Well we have been touring. We visited the Bob Marley mausoleum and his birth place, well the cost was $15.00 US, and we would like to say the highlight of the tour was the rock that Bob Marley sat on, thought and composed some of his songs. We of course were offered some ganja because at Bob Marley’s place it legal (sure).
We also went to Ocho Rios a tourist town where cruise ships come in. Every second person asked Karen if she would like her hair braided and Cheryl was only asked once, the rest asked Cheryl if they could roll a joint for her. Go figure. It was wall to wall vendors peddling their wares or services. Needless to say we were underwhelmed and very happy to get back to the quite of our little marina.
After some boat work we went touring again. Along with another boat we rented a car and toured the Blue Mountains, they are famous for their coffee. Well the day began very early with a lovely drive up the north coast of Jamaica then we turn inland on an old road that went from the north shore to Kingston on the south shore. The road we heard was washed out by hurricane Dennis. The plan was to go as far as we could go then find a way back to our boat. Well they were right about the road it was old, windy, very narrow (don’t forget we are heading up into the mountains, 7200 ft). In some place there was very little of the road left or a boulder in the road. In fact in one section we had to go through a private coffee plantation to continue our trip.
Since we were going across their property we had a little tour, we learned how they pick and roast the coffee. Of course we had to try some and buy some. So could now say we say how Blue Mountain is made coffee. Cheryl was given a baby coffee plant to grow so in 18 months we can see if we have coffee. Yah right.
After leaving what we thought was the rough part of the road we ventured towards home. Well the cows and goat did not even use the road. At one point we had to get out of the car and push it up the hill. On the map the road showed a lot of switch backs and lots of turns, that was an understatement. At every fork in the road we would stop and ask, usually a guy with a machete, which road to “whatever” and with a smile and probably a snicker they would point to the road. We did see some amazing views. We went across river where women were washing their clothes, under bridges and over boulders. By the way we were driving a Toyota Corolla. Well we finally were reward with a semi paved road and a breathtaking view of Kingston (the capital of Jamaica). As we ventured towards Kingston, Anick (French boat that we rented the car with noticed a resort/spa which was on her must see list, so we went in. The place was called Strawberry Hill, well it was spectacular, and you had the view of Kingston and the Blue Mountains. The rich and famous go here for a get away but they let us in anyways.
Finally we found a road that was paved and made our way home and to bed early but it was a great day and the Jamaican people along the way and the view made the trip very special.
We journeyed into Kingston for some provisioning with Islandia’s chef, a 138 foot boat that is here every year. Sue took us to an amazing supermarket were we found all the little things we wanted and more at very reasonable prices. This time the food bill was more than the wine bill! We are working on correcting that oversight!
We had dinner with the dock master/head of operations of Errol Flynn Marina, along with Frank and Sue on Islandia. Great food and lots of laughs. 15 minutes after we arrived back at the boat a squall came through. Interlude was just fine. However, Islandia managed to loose her anchor and had to leave the dock in the middle of the squall! Some fine boat handling by Frank and helping hands from two of the boats on the dock allowed them to get off the dock, avoid the other boats and set anchor in the harbour. More than enough excitement for the night! (By the way during the squall we were freezing, hot tea was the order of the night.)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bonaire and Jamaica Man
Bonaire is described as “Divers Paradise” and it lives up to its name. Bonaire is a marine park there seems to be abundance of fish it is like they want to get there picture taken or just want to come up and say hi. We spent most of our days under water but occasionally we did come up for air and went to this windsurfing beach for the day and sat and read a book and watched the beginners windsurfers make some amazing landings.
After one of our dives our rental truck got broken into and our wallets, cell phone and Cheryl’s shorts were stolen. The robbers had smashed the passenger window. The rental car agency had warned us to keep our windows open but we did not listen. We were not the only one broken into that day, there was a least 3 others. Busy robbers. The good news on the last day before we left Cheryl went into the police station and someone had found our stuff minus the money, Karen’s cell phone and most important Cheryl’s shorts. Cheryl’s short are the ones with the zipper legs, she still has the legs but no shorts to attach too. It has been suggested that Cheryl should wear the legs with suspenders. We will let you know how that fashion statement takes off down here. It would be cool, but she may get sunburn.
Our friend Dan from Canada who sailed down from Cuba to Aruba with us in 2003 came down to sail up from Bonaire to Jamaica. After a quick tour of Bonaire with Dan we did our final food shopping and food prep. And a last trip to Casa Blanca, a restaurant offering an Argentinean beef grill, which provides many days of very tasty left overs.
We left at 8:30 am for a 4 ½ day sail up to Jamaica. Our neighbour (Wendy from Canada) on the mooring ball beside us came over before we left to say “see you down island somewhere” and gave us sushi and California spring rolls for our lunch that day. It was an amazing treat. The fist night was a little bouncy to sleep so none of us slept but by the second night we all got into the groove of the boat and the watches. We where visited by dolphins and a very occasional ship pasted us but mostly it was just us and the beautiful sea. It rained twice for about 20 minutes and the winds slowly died down along with the seas which gave us the opportunity to fly our new sail which is a large downwind sail. At one point we saw 10.2 knot on the GPS. Our boat top speed is 8 knots. We where flying.
On the last morning we slowly started to see the Blue Mountains of Jamaica peek up in the horizon. After leaving Bonaire a very dry island where only cactus grow, to see the beautiful lush island of Jamaica is quite a contrast. As we pulled up to slip at Earl Flynn marina in Port Antonia we were greeted with “Welcome to Jamaica Man”. The people here are very friendly and helpful. After washing down the boat and getting through all the doctor, custom and immigration paper work we went exploring the town of Port Antonia. Before long we had arranged a site seeing tour to go down the Rio Grande river on a banana raft.
After a full night sleep without any boat movement we went off to the Rio Grande with our guide Captain Rebbo and our taxi driver David. The trip was amazing, we learned that the raft where originally and are still used to ship bananas down the river but it was Earl Flynn who started the trend of taking people down the river. For him it was an opportunity to take his lady friends down the river for a romantic boat ride. After watching Captain Rebbo’s technique of pole and steering us down the river, Karen asked if she could give it a try. Well we all got a try on poling our way down the river, even through some very small rapids.
So now we are just planning which bay we are going to visit next in Jamaica and of course go and explore the Blue Mountains and buy some of their famous coffee.
After one of our dives our rental truck got broken into and our wallets, cell phone and Cheryl’s shorts were stolen. The robbers had smashed the passenger window. The rental car agency had warned us to keep our windows open but we did not listen. We were not the only one broken into that day, there was a least 3 others. Busy robbers. The good news on the last day before we left Cheryl went into the police station and someone had found our stuff minus the money, Karen’s cell phone and most important Cheryl’s shorts. Cheryl’s short are the ones with the zipper legs, she still has the legs but no shorts to attach too. It has been suggested that Cheryl should wear the legs with suspenders. We will let you know how that fashion statement takes off down here. It would be cool, but she may get sunburn.
Our friend Dan from Canada who sailed down from Cuba to Aruba with us in 2003 came down to sail up from Bonaire to Jamaica. After a quick tour of Bonaire with Dan we did our final food shopping and food prep. And a last trip to Casa Blanca, a restaurant offering an Argentinean beef grill, which provides many days of very tasty left overs.
We left at 8:30 am for a 4 ½ day sail up to Jamaica. Our neighbour (Wendy from Canada) on the mooring ball beside us came over before we left to say “see you down island somewhere” and gave us sushi and California spring rolls for our lunch that day. It was an amazing treat. The fist night was a little bouncy to sleep so none of us slept but by the second night we all got into the groove of the boat and the watches. We where visited by dolphins and a very occasional ship pasted us but mostly it was just us and the beautiful sea. It rained twice for about 20 minutes and the winds slowly died down along with the seas which gave us the opportunity to fly our new sail which is a large downwind sail. At one point we saw 10.2 knot on the GPS. Our boat top speed is 8 knots. We where flying.
