tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21678396350513953882024-03-13T04:00:37.050-07:00Adventures of s/v RenegadeA blog of our continued adventures,refit,& general information on our 47 foot 1987 Vagabond sailboatDirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-62835900713363521902016-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:002016-02-16T11:48:06.962-08:006 weeks in St. LuciaAfter spending some time in the anchorage and seeing several boats we had met in Grenada come and go it was time to move into the marina where we had booked a slip for a month. Dirk's Grandmother had not been doing to well so he decided to fly home to Germany to see her. This was a perfect spot to keep me as everything I could possibly need was within walking distance. We also knew a couple of the dock neighbors from our travels. We provisioned the boat for me and on the 24th he departed for three weeks. I managed to keep myself busy with friends coming and going daily, I hiked the fort again with some friends for a little exercise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dont want to stand under the Golden Shower tree. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hermit crab that decided to climb a branch for what?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew of Lequesto and Lagniappe </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodney Bay and the small inlet of water is where the marina was</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prickly tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the almonds. Just to hard to deal with</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locals pulling in the catch</td></tr>
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Amazing the difference in scenery from June till now. Things have really gotten nice and green. Thanksgiving came and I was invited to go out to eat Indian food with several of the kid boats. I had not eaten Indian since I was a small child and thought it would be a great experience. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of great food</td></tr>
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I also kept myself in stock with all sorts of wonderful fresh fruits and veggies from the farmers market.<br />
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Passion frits, tangerines, mangos, cilantro, tomatoes, and a very spicy pepper that I ended up saving the seeds from to plant myself. They are incredibly hot and when I chopped them up my hands would burn for hours after. A couple slivers is all it took to put heat in your food. I do like spicy. Once when they were out of cilantro I stumbled across a wonderful substitute. Culantro, or Shado Benny as its called here is a wonderful. It taste exactly like cilantro but is more like a thistle and is stronger in flavor so you dont need as much. It looks like a very hardy plant so I bought some from the lady to try. Lucky for me some of it had a tiny root system and I stuck it in water. I now have it planted in soil that I borrowed from one of the berms there. It seems to be thriving, below is a pic of one, not mine but it shows you what it looks like.<br />
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And another days haul of passion fruit, tomatoes and basil And believe it or, that lumpy huge green thing in my hand is a lemon. Love all the fresh stuff there is in these islands.There was also time to spend with the Rat Pack that was catching up to us by having dinner out at a little mexicanish place.<br />
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And then plenty of time to see some beautiful sunsets.<br />
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Dirk returned and it would soon be time for Christmas. A couple cruiser orphans got together and put on a great pot luck. The pizza place allowed us to use their outside seating as they were closed for the day. Someone even managed to cook a turkey with stuffing. We ate very well.<br />
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Afterwards Dirk and Andy set up the amp and played some music for us. What a treat.<br />
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Our friends from Moonrise were still in the mariana as they were waiting on new batteries. They saw someone on the dock that had just caught a 600 pound blue marlin and purchased a couple steaks. He then brought us a steak to try. We had never had marlin and we were both of the same consensus, we liked Mahi much better. But it was great to try something new. <br />
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After Christmas we set our sights on getting out of the marina and starting to head north. It was time to make tracks.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-57637750821983719802016-02-16T11:47:00.000-08:002016-02-16T11:47:52.564-08:00Bequia And St. LuciaOn the 6th we headed to Bequia and found a nice spot by the beach to throw the anchor down, later in the night we realized that in the morning we would need to pick up and move to the North end of the anchorage as we rolled all night from the swell coming in. The following morning we moved and after about 4 tries managed to find a spot that was sandy enough to drop the anchor. We stayed here about a week as another weather front passed meeting up with some of the new friends we had met in Grenada and enjoying the quietness of the island. I tried a new fruit while here called a soursop. I had seen it before in Grenada but had never bought one for fear of not liking it but a gentleman selling them at the farmers maket cut one open for me to try.<br />
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It had a very unique taste and texture so I bought one to try at home. It has a sweet taste almost of a sweet tart with undertones of pineapple and coconut? Its hard to explain but it was different then anything else I had ever eaten before. The texture on the other hand was something I could not get past. It had almost a cooked fish texture that just didnt jive with a fruit. Oh well I hear they make wonderful smoothies and if given the chance I would try it. Our next stop was Marigot Bay in St. Lucia. We stopped here on the way down and really liked it as they have the pool and marina facilities you can use when you take a mooring ball. On the way there we had to pass the Pitons and on the way down it was very cloudy and we didnt get a good view of them. However this trip they were beautiful. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pitons coming into view</td></tr>
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We also managed to catch two Mahi's but one of them decided to jump overboard after the hook came out. Guess it was his lucky day, but we managed to keep the other onboard and had a wonderful dinner of fresh fish. Dirk as always has to have his just seared with wasibi and ginger.<br />
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We spent the next day at the pool just hanging out and relaxing a bit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these canopy beds they have to lounge in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two rum punches to help chill out. After paying for them Dirk needed the alcohol to get over the sticker shock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other parts of the resort, just so pretty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love those covered seats</td></tr>
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After a day at the pool we came back cooked dinner and sat in the cockpit watching the sun set into the ocean.<br />
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We planned on staying here several days but after such a relaxing time we decided to move on the next day, after all it would just be a short hop up to Rodney Bay where we would sit in the anchorage for a week before moving into the marina for a longer period of time. <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-36029471392333693152015-12-10T07:14:00.000-08:002015-12-10T07:14:19.178-08:00Halloween And The Final Days In GrenadaWe were beginning to count down our final days in Grenada as Hurricane season was over and friends were moving on. There was one final big event that seems to signal the time to leave, the annual Halloween Party. Dirk and I dug out our Pirate costumes that we have been carrying onboard for several years now, hung them up to air out and started prepping the boat for our departure. We had all of our sun awnings up with the mizzen boom removed to make more room on the "back porch" as I call it. Dirk did all of the outside preps as I started stowing all of the numerous items that we tend to pull out when stationary for more then a day. I made a final provisioning list of things I hoped to get at the store before leaving and just about got them all. They only had one box of kitty litter which I jumped on. Being here has proved difficult with the cat. Many times I would go to buy litter and they would be out. I use the clumpable rather then the clay but now I have resorted to mixing it to go further. They say not to do this but one must do what ya have to do to make it work. The party was to be on a Wednesday and our plan was to leave Mt. Hartman the day after or 2 days later. Secret Harbor put on the kids Halloween party on I think it was Monday where they had a jump jump and a bubble machine along with games. I didnt go but you could tell the kids were enjoying it as you could here their screams and laughs into the anchorage. On Tuesday we had the final jam session that turned karoke soon after. Dirk and Gary were the only musicians that showed up but Jod, a bartender from the marina joined in on the drum and the kitchen staff joined in for some singing. A great time was had by all that attened and we made some great memories to carry us on our way. The following evening all the kids piled into several dinghys and proceeded to Trick Or Treat through the anchorage. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trick or Treat</td></tr>
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Guess where theres a will ther is a way. Shortly after the kids were done it was the adults turn for some fun. We all started piling into the Secret Harbor Marina where they had a DJ playing some great tunes. Just about everyone made some sort of attempt to dress up and I was surprised to see what people came up with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we were the pirates</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary & Venessa from Neptune II</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherry & Paul from Tehani</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Izzy &Jeff from Izzy R</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolyn & Dave from Lequesto</td></tr>
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Thats just a few of the couples that came. There was also the crew from Gilligans Island that looked great and Dirk ended up taking some nice photos for them. Soon they got the bubble machine cranked up and even the adults were having fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubble Queen</td></tr>
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To say the least we all had a great time which I think in part was due to the wicked Witches Brew the bartenders whipped up. Whew, that stuff was potent. We didnt get home till almost 3 am and Dirk never moved off the salon settee the whole next day. I on the other hand had to push through the hangover that plagued the entire anchorage the whole next day in order to do several loads of laundry as we were leaving in a couple days. Later that evening I had dinner with Gary and Venessa from Neptune II, Dirk stayed behind still glued to the settee unable to join us. While we had our pizza we sat and pieced the night before together and we came to the conclusion that it was the bartenders fault. Hey, we had to blame someone right? But I tell you, I wont be doing that again for a very long time, or in till the next time. The following day, on Oct. 31, we pulled up the anchor that had been keeping us attached in Mt. Hartman for a while now and headed to the fuel dock to fill up on some diesel, get some gas for the dinghy and go ahead and fill up the water tanks. It was cheap enough here and it would save us the trouble of running the generator in order to make water. During this time several folks saw us at the fuel dock and came to say goodbyes. I didnt tell too many people we were leaving as I hate goodbyes and we knew so many folks now it would have taken all day. It wasnt like we wouldnt see these folks again. In a crusiers life its more like see you later as you usually do run into them somewhere down the road. We have seen several people we have even met years ago. Of course once we were ready to leave the dock a huge black cloud started rolling in. We ended up staying on the dock till the squall passed and the winds died well enough to allow us to get off the dock with no problems. So, we were off, as we were leaving Mt. Hartman I actually got a bit teary eyed as we had spent so much time here, gotten to know some wonderful people here. It is always nice to be on the move again, but it is also a bit sad. We made the short sail to St. George and attempted about 3 times to set the anchor before we got the hook to set. I set about heating some dinner and we called it a night. The following day we Did yet another short sail up to Carriacou which is an island north of Grenada but still considered part of Grenada. We pulled into the crowded Tyrrel Bay and set the hook. Looks like we would be here for a couple days as weather was coming in. We ended up staying 6 days here with various squalls coming in. One poor boat in the anchorage drug so often I have no clue how they managed to get any sleep. And of course when they would re anchor everyone would keep a close eye to make sure they didnt anchor in front of them. We re connected with some friends we had last seen in St. Martin on Amaroo, a German couple that was part of the original rat pack, they still had not made it to Grenada but were on their way. We eventually checked out and said our final goodbyes to Grenada and Carriacou, next stop Bequia......Let me end this blog by posting some sunsets we were blessed with in Grenada.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-75321788019139559772015-11-04T15:37:00.000-08:002015-11-04T15:37:02.658-08:00Winding Down And One More HashIts hard to believe we have been sitting in Grenada since July 10th. At times time moved slow and as we were winding down it seemed to speed up. November 1st is the end of hurricane season this far south and many boats are starting to head out in different directions. Some South, some West, and some like us back North. So if we wanted to do it or see it, it was time to do so as time was getting short. I talked Dirk into doing a Hash with me. It was the 900th Hash for Grenada so it was a biggie. Six buses just from Mt. Hartman and Prickly Bay went. It too was on the north end of the island and it had been raining for several days before and raining as we were driving out there. This was going to be a muddy one. Traffic was busy and the bus driver was doing all he could to make sure we arrived on time. It was a bit scary and we told him he could slow down if he needed. Many of these roads are twisty and one cant see on the other side of the turn so everyone blows their horns to alert the other drivers. After a hair raising ride we arrived and had just enough time to sign in before the Hash started. Several of the Rat Packers were with us. These were the boaters we left Georgetown Bahamas with. And as I thought it was a wet trail. They offered 7 different trails depending on skill level.<br />
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I opted for the long walkers trail of 3 miles and Dirk did the short runners trail of 4 miles. Off we went into the rain forest. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some skinny places to walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was single file over this. It was a decent fall down if you slipped</td></tr>
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The trail led us through many nutmeg trees, avacado trees, by waterfalls, through running brooks and a fairly deep(thigh high) running stream. The trail was muddy, slick and in some areas pretty darn scary as it was a major drop off if you lost your footing. Several areas I skied down as it was too slick to try and walk, other places I literally had to crawl because I kept falling. Always I would feel someone grab my arm and pull me to my feet before heading off. Never saw who they were but thanks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign on the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the bush, and boy was it slick</td></tr>
