S2E25: priming the mast and visiting the mountains (Dominican Republic)

Episode 25 – Priming the Mast & Visiting the Mountains (Dominican Republic)

After carefully cleaning, lightly sanding, and wire brushing the edges of the aluminum mast to achieve a good surface for the barrier coat, I enlisted my childhood friend Austin’s help. Before we set out to explore the mountains and waterfalls of the Dominican Republic, we ensured that our mast was properly prepared.

We first coated it with WD-40, dewaxed with Chevron Boonedocker, and then applied INEO Protect 2000 as a barrier coat, setting up further coats to be added later. Once our preparation steps were completed, Austin expertly smoothed out the epoxy coating for me by using quality control checks. Ensuring there was no missing spots and making sure all hairs or imperfections were sealed, we prepared the mast fully.

As well as painting and preparing the mast in Santo Domingo, we enjoyed hiking the lush rainforests and experiencing the local wildlife firsthand – donkeys, baby chicks, and streams to name a few. We discovered lovely walking villages hidden among the Dominican countryside. In particular, my favorite spot was at an Airbnb where I filmed some Yoga practices for my ArYogi subscription.

This Mountain Air adventure in the Dominican Republic costs around $60 a night, so only $30 per person – and boy does it refresh you! However, be prepared as the altitude is high. For our meal break at 10:30 AM we discovered that some places may require carrying your wallet, like our mountain restaurant which was found at the base of an incredibly steep hill.

The local gardens had carrots, tomatoes and other crops, but beware the rain – we definitely felt it in full force! After all the outdoor exploring, hiking, and discovering the walking villages, you can truly say that my experience in the Dominican Republic has been memorable.

The Stunning Waterfalls

To complete this nature-filled exploration of the Dominican Republic, we journeyed to the promised waterfalls. Although challenging to get to, it was worth every step. With lush rainforests surrounding us and people carrying suitcases on donkeys nearby, you can truly immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere that the country provides.

On our final day exploring, we stumbled upon what seemed like a passion fruit, but I’m not 100% certain after consulting with Austin. Either way, the experience of traveling through the Dominican Republic with good friends and embracing both its mountainous landscapes and walking villages left us feeling accomplished.