On the last morning we slowly started to see the Blue Mountains of Jamaica peek up in the horizon. After leaving Bonaire a very dry island where only cactus grow, to see the beautiful lush island of Jamaica is quite a contrast. As we pulled up to slip at Earl Flynn marina in Port Antonia we were greeted with “Welcome to Jamaica Man”. The people here are very friendly and helpful. After washing down the boat and getting through all the doctor, custom and immigration paper work we went exploring the town of Port Antonia. Before long we had arranged a site seeing tour to go down the Rio Grande river on a banana raft.
After a full night sleep without any boat movement we went off to the Rio Grande with our guide Captain Rebbo and our taxi driver David. The trip was amazing, we learned that the raft where originally and are still used to ship bananas down the river but it was Earl Flynn who started the trend of taking people down the river. For him it was an opportunity to take his lady friends down the river for a romantic boat ride. After watching Captain Rebbo’s technique of pole and steering us down the river, Karen asked if she could give it a try. Well we all got a try on poling our way down the river, even through some very small rapids.
So now we are just planning which bay we are going to visit next in Jamaica and of course go and explore the Blue Mountains and buy some of their famous coffee.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Time to Play - Bonaire
Time passes so quickly! We have now been in Bonaire for 2 and a half weeks!
We counted down until we left Trinidad until the “To Do” is done. The last month we spent chasing down contractors to finish the work like install the new diesel tank, install the new stainless steel arch and the sun screens. Karen was busy recover all the cushions downstairs, and we all including Dwayne continued to rebuild, replace and install all the new tools for Interlude. List of new tools: new water tank, diesel tank, store area, generator box, water pump, freezer, deck shower, rain catcher, regulators and all the things that go with installation. As you can imagine a 5 minute job usually takes 5 hours because something else breaks or it just does not fit the way you planned.
The last day before we left Trinidad we had a little impromptu party with some of the people on the dock and some of the contractors. As the party was going one of the contractors was still installing the final sunscreen panels. We were bound and determined to leave the next day, as Cheryl had $10 riding on our departing date. (Cheryl won, interest is accruing.) It was a beautiful send off. To our surprise a contractor and a security guard gave us parting gifts, it was very touching.
We had a very easy passage from Trinidad to Grenada. Either no wind or lightening, so we motored. We had Dwayne with us; a third set of hands at the helm makes any passage easier. You cannot image how nice it is to be on the move again!
In Grenada we spent most of our time provisioning, getting the things that are easiest or the least expensive there. But we also said our ‘see yeahs’ to Altair and Dream Chaser as they are staying in the chain. We also said good bye to Johnanthan at Island Water World, when next we hear of him, he will be back in England. We went to some of our favourite local haunts, had some cheap lunches, hiked the hill to the fort overlooking St George’s, hike the hill to see the stadium and swam in the sea. We tried the water maker for the first time, no leaks!! We toasted with our water in Champagne flutes, then with real champagne.
We then left Grenada for Bonaire. Almost a 400 mile passage, to be made in one step. We had our passage weather reviewed by Denise on Tiger Lily, which added comfort that we had not missed something in the weather report. We had 5-10 knots for the first 24 hours, so we motored, with our new Raymarine Wheel Pilot doing all the work. The next 24 hours we had 10 knots, so we had the head sail up and the motor on. The last 12 hours we had 15 knots and 6 foot seas, so we hand steered as we could beat auto in course and it broke the monotony. We arrived in Bonaire just after 9pm, after 62 hours and picked up a mooring ball, as is required. We saw 3 pods of dolphins during the passage, with pictures to prove it!
As we were coming into Bonaire Dwayne caught a Mahi Mahi, the first fish he has ever caught and the first fish ever caught on Interlude! As Karen was sailing, Dwayne and Cheryl filleted the fish. The first question Dwayne asked Cheryl was “Do you know how to fillet a fish?” Cheryl responded “No, do you?” To which the answer was again ‘No’. So they winged it and they still have all their fingers.
The next day we cleared in to Bonaire and went to pay for a month of moorings (it is a marine park, so no anchoring). As we were doing a basic course with Dwayne we went for a day sail, with 20 knots, a fun time for all the tacks/gybes and crew over boards that are needed. We certainly started our time in Bonaire with a fully charged battery.
We spent a day provisioning and Dwayne getting his ticket back to Trinidad. That night at dinner we noticed a sailboat passing way to close to our butt! It was Avalanche, a Danish boat we meet in Trinidad. They picked up the mooring next to us. Dwayne had a chance to say ‘see yeah’ to them before he had to fly off home.
We went with Avalanche to a restaurant “Casablanca” an Argentinean steak house that we had been to in 2003. It was still just as good. They headed off to Aruba shortly after that.
We were in Bonaire for almost a week before we went diving! But we are making up for it now. With the underwater camera we have taken some great pictures of the fish, and a learning more of their names (Fred, Barney and Sam). The reefs are in great condition and lots of fish. We are the leaders in spotting turtles at Yellow Submarine, the dive shop we are renting tanks from. In fact we seem to be the only ones recording sightings. Cheryl is now tired of most types of file fish, especially as I love them and perhaps take too many pictures of them! Cheryl is on the hunt for a seahorse, we saw one here last time.
We met Audrey Paige, friends of Sea Cycles. We had a marvellous day on their boat, snorkelling at Klein Bonaire. They needed to turn on the diesel to charge the battery, so suggested we go to Klein!
We rented a car and went to a beach on the windward side of the island and both Cheryl and I had massages, birthday presents from my brother Bruce. It made for a lovely day. Saturday we dove down the south end of the island to dive, again on Sunday. But on Sunday we had Dennis and Allayne from Audrey Paige with us. Then we had a late lunch at a Chinese food restaurant. Another lovely day.
Slowly we are getting over the tiredness from all the work done in Trinidad. I have basically finished all the items on my to do list from Trinidad. It is time to start a new list. Cheryl still has an item or two, but nothing that is too urgent that we cannot enjoy Bonaire.
We counted down until we left Trinidad until the “To Do” is done. The last month we spent chasing down contractors to finish the work like install the new diesel tank, install the new stainless steel arch and the sun screens. Karen was busy recover all the cushions downstairs, and we all including Dwayne continued to rebuild, replace and install all the new tools for Interlude. List of new tools: new water tank, diesel tank, store area, generator box, water pump, freezer, deck shower, rain catcher, regulators and all the things that go with installation. As you can imagine a 5 minute job usually takes 5 hours because something else breaks or it just does not fit the way you planned.
The last day before we left Trinidad we had a little impromptu party with some of the people on the dock and some of the contractors. As the party was going one of the contractors was still installing the final sunscreen panels. We were bound and determined to leave the next day, as Cheryl had $10 riding on our departing date. (Cheryl won, interest is accruing.) It was a beautiful send off. To our surprise a contractor and a security guard gave us parting gifts, it was very touching.
We had a very easy passage from Trinidad to Grenada. Either no wind or lightening, so we motored. We had Dwayne with us; a third set of hands at the helm makes any passage easier. You cannot image how nice it is to be on the move again!
In Grenada we spent most of our time provisioning, getting the things that are easiest or the least expensive there. But we also said our ‘see yeahs’ to Altair and Dream Chaser as they are staying in the chain. We also said good bye to Johnanthan at Island Water World, when next we hear of him, he will be back in England. We went to some of our favourite local haunts, had some cheap lunches, hiked the hill to the fort overlooking St George’s, hike the hill to see the stadium and swam in the sea. We tried the water maker for the first time, no leaks!! We toasted with our water in Champagne flutes, then with real champagne.
We then left Grenada for Bonaire. Almost a 400 mile passage, to be made in one step. We had our passage weather reviewed by Denise on Tiger Lily, which added comfort that we had not missed something in the weather report. We had 5-10 knots for the first 24 hours, so we motored, with our new Raymarine Wheel Pilot doing all the work. The next 24 hours we had 10 knots, so we had the head sail up and the motor on. The last 12 hours we had 15 knots and 6 foot seas, so we hand steered as we could beat auto in course and it broke the monotony. We arrived in Bonaire just after 9pm, after 62 hours and picked up a mooring ball, as is required. We saw 3 pods of dolphins during the passage, with pictures to prove it!