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I fell twice big time at the above photo area. There was alot of downed bamboo that was very slippery, just when I thought I had my footing bam....down again. There was no free beer stop on these trails but as we finished the Hash we were given one. It went down too easy. Now to find Dirk and let the after party begin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the Hashmaster</td></tr>
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Being that this was in a small village and apparently the bar that was there said they would not allow us to use the restroom there, the Hashmaster insisted we buy no beer from them and reduced the price at the hash tents to 3 for 10EC. Thats about $4.00 US for 3, not too bad, but where were we gonna go potty? I already had to go before the Hash, now it was time. Hashmaster arranged with a couple of houses to let us use the bathroom. Yeah, thats what I would want, a million muddy people tracking through my house. Caroline, Liz Ann and I set out for the house first stopping at a public faucet to wash off our shoes, legs, and feet . We knock on the door and a younger girl answers the door. Its a very modest home with a couple chairs pushed up against the walls and a tiny TV. An older woman was sitting in the dark as the girl led us down the hall into the bathroom area. Caroline was the first to go and afterwards she claims she was locked in, could I come help her. I asked which way the door opened, she couldnt remember and said in. So from the outside I am pushing with all my might, she is pulling and the door is obviously going the wrong direction. We try and pull back the other way, Caroline at this point is beginning to panic a bit as Liz Ann and I are giggling about it. After all we werent the ones locked in. I finally went to ask the homeowner which way her door opened. When she saw how her door was going the wrong direction she was not happy. Her and Caroline pushing and pulling, the lady cursing aloud and of course Im videoing it and laughing. I would remember which direction the door went when I got in. At last she was free...my turn to use the so called bathroom which was a toilet, no seat, no toilet paper, and no running water. Oh joy.... Next time ladies, we are using the bushes which is exactly what I did. Once that fiasco was over we headed back to the party in time to see the virgins getting lined up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hashmaster calling all virgins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary and Dirk standing in wait</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary, Vanessa, and Dirk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are getting the speach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now getting sprayed</td></tr>
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After spending a bit longer here visiting, dancing and having a good time it was time to load up in the busses for the return trip. Shademan, our bus driver stopped at a small bar so the ladies could use the potty and we could all get a beer for the road. Guessing drinking and driving really does not matter here. Soon we were all back to the marina where we piled in to get something to eat before heading back to the boat. It had been a long day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could say I fell a few times.</td></tr>
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One more big event was to come. The Halloween party which also signifies the end of one cruiser season and the beginning of another. The other group that come in is the people that leave boats in Grenada on the hard for hurricane season, fly back home and return once hurricane season is over. But they usually travel while here and dont just sit in the Bay day after day. So stay tuned for the Halloween Party and our farewell to Grenada.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-24023325315611755582015-11-04T14:03:00.000-08:002015-11-04T14:03:09.289-08:00Camp Grenada Continues To Get BusierAfter six weeks in Prickly Bay we finally decided we had enough of the swells, the Coastguard flying through the anchorage and swinging too close to our neighbor boat. Besides that it seemed that most things we were doing now were taking place in Secret Harbor. Several times a week Dirk walked over for volleyball, Monday's was Texas Hold'em, Tuesday's was jam session. To top it off we had to lug the amp, sax, and all the assorted stuff for the walk. It was great for exercise but hot as it could be. I always walked around like I had just gotten caught in the rain as one was soaked after the walk. We found a spot in among the boats and anchored in about 30 feet of water. We were a bit further out in the bay but that was okay. It was still only a short dinghy ride to the dock. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renegade marked by the pink arrow</td></tr>
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Thanks to Cathy Tyda for letting me use her photo. As I said life here was becoming more busy. Seems everyday you had decisions of what to do as there was so many things going on that many things over lapped. Plus you still had to manage to get shopping and laundry done. Shooping from Mt. Hartman Bay is a bit different from Prickly. There you could walk to pick up a city bus anytime just about. Here you had 2 days a week, Tuesday's and Friday's that you could shop without taking a private taxi. There were usually 2 busses a day leaving that would pick up at 9 and 9:30. I always caught the early bus cause I just wanted it to be over. It takes you to the bank, the Spiceland Mall which has the IGA inside and then to the Veggie Shop and finally onto CK's which is like a big box store except its very small. Between all these stops you could usually find everthing you needed but many days that was not the case. It usually got you back to the marina by 11:30 and cost 10 EC per person. They did just raise the price to 15 EC due to fuel prices. Volleyball was a huge part of the day for many and they began to have adult volleyball, kids volleyball, and fun volleyball. Finally they had a tournament started. There were 7 teams and Dirk led the Renegades. Tournament play lasted several weeks to get the teams in order for the finals. Finally finals weekend came and it was a big event, plus very anxious for me when the Renegades were playing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGsg2j8HlS4/Vjp9IFRmuaI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/TGeDu19yay4/s2033/Photo%25252020151104174716316.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1446674498395.7583" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGsg2j8HlS4/Vjp9IFRmuaI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/TGeDu19yay4/s500/Photo%25252020151104174716316.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the Renegades are playing The Kids Team</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big crowds showed up for support.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games went on into the night</td></tr>
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Finally...after several close games Team Renegade emerged the winners, The Crazies came in second and The Kids Team in third. The other 4 teams gave it a good go though. They had a ceremony a couple days later to give out medals and prizes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Renegade missing one member Matt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk with the trophy that will have a plaque made for the marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off his first place medal</td></tr>
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The prizes were a case of beer to split, a bottle of wine and bragging rights. And finally I got to wash his lucky shorts that I wasnt allowed to wash since the beginning of the tournament. Whoa, were they in desperate need....by the way, they lived in the cockpit as they werent allowed down below. Once all the serious volleyball was over we could get back to filling that time in with jam sessions again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary & Dirk playing as the girls sing backup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A different crowd tonight</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott being all serious</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk playing a tune</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sing it....</td></tr>
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When we first started attending the jam sessions it seemed they were a bit mild and ended semi early in the evening. Seems though that it got to be where several of us would stay after the regular crowd left and it would be turned into jam session/ karaoke. So much fun, anyone could join in and we even had the staff join in after the manger left for the evening. Many nights we stayed till after 10pm. The bar closes at aroud nine but they stay till we leave. I have to give it to the staff at Secret Harbour. From the bartenders to the kitchen staff, they were all so friendly and wanted to make sure we were taken care of. They have a few problems with management but hopefully for the staff that will work itself out soon. Soon, the Tiki Bar at Prickly Bay started advertising for jam sessions on Thursday nights. Add another day to the calendar....the management however would send a free bus over to pick us up and take us back which was nice. They also gave all the musicans free drink tickets which was gracious. This would be Dirk's first time outside of his comfort circle and he did great. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An actual stage</td></tr>
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I know when we leave he will miss the jam sessions and Gary off Neptune II who gave him so much knowledge and confidence. Hopefully we will see them up island and the guys can do impromptu jams along the way. A few other things we manged to fit in was a trip to La Sagesse Nature Center. Its a resort on a great stretch of beach that several couples decided to treat ourselves dinner at. We all put on nicer clothes, a bit of makeup and did what we could with our hair. The resort had a van come pick us up, no charge and take us there. It was a nice 1/2 hour ride up the coast and we arrived at a very quiet secluded area. We ordered a round of Rum Punches and strolled along the the beach taking in the beauty and beach to ourselves before returning for dinner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice secluded beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sunset</td></tr>
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We were seated outside with the setting sun behind us. We were the only people in the place as hurricane is off season for many places. We ordered and had a great meal followed by a flaming dessert. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas, rum, and icecream</td></tr>
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We also found time to attend a benefit concert for Dominica. This was a couple weeks after the hurricane went through and devastated the island. It was at a place called Our Place and it sat along the hillside with Port Louis down below. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz Musican and owner </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gerard playing for us on the bus ride back </td></tr>
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Gary played his sax, Gerard the guitarist /singer played and it turned out to be a nice evening. On the way home Gerard played and sang the whole way back for us. And the days kept going on and on. Stay tuned for more Camp Grenada, we are here for a while.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-22258953800532070002015-11-04T13:44:00.000-08:002015-11-04T13:44:49.572-08:00Camp Grenada and My first HashLife in Grenada can either be very boring or so busy as there are so many things daily to do. It feels like camp at times because of the social activities. 7:30am is the cruisers net where there is a net controller and they let you know of all social activities going on for the day, shopping bus schedules, people looking for help or parts to fix things, and a section for the island businesses to promote themselves. After sometimes an hour of radio net it is time to either catch your shopping bus, go to yoga or aerobics, or Thai Chi under the almond tree. We were still in Prickly Bay so we were still attending the 1/2 price pizza nights and bingo nights but then volley ball had started at Secret Harbor marina in Mt. Hartman Bay which was the next bay over or a good 15 minute walk. There also was the Tuesday jam sessions for musicans to get together and have fun. We found that our anchorage and mooring were getting rolly and tight. Winds shifted one day and we were so close to our neighbor boat that we had to step on their boat and fend ours off. We also had to fend off the channel marker that had a nice metal spike sticking out of it. It became obvious it was time to go. We told the marina that those two mooring balls were just too close for bigger boats. Besides it would be nice moving over to the next bay to get out of some of the swells we were having.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little too close</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhngFwJBWto/Vjp3PTxBc4I/AAAAAAAAD4E/IZTxLLXtync/s2048/Photo%25252020151104172144591.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="223" id="blogsy-1446673197559.2761" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhngFwJBWto/Vjp3PTxBc4I/AAAAAAAAD4E/IZTxLLXtync/s500/Photo%25252020151104172144591.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now thats really too close</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the channel marker</td></tr>
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I had heard about hashes before coming to Grenada. They basically call it runners with a drinking problem. It is basically a way for people to get together, walk or run trails laid out by the hash queens, see the countyside and have an excuse for a party afterwards. Most of the trails are straight forward marked by blobs of shredded paper or arrows showing which turn to take. They also lay out false trails but you dont know it until you reach an x marked in shredded paper. Then you have to turn back, retrace your steps until you can pick up your old trail and try once more to find the real trail. The first one I did Dirk decided not to go as he really doesnt like to hike that much, so I decided to go with some others. The hash this day would take place on the north end of the island and was a long 1 1/2 hour bus ride through the small villages that dot the island. We arrived, I signed in, paid my 2EC and hung out while we waited for the start.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorias Ghost and Lequesto</td></tr>
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Once the Hashmaster lets us know its almost time to start then everyone gathers around and she gives the rules mostly for the virgins. Yes that would be me and the couple other newbies. Just letting us know about the trails, no picking of any fruits that you see and then they make anyone who has new shoes on drink a beer from them to break them in. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to break in new shoes</td></tr>
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We began the hash which started on the beach and the the runners break off for their trail and the walkers on our trail. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the hash begin</td></tr>
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Lots of the trails are on personal property thus no picking of the fruits that were everywhere. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded trail marker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny trails</td></tr>
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Part of the way through the hash we came up to a bed and breakfast type place as the trail went through the yard. The guy was great and had a truck waiting with either a free beer or a free water. We chose the beer. I was already carrying a water. His property had beautiful views of the islands north and Carriacou.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful views</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasting the view</td></tr>
