly and you can provision reasonably well. The views whilst on the river are simply breathtaking. Photos when we get better connectivity.
We've now moved up to Baganara, a bit further up the river. There is rumours of wifi here, but its actually a nicer place to be than the anchorage at Bartica - calmer, and cleaner water. We'll stay here a couple of nights then move down to Hurakabra for the 'big' welcome on Friday. Rally yachts need to be there by Thursday apparently, so we'll do as we're told ;)