As we were coming into Bonaire Dwayne caught a Mahi Mahi, the first fish he has ever caught and the first fish ever caught on Interlude! As Karen was sailing, Dwayne and Cheryl filleted the fish. The first question Dwayne asked Cheryl was “Do you know how to fillet a fish?” Cheryl responded “No, do you?” To which the answer was again ‘No’. So they winged it and they still have all their fingers.
The next day we cleared in to Bonaire and went to pay for a month of moorings (it is a marine park, so no anchoring). As we were doing a basic course with Dwayne we went for a day sail, with 20 knots, a fun time for all the tacks/gybes and crew over boards that are needed. We certainly started our time in Bonaire with a fully charged battery.
We spent a day provisioning and Dwayne getting his ticket back to Trinidad. That night at dinner we noticed a sailboat passing way to close to our butt! It was Avalanche, a Danish boat we meet in Trinidad. They picked up the mooring next to us. Dwayne had a chance to say ‘see yeah’ to them before he had to fly off home.
We went with Avalanche to a restaurant “Casablanca” an Argentinean steak house that we had been to in 2003. It was still just as good. They headed off to Aruba shortly after that.
We were in Bonaire for almost a week before we went diving! But we are making up for it now. With the underwater camera we have taken some great pictures of the fish, and a learning more of their names (Fred, Barney and Sam). The reefs are in great condition and lots of fish. We are the leaders in spotting turtles at Yellow Submarine, the dive shop we are renting tanks from. In fact we seem to be the only ones recording sightings. Cheryl is now tired of most types of file fish, especially as I love them and perhaps take too many pictures of them! Cheryl is on the hunt for a seahorse, we saw one here last time.
We met Audrey Paige, friends of Sea Cycles. We had a marvellous day on their boat, snorkelling at Klein Bonaire. They needed to turn on the diesel to charge the battery, so suggested we go to Klein!
We rented a car and went to a beach on the windward side of the island and both Cheryl and I had massages, birthday presents from my brother Bruce. It made for a lovely day. Saturday we dove down the south end of the island to dive, again on Sunday. But on Sunday we had Dennis and Allayne from Audrey Paige with us. Then we had a late lunch at a Chinese food restaurant. Another lovely day.
Slowly we are getting over the tiredness from all the work done in Trinidad. I have basically finished all the items on my to do list from Trinidad. It is time to start a new list. Cheryl still has an item or two, but nothing that is too urgent that we cannot enjoy Bonaire.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Trinidad and Beyond
We left Carriacou for Grenada racing along with Neil on Dream Chaser (as the name stated he was chasing) We had a beautiful sail with 15 knot of wind and less then 4 foot seas. As Dream Chaser was hot on our heels and then passed us we had to make the big decision to raise our main. (Remember Cheryl keeps asking Karen why we have a main when we never use it). This allowed us to pass Neil! We set down our anchor just off Grand Anse near St. George, the capital of Grenada.
The next day we went in by dingy to St. George for some shopping and exploring. We took a local bus up to the nutmeg factory were Karen asked for a bag of nutmeg shells, they thought she want a 50 pound bag which is usually what people want but when Karen took out her baby shopping bag they laugh and said no problem and gave us the shells for free. We use the nutmeg shell on the BBQ to smoke fish or chicken. We walked, which seemed like miles, up to our favorite waterfalls, Concord, at high noon being escorted by a local dog all the way up and she waited for us to have our dip in the falls and then escorted us back to the main road.
After exploring and stocking up on our favorites from Grenada including rum and wine we left to go around to the south part of island. We anchored in Mount Hartman Bay where there were very few boats. (This use to be a very busy harbour, the home of Moorings. The hotel is now unoccupied and in a very bad state of repair.) We then moved over to Hog Island which was where we used to keep our boat. So then we waited for the right weather window to go off to Trinidad. As we waited we learned about Cricket from Neil on Dream Chaser, ate at some of our local haunts and visited. There certain are a lot of change happening in Grenada.
We met up with 2 other boats (Brisa and Against the Wind) to plan our passage to Trinidad. Finally the day arrived and we left Grenada at 3:30 p.m on June 18th. to head off to Trinidad. The seas were flat and the wind was 15 knots and we averaged over 6 knots. At about 2 a.m. we decided to slow down as we did not want to go through the entrance to Trinidad (Boca which means Dragon Mouth) in the dark. At 5:30 a.m. we started to head in. We led the way for the 2 other boats as we had been in Trinidad before, even if it was 10 years ago. We had to go to the custom dock and check in and the crew had to report to immigration as they wanted to see if any one had swine flu. As we were about to leave the custom dock, we found out we had no gears, well we had reverse! So we radio our new home (coral cove) for assistance. We ended up getting towed in to our slip. Frustrating as we were only 50 meters away!
As soon as we checked into the marina Cheryl called to get an air conditioner for the boat because it is so hot here with no wind to cool you down. Within 55 minutes we had air conditioner installed and working on InterludeJ
The next day was a holiday in Trinidad and Summer Solstice for the Swede’s, our dock neighbours. They invited us to join in their celebration, lots of food and schnapps and dancing. That same day a baby was born to the Danish boat, which means that they are now sailing with 4 children. Mother and baby were home by sunset 8 hours later.
On the 1st of July we had another barbeque, to celebrate Canada Day. We had almost 20 people, lots of red and white, lots of food and sparklers for the young at heart!
We spent the first few ‘working days’ in brilliant weather, getting quotes for work to be done (painting the deck, stainless steel, having the rigging checked.) and pricing major items (solar panels, solar panel regulators, diesel regulators, water maker, auto helm). So with the contractors lined up, our ‘stuff’ on order and new standing rigging in place we were hauled so that they could start the painting of the deck. Then rainy season hit. And the 3 week paint job took 5 weeks! But Interlude does look pretty and her deck is sealed.
Met up with some CUNA folks and then Deb spent the weekend with us on the hard. This gave us an opportunity to tour a bit, walk to a waterfalls, the beach and the north east coast of the island.
Dad came down for a visit, we hoped in vain to have the boat in the water for part of the time. We had days were we talked about how hard the rain was coming down, then it came down harder! Amazing really. Again we took the opportunity of touring, this time to the south end of the island.
Being on the hard without your stainless steel is like being in a tree fort with no hand rails or walls.
While the boat was being painted we raised our water line, put on a boot stripe, bought fabric to recover the cushions through out boat. Buying the fabric required a long hot day of walking around Port of Spain, with poor Murray in tow. The city has beautiful architecture, but awful sidewalks. Anyway we have fantastic fabric for the main saloon just waiting to be sewn.
The last night that Murray was down, Cheryl took Dad to the Lighthouse restaurant to celebrate his 80th birthday, it was a beautiful night, with great food.
Karen went home to celebrate her Dad’s 80th on August 1st, to visit with friends, do the Doctor thing and buy boat parts! A thank you to so many who made time to visit with me, it was greatly appreciated. It is like having a Big Hug.
In the mean time Cheryl worked away on the boat. Cheryl and a helper Dwayne, installed the cleats and dodger/Bimini stainless steel, and install the new water maker (which meant rehosing an area of the boat, building two new cabinets in the forward head to hold the water maker and it’s filters), replace faucets and water pump and had a new forward water tank built as there were many holes in the original tank. New mirrors were installed in the two heads. The forward stainless steel was delivered and installed. Cheryl wore a hole in her Crocks walking back and forth to the marine store a million times a day.
When it came time to launch Interlude, Cheryl had lots of help! Four people on board with her, four on the docks and two in dingies! I don’t know a better way to describe how supportive the cruising community is or they just want to be entertained.