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After taking a rest to enjoy the beer and the views we continued on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6JkbM_qYPI/Vjp5Dk8aVAI/AAAAAAAAD5c/_jcrlMHIk6g/s2048/Photo%25252020151104172147729.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1446673197526.069" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6JkbM_qYPI/Vjp5Dk8aVAI/AAAAAAAAD5c/_jcrlMHIk6g/s500/Photo%25252020151104172147729.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some trails almost hidden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some trails heading right through a back yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some running trough the front yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resident animals greeting us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S7LqY0S1D4/Vjp5x3JIZHI/AAAAAAAAD58/As63-uDpOrc/s2048/Photo%25252020151104172148931.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1446673197609.3433" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2S7LqY0S1D4/Vjp5x3JIZHI/AAAAAAAAD58/As63-uDpOrc/s500/Photo%25252020151104172148931.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other animals too tired to move</td></tr>
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And finally back to the beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north towards Carriacou</td></tr>
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Once we got back I had a beer and was gonna get some BBQ chicken but the line was too long. Someone told me that the oildown which is a traditional dish here was good so I tried it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil Down</td></tr>
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There was one piece of chicken in it, bread fruit which I dont care for, plaintains, some green stuff and some salt fish which I really dislike. I even had one of the many stray dogs want some yet refuse to eat what I handed him. I hated waisting it but I couldnt eat it and the person that told me he liked it didnt eat his either. Apparently it was different then what he had before. I should have known with a name like Oil Down what did I expect. After everyone made it back and signed in, the after party begins. First they bring out all the virgins, aka first time hashers which I was one today and made us stand in front of the Hashmaster as she read us our introduction into hashing certificate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virgins no more</td></tr>
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After reading this to us we are then sprayed with beer from all sides.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afterwards we were soaked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off our new certificates</td></tr>
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After the welcoming of the virgins the anyone who did something wrong on the hash and got caught had to drink from the Dottie Pottie which has warm beer and must be shared with everyone that got caught with you. Its a small metal bucket that has goodness knows what in it, and never gets washed. But thats the punishment you get for picking fruit and getting caught. After an hour or so of mingling around we loaded back on the bus to take us back. There were three virgins on our bus and stale, sweaty soaked bodies made for a stinky ride back to the marina. It was a blast and I will do it again.... <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-56142942281527442312015-10-22T14:28:00.001-07:002015-10-22T14:28:13.533-07:00More of Grenada With GuestWe decided we wanted to a hike up to the Seven Sisters Waterfall to experience the interior of the island ourselves. We hopped on the number 1 bus and took it to St. George to pick up the bus that would drop us off in the wilderness of the rainforest. Seven Sisters is on private property so we stopped at the main building to pay our small fee to hike the trail. We picked up a walking stick as suggested by other hikers and took off down the road. We werent going to hire a guide but the guy seemed very friendly and knowledable as he led us to the starting path. We decided to hire him to continue on as he seemed like fun to have along and he said we paid him whatever we wanted to. He pointed out things we learned about on the Cutty Tour and showed us other cool things along the way. You had to hike down to the first fall and it was a nice muddy trail. We were glad that we had the walking sticks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the road begins to the trail that would take us to the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapples growing on the side of the road</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GVpLynwd3Y/VilToihPi1I/AAAAAAAAD0E/QQ_hW9Jd-Io/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172146879.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540470.2346" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GVpLynwd3Y/VilToihPi1I/AAAAAAAAD0E/QQ_hW9Jd-Io/s500/Photo%25252020151023172146879.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the steep trail begins</td></tr>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUVwgVkaw0Q/VilTrNx5BJI/AAAAAAAAD0M/mLDKjWr3eQ8/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172147135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540494.5723" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUVwgVkaw0Q/VilTrNx5BJI/AAAAAAAAD0M/mLDKjWr3eQ8/s500/Photo%25252020151023172147135.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Lho8rIuIrc/VilTthk6_LI/AAAAAAAAD0U/GKO6rvHJmcY/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172147462.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540455.5208" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Lho8rIuIrc/VilTthk6_LI/AAAAAAAAD0U/GKO6rvHJmcY/s500/Photo%25252020151023172147462.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we met a man with a machete, seems common place here.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvoIRQLozqs/VilTvg1a7NI/AAAAAAAAD0c/Opmjf_i29w0/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172147778.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540524.5076" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvoIRQLozqs/VilTvg1a7NI/AAAAAAAAD0c/Opmjf_i29w0/s500/Photo%25252020151023172147778.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JosH2oVnRIE/VilTxUVHV8I/AAAAAAAAD0k/a4PNn7kIdg4/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172148136.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540453.56" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JosH2oVnRIE/VilTxUVHV8I/AAAAAAAAD0k/a4PNn7kIdg4/s500/Photo%25252020151023172148136.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the first set of falls we came to. Very pretty spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAqsCG4yqvc/VilTzGXGU7I/AAAAAAAAD0s/oOevEw7GNT8/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172148383.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540466.2463" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAqsCG4yqvc/VilTzGXGU7I/AAAAAAAAD0s/oOevEw7GNT8/s500/Photo%25252020151023172148383.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was very refreshing and we all took a dip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5986ceyobC8/VilT2FoNNKI/AAAAAAAAD08/hC36H77Q_ec/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172149036.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540501.898" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5986ceyobC8/VilT2FoNNKI/AAAAAAAAD08/hC36H77Q_ec/s500/Photo%25252020151023172149036.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AJ enjoying the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Og-NFIyoJ6o/VilT3luoazI/AAAAAAAAD1E/Q8D_tDHe1-Y/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172149350.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540495.222" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Og-NFIyoJ6o/VilT3luoazI/AAAAAAAAD1E/Q8D_tDHe1-Y/s500/Photo%25252020151023172149350.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk standing under the falls and getting beat up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dvjkW8YQq8/VilT5Lxi5XI/AAAAAAAAD1M/-7EvahP5SW8/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172149611.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1445635540476.8152" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dvjkW8YQq8/VilT5Lxi5XI/AAAAAAAAD1M/-7EvahP5SW8/s500/Photo%25252020151023172149611.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo </td></tr>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xMIIcE77NLk/VilT7BtkyVI/AAAAAAAAD1U/dYll84Ls744/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172150014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540530.6104" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xMIIcE77NLk/VilT7BtkyVI/AAAAAAAAD1U/dYll84Ls744/s500/Photo%25252020151023172150014.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTbBHyB0F38/VilT86MqDNI/AAAAAAAAD1c/xl1mILgKVXY/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172150402.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540555.452" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTbBHyB0F38/VilT86MqDNI/AAAAAAAAD1c/xl1mILgKVXY/s500/Photo%25252020151023172150402.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now on up to the next set of falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnqduI1WQ6U/VilT-Tuc-vI/AAAAAAAAD1k/aY6KBGaaZJw/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172150799.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540529.5679" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KnqduI1WQ6U/VilT-Tuc-vI/AAAAAAAAD1k/aY6KBGaaZJw/s500/Photo%25252020151023172150799.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide pointing out plants</td></tr>
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We then started up to the second fall called Honeymoon falls as the pool at the bottom is shaped like a heart. It was a bit more of a challange as there was no set path and we would have never found it had we not had our guide.<br />
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Only AJ took a swim in this one as we watched on before starting our trek back which proved to be tricky in some places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBq87eu2t3k/VilUDZjwCxI/AAAAAAAAD18/2VIJn81sZjI/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172151931.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540480.9395" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBq87eu2t3k/VilUDZjwCxI/AAAAAAAAD18/2VIJn81sZjI/s500/Photo%25252020151023172151931.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some slick rocks here</td></tr>
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Then it was the climb back up the steep trails we decended in the beginning. At one point we did hear the monkeys calling out for its baby and the guide tried calling back but I dont think mom was falling for it. So no monkeys today either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZDez9bIl2lk/VilUE9f6IsI/AAAAAAAAD2E/TImgFmGCcRo/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172152338.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1445635540552.1963" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZDez9bIl2lk/VilUE9f6IsI/AAAAAAAAD2E/TImgFmGCcRo/s500/Photo%25252020151023172152338.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep, muddy, and slick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7Vfc5R7s8Y/VilUGsDKMRI/AAAAAAAAD2M/pbSG7VWAMv0/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172152808.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="387" id="blogsy-1445635540550.4038" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7Vfc5R7s8Y/VilUGsDKMRI/AAAAAAAAD2M/pbSG7VWAMv0/s500/Photo%25252020151023172152808.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of us are still smiles though</td></tr>
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Once we made it back to the end of the trail the guide helped us wash the tons of mud we had on our shoes and we paid him for his time and set about waiting at the end of the road to try and catch a bus back into town. We waited and waited before one finally stopped to pick up its muddy passengers then we got to wait at the bus terminal again for a number 1 to take us back to our stop. I cant remember if it was this day or the day previous that as we were sitting in the bus some lady poked her head in and said "this is a white bus" before turning away to wait for the next one. Well the next one doesnt pull up till this one is overflowing to capacity. Some other woman told her just to get in and in the end she did get the last seat giving us glares that would set one on fire. Guess this was discrimination but I figured it was her problem not ours and we just let it go. We all went back to the marina and grabbed a shower before heading into the Tiki Bar for some well earned dinner. The Tiki Bar is associated with the marina and just about every night of the week they have something going on. Monday is 1/2 price pizza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YU8CJeNAp28/VilUIbNpdEI/AAAAAAAAD2U/1mG06qyGUfo/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172153198.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="223" id="blogsy-1445635540555.1814" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YU8CJeNAp28/VilUIbNpdEI/AAAAAAAAD2U/1mG06qyGUfo/s500/Photo%25252020151023172153198.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1/2 price pizza night</td></tr>
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I thinks its Tuesday or Wednesday they have Bingo that is a blast. You can win good prizes such as cash and phone minutes or even live animals. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyx667zJvSk/VilUJ9r4SKI/AAAAAAAAD2c/xbBqi0hVmJU/s1691/Photo%25252020151023172153431.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540516.0613" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyx667zJvSk/VilUJ9r4SKI/AAAAAAAAD2c/xbBqi0hVmJU/s500/Photo%25252020151023172153431.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with one of the prizes of the evening</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zyi0LqefKw4/VilUMFPPT8I/AAAAAAAAD2k/abaUu9gUAVY/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172153864.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1445635540514.0898" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zyi0LqefKw4/VilUMFPPT8I/AAAAAAAAD2k/abaUu9gUAVY/s500/Photo%25252020151023172153864.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the grand prize the same evening</td></tr>
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And there is also Dud prizes of toilet seats, curlers, plastic dolls and such. Its all good fun and if two people call bingo at the same time you must have a dance off. This was always fun to watch. On Sundays they had movie night which we attended a few times. Great new releases, many of which had chinese sub titles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2UrLlH14ks/VilUN-15iAI/AAAAAAAAD2s/-23H5m2iAWI/s2048/Photo%25252020151023172154308.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="223" id="blogsy-1445635540517.2178" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2UrLlH14ks/VilUN-15iAI/AAAAAAAAD2s/-23H5m2iAWI/s500/Photo%25252020151023172154308.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movie night</td></tr>
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So we tried to fit in fun evenings while the guest were here but, usually in the evenings we were too tired and went to bed early. A couple days before they were due to leave they had a children's parade due to Carnival being right around the corner. We happened to be downtown at the time and caught it. <br />
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Soon the week of having guest onboard came to an end it it was time for them to leave. Up very early to get everyone up and about and to the dinghy dock to catch the taxi we had booked.<br />
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We said our final goodbyes and then they were off, my how times flies when guest are onboard. Seems like they just got here. <br />
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Till next time.....<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-38996002345749971592015-10-14T17:03:00.001-07:002015-10-14T17:03:34.473-07:00Getting Settled Into Grenada and Guest We ended up getting a mooring ball due to the fact that we didnt care for where we were anchored and we felt if we moved up closer to the marina that we would have more protection from the swells coming into the Bay that could prove uncomfortable at times. We rented the last one from the Prickly Bay Marina, tied up and felt a bit more secure. We would have friends arriving in a little over a week and I had lots to do with trying to catch up on laundry, clean the boat really well from all the travelling we had been doing and provisioning which proves tiresome due to the walking and busses. The bus system here proves itself interesting at best. From the boatyard you may or may not see a bus as you are walking down the street to the circle where you are suppose to catch the bus. Pretty soon you see a van coming down the street, most prove to be red with one guy yelling and hanging half out the window asking if you need a ride. You motion for them to stop or wave them on past. They will usually try and pack about 14 in. Its a tight 14 too. If you have to go to the local grocery, the IGA they drop you off and you can usually pick one up before you get to the bus stop. Its about $2.50 EC per person to get there which is about a dollar US. If you have to travel further, you must take the bus into St. Georges bus terminal, find your bus and sometimes sit for close to 1/2 an hour in the heat and wait for the bus to fill to overflowing capacity before they will pull away. The music is always blaring and how the guy knows where to stop to drop people off is beyond me. Guess they are regular riders. Our guest Larry and Lisa from Jersey Girl in our old marina in Merritt Island who visted us in the Bahamas decided to come to Grenada, this time bringing daughter AJ. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65SLjRUttcc/Vh7qoKMPsdI/AAAAAAAADv4/qq4x874HdbA/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195135465.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="191" id="blogsy-1444867180018.7358" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65SLjRUttcc/Vh7qoKMPsdI/AAAAAAAADv4/qq4x874HdbA/s500/Photo%25252020151014195135465.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles even after a long day of travel.</td></tr>