Cheryl had meals prepared for her by Jacana ,Elena, Avalanche and Dwayne as well as been taken out for dinner by Bill on Against the Wind and Vincent. Cheryl joined other yachties for dinners at a Chinese restaurant where I tried chicken feet (it was surprising good) and India food and I tried baby octopus (they were cute). So I guess I didn’t miss Karen’s cooking after all and I didn’t starve.
Cheryl, with instructions from Dwayne, learned how to drive on the wrong side of the road. And she only turned on the windshield wipers 4 times in a day. And it wasn't raining!
The second water tank has now been removed and the area is all clean, waiting for us to install the freezer we bought and a smaller water tank and a second diesel tank (neither of which we have purchased). Dwayne rebuilt the drawers under the chart table, not an easy task.
The next day we went in by dingy to St. George for some shopping and exploring. We took a local bus up to the nutmeg factory were Karen asked for a bag of nutmeg shells, they thought she want a 50 pound bag which is usually what people want but when Karen took out her baby shopping bag they laugh and said no problem and gave us the shells for free. We use the nutmeg shell on the BBQ to smoke fish or chicken. We walked, which seemed like miles, up to our favorite waterfalls, Concord, at high noon being escorted by a local dog all the way up and she waited for us to have our dip in the falls and then escorted us back to the main road.
After exploring and stocking up on our favorites from Grenada including rum and wine we left to go around to the south part of island. We anchored in Mount Hartman Bay where there were very few boats. (This use to be a very busy harbour, the home of Moorings. The hotel is now unoccupied and in a very bad state of repair.) We then moved over to Hog Island which was where we used to keep our boat. So then we waited for the right weather window to go off to Trinidad. As we waited we learned about Cricket from Neil on Dream Chaser, ate at some of our local haunts and visited. There certain are a lot of change happening in Grenada.
We met up with 2 other boats (Brisa and Against the Wind) to plan our passage to Trinidad. Finally the day arrived and we left Grenada at 3:30 p.m on June 18th. to head off to Trinidad. The seas were flat and the wind was 15 knots and we averaged over 6 knots. At about 2 a.m. we decided to slow down as we did not want to go through the entrance to Trinidad (Boca which means Dragon Mouth) in the dark. At 5:30 a.m. we started to head in. We led the way for the 2 other boats as we had been in Trinidad before, even if it was 10 years ago. We had to go to the custom dock and check in and the crew had to report to immigration as they wanted to see if any one had swine flu. As we were about to leave the custom dock, we found out we had no gears, well we had reverse! So we radio our new home (coral cove) for assistance. We ended up getting towed in to our slip. Frustrating as we were only 50 meters away!
As soon as we checked into the marina Cheryl called to get an air conditioner for the boat because it is so hot here with no wind to cool you down. Within 55 minutes we had air conditioner installed and working on InterludeJ
The next day was a holiday in Trinidad and Summer Solstice for the Swede’s, our dock neighbours. They invited us to join in their celebration, lots of food and schnapps and dancing. That same day a baby was born to the Danish boat, which means that they are now sailing with 4 children. Mother and baby were home by sunset 8 hours later.
On the 1st of July we had another barbeque, to celebrate Canada Day. We had almost 20 people, lots of red and white, lots of food and sparklers for the young at heart!
We spent the first few ‘working days’ in brilliant weather, getting quotes for work to be done (painting the deck, stainless steel, having the rigging checked.) and pricing major items (solar panels, solar panel regulators, diesel regulators, water maker, auto helm). So with the contractors lined up, our ‘stuff’ on order and new standing rigging in place we were hauled so that they could start the painting of the deck. Then rainy season hit. And the 3 week paint job took 5 weeks! But Interlude does look pretty and her deck is sealed.
Met up with some CUNA folks and then Deb spent the weekend with us on the hard. This gave us an opportunity to tour a bit, walk to a waterfalls, the beach and the north east coast of the island.
Dad came down for a visit, we hoped in vain to have the boat in the water for part of the time. We had days were we talked about how hard the rain was coming down, then it came down harder! Amazing really. Again we took the opportunity of touring, this time to the south end of the island.
Being on the hard without your stainless steel is like being in a tree fort with no hand rails or walls.
While the boat was being painted we raised our water line, put on a boot stripe, bought fabric to recover the cushions through out boat. Buying the fabric required a long hot day of walking around Port of Spain, with poor Murray in tow. The city has beautiful architecture, but awful sidewalks. Anyway we have fantastic fabric for the main saloon just waiting to be sewn.
The last night that Murray was down, Cheryl took Dad to the Lighthouse restaurant to celebrate his 80th birthday, it was a beautiful night, with great food.
Karen went home to celebrate her Dad’s 80th on August 1st, to visit with friends, do the Doctor thing and buy boat parts! A thank you to so many who made time to visit with me, it was greatly appreciated. It is like having a Big Hug.
In the mean time Cheryl worked away on the boat. Cheryl and a helper Dwayne, installed the cleats and dodger/Bimini stainless steel, and install the new water maker (which meant rehosing an area of the boat, building two new cabinets in the forward head to hold the water maker and it’s filters), replace faucets and water pump and had a new forward water tank built as there were many holes in the original tank. New mirrors were installed in the two heads. The forward stainless steel was delivered and installed. Cheryl wore a hole in her Crocks walking back and forth to the marine store a million times a day.
When it came time to launch Interlude, Cheryl had lots of help! Four people on board with her, four on the docks and two in dingies! I don’t know a better way to describe how supportive the cruising community is or they just want to be entertained.
Cheryl had meals prepared for her by Jacana ,Elena, Avalanche and Dwayne as well as been taken out for dinner by Bill on Against the Wind and Vincent. Cheryl joined other yachties for dinners at a Chinese restaurant where I tried chicken feet (it was surprising good) and India food and I tried baby octopus (they were cute). So I guess I didn’t miss Karen’s cooking after all and I didn’t starve.
Cheryl, with instructions from Dwayne, learned how to drive on the wrong side of the road. And she only turned on the windshield wipers 4 times in a day. And it wasn't raining!
The second water tank has now been removed and the area is all clean, waiting for us to install the freezer we bought and a smaller water tank and a second diesel tank (neither of which we have purchased). Dwayne rebuilt the drawers under the chart table, not an easy task.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Island Hopping
After spending 4 days in Marigot Bay (St. Lucia) where we sat around the pool and pampered ourselves and had a amazing dinner at the Rainforest Restaurant where we celebrated Karen’s birthday, complete with the waiters sing happy birthday, we finally pushed off the dock to head to Bequia.
We left at 5 a.m. and had an amazing sail down the coast of St. Lucia. We also did the unthinkable (For us that is) we put up the main sail. Cheryl has always asked why we bought a fully batten main when we have only put up the complete sail when bending it on! Well we had both sails fully up and out and it was great. We sailed between St. Lucia and St. Vincent a little over powered but it was exhilarating and both of us had a smile on our face. Cheryl because she finally saw the main fully up and Karen because it was like racing, (not to mention we clocked 8.3 knots on the GPS). When we arrived at the north point of St. Vincent took down our sails to motored down the island (St. Vincent is a high, hilly island so there is usually no wind close to shore) then we were greeted by a lone dolphin. As he (we assume it was a he) gave us a wink and played with our bow wave for a minute or two we asked where his friends where. Not 10 minutes later a pod of dolphins started to show up and play of our bow. It is such a natural high seeing dolphins. They are so graceful and playful.
As we arrived in Bequia we anchored in our favorite spot…this time it took us 3 times to get a good set…thank you to our new windless (nicknamed Tigre). In the past we would have to pull up the anchor by hand now our baby toes get the work out as all we do it press a button with our toe to raise and lower our anchor (we are getting old you know).
We checked into Customs, then, as we have been in Bequia many times we did our usual wondering to buy groceries. We had a specific list of items we wanted to pick up in Bequia.
The next day our new friends from Sea Wings called and we gave them a tour of all the local grocery stores and food markets as well as the cheap local restaurants and the fort over looking Admiralty Bay for the required photo op. Next day another new boat (Altair) that we also meet in St. Lucia arrived and we decided to have snorkel and a picnic on shore the next day with a 3 boats.
Since it is now off season there is bar/restaurant on the beach which closed around 5 so we all met with a bottle and plate to share. We first stared off on the beach on the restaurants lounge chairs then the rain came and we move into the open air restaurant and enjoyed great finger food and laughs. Some where during our last time in Bequia Karen was in the water swimming (showering) and 2 baby manta rays swam by her. Cheryl standing in the dinghy showering and looked down and saw the same 2 manta rays swam right by the dinghy, I know you are asking if we took pictures but we usually don’t shower with camera so no we don’t have pictures. On this visit we saw only one Manta, and again, no camera.
After doing some finally grocery shopping, we left Bequia for Canauon, a 20 mile passage. We tried to go into an anchorage that we had not been in before, but it was way too rolly, so we went back to the main harbour. We walked around the island, as we had not been here in 10 years. Raffles (big major resort) was being built then, now it is finished and is amazing!
We lucked out, yet again. They were having a fishing boat regatta over the long weekend. We went to the watch the start of the races on the Saturday. 8 boats had come down from Bequia, so we knew people to cheer. The local fishing boats are a community effort and that true as the boating community all pitch in to launch the boat for the start of the race. We watched the finish of the races from Interlude. The next day Altair went with us to watch the start of the race. It is really amazing, they start from the beach, people from all boats help to launch the boats and hold them in the sea, for a fair start.
On Monday we journeyed to Mayreau and parked at the front of the island, behind the reefs. There were only two boats there! Great winds so that the batteries are charged and good snorkeling.
Now we are back in Carriacou our home away from home or you could say the start of our journey this year. We will be here a short time to visit with friends, celebrate Gus’s birthday, clean the bottom and sides and the off to Grenada a 30 mile trek and then we are going to wait for a weather wind in Grenada before we do the 80 miles passage to Trinidad.
We left at 5 a.m. and had an amazing sail down the coast of St. Lucia. We also did the unthinkable (For us that is) we put up the main sail. Cheryl has always asked why we bought a fully batten main when we have only put up the complete sail when bending it on! Well we had both sails fully up and out and it was great. We sailed between St. Lucia and St. Vincent a little over powered but it was exhilarating and both of us had a smile on our face. Cheryl because she finally saw the main fully up and Karen because it was like racing, (not to mention we clocked 8.3 knots on the GPS). When we arrived at the north point of St. Vincent took down our sails to motored down the island (St. Vincent is a high, hilly island so there is usually no wind close to shore) then we were greeted by a lone dolphin. As he (we assume it was a he) gave us a wink and played with our bow wave for a minute or two we asked where his friends where. Not 10 minutes later a pod of dolphins started to show up and play of our bow. It is such a natural high seeing dolphins. They are so graceful and playful.
As we arrived in Bequia we anchored in our favorite spot…this time it took us 3 times to get a good set…thank you to our new windless (nicknamed Tigre). In the past we would have to pull up the anchor by hand now our baby toes get the work out as all we do it press a button with our toe to raise and lower our anchor (we are getting old you know).
We checked into Customs, then, as we have been in Bequia many times we did our usual wondering to buy groceries. We had a specific list of items we wanted to pick up in Bequia.
The next day our new friends from Sea Wings called and we gave them a tour of all the local grocery stores and food markets as well as the cheap local restaurants and the fort over looking Admiralty Bay for the required photo op. Next day another new boat (Altair) that we also meet in St. Lucia arrived and we decided to have snorkel and a picnic on shore the next day with a 3 boats.
Since it is now off season there is bar/restaurant on the beach which closed around 5 so we all met with a bottle and plate to share. We first stared off on the beach on the restaurants lounge chairs then the rain came and we move into the open air restaurant and enjoyed great finger food and laughs. Some where during our last time in Bequia Karen was in the water swimming (showering) and 2 baby manta rays swam by her. Cheryl standing in the dinghy showering and looked down and saw the same 2 manta rays swam right by the dinghy, I know you are asking if we took pictures but we usually don’t shower with camera so no we don’t have pictures. On this visit we saw only one Manta, and again, no camera.
After doing some finally grocery shopping, we left Bequia for Canauon, a 20 mile passage. We tried to go into an anchorage that we had not been in before, but it was way too rolly, so we went back to the main harbour. We walked around the island, as we had not been here in 10 years. Raffles (big major resort) was being built then, now it is finished and is amazing!
We lucked out, yet again. They were having a fishing boat regatta over the long weekend. We went to the watch the start of the races on the Saturday. 8 boats had come down from Bequia, so we knew people to cheer. The local fishing boats are a community effort and that true as the boating community all pitch in to launch the boat for the start of the race. We watched the finish of the races from Interlude. The next day Altair went with us to watch the start of the race. It is really amazing, they start from the beach, people from all boats help to launch the boats and hold them in the sea, for a fair start.
On Monday we journeyed to Mayreau and parked at the front of the island, behind the reefs. There were only two boats there! Great winds so that the batteries are charged and good snorkeling.
Now we are back in Carriacou our home away from home or you could say the start of our journey this year. We will be here a short time to visit with friends, celebrate Gus’s birthday, clean the bottom and sides and the off to Grenada a 30 mile trek and then we are going to wait for a weather wind in Grenada before we do the 80 miles passage to Trinidad.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
WOW!!
The plan was to do 4 days of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, which has become a music festival. But Mother Nature had her own plans. Thursday was rained out, in fact we were looking for Noah, the animals were pairing off, no chimpanzee just humans in foul weather gear.
Friday we woke up to rain, then the sun made an appearance. We were hoping that the sun and wind could dry the land enough for the festival to open. Four boats got together and shared a water taxi, called Orgasm. At the back entrance to the grounds we were held up by Rufus, a security guard. Olga tried her best to sweet talk us in early, it had us all laughing, but didn’t get us in early. We tore up the hill, to secure the perfect piece of grass, stole chairs, hunkered down with a few drinks for a night of entertainment.
A 56 year old KC came out with his sunshine band. KC played a lot of his old tunes, brining back memories. We were all on our feet, singing along with him, doing the jive and the hustle. At one point KC joked “have a look at me now, this is what Justin Timberlake will look like in 30 years.” Next was the most anticipated artist of the night Amy Winehouse. Amy came out, tripping over her heels and turned to her band to find out what her first song was, and then she needed confirmation of the words. Needless to say, she was drunk. Then the skies took pity on her and opened up! Her act was shortened and Kassav came on the stage. This is a popular Martinique/Guadalope band. Earlier that day droves of sailboats came into the anchorage from Martinique. (Martinique is only 20 miles away.) The band played to the French fans for 2 and a half hour, finishing at 2:20 AM, 6 hours after a cruisers bedtime, but we preserved.
Orgasm picked up the die hards (Richard Cory and Interlude), for an all day and evening event, while Sundowner and Dream Chaser had morning and afternoon naps. Saturday started with a local artist, Michel Aubertin, who signs everything from reggae to opera, he was amazing. His opera song brought tears to Don’s eyes (Richard Cory). This woman from Britain Estelle had the crowd up dancing, even though it was the heat of the day. Michael McDonald got the crowd going with his old songs. But the highlight for us was George Duke featuring: James Ingram, Jeffery Osborne, Bebe Winans and Teddyson John. They had their own sets, but improvised, often signing someone else’s songs, or calling them on stage to sing them together. Bebe Winans called James Ingram on stage to sing the female part of this duet. The grand finale of the day was when all the artists came out, kibitzed, laughed and sang. Truly an amazing day, finishing at 12:30.