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They arrived on the 25th and as usual with any airline these days several hours late. Lucky for everyone there is a 24 hour sports bar open at Timbers so we all had a very late dinner before heading to the boat to get settled in. While here we wanted to show them as much of the island as we could so we hired a tour guide that knew what he was doing. Cutty's tours got rave reviews from everyone I spoke to and he did not disappoint. We found several other cruisers that wanted to join in so we were able to split the cost. It was $175.00 for the day or $25.00 per person. This was in US dollars. He arrived promptly at 9am and we started our tour. As we drove up the coatline Cutty was full of information about the island, from history to pulling over, pulling something from a tree or ground to smell or taste. This man knew his stuff and since we were a small group of about 10 we all got to ask questions. We all knew each other too, so it was a fun filled day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is St. Georges anchorage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very nice waterfall that you could swim in for $1.00 US</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutty showing us a Cocoa pod and letting us taste it. </td></tr>
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The flesh around the cocoa bean is slimy but taste a bit like a fleshy coconut with a slightly sour taste. You dont eat the bean as it is very bitter. Then onto the Nutmeg Processing Plant.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the ladies are sorting the dried nutmegs for size and quality.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3WstBlGaDUA/Vh7q_HUTC-I/AAAAAAAADwg/jGZ4umm6Y3M/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195136812.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="228" id="blogsy-1444867179996.9807" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3WstBlGaDUA/Vh7q_HUTC-I/AAAAAAAADwg/jGZ4umm6Y3M/s500/Photo%25252020151014195136812.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where they crack the outer shell. This lady was a camera ham. All smiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bagged and ready to export. Most of them go to Europe</td></tr>
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Below is what a nutmeg looks like when it pops out of its protective pod. The outter layer is vibrant red which is Mace that is then dried and used for cooking and such. Its not the mace we think of back home that is used for pepper spray. And there is the nutmeg under the mace ready to dry.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xL5WQFVZxGs/Vh7rEfkd9KI/AAAAAAAADww/d3p4o9lTlWE/s1558/Photo%25252020151014195137320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867179999.9878" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xL5WQFVZxGs/Vh7rEfkd9KI/AAAAAAAADww/d3p4o9lTlWE/s500/Photo%25252020151014195137320.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Then it was onto the chocolate factory to see how all those cocoa pods are turned into chocolate.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This a cocoa pod</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This a cocoa pod</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOf4n35O850/Vh7rNuf7CDI/AAAAAAAADxA/feARi3B57gc/s1836/Photo%25252020151014195138455.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867180055.8374" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOf4n35O850/Vh7rNuf7CDI/AAAAAAAADxA/feARi3B57gc/s500/Photo%25252020151014195138455.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a pod drying in the sun with the bean inside</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8knrcCfb-3U/Vh7rQ-QEK6I/AAAAAAAADxI/C-r_JHASUkQ/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195138649.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="117" id="blogsy-1444867180059.5898" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8knrcCfb-3U/Vh7rQ-QEK6I/AAAAAAAADxI/C-r_JHASUkQ/s500/Photo%25252020151014195138649.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the packaged chocolates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course my hubby had to have a 2 lb block of chocolate where as I opted for a few small bars of the nutmeg flavored chocolate. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OiphMr0lMgE/Vh7rXqP7ECI/AAAAAAAADxY/sL0XcaZstCU/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195139246.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867179996.252" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OiphMr0lMgE/Vh7rXqP7ECI/AAAAAAAADxY/sL0XcaZstCU/s500/Photo%25252020151014195139246.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the fleshy edible cocoa </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Below Cutty is explaing how many types of mangos there are. Wow, who knew....he also took us to a location where we were able to pick bagfulls to take back with us. </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutty telling us about mangos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutty telling us about mangos</td></tr>
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Before hitting the rum factory Cutty arranged for us to have lunch at the restarant. We were the only people there and they laid out a nice buffet for us. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group enjoying lunch and getting more info out of Cutty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Above is our guest and the group we traveled with. I have to mention Kevin and his wife on Catchin Rays. If you are interested in travel, sailing videos check out his youtube page. Catchin Rays. He has some amazing footage from the few that I have watched.</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Campers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Campers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-acq0psv4Lac/Vh7rm77TLcI/AAAAAAAADx4/3d2VXTHo8SY/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195140780.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867180035.5342" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-acq0psv4Lac/Vh7rm77TLcI/AAAAAAAADx4/3d2VXTHo8SY/s500/Photo%25252020151014195140780.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onto the rum factory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">The River Antoine Rum factory still uses an old water wheel to turn the machines to crush the sugarcane. The whole factory is open air and seems very unsanitary. I guess though it goes through a process that might kill any and all things that manage to drop, fly, or crawl into it. </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking through the dried crushed sugar cane to enter the mill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking through the dried crushed sugar cane to enter the mill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goats coming for a visit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLkSHAeb8gg/Vh7rzZPOStI/AAAAAAAADyQ/B5H_qHbL_1M/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195142120.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867180010.723" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QLkSHAeb8gg/Vh7rzZPOStI/AAAAAAAADyQ/B5H_qHbL_1M/s500/Photo%25252020151014195142120.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we having fun yet?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w33fXx2_yy0/Vh7r4G6eqLI/AAAAAAAADyY/hFmEDLfLoQg/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195142632.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1444867179996.2546" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w33fXx2_yy0/Vh7r4G6eqLI/AAAAAAAADyY/hFmEDLfLoQg/s500/Photo%25252020151014195142632.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the cane waiting for crushing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gosPTTk2OVs/Vh7r71BN7OI/AAAAAAAADyg/-oNW_x6kHGc/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195143077.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="216" id="blogsy-1444867180048.1934" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gosPTTk2OVs/Vh7r71BN7OI/AAAAAAAADyg/-oNW_x6kHGc/s500/Photo%25252020151014195143077.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The men working hard by the crushing machine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lj5lgQ6umOI/Vh7r_yj15TI/AAAAAAAADyo/eoRi7ioMbYg/s2048/Photo%25252020151014195143741.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="225" id="blogsy-1444867179984.0625" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lj5lgQ6umOI/Vh7r_yj15TI/AAAAAAAADyo/eoRi7ioMbYg/s500/Photo%25252020151014195143741.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the cane juice gully that is sitting on the ground open to all. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the water wheel turning the crusher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The juice is put in these vats in the boil house. This is where it starts smelling really good. NOT...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes it smelled as bad as it looks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the rum is distilled and tested for potency. </td></tr>
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Below is the final product. The first bottle is produced and made but not allowed to leave the island, its that potent. And boy is it nasty, it stayed with me for most of the day.</div>
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After leaving the Rum Factory we headed to the rain forest where Cutty tried to call the monkeys out. Its hit or miss and today was a miss. We did get to do a short walk into the forest though. Below you see why Cashews are so expensive. This is the cashew fruit which is not good to eat but right on top is a single cashew and it cannot be eatten until it is roasted. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very pretty cashew fruit with the single nut. Imagine how many of these have to be harvested for that handful of nuts we eat all at the same time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was Crater Lake close to where Cutty was trying to get the monkeys to visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is an almond tree. They are all over the island. </td></tr>
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We finally made our way back to marina and arrived about 5:30 had dinner at the Tiki Bar and then headed back to Renegade. It was a long day and we were all ready to relax. In a couple days we were to hike 7 sisters waterfalls so stay tuned for that. It was a georgous hike. <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-29909111990614528772015-08-22T16:17:00.001-07:002015-08-22T16:17:38.073-07:00Carriacou, And Onto Grenada<p> Our plan was to head out of Marigot Bay at first light and make our way on down to Carriacou which is part of Grenada. We traveled down St. Lucia enjoying the nice sail. We had heard once you hit the end of the island before you get to St. vincent which is the next island down that the water becomes very rough as it and the winds funnel through the pass. We passed the Pitons and they were indeed impressive. Some of the rat pack had hiked up them and I hear it is quiet the hike. We had heard if you wanted to get a mooring in front of them and take a guide to hike them that you also needed to hire someone to boat sit. Hummm? So I need to pay a person I dont know to sit on my boat to keep the bad people off? Ummmm, no thanks. So we just passed by and took photos. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1wLEz8_TjA/VdkC3CEp7yI/AAAAAAAADu4/KFOIi6qRpl8/s2048/Photo%25252020150822191631344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1wLEz8_TjA/VdkC3CEp7yI/AAAAAAAADu4/KFOIi6qRpl8/s500/Photo%25252020150822191631344.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458826.5864" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="172"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPWfCmm77Rc/VdkC6DazY7I/AAAAAAAADvA/5It-zhHWEME/s2048/Photo%25252020150822191631570.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QPWfCmm77Rc/VdkC6DazY7I/AAAAAAAADvA/5It-zhHWEME/s500/Photo%25252020150822191631570.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458850.1763" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="390" height="208"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cGYwl_KnMIc/VdkC9JnurZI/AAAAAAAADvI/LYXc0Vri7SY/s2048/Photo%25252020150822191631805.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cGYwl_KnMIc/VdkC9JnurZI/AAAAAAAADvI/LYXc0Vri7SY/s500/Photo%25252020150822191631805.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458784.2158" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="184"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qUn3Wf5kQ94/VdkC_traByI/AAAAAAAADvQ/BtKQnj7sV6E/s2048/Photo%25252020150822191632047.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qUn3Wf5kQ94/VdkC_traByI/AAAAAAAADvQ/BtKQnj7sV6E/s500/Photo%25252020150822191632047.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458872.865" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="137"></a></div><p> Once we got to the end of the island we fully expected it to get rough but we continued to enjoy the sail as it wasnt rough at all. Today may be our lucky day. We traveled most of the day and stopped in Bequia with the Q flag flying to get some sleep for the next days travel. The following day we made it to Tyrrel Bay in Carriacou along with Tempo. Carriacou is part of Grenada and we hear its easy to check into customs there. Dirk headed into the customs office as it was Friday and on the weekends it cost overtime fees if you check in or out. Once we were legally checked in we celebrated with 2 cold Kalik's and hoisted the Grenada courtesy flag. Our plan was to get a good nights sleep before making our final run down to Prickly Bay so it was a relaxing evening onboard and we slept in the following morning before picking up anchor to make the short hop down island. We made it to Prickly Bay and picked our way through the anchorage to find a spot to drop. It was pretty crowded so we kind of wedged ourselves, perhaps a little close to two other boats we knew. Dirk dove on the anchor after we set it and found we were pretty much hanging over a little ledge. Wasnt happy but this would do for the night. We Popped our bottle of champagne we had saved for just this occasion. Its good to be here, finally......</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMbbniQKfUo/VdkDBAZeAHI/AAAAAAAADvY/CzeUTTEB-Ak/s1150/Photo%25252020150822191632144.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMbbniQKfUo/VdkDBAZeAHI/AAAAAAAADvY/CzeUTTEB-Ak/s500/Photo%25252020150822191632144.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458839.0488" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="360" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWcy-ucpea0/VdkDDpwjroI/AAAAAAAADvg/JnqK2Z1N8XQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150822191632337.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWcy-ucpea0/VdkDDpwjroI/AAAAAAAADvg/JnqK2Z1N8XQ/s500/Photo%25252020150822191632337.jpg" id="blogsy-1440285458794.342" class="aligncenter" width="300" height="623" alt=""></a></div><p> In the near future I will write of our adventures as we check out this so called cruising mecca. Stay tuned.....</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-49769079450540968512015-08-08T15:47:00.000-07:002015-08-08T15:47:02.376-07:00St. LuciaWe headed for Rodney Bay St. Lucia on the 25th after sitting for almost a week in Martinique while we waited on weather. We had met a couple there that said they had been traveling this area for 15 years and had never seen a year as windy and rough as this one. Goody for us, we picked the worst year to do this but we were determined to get to Grenada before the end of July. We were traveling with Tempo and pulled into the anchorage together both setting the hook close to each other. Dirk dove on the anchor and wasnt pleased as to how it was set but we had backed down to 2500 and didnt pull. It was basically a bunch of rubble on the bottom, old dead coral covered with about an inch of sand. We had hooked into a rock laying on the bottom of a slight ridge. We would see how we held as the next couple days were suppose to be very windy. We were planning on moving to find a sandy spot but once the winds picked up and we held fast we decided to stay put. Rodney Bay wasnt bad except for the fruit and veggie guy that would make his rounds daily trying to sell you stuff in an old boat that looked like it would capsize at any moment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a garden up top</td></tr>