The gang was back together on Sunday, with Orgasm picking us up at noon. (Finally Karen asked the question, why name the boat Orgasm. John, the boat’s owner, said because life was an orgasm!) Mystery solved. Sunday was ladies day, being mother’s day. The highlights were George Duke featuring: Patti Lavelle, Shaka Khan and Nicole David. Patti was amazing; Nicole a local artist had beautiful voice. In the finale, she out sung Shaka Khan. Chicago played a long set, again everyone was on their feet! The last band was a locally popular band from Jamaica, which had us all sitting. The night ended at 10:30 with a great display of fireworks. St. Lucia did themselves proud.
A special mention goes out to our photographer friends on Richard Cory, Don and Olga, who provided the festival pictures for your enjoyment!
Monday was a day of rest! However Sundowner (Bob and Sue) was leaving to return to England for hurricane season, so we went to dinner with Sundowner and Dream Chaser (Neil and his father Adrian). We had a great meal of ribs and all the fixings, at the Chart House. Richard Cory couldn’t join us as Don was down for the count, with the flu.
It seemed that right after the festival, several of the boats came down with a bad flu. Cheryl was one of the victims, on Tuesday!
We meet two new boats, Altair and Sea Wing. Karen introduced them to Castries, the capital of St. Lucia. Karen did runs to shore for food and drugs for Cheryl and Richard Cory, while Cheryl continued to hack up a lung.
We now have peace and quiet, as the music and Cheryl’s coughing has stopped.
For those who remember Dr. Dolittle, we are off to Marigot Bay in St. Lucia, where Dr. Dolittle was filmed, to spend two days enjoying the fresh water pool and hot showers!
The plan was to do 4 days of the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, which has become a music festival. But Mother Nature had her own plans. Thursday was rained out, in fact we were looking for Noah, the animals were pairing off, no chimpanzee just humans in foul weather gear.
Friday we woke up to rain, then the sun made an appearance. We were hoping that the sun and wind could dry the land enough for the festival to open. Four boats got together and shared a water taxi, called Orgasm. At the back entrance to the grounds we were held up by Rufus, a security guard. Olga tried her best to sweet talk us in early, it had us all laughing, but didn’t get us in early. We tore up the hill, to secure the perfect piece of grass, stole chairs, hunkered down with a few drinks for a night of entertainment.
A 56 year old KC came out with his sunshine band. KC played a lot of his old tunes, brining back memories. We were all on our feet, singing along with him, doing the jive and the hustle. At one point KC joked “have a look at me now, this is what Justin Timberlake will look like in 30 years.” Next was the most anticipated artist of the night Amy Winehouse. Amy came out, tripping over her heels and turned to her band to find out what her first song was, and then she needed confirmation of the words. Needless to say, she was drunk. Then the skies took pity on her and opened up! Her act was shortened and Kassav came on the stage. This is a popular Martinique/Guadalope band. Earlier that day droves of sailboats came into the anchorage from Martinique. (Martinique is only 20 miles away.) The band played to the French fans for 2 and a half hour, finishing at 2:20 AM, 6 hours after a cruisers bedtime, but we preserved.
Orgasm picked up the die hards (Richard Cory and Interlude), for an all day and evening event, while Sundowner and Dream Chaser had morning and afternoon naps. Saturday started with a local artist, Michel Aubertin, who signs everything from reggae to opera, he was amazing. His opera song brought tears to Don’s eyes (Richard Cory). This woman from Britain Estelle had the crowd up dancing, even though it was the heat of the day. Michael McDonald got the crowd going with his old songs. But the highlight for us was George Duke featuring: James Ingram, Jeffery Osborne, Bebe Winans and Teddyson John. They had their own sets, but improvised, often signing someone else’s songs, or calling them on stage to sing them together. Bebe Winans called James Ingram on stage to sing the female part of this duet. The grand finale of the day was when all the artists came out, kibitzed, laughed and sang. Truly an amazing day, finishing at 12:30.
The gang was back together on Sunday, with Orgasm picking us up at noon. (Finally Karen asked the question, why name the boat Orgasm. John, the boat’s owner, said because life was an orgasm!) Mystery solved. Sunday was ladies day, being mother’s day. The highlights were George Duke featuring: Patti Lavelle, Shaka Khan and Nicole David. Patti was amazing; Nicole a local artist had beautiful voice. In the finale, she out sung Shaka Khan. Chicago played a long set, again everyone was on their feet! The last band was a locally popular band from Jamaica, which had us all sitting. The night ended at 10:30 with a great display of fireworks. St. Lucia did themselves proud.
A special mention goes out to our photographer friends on Richard Cory, Don and Olga, who provided the festival pictures for your enjoyment!
Monday was a day of rest! However Sundowner (Bob and Sue) was leaving to return to England for hurricane season, so we went to dinner with Sundowner and Dream Chaser (Neil and his father Adrian). We had a great meal of ribs and all the fixings, at the Chart House. Richard Cory couldn’t join us as Don was down for the count, with the flu.
It seemed that right after the festival, several of the boats came down with a bad flu. Cheryl was one of the victims, on Tuesday!
We meet two new boats, Altair and Sea Wing. Karen introduced them to Castries, the capital of St. Lucia. Karen did runs to shore for food and drugs for Cheryl and Richard Cory, while Cheryl continued to hack up a lung.
We now have peace and quiet, as the music and Cheryl’s coughing has stopped.
For those who remember Dr. Dolittle, we are off to Marigot Bay in St. Lucia, where Dr. Dolittle was filmed, to spend two days enjoying the fresh water pool and hot showers!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Our Frist Real Entry
Our last evening in Canada was spent at the Fairmont Royal York, in a one bedroom suite, with dinner at EPIC, one of Toronto’s top 10 restaurants. Maggie and Bronco, Mike and Paula dropped by to wish us farewell. Michelle had dinner with us and stayed with us overnight as she was our chauffeur to the Airport the next morning. A great send off.
Jan. 18 2009. We travelled to Grenada by Air Canada, business class, which was a delight. We probably brought down over 300 lbs of luggage! We had no issues going through customs with our 7 bags and then we were off to catch the ferry to Carriacou. Where we were picked up by Bubbles (our favourite taxi driver) in a pick-up truck and taken to our new on land home. For those of you who have never been stuck on your boat on land, here is part of the reason we rent a place on land until we launch. You can’t us the washroom on the boat, so in the middle of the night when nature calls you have to climb down a ladder hike across a boat yard, chase the goats out of the washroom then back up to the ladder then back to bed.
We were greeted by JP, a charming Frenchman. We were then taken to our room, which had not been aired out, had duct tape holding up the ceiling and sealing a window, one burner of the stove didn’t work, and the shower was cold only, turned on by a rope. JP informed us it was not a hotel, linens would be changed once a week, towels were not provided and it is an island, so don’t use too much water. We had arrived in Dumpmont and the adventure had started. We sat out on our balcony overlooking the bay and had a bottle of wine, a good way to start our adventure. And raised a glass to toast all our friends back home.
Next day we went to the boatyard to check on Interlude. She was just as we left her! None of the work had been done…typical. So we started to get things in motion, bought some groceries and then took the day off and swam. Rough life so far.
Up early, greeted by Rookie (JP’s dog), had coffee and headed to the boat to begin the boat work. We had a list of tasks to do before we got into the water (put together the dingy, install the windlass (lifts the anchor), install a new bow roller, install a new wind generator, have a larger battery box built and install new batteries, install an inverter, and don’t forget we also need to stow or install the things we brought down in the 7 bags and 12 boxes of stuff!). We worked hard on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Karen got a call that she needed to come home. Thursday was spent booking flights and getting all our bags and boxes on the boat. Karen hefted the bags up the ladder onto the boat (average bag weight 55 pounds), and then Cheryl found a place for them. Phil and Gus lifted all the boxes onto Interlude and again Cheryl found a spot for them all and yes you could still move around on the boat.
We flew back down to the boat the first week of February, but no longer first class! Wow what a difference from first class to economy! Reality check!!!
The next 2 weeks was back to 7am trudge up the hill and down the hill to the boat. We worked to 6pm most days, with 2 hour lunches. Lunches were usually at Bayside Restaurant, which was about a 15 minute walk from the boat yard where Tasha cooked up a storm. Lambi, chicken, curried mutton, oil down, with rice and peas, macaroni pie, potato salad, green salad, all for about $4 Canadian.
As we hadn’t left Tyrell Bay (where the boat yard is), the only groceries we could get was rice some veggies and chicken. Cheryl started pecking as arms, door frames, tables…and started to feel like she was growing feathers. At least we always knew what we were having for dinner and sometimes lunch….chicken…chicken and more chicken.
Karen’s Dad arrived and was quickly put to work. About a week later we launched Interlude! (picture - Launch)
We spent one day at the dock and then went to anchor. To try our new windlass for the first time! It worked We had our first dinner on board. Guess what… is was chicken.
Early the next morning Karen took her father to the local hospital and a new adventure began. We saw two local hospitals (one in Carriacou and one in Grenada) and had two interesting ambulance rides and a ferry ride thrown into the adventure to Grenada. Dad was made stable and flew home on Sunday. He is okay now.
A week in Grenada then back to Interlude.
Windbourne, Rick and Carolyn, made us dinner when we arrived back late on a Sunday night, which was very much appreciated as we had not even thought about food. We found that they had taken very good care of Interlude.
Richard Cory, Don and Olga who we had meet in 2003 in the Dominican Republic, had come in as Cheryl was packing for the trip to Grenada with Karen and her Dad. They had also watched over Interlude.
Karen went with Carolyn to Hillsborough, the big town of Carriacou, and shopped! Carolyn knew all the places to go to get different food and at the right prices. No more chicken for Cheryl.
A northern swell came into the anchorage and we had to move. So we moved into the Mangroves and a party erupted. The ask was to bring a bottle and a plate. There was every kind of food imaginable (yes even the dreaded chicken) and a great time was had by all. The party went to the wee hours of the morning, which for yachties translates to 10pm! (picture - Mangrove party)
We created a list of boat tasks for each of us to complete on the boat and Karen started working on her boat list with vigger.
After two weeks Karen was through her boat list and dealing with refrigeration issues and dinghy engine issues (both dingy engines did not work), again with the help of Windborne! The refrigeration just stopped working. The repairman figured that is was the compressor, so we bought a new one. He installed that, (being seasick while he did it!). But it still didn’t work, although we had spent over $400 US. So then we ordered a new electrical unit. Once this was installed, it worked just fine! Cheryl's list is still on going.
The dinghy engine took longer to fix. Gus, a Dominican living and working in Carriacou, was working on our 4HP dingy engine. Generally Gus can fix anything. He took apart the lower unit and found that he had to replace a fresh water hose and a head gasket. We couldn’t get the parts, so he simply made both! So the 4HP was working, but really limping. Our 2 horse power would still not run. This was really all our fault as each year when we came down for our 3 weeks we ran the engines, gave them a quick fresh water rinse and flew home. Not nearly enough TLC.
Yachties are an amazing group, helping each other out freely. Windborne ferried Karen around too many times to count. Then Brian, on Glee, leant us his 3.5HP outboard. We had wheels again!! (A dinghy is an essential piece of kit. Without it you cannot move from boat to shore or back. No provisioning, no getting the refrigeration repairman out…no getting wine…no cold beer because we couldn’t get the refrigeration repairman to the boat. L and no chicken to buy, okay that part was good).
The anchor was very deeply set in Carriacou, as we have many friends and good times. This made it very hard to leave, but it was time.We filled up with water/diesel/gas in Petite Martinique, as well as lobster and cracked couch at the Palm Beach Restaurant, a place we had not been to since just before Lenny in 1999! The passage to Bequia was much windier than expected; we arrive to find our favourite parking place free! (Parking spot is what we call where we anchor) A northern swell came in, so we moved to the north side of the anchorage. On Sunday hiked hill and dale, through water, cactus and sand, lured on by a vision of Sangria! This vision was truly met at Jake's on Princess Margaret Beach.S/Y Interlude.
The reason we were in Bequia is for the Easter Regatta where the local Bequia boats race plus the yachties. What are unique about the Bequia boats is that they where uses and are still used for whaling. The range in size is from 16 -28 ft where the ballast is sand bags and people. The Bequia boats were practicing on the Sunday, so we went to Paget Farms to watch. The skill needed to sail these boats is amazing. The locals on shore were so excited shouting tactics to boats 2-3 miles away. We hate to think of what they would be like at a horse or dog race!
Mike and Paula came down for a visit, our first visitors. While Cheryl worked we went ashore and walked to Fort Hamilton, overlooking the harbour, beautiful, did some provisioning and then back to the boat. We went to the turtle sanctuary, which was great. The turtles like to have their shells rubbed! Just like a dog wanting its stomach rubbed. We had lunch at Firefly, which was delightfully relaxing. We had a day of sailing, until the skies opened up and we had liquid sunshine. Then we watched the Friday yacht racing, quite exciting from where we were anchored. (It helped that we knew several of the boats in the regatta, so you had someone to cheer on.) We went to the shore party that night, which was great. Mike and Paula bought us dinner at the Mexican restaurant, which was great! Then we saw them off. Paula waving a white sock as a farewell!
Mike and Paula had brought down two parts which Cardi (a local mechanic) put into the 4HP, so we now have a fully functioning, reliable engine! Cardi raced on the fishing boats, on one call Iron Duke, which had parts of it that were over 180 years old! We went to watch the fishing boats start; they start right from the beach, being helped by the next generation of racers. Always amazing! The next day we saw their finish from the committee boat. The welcomed us aboard, with offers of Heineken! (picture- Bequia fishing boats start)
The passage from Bequia to the Pitons in St. Lucia was of the type that hooks you on sailing! Beautiful. We passed two pods of dolphins and 3 pilot whales. We had a line in the water most of the way, but no fish! We picked up a mooring ball between the Pitons and stayed two nights. This area has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We put together the underwater box for our digital camera and went snorkeling. Great visibility and a good selection of fish. We took some pictures of scrawled file fish and reef squid. (picture - scrawled file fish)
Then we moved up to Rodney Bay, at the north end of St. Lucia.
We had to do a shopping run to Martinique! We spent a fortune on: wine, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red peppers, wine, mushrooms, duck, bean sprouts, cheese, wine, rosemary and olive oil crackers, rose, muscles and steak, wine, and oh yes, wine!
Back in St. Lucia, we are waiting for the Jazz festival, which is really a music festival.
Jan. 18 2009. We travelled to Grenada by Air Canada, business class, which was a delight. We probably brought down over 300 lbs of luggage! We had no issues going through customs with our 7 bags and then we were off to catch the ferry to Carriacou. Where we were picked up by Bubbles (our favourite taxi driver) in a pick-up truck and taken to our new on land home. For those of you who have never been stuck on your boat on land, here is part of the reason we rent a place on land until we launch. You can’t us the washroom on the boat, so in the middle of the night when nature calls you have to climb down a ladder hike across a boat yard, chase the goats out of the washroom then back up to the ladder then back to bed.
We were greeted by JP, a charming Frenchman. We were then taken to our room, which had not been aired out, had duct tape holding up the ceiling and sealing a window, one burner of the stove didn’t work, and the shower was cold only, turned on by a rope. JP informed us it was not a hotel, linens would be changed once a week, towels were not provided and it is an island, so don’t use too much water. We had arrived in Dumpmont and the adventure had started. We sat out on our balcony overlooking the bay and had a bottle of wine, a good way to start our adventure. And raised a glass to toast all our friends back home.
Next day we went to the boatyard to check on Interlude. She was just as we left her! None of the work had been done…typical. So we started to get things in motion, bought some groceries and then took the day off and swam. Rough life so far.