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And the people who would stand on the jetty trying to get your attention for a lift to the other side as you were going into town. We were told by a few that the veggie guy was a fairly nasty spirited man and would get upset with you for only buying one item from him. I didnt play his game and bought all my fruits and veggies from the farmers market and grocery store. The people on the jetty would hoop and holler in hopes you would pick them up, take them to the other side of the channel and in the process sell you something or ask for something. I felt bad ignoring them but one had to. At the farmers market held there each week I picked up some great deals and learned to love yet another fruit I had never seen before.<br />
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Wax apples are not native to the area but brought over from Asia somewhere. They are quite interesting and actually taste like a green apple with a different texture. Days passed and the winds blew, so I finally decided I needed a hike and took one to the fort with our friends off Tempo. Dirk decided to stay back so off we went.<br />
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From the top of the fort was great views of the bay and surrounding areas all in bloom with Flamboyant trees. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renegade is somewhere out in the bay</td></tr>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCM7ZuOp7FM/VcaCG5_n09I/AAAAAAAADr0/8lwVWbxtZFk/s2048/Photo%25252020150808182541269.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" id="blogsy-1439073857132.0842" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCM7ZuOp7FM/VcaCG5_n09I/AAAAAAAADr0/8lwVWbxtZFk/s500/Photo%25252020150808182541269.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the outside</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the fort over to the other peak we hiked</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamboyant tree flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the fort from the other peak</td></tr>
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After we hiked up both peaks we headed to the little restaurant and all had a nice cold Piton Beer and a great lunch before heading back to the boats. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice little restaurant </td></tr>
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On the 7th of July we finally had a bit of a let up in wind and decided to head to Marigot Bay as we heard it was beautiful and peaceful. We decided to go ahead and pick up a mooring ball inside of the bay from the marina and when they saw us and several other boats approaching the channel they came out to ask if we were anchoring or taking a ball, they then led us to our ball and helped us tie up. Before we could even get tied up all the way the fruit and veggie guys came by to peddle their wares. First one then the other and we bought a bit from each one as they weren't too pushy and seemed friendly enough. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Clause as he calls himself selling fruits and veggies.</td></tr>
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With the mooring ball we got access to the resorts gym and pool. We elected to use the pool along with several other boats that pulled in that day. Izzy R who we had met several years ago in the Bahamas along with a couple new people we met. They had a great swim up bar that served a mean rum punch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang relaxing in the pool with nice cold rum punches</td></tr>
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Later that evening we all got together and had taco night on Izzy R and watched as the sun set behind the island. <br />
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The following day we decided to take a hike on a trail that led to some great look out spot. We started at the Rainforest Hidaway and the path got steep very quickly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep hill</td></tr>
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It was so steep at times you had to use the rope to pull yourself up and I for one needed a few breaks to catch my breath. When we finally made it to the top we were granted a wonderful view of the surronding land. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome views</td></tr>
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We could see Renegade moored in the bay and the pool we spent so much time in the day before. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it to the top</td></tr>
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We stopped at the top for a rest and a group photo before heading on our way. We hiked down the trail and it was just as steep.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now for the steep climb down</td></tr>
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We ended up at a resort and ended up riding the self service trolly down the hill.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ding ding ding here comes your trolley</td></tr>
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Lots of beautiful vegetation to see everywhere around. <br />
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We finally found our way to the local watering hole and had a nice cold Piton to quench our thirst and took one more group photo to end the days trip. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a nice cold one.</td></tr>
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We were tired puppies after the day we had and were in bed early as the next morning we would drop our mooring ball and head south. Were almost there......<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-81946382233962276092015-07-21T14:48:00.001-07:002015-07-21T14:48:10.217-07:00Fort de France, Martinique<p> We left Guadeloupe and made our way to Martinique but since we did not want to do a really long passage again we headed to Roseau Dominica for the night and decided to just yellow flag it as we would be leaving at first light. Yellow flagging or Q flagging means to fly your quarentine flag and not check into the country. You can do this for a nights rest if you dont plan on getting off of your boat and heading to shore. As we were pulling into the anchorage we decided on a mooring ball as it was getting to be dusk and light was fading. As we had heard about the "boat boys" we already knew what to expect. They meet you as you are coming in and introduce themselves and help you pick up your mooring ball. They are so organized here that they have kind of a union called Pays. Which is good because it helps to keep them in check. They do all sorts of things, get you supplies, get the customs officials to you, fuel. They also act as security for your boat. Guessing the rule is if you see a boat tended to by a Pays guy you leave it alone which is nice. So we were met by our boat boy who helped us tie up to the mooring. It was $15.00 US a night and we tipped him $5.00 for his assistance. Probably too much but we were tired. We told him we would be leaving at first light and off to bed we went. The following morning we made tracks to Martinique. We anchored in front of the town square and found a decent spot of sand in about 17 feet of water. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GRZ2PBkR6k/Va69tvlHrFI/AAAAAAAADqI/wcQO-xrY3gE/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174621693.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GRZ2PBkR6k/Va69tvlHrFI/AAAAAAAADqI/wcQO-xrY3gE/s500/Photo%25252020150721174621693.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291912.1465" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="163"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere along the way in Martinique</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p090vr2bgb8/Va69v7ga0NI/AAAAAAAADqQ/WIrUS5A3FAg/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174621891.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p090vr2bgb8/Va69v7ga0NI/AAAAAAAADqQ/WIrUS5A3FAg/s500/Photo%25252020150721174621891.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291866.8635" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="212"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort de France</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Its a colorful city and that day they were having an outdoor festival around the water front. This made for a very loud night until about 3am when the party finally died. Good thing I was so tired and had ear plugs. We checked in the next morning and decided to walk into town forgetting that they pretty much roll the street up in these countries on Sunday. As we walked we noted how much this area reminded us of New Orleans, not so much the look but the smell. Guessing they didnt have port a toilets at the event last night as the streets reeked of urine. So far not impressed. We did happen to find a Kentucky Fried Chicken open where we could have a coffee and get some free internet to check in with family and friends. Afterwards we headed back to the boat for a relaxing rest of the day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOWnEQ5LdCk/Va69znfSF0I/AAAAAAAADqY/u8ksSqYdAps/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174622266.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOWnEQ5LdCk/Va69znfSF0I/AAAAAAAADqY/u8ksSqYdAps/s500/Photo%25252020150721174622266.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291870.8157" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinghy dock and waterfront</td></tr></tbody></table><p> We stayed here for close to a week waiting on a good weather window to get us to St. Lucia. While we waited we were joined with some of the other Rat Pack which is always nice to have a few people you know close by. We needed to reprovision so we headed to town and did some shopping at the Leader price store. We found they actually had good prices on seafood so we bought a bag of shimp and 2 bags of mussels. And of course town did not disappoint. Sadly there was a homeless man laying in the middle of the sidewalk as people had to step over him. Both Dirk and I began to wonder if he was even alive and were relieved to see him move. So sad.....We did manage to walk further into the city and found many streets lined with shops selling the same thing from store to store, shoes and fabric. We found a music store where Dirk was able to pick up some new reeds for his sax. We also found an open air market where they sold many spices and vegatables. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYBN-wZNLjM/Va692nAN4zI/AAAAAAAADqg/NZ-dNxu38M0/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174622608.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYBN-wZNLjM/Va692nAN4zI/AAAAAAAADqg/NZ-dNxu38M0/s500/Photo%25252020150721174622608.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291957.0303" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="162"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btFkqOgX7Gg/Va695q2Cu2I/AAAAAAAADqo/_rz05MMIQhQ/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174622889.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btFkqOgX7Gg/Va695q2Cu2I/AAAAAAAADqo/_rz05MMIQhQ/s500/Photo%25252020150721174622889.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291958.0942" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="162"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hw71dyh_EbI/Va699OTZmtI/AAAAAAAADqw/Hra3hrbbuQo/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174623252.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hw71dyh_EbI/Va699OTZmtI/AAAAAAAADqw/Hra3hrbbuQo/s500/Photo%25252020150721174623252.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291951.5156" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="300" height="225"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla beans everywhere, and cheap</td></tr></tbody></table><p> We purchased a few items and continued along our way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AHMRUd6SJaY/Va6-Bn3T36I/AAAAAAAADq4/wmrVe1XzqzA/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174623575.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AHMRUd6SJaY/Va6-Bn3T36I/AAAAAAAADq4/wmrVe1XzqzA/s500/Photo%25252020150721174623575.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291954.5347" class="aligncenter" width="300" height="225" alt=""></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0RgnwKykaA/Va6-Fubr9pI/AAAAAAAADrA/nMzh0Nt_x4c/s2048/Photo%25252020150721174623909.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0RgnwKykaA/Va6-Fubr9pI/AAAAAAAADrA/nMzh0Nt_x4c/s500/Photo%25252020150721174623909.jpg" id="blogsy-1437515291871.434" class="aligncenter" width="300" height="191" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemeteries remind me of New Orleans </td></tr></tbody></table><p> Once we passed the graveyard we started noticing a change of scenery and knew it was time to turn around, which we did and headed to a great little baguette shop that made great sandwiches for lunch before heading back to the boat. It finally looked as if we might have a break in the weather on the 25th and used this small window to make it to St. Lucia.</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-65500327849974319302015-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:002015-07-12T16:33:45.506-07:00GuadeloupeWe left Simpson Bay in the company of Tempo at 5:30 am with our sights set on Deshaies Guadeloupe, pronounced (Day-ay). Of course the weather was not as predicted and there were times when we thought about stopping in Antiqua as the trip was very rolly. Large seas and not very comfortable at all. We plugged on as did Tempo who is a catamaran and rides differently then a monahull does. No one had a good trip. We landed in Deshaies at around 6:30 am the next morning and picked up one of the free mooring balls the town offers up. They seemed to be in good shape, just no pendant to pick up. Usually a mooring ball for those that do not know is a big bouy anchored to the sea floor usually in a large concrete block. Then on top of the mooring is a loop the has a rope attached to that. The rope or sometimes 2 ropes has loops on the ends that you pick up with your boat hook, run your own line through and then back to your boat. This one only had the mooring ball with about a 5 to 6 inch in diameter metal loop on top. No line to pick up so how does one put a rope through there. Very carefully.......it was decided I would maneuver the boat while Dirk laid on his belly on deck as to be as close as he could to the waterline, then we basically threaded the needle and did it on the first try. As usual, a few on lookers yet no one offered to help. Oh well, we were here in a peaceful little fishing village. Guadeloupe is a French country so we would still have those fresh baguettes, and we found a wonderful bakery right off the dinghy dock. Hows that for luck.....Dea Latis was here already as was Uno and Glass Slipper, all part of the Rat Pack. Dirk and David went to check in but found customs closed and locked up tight. Dave had been here for a couple days and could not check in. They really dont seem to mind here so we did not fret. At least we tried, so later that evening we headed to a little spot for a sundowner and free internet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the anchorage</td></tr>
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A couple days later we along with Dave, Tanya, Jackie and David rented a van to go hike the volcano. It was about a 30 to 45 minute drive through twisty turns and up hills that seemed you might slip right off the side of. We elected Dave to drive as the only vehicle they had for us was a van that looked apparently like the busses there as people kept trying to flag us down to stop. Thats basically what you do when you want a ride on the bus, just wave em down. Sorry guys, were not a bus. We finally made it to the parking lot and everyone made sure we had a jacket, water, camera and snacks before we took off. <br />
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It says the hike is medium difficulty but I think they lied. Anyway you start off going through this lush rainforest where everything is so pretty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty pathways</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful exotic flowers</td></tr>
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Lots of blooming trees and exotic flowers. Soon the nice path gives way to dirt paths and rocks which are suppose to be paths. All the while you try to take in the sights around you but you must mind your footing. On the way up we were met by about 20 or more armed military men on the way down. This must be how they do their training but it was odd passing these men all armed to the tooth being from another country. We soon found ourselves in misty clouds where the air temp started to fall. My glasses had so much mist on them that I had to remove them. Yippie me, Im blind without them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not such a pretty little pathway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it</td></tr>
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And finally we made it to the crater. Seems there was a bottleneck here as people had no clue where to go, left or right. You coulnt see anything so we guessed.</div>
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We went left and found a fence with this sign that said unauthorized access due to toxic gas. What do you think all the men did? Thats right climbed under the fence so they could see what what making that God awful smell like 30 dozen boiled eggs. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can imagine how it smelled</td></tr>
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They found it. It was a vent from the crater as you can see. They all held their breath they swear......we also climbed a bit more and found the crater itself although the clouds were so thick it was hard to see standing right next to it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crater</td></tr>
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I tell you though, the smell that came from it smelled horrendous but the warmth felt nice. We poked around a bit more at the top before beginning our decent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny little pathway</td></tr>
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We all made it back down, no broken bones, no sprains but we would all be very sore the next day. We spent several days here looking around town, shopping the stores and eating baguettes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shot of town from the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One side of the bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side</td></tr>
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We loved it here and would love to come back one day. We did stay till the 19th when we finally had weather to make the trip down to Dominica. We left early morning and made our way to Roseau where upon entering the anchorage we were met by a boat boy who helped us tie up to his mooring. We did let him know we would only be staying till morning, gave him the $15.00 for the mooring and another $5.00 as a tip. We in turn got a good nights sleep aloth it was a bit rolly in the anchorage. Next morning at first light we slipped off the mooring and headed to Fort de France, Martinique.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-66454495668563819202015-07-01T06:09:00.000-07:002015-07-01T06:09:36.525-07:00St. Martin/Sint MaartenAfter finally figuring out what the problem was causing our compass to go catty whompass on us we set our sights on the next island south. As soon as we were deep enough, Dirk threw the lines out in hopes of catching us a fresh fish. We still have some in the freezer but nothing beats a fresh one and in these parts people are known to catch some yellow fin and black fin tuna. After spening a couple hours pulling sargasso grass off his lures every 2 minutes he finally gave up. There were huge islands of this stuff floating about, so much so that we would have to stop and put the boat in reverse every so often to remove it from around the prop as it would begin to slow you down. Soon daylight came to an end and we said goodbye to the sun. Knowing we would have just a bit of moon to take us through the night<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PMhbirSSMGQ/VZPiyX9F4JI/AAAAAAAADlQ/UZ1MvJF_z98/s2048/Photo%25252020150704085134362.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="137" id="blogsy-1436015160038.398" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PMhbirSSMGQ/VZPiyX9F4JI/AAAAAAAADlQ/UZ1MvJF_z98/s500/Photo%25252020150704085134362.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Mr. Sun</td></tr>
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It was a fairly uneventful night as we kept in radio contact with the various boats that made the trip with us. 13 hours later at 5am we arrived outside of the Dutch side and put the hook down in Simpson Bay to catch a couple hours of sleep before catching the first bridge opening of the morning. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaZrN2pyZig/VZPi_2LIV9I/AAAAAAAADlY/ef8IPBYWD_0/s2048/Photo%25252020150704085134637.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="223" id="blogsy-1436015160029.8894" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BaZrN2pyZig/VZPi_2LIV9I/AAAAAAAADlY/ef8IPBYWD_0/s500/Photo%25252020150704085134637.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dotted line indicates the border</td></tr>
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We decided to anchor on the French side but come in trough the Dutch side bridge and then through the French bridge at the border to settle in on the French side of Simpson Bay Lagoon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zAYTIC6hOf8/VZPjMaahOQI/AAAAAAAADlg/FKVcmBQPMSA/s2048/Photo%25252020150704085134865.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="332" id="blogsy-1436015160016.3022" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zAYTIC6hOf8/VZPjMaahOQI/AAAAAAAADlg/FKVcmBQPMSA/s500/Photo%25252020150704085134865.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchored between Grand Islet and Witches Tit</td></tr>
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We had a hard time trying to sort out who charges what for what. If you anchor in the Bay or the Dutch side of the lagoon you have to pay a port fee and a $21.00 bridge fee for opening, plus other charges blah blah. On the French side you could go through the Dutch bridge go through the causeway bridge on the border and anchor on the French side and not pay for the bridge opening. And if you go to one place to check in you dont even pay the "port tax or fee" which is what We did. He went in, filled out a form on their computer, paid $7.00 and was done. Now that was easy. We did find a place to anchor in amongst what looked like derelict boats all around. We tried to anchor close to a boat that had people on them,safety in numbers, found a place right in front of, get this, the Witches Tit. Yes, for all those times we said it was as cold as a witches tit, we were wrong, it was pretty warm here. We stayed here for 12 long days waiting on weather fronts to pass. We passed the time by checking out one day the Dutch Side and another day the French side. We also found some Rat Packers that had been ahead of us for awhile and we finally caught up with them. One was having a new sail ordered and one unfortunatly had to have a new engine put in. Ouch......we also met some of the Rat Pack we had never met before and several other boats headed our way. Shrimpy's is a little place Right past this bridge that is a laundry service which I used twice. Not bad 13 US dollars a load, wash, dry, and fold. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave & Tanya and us checking out the town</td></tr>
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I have never had someone do my laundry before but I didnt see any other option. No coin laundrymats. This gentleman that owns Shrimpy's also does the local cruisers net in the morning and allows you to tie up to his place to do shopping down the street. We found a great little grocery that we found great prices on lots og baguettes and cheeses along with salamis. They also sold buckets of pig parts, allllllll parts. Here is a bucket of snouts. Ickkkkk<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVlJgl9hiaE/VZPjdg3u7QI/AAAAAAAADlw/Fm9cH3S1b_Y/s1470/Photo%25252020150704085135221.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="232" id="blogsy-1436015160070.5112" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVlJgl9hiaE/VZPjdg3u7QI/AAAAAAAADlw/Fm9cH3S1b_Y/s500/Photo%25252020150704085135221.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oink, Oink. This little piggy went to market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy lunch </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwVfQtI2asI/VZPj1SfwcuI/AAAAAAAADmA/9NKDnnptqio/s2048/Photo%25252020150704085135723.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="224" id="blogsy-1436015160082.2864" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwVfQtI2asI/VZPj1SfwcuI/AAAAAAAADmA/9NKDnnptqio/s500/Photo%25252020150704085135723.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinky cheeses, some verrrrrrry stinky.</td></tr>
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We also got turned onto passion fruit. We had never had one let alone seen one in person and thanks to s/v Amaroo, they told us to try one. Now were hooked.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new favorites, passion fruit</td></tr>
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They arent very pretty and Dirk likens them on the inside as tadpoles. Ummmmmmmm no. They are very sweet and tarty and yummy. We also went and found a phone store so we could get a sim card for the phone to get some data with. On the way we passed this little place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Says it all</td></tr>
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As Phil from Duck Dynasty would say. " everybody's Happy Happy "On the Dutch side we found great marine stores that Dirk drooled over and we found another great grocery with great produce and of course baguettes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy Bruschetta </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow, they even have a Welfare Road here.</td></tr>
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Our favorite place on the dutch side however is Lagoonies where everyday but Sunday they have happy hour with half price beer and rum punch. The punch had a kick to it also. So everyday at about 4:45 we would pile in the dinghies and all meet over to discuss the days events and weather and such. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dea Latis, Lequesto, and our favorite new hangout</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Killer rum punches</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Rat Pack group gets bigger</td></tr>
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They had great appitizers and a plate that had onion rings, calamari, tuna fish pate, quesadillas and baguette. All this was about $10.00 and it fed both Dirk and I and it was dinner many nights. We became the usuals and one evening there the bar tenders gave us all a drink on the house as a thank you. We hated to leave but we had too. On the 8th we staged outside in Simpson Bay to prep for an early am departure. S/V Tempo joined us and we went into one last happy hour to bid farewell to the ones staying behind for now. Once we got back to the boat we put the dinghy up, tied the deck down and tried to get some shut eye. It was very rolly and not much sleep was to be found. Dirk ended up going to sleep on the floor in the salon wedged up against the seating. I just kept rolling around and around. Makes for a sleepless night and a grumpy Nancy. At 5:30 am we pulled anchor and set our sights south. Hopefully this would be one of the last night crossings we would have to do for a while. This is getting old. <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-62661603884597234542015-06-13T12:18:00.001-07:002015-06-13T12:18:15.479-07:00Tortola and then onto Virgin GordaAfter leaving Cane Garden Bay we made our way to Trellis Bay on Beef Island. We had to pick up a mooring ball for a $30.00 daily rate. Ouch....we picked the one up right besides M/V Moonrise, another Rat Pack member. We had not seen them since they left Georgetown Bahamas as they went straight through to Puerto Rico. They hailed us on the radio and asked once we got settled to come over for breakfast. We took them up on the offer and were soon in our dinghy making the 15 foot or so trip. Wonderful homemade bread and meats and cheeses with the first cappuccino I have had in a long while. We caught up with each other and they had been there a while because Martin had fallen and broken his hand. He was not able to travel due to that so they were stuck for a bit. When we pulled in we saw a Vagabond that Dirk had spoken with before we even bought ours. <br />
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Here is a pic of Island Siren and us in the background. We went over to the shore one day to check out the beach shops. The area had lots and lots of cats wandering around and Dirk had one trying to follow him. Noooooooooo shooo, shooooo. Went in to check out a local artist studio, Aragorn's Studio and saw all the beautiful they do there. I loved the drift wood pieces he makes, and he also does nice work in metal. <br />
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After that we checked out the Carib Indian dugout sailing canoe. Gli Gli is the largest one and can be chartered for the day. In fact I dont see too many things around these parts that cant be chartered. <br />
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This is really the land of charter boats and most of them being catamarans. Also along the beach if you want to head out to a little restaurant on Bellamy Cay, a tiny island in the bay you radio or call up a ferry to come pick you up. Radio or phone, whatever you feel comfortable with. <br />
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The next day we saw S/V Tribasa Cross Come into the bay. Gary and Kathy are also part of our original group but they also went straight through to Puerto Rico from the Bahamas. We went and visited them, caught up and the following day we hit the small market to get a few essentials before dropping the mooring ball to head over to Virgin Gorda to hike and snorkel the Baths. The Baths is a national Park and has unusual large granite boulders that are piled along the beach creating a cool hike that takes you through small crawl spaces or huge grottos, some parts climbing steps and ladders or using ropes to pull yourself up with. This led out to an open bay called Devil's Bay, its a pretty swim area where you can tie up the dinghy and snorkel the boulders from the other side. Here are a few pics below. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me squeezing through a tight spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight spaces to walk through</td></tr>
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After spending a couple hours there we dropped the free mooring ball as they are for day use only and made tracks over to Prickly Pear Island where we would stage to leave for St. Martin. They were having a poker run that day so it seemed every go fast boat there was, was out and about zipping past us left and right not 40 feet from our boat some of them. No reguard for their wakes which is the big waves that a vessel leaves behind. It was nice to finally make it to the anchorage and see that we could actually anchor for free. We did see our friends on Dea Latis anchored in the same anchorage. We tell them they can run but they cant hide....seems our paths keep crossing. We stayed here for a couple days prepping the boat for the trip south. Dirk was able to put his air tank on and really give the bottom of the boat a good scrubbing. I got in and just swam laps to try working off some of those painkillers I had been drinking. The water is nice so we actually spent some time snorkeling some here too. Tribasa Cross came in that next day and we all headed to the small beach bar The sand Box for happy hour before the mosquitoes came out to carry us off when we threw in the towel and called it quits and headed back to our boats. Our plan was to head out in the evening the following day and do an overnighter to arrive in St. Martin at sunrise. We pulled anchor at 4pm as Dirk wanted some time in the day light to fish but as we are leaving the bay we notice our charts are cattywhompass. We re started the the chart plotter, still nothing so we decided to re calibrate it. You do this by turning circles very slowly and let the compass get its head back on straight. We turned and turned, nothing, our compass was confused as ever. Finally Dirk went below to discover I had sat his fishing tackle box next to the compass instrument down below. Ta da......problem fixed. Note to self, dont put a box containing all sorts of metals next to the compass. DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH yes, we were underway once again. Next stop, St. Martin. <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-56236634045269851482015-05-29T14:12:00.000-07:002015-05-29T14:12:10.077-07:00BVI's, Jost Van Dyke, & TortolaOur original plan was to get to St. Thomas and then to make a run through the islands in order to stage for a run to St. Martin as quick as we could. While we were on the internet the last evening in St. Thomas we see on facebook where Lea and Roland from Victorias Ghost had purchased us a drink at the Soggy Dollar bar on Jost Van Dyke.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink board, thanks Lea and Roland</td></tr>