Up early, greeted by Rookie (JP’s dog), had coffee and headed to the boat to begin the boat work. We had a list of tasks to do before we got into the water (put together the dingy, install the windlass (lifts the anchor), install a new bow roller, install a new wind generator, have a larger battery box built and install new batteries, install an inverter, and don’t forget we also need to stow or install the things we brought down in the 7 bags and 12 boxes of stuff!). We worked hard on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Karen got a call that she needed to come home. Thursday was spent booking flights and getting all our bags and boxes on the boat. Karen hefted the bags up the ladder onto the boat (average bag weight 55 pounds), and then Cheryl found a place for them. Phil and Gus lifted all the boxes onto Interlude and again Cheryl found a spot for them all and yes you could still move around on the boat.
We flew back down to the boat the first week of February, but no longer first class! Wow what a difference from first class to economy! Reality check!!!
The next 2 weeks was back to 7am trudge up the hill and down the hill to the boat. We worked to 6pm most days, with 2 hour lunches. Lunches were usually at Bayside Restaurant, which was about a 15 minute walk from the boat yard where Tasha cooked up a storm. Lambi, chicken, curried mutton, oil down, with rice and peas, macaroni pie, potato salad, green salad, all for about $4 Canadian.
As we hadn’t left Tyrell Bay (where the boat yard is), the only groceries we could get was rice some veggies and chicken. Cheryl started pecking as arms, door frames, tables…and started to feel like she was growing feathers. At least we always knew what we were having for dinner and sometimes lunch….chicken…chicken and more chicken.
Karen’s Dad arrived and was quickly put to work. About a week later we launched Interlude! (picture - Launch)
We spent one day at the dock and then went to anchor. To try our new windlass for the first time! It worked We had our first dinner on board. Guess what… is was chicken.
Early the next morning Karen took her father to the local hospital and a new adventure began. We saw two local hospitals (one in Carriacou and one in Grenada) and had two interesting ambulance rides and a ferry ride thrown into the adventure to Grenada. Dad was made stable and flew home on Sunday. He is okay now.
A week in Grenada then back to Interlude.
Windbourne, Rick and Carolyn, made us dinner when we arrived back late on a Sunday night, which was very much appreciated as we had not even thought about food. We found that they had taken very good care of Interlude.
Richard Cory, Don and Olga who we had meet in 2003 in the Dominican Republic, had come in as Cheryl was packing for the trip to Grenada with Karen and her Dad. They had also watched over Interlude.
Karen went with Carolyn to Hillsborough, the big town of Carriacou, and shopped! Carolyn knew all the places to go to get different food and at the right prices. No more chicken for Cheryl.
A northern swell came into the anchorage and we had to move. So we moved into the Mangroves and a party erupted. The ask was to bring a bottle and a plate. There was every kind of food imaginable (yes even the dreaded chicken) and a great time was had by all. The party went to the wee hours of the morning, which for yachties translates to 10pm! (picture - Mangrove party)
We created a list of boat tasks for each of us to complete on the boat and Karen started working on her boat list with vigger.
After two weeks Karen was through her boat list and dealing with refrigeration issues and dinghy engine issues (both dingy engines did not work), again with the help of Windborne! The refrigeration just stopped working. The repairman figured that is was the compressor, so we bought a new one. He installed that, (being seasick while he did it!). But it still didn’t work, although we had spent over $400 US. So then we ordered a new electrical unit. Once this was installed, it worked just fine! Cheryl's list is still on going.
The dinghy engine took longer to fix. Gus, a Dominican living and working in Carriacou, was working on our 4HP dingy engine. Generally Gus can fix anything. He took apart the lower unit and found that he had to replace a fresh water hose and a head gasket. We couldn’t get the parts, so he simply made both! So the 4HP was working, but really limping. Our 2 horse power would still not run. This was really all our fault as each year when we came down for our 3 weeks we ran the engines, gave them a quick fresh water rinse and flew home. Not nearly enough TLC.
Yachties are an amazing group, helping each other out freely. Windborne ferried Karen around too many times to count. Then Brian, on Glee, leant us his 3.5HP outboard. We had wheels again!! (A dinghy is an essential piece of kit. Without it you cannot move from boat to shore or back. No provisioning, no getting the refrigeration repairman out…no getting wine…no cold beer because we couldn’t get the refrigeration repairman to the boat. L and no chicken to buy, okay that part was good).
The anchor was very deeply set in Carriacou, as we have many friends and good times. This made it very hard to leave, but it was time.We filled up with water/diesel/gas in Petite Martinique, as well as lobster and cracked couch at the Palm Beach Restaurant, a place we had not been to since just before Lenny in 1999! The passage to Bequia was much windier than expected; we arrive to find our favourite parking place free! (Parking spot is what we call where we anchor) A northern swell came in, so we moved to the north side of the anchorage. On Sunday hiked hill and dale, through water, cactus and sand, lured on by a vision of Sangria! This vision was truly met at Jake's on Princess Margaret Beach.S/Y Interlude.
The reason we were in Bequia is for the Easter Regatta where the local Bequia boats race plus the yachties. What are unique about the Bequia boats is that they where uses and are still used for whaling. The range in size is from 16 -28 ft where the ballast is sand bags and people. The Bequia boats were practicing on the Sunday, so we went to Paget Farms to watch. The skill needed to sail these boats is amazing. The locals on shore were so excited shouting tactics to boats 2-3 miles away. We hate to think of what they would be like at a horse or dog race!
Mike and Paula came down for a visit, our first visitors. While Cheryl worked we went ashore and walked to Fort Hamilton, overlooking the harbour, beautiful, did some provisioning and then back to the boat. We went to the turtle sanctuary, which was great. The turtles like to have their shells rubbed! Just like a dog wanting its stomach rubbed. We had lunch at Firefly, which was delightfully relaxing. We had a day of sailing, until the skies opened up and we had liquid sunshine. Then we watched the Friday yacht racing, quite exciting from where we were anchored. (It helped that we knew several of the boats in the regatta, so you had someone to cheer on.) We went to the shore party that night, which was great. Mike and Paula bought us dinner at the Mexican restaurant, which was great! Then we saw them off. Paula waving a white sock as a farewell!
Mike and Paula had brought down two parts which Cardi (a local mechanic) put into the 4HP, so we now have a fully functioning, reliable engine! Cardi raced on the fishing boats, on one call Iron Duke, which had parts of it that were over 180 years old! We went to watch the fishing boats start; they start right from the beach, being helped by the next generation of racers. Always amazing! The next day we saw their finish from the committee boat. The welcomed us aboard, with offers of Heineken! (picture- Bequia fishing boats start)
The passage from Bequia to the Pitons in St. Lucia was of the type that hooks you on sailing! Beautiful. We passed two pods of dolphins and 3 pilot whales. We had a line in the water most of the way, but no fish! We picked up a mooring ball between the Pitons and stayed two nights. This area has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We put together the underwater box for our digital camera and went snorkeling. Great visibility and a good selection of fish. We took some pictures of scrawled file fish and reef squid. (picture - scrawled file fish)
Then we moved up to Rodney Bay, at the north end of St. Lucia.
We had to do a shopping run to Martinique! We spent a fortune on: wine, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red peppers, wine, mushrooms, duck, bean sprouts, cheese, wine, rosemary and olive oil crackers, rose, muscles and steak, wine, and oh yes, wine!
Back in St. Lucia, we are waiting for the Jazz festival, which is really a music festival.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
We are off !! (shortly)
Welcome to our first entry to our blog.
After a week of playing in the fluffy white snow of Kelowna British Columbia skiing we are in the final stages of packing and getting organized to fly off to the sunny south to start a new adventure of our life on Interlude.
We have sent 12 boxes down to the boat and we have figured out where we are going to put 4 of the 12 boxes!!! They always say that is amazing how much stuff you can store on a boat ...we will be testing this theory....stay tuned.
After a week of playing in the fluffy white snow of Kelowna British Columbia skiing we are in the final stages of packing and getting organized to fly off to the sunny south to start a new adventure of our life on Interlude.
We have sent 12 boxes down to the boat and we have figured out where we are going to put 4 of the 12 boxes!!! They always say that is amazing how much stuff you can store on a boat ...we will be testing this theory....stay tuned.
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