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Well I guess our decision would be made for us. We couldnt pass by without stopping for our drinks that they bought for us so we headed that way instead. We called our friends Dave & Tanya on Dea Latis and found they were still there also. We slipped in between the reefs and found the only mooring ball available and they helped us tie on as there was no penndant on the ball. We werent happy where we were but there was no room to anchor and one must take a ball then. We have found ourselves in the charter boat mecca and it seems people dont charter too many monahulls anymore. There were 3 monahulls and the rest were all 40 to 50 foot catamarans jammed in there. Also seems most if not all anchorages have been filled with mooring balls and since you cant anchor close to the balls you are basically forced to pick one up. They are free throughout the day but in the evening they come to collect for overnighters. At $30.00 a night it can become pretty expensive. I like those DR prices of $2.00 daily rate better. Dirk took the dinghy over to the government dock and went to check us into customs. Since we were now in the British Virgin Islands we had to check in. Afterwards we joined Dave and Tanya over at Soggy Dollar to claim our drinks and have a bite to eat for lunch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soggy Dollar Bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers</td></tr>
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Soggy Dollar is known for their Painkiller Drinks. Its a potent drink of rum, cream of coconut, orange juice, and pineapple juice with fresh ground nutmeg on top. Wow, they are yummy....after a couple of those we headed back to the boat and since the day was wearing down several boats left so we decided to change mooring balls to one that was more tucked close to the island. Hopefully we wouldnt roll as much as we were. We ended up moving one more time after that before finally finding one we were happy with before heading around the corner to the next bay and the home of Foxy's Bar. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pier in front of Foxys</td></tr>
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There of course we had a few more rounds of Painkillers while enjoying relaxing in the hammocks next to the waters edge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing on Island Time</td></tr>
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Lets just say the painkillers had the desired effect and in the end we all had a great day, although there were the morning after regrets. Why didnt I just stop at 3 or 4, how many did we drink? Ahhhhhhh, we still had to travel today. Thank goodness it was a short run over to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola where we found a spot to anchor on the outskirts of the mooring field. Again it was filled with all charter boats. I think us and perhaps two other boats were privatly owned. We took the dinghy to shore to try and find some free internet. We found a little beach bar that offered free internet so we did a little hair of the dog and ordered a painkiller. What a great deal, we were in time for happy hour, 2 for $6.00, so we sat in the beach chairs looking out over the very hazy water enjoying life watching the kids play on the beach and bidding farewell to the day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazy evening sunset</td></tr>
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We stayed here two days planning our next move and enjoyed those 2 for one painkillers. Next stop, Beef Island.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-58434718841036157782015-05-29T14:00:00.001-07:002015-05-29T14:00:46.187-07:00St. ThomasSitting and waiting on weather gave me time to do some last minute laundry along with everyone else. I did my two loads of laundry and then took them back wet to the boat as I didnt want to be gone all day waiting on the dryer. Besides I think they dried twice as fast hanging on the line. While doing laundry I looked outside and this guy plus one smaller one were hanging around. He was a pretty good size but a little skiddish when I walked up to him. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well hello there</td></tr>
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We also had seen many manatees hanging around the anchorage and it must be mating season for them. I think each and every one of us have a photo of our dinghies being molested by them. My photo isnt as good as some I saw but it was getting evening so it was low light. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Manatee having a moment with our dinghy</td></tr>
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The day before we decided to depart Salinas for St. Thomas we headed out to the mangroves in order to stage for an early morning departure. We made some water and Dirk hopped in the water to clean our bottom from sitting idle for over a week. We pulled the dinghy up, had an early dinner and decided to pull anchor at 10pm to head east. We traveled through the night and arrived in Vieques (vee-aye-case) Spanish Virgin Island at 9:30 the following morning. The rest of the rat pack decided to head elsewhere so we had the anchorage just about to ourselves. During the trip while Dirk was on the front of the boat looking out for fish traps I heard and felt an odd thud then we had a terrible vibration in the steering. Dirk went below to check all systems. Everything looked good, had we run over a fish trap unseen? Well it was the middle of the night and there was no moon so it very well may have been but we couldnt do anything about it till daylight. Once it finally got daylight the vibration had eased quiet a bit so we waited to check until we were at the anchorage. I really didnt want Dirk diving under the boat while in the middle of nowhere. As soon as we dropped anchor Dirk dove in and was happy to find, well, not exactly happy but happy to know there wasnt something else wrong. He pulled a liquid laundry detergent bottle and about 2 feet of line from around the prop. Guess that fisherman lost his trap, sorry dude but next time paint it white or put reflective tape on it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The culprit</td></tr>
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Later that evening we were joined in the anchorage by another Rat packer, Victorias Ghost. We had not seen them since they left the Turks and Caicos. We talked on the radio a bit but neither one of us had a dinghy down so there would be no visiting in person. We promised to get together for a drink soon somewhere. The next morning at daybreak we picked up anchor and were happy to find the vibration totally gone and our speed seemed normal once again. Thankfully the fishing buoy did no lingering damage to anything. We knew that there would be a chance of scattered showers as we traveled but we didnt like seeing the squall lines we were seeing in the sky. The day was spent reefing the sail, unreefing it and dodging the numerous cells showing up on our radar. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of St. Thomas </td></tr>
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Later that afternoon we saw St. Thomas come into view, barely....you can see what type of day we had. We pulled into Charlotte Amalie and found a spot to anchor away from the cruise ship dock but close to the coast guard station and all the ferry traffic. <br />
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As we were entering the channel of course the skies opened up and we were forced to close the enclosure which meant limited visability. I spent those moments trying to keep the windows defogged as Dirk watched radar closely. I really dont know how people do it without, you couldnt see past the end of our bow sprit. As we approached the anchorage it did let up just a bit which was nice but I knew Dirk would still be getting soaked setting the anchor. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view from the boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Thomas at night</td></tr>
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As we heard later they had a record rainfall that day. Just our luck, they haven't had rain in ages and they get records the day we arrive. I have to admit, our first impression of St. Thomas was not the greatest. With all the rain all the trash and muck had been swept into the harbor and it was very murky and trashy. In the next couple days our impression improved but we have to say, we dont know what all the hype is. We went into town the following day to grab a bite to eat and just perhaps do a bit of shopping at the street fair. We took the dinghy over to the town dock and tied up to the concreat wall.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this dinghy has been here a while</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like its time to replace that cleat.</td></tr>
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After tying and locking up the dinghy we walked across the street and were instantly bombarded with people trying to sell stuff. We both noticed that no prices were on anything as they wanted you to ask. They would say it cost this much but I will give it to you for this much. Believe me folks, I know your not giving me a deal and it cost the lower price so why not just say what it cost the first time. After finally getting to a point we couldnt make eye contact with anyone I found one place that was ok and had a cute little cruiser type purse. Just something to throw a camera in, a couple bucks and be able to cross it over your shoulder. Plus it was pretty island colors and looks a bit hippy to me. Five bucks got me that, ten bucks got Dirk a tee shirt then we scooted out of there. I know these people make their money off the cruise ship tourist but Im a cheap cruiser. I buy what I need, not what I want. We then went in search of food and found a little out of the way place called Back Street Pub. After two drinks and two burgers set us back almost $50.00, yikes............20% tip included on the bill, we hopped back in the dinghy and headed back to Renegade before we could spend anymore. While in St. Thomas we ran into a couple that we had met a couple years ago in the Bahamas and went for happy hour drinks in a much cheaper place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renegade dwarfed by the cruise ship</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renegade anchored in St. Thomas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting at the bar keeping an eye on Renegade</td></tr>
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We would be moving on the following day and were told that once we leave here fuel would be much more expensive. We decided to go ahead and top off at the cheaper price. Going into the fuel dock proved to be no problem at all as we squeezed between the cruise ship and a mega yacht. Actually it was wide open, just seemed that the massive ships would swallow us up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refueling</td></tr>
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After filling up there were ferries picking up cruise passangers and they basically had us pinned to the dock with their back wash so we waited as they and several charter catamarans picked up customers to shuffle them off for various activities. Finally we made an attempt and had to abort as we couldnt get the rear far enough away to turn before running out of room. We spotted a man going past us in his dinghy and asked him to act as our bow thruster. He grabbed a rope from our bow and pulled us away from the dock, once we were far enough away he tossed me the rope and we made the turn and headed out. Farewell St. Thomas, next up, Jost Van Dyke, the home of the famous Foxy's and Soggy Dollar bars. <br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-80988547476211450442015-05-12T09:08:00.000-07:002015-05-12T09:08:46.265-07:00Puerto RicoWe pulled out of the marina in Samana at about 5pm in order for the winds to die down and be able to use the night lee of the island to travel in. Apparently the winds and waves forgot to lay down and we were experiencing some pretty hefty waves. I would say some were 8 footers and very confused. We were all getting tossed about and if it were just Dirk and I we would have turned back. But if we were to make it to Puerto Rico sometime this season we had to bite the bullet and move.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look bad but it was. Tehani in the background</td></tr>
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Everyone talks about the Mona Passage being this ominous thing and we were worried that if it were that bad now, how much worse would it get. Must say though as we got into it the seas seemed to lay down a bit as I guess the depth of the water helped. Sunrise came and it was not a bad trip at all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two flying fish that weren't to lucky and landed on our deck not to be found till morning. </td></tr>
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Finally we started seeing Puerto Rico come into view as the day was beginning to prepare for sunset. s/v Jump was in the lead, then s/v Lequesteau and us. Behind was s/v's Tehani, Mythago, Lagniappe, and Glass Slipper. Lagniappe is a couple from New Orleans, so we are keeping good company. It was night by the time we got to Puerto Real and Jump and Lequesteau were already in the harbour and radioed back to us what to expect. I was on the front with a spot light as we knew there were two unlit channel markers to look for. We found the markers and slipped in the channel setting anchor. We had made it and it was 10:15 pm so we were some tired puppies. All in all it took 29 hours getting beat up part of the way but we were here and thats all that mattered. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trip from Luperon to Samana to Puerto Rico from our spot tracker</td></tr>
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Tehani came in after us and the other three decided to stay outside the harbor and wait till daylight to come in. Showers and then we fell into bed for a glorious night of sleep. The next morning we awoke and saw our friends on Dea Latis sitting on the docks at the marina. We saw our friends on Tangent whom we had not seen sice the Turks and Caicos in the anchorage next to us. Lagniappe also got a slip as they had taken so much water over the bow that their vee berth needed to be hosed out. We also took a bit of water in our vee berth also from a hatch that needs to be caulked but I anticipated it and laid out a couple beach towels to catch most of it. We had the sun shades still stowed in there so the bed was pretty well protected. It was sprayed on the walls a bit so I had some cleaning to do of my own. We would be here a couple days waiting out weather so we decided to rent a car to do some provisioning. Yay, we were in the land of Wal-Marts and fast food again. Also in the land of cheap fuel but american prices. No more cheap meals but we were happy to get some Popeyes Fried Chicken. Wow, this was the first fast food we had since December and it was goooood. Of course we rented the car on a weekend so the stores were crowded. I dont do well in large crowds and by the end of the day I was truly ready to go back to my boat. The next day we took the car again and did more shopping this time hitting a Home Depot and a mall. I can honestly say I dont miss life in a city and actually wished I was back in Luperon. On the 26th everyone had laft and moved on but us. We were the only boat left in the anchorage but we would catch up to the others soon enough. They wanted to get moving. But we needed to return the rental car on Monday. After returning the car we readied the boat to leave that afternoon. It was blowing pretty hard but we felt it would ease up as the day progressed. First we needed to put some fuel in the boat so we went over to the fuel dock and filled up our water tanks with the first free water we saw since the states and fuel. After leaving the dock we continued out the channel and were heading to anchor at Cabo Rojo to stage for the next day but once we got there we decided to stick our nose out past the point and see how the winds and waves were. It wasnt as bad as what we had experienced in recent days past so we kept going, pulling in to La Parguera at sunset right between three of the boats that had left on Sunday. Gavin from Jump helped us pick up the mooring ball and we settled in for the evening. The next morning at sunrise we let go of the ball and headed over to Gilligans Island. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel of Gilligans Island. Red dot is anchor spot</td></tr>
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The others decided to keep going to Ponce and 2 of the boats that had gone to Gilligans the day before left to head to Ponce also. We had seen reviews of Ponce and decided if we could avoid it we would. Heard it was a bit of a tight anchorage, holding not so good and the yacht club not being so nice. So we went it alone and headed to Gilligans. Dave and Tanya from Dea Latis were here and they were staying while we had some winds come through. As we were getting close to the anchorge we saw border patrol stopping to check us out. Im sure they heard us on the radio with Dea Latis and checked us out to make sure we were legal, we were as when we entered we called into customs and immigration with our local boaters option number. Apparently they were doing their job which was good. We ended up sitting at Gilligans Island for two more days and spent the days checking out the island, small as it was. It had nice swim areas and a swim through you can see on the arial I have the pic of. You snorkel against the currant one way and float on the return trip down the other side. We saw a couple iguanas, one as we walked across the island and one big one when I put my hand on the mangrove roots surprised the heck out of me. He ended up being startled too and spit before running off. In the evenings we played some Mexican train with Dave and Tanya and talked about weather windows and stops. On May. The 1st we got up at 4am so we could be out of the anchorage and underway before the days winds settled in. We made it over to Caja De Muertos and tucked into a quiet little place under the lighthouse. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red spot is where we anchored.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view of the lighthouse</td></tr>
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Since we were leaving in the morning we decided not to lower the dinghy so Dave and Tanya came over and picked us up so we could do some exploring on the island. First we went to check out the little museum and checked out a swimming beach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Dirk checking out the beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo op</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little guy sat in the cactus and was not afraid at all of us.</td></tr>
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Afterwards we took the dinghy around the island and found the trail to hike up to the lighthouse. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of the cacti</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to the top</td></tr>
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After hiking the long steep trail to the top stopping every once in a while to pull thorns out of our feet that had gone through our shoes we made it to the top only to realize the lighthouse was a bit run down and not in working order. But it did afford some nice views from the top. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirks photo op</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Renegade and Dea Latis sitting at anchor</td></tr>
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After the trek down we took a dip in the water to try and cool off before heading back to Renegade. Beautiful little island and being during the week it was very quiet. Apparently on the weekends it can get busy. It would be an early evening as we would have a 5am wakeup to make it to Salinas the next day. Later in the evening it was beginning to get pretty rolly as the ocean swells were wrapping around the island so we picked up anchor and moved to a better protected area not far on the more northern side. About daybreak we made our way out of the anchorage and towards Salinas. We heard Lagniappe and Mythago on the radio headed our way. The marina at Ponce was very rolly and was doing more damage to dock lines and cleats then they wanted so they left. The others seemed fine and stayed. Same thing Tangent had told us also. He had paid for a week of dockage only to leave 3 days later because it was tearing his boat up. As we made our way closer to Salinas there were the customs agents and police boats once again. First up behind Dea Latis, checking them out, then rolling up behind us checking us out. Once they got the ok that we were good they sped off once again. Dang, where are these border agents in the US? These guys were on it.....we pulled into Salinas harbor and were amazed at how many boats were in here. We had not seen so many boats anchored and on morring balls since the states. We drove through the anchorge and finally decided on a spot closer to the entrance. It all seemed pretty protected in here, dropped the hook and set well. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage in Salinas</td></tr>
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We rented a car with Dave & Tanya to do a bit more provisioning. This time we drove to Ponce to a Super Wal-Mart once again making the stop at Home Depot and grabbing some Wendy's before grocery shopping. We noticed on the way that mango trees seem to grow wild here and line the roads. Right now they are ripe and just litter the roadways and the shoulders of the road with tons of mangos going to waste. We couldnt let that go unnoticed so we found a good spot to pull over and we loaded up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great minds trying to figure how to get some outta the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave being the tallest deployed the stick and managed to get some greener ones out of the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummmm, what a good haul and they are so sweet</td></tr>
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Afterwards we headed back to the marina to unload grocery items. This would only be the first of two loads as I did not get any cold items nor meats yet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I have to put this all away?</td></tr>
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After tossing this load in the boat we headed back to the car to visit a grocery store down the street for meats, cheeses, breads and whatever else could not be found. Even the super wal-mart does not carry certain items that I buy easily back in the states. Oh well, certain things I will have to learn to do without. Load number two was taken Back to the boat and these items had to be put away before I could do anything else. Now the real fun of provisioning begins as not only does things in boxes have to be removed, labeled logged and stowed but all the stuff already in those lockers has to be pulled out and rotated and re inventoried. Its a day long process and that process would take place tomorrow, this evening is relax time after all that work. I stowed the bags in the salon area and put what needed to be refrigerated and frozen in the appropriate locations before we hopped back in the dinghy and went back to the marina snack bar for dinner and a couple beers. Wow, what a day...so now we do what we do best, wait. Wait for weather to hop east. Next stop, St Thomas......<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-69163267207143231572015-04-30T13:24:00.001-07:002015-04-30T13:24:40.151-07:00More DRAfter getting back to the boat from the busy fun filled day of jumping and sliding waterfalls we settled back onboard. I dont know if it was the food we ate at the buffet or all the water I flushed through my sinuses, but I was feeling a bit queasy and decided to change and lay down a bit when we returned. I ended up sleeping till the next morning not feeling well enough to eat dinner. At least I felt better in the morning. The weather was beginning to shape up to the point we felt we could leave Luperon so we paid Papo to have our bottom cleaned, arranged for fuel and water delivery as I worked to prep meals and tie the boat down for travel. Dirk worked topside removing the sun shades he had deployed to keep us cool. We also spent the last couple days buying a few supplies to get us to Puerto Rico. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby seat on the back of a motorcycle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk picking out a pineapple at a great shop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Bananas hang everywhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh pineapples, mangos, avocados, and peppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">On the 17th We all decided that we would go as a group to customs and immigrations to do our paperwork so at 10 am we all met at the trailers to begin getting our dispatchos and paying port fees and such. Afterwards we all made the iffy trek up the path, across a bridge Im sure a troll lived under and up to pay the Commandant a visit to hand in our dispatcho request. </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh pineapples, mangos, avocados, and peppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path leading up to the Commandant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess if you can cross this bridge you can leave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a ver nice smelling body of water under that bridge so dont fall in</td></tr>
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Of course yet again we realized if you carry carbon paper around with you that things go faster as duel copies had to be made. We started the process at 10am and at 1pm the final person was done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the paperwork begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally a second person came to help. Apparently we interrupted a dominoes game</td></tr>
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When that was all complete they told us we had to come back at 5pm for our dispatcho, what? Wait, we told them our plan was to leave at 5:00. Oh well, we do what were told and smile about it. One last lunch and Presidente Beer before heading back to the boat to ready things for an early morning departure. The next morning at about 6:30 am the rat pack let the mooring balls go and bid farewell to Luperon. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise leaving Luperon</td></tr>
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I must admit, when we were going there I had reservations about it due to all the stories I had read. My thought is try it yourself. If your looking for a pristine harbor that caters to the cruiser you will be not be happy. This harbor is a working harbor, it isnt clean, the streets have a certain smell, and the community is poor. But what we found among all this is a wonderful change in culture, and humble people who are very friendly. We did not find the government corruption we were so afraid of and we would love to go back one day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful coastline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerto Plata </td></tr>
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We managed to get as far as Sosua when we heard radio contact between two boats further up talking about the 8 foot seas they were in. Ummmmm no..we and Tehani decided to stop and anchor up waiting for the seas to lay dawn in the evening before continuing. The others continued on. After we set the hook we both laid down to try and catch a nap before continuing on. Right after I got to sleep we hear Hola.....we go topside to find a small fishing boat telling us we could not anchor there as there was coral heads around, we needed to move so we went to pull anchor to move to the right side some when they said there was no anchoring, you had to pick up a mooring. Hummmmmmm, I called Tehani and asked him how much they said the moorings were, he said 500 pesos. Heck thats about $11.00 and we only needed it for a couple hours. They came back to us and Dirk says that we would be leaving at sunset could we just anchor. They said the boss said no. Hummmmmmm, how much he asked out of curiosity. We already knew what they told Tehani but they told us 1000 pesos. What the hey? What because we have a bigger boat your gonna try for twice the money? Dirk told them he didnt have that much, they asked what we did have. He said let me check. A moment later he came back up and said he only had 350 pesos and the guys said what, you dont have a $20.00 on you. Dirk told them we have no money, we are headed to Puerto Rico to get some. They took the pesos we said we had and showed us where to tie up. They said next time we stop there we can pay what we owe. Yea right, I will get right on that. I guess theres those bribes and corruption we were looking for. Oh well we needed to sleep. At sunset we dropped the mooring ball and headed south once again. Dirk had just pulled up the sail and I was setting our course on the chatplotter when we both looked up together to see a faint outline of a man in a small fishing boat. He was yelling and anxiously trying to pull in his fishing net. Holy cow, who is out fishing in such a small boat at dark with no lights. Apparenty lots of these guys. I know we had to of scared him half to death as he scared us just as bad. Im awake....I radioed to Tehani and good thing I did as they didnt see him either and turned away. By that time in the evening the seas had settled a bit and we made our way to Samana arriving at 4pm the following day. We did have radio contact with the others in our group and managed to catch up to them somewhat after they stopped once it got too rough for them. We finally made it to Samana and were the last ones in the marina to tie up. We decided on the marina as we were all very tired from the trip and needed a little R&R. We went in to see customs and immigrations to turn in our dispatchos and check in. Apparently the DR likes to know where you are coming from and where your going to at all times. The Commandant was very nice and helpful, spoke very good english and welcomed us to Samana.The boats were salty and so were all the people so we were happy to have a real shower at the marina even if it was a cool one. We found s/v Tangent whom we met in the Bahamas there at the dock having gotten there a day earlier. We chatted a bit with them before setting off to check out the marina and grounds. What a great place, they have a mini mart right there that has everything I needed and I didnt need much as we were headed to PR in the next couple days and could not take fruits and veggies with us. We bought us an icecream and headed back to relax. While there for a couple days we managed to find pool time and I got several loads of laundry done. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk & I enjoying the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poolside Cafe</td></tr>
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The marina also put on a great meet and greet for everyone docked. They provided nice cocktails and appetizers for us in the pool room. The last evening we were to be there we had a rat pack meeting to talk about the trip over to Puerto Rico and a nice lunch poolside before all retiring to our boats to prep them for the trek east.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting time for the Rat Pack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several large pools like this all around</td></tr>
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We would not leave till the following evening as thats when the winds would die down, so at about 10 am we headed into customs and immigrations to get our dispatchos done and all was well with the world. Easy checkout, paid our 20.00 to clear and then all we needed to do was wait. One last meeting to recheck weather and routes then we were off, next stop Puerto Rico.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-58435282445979642172015-04-22T11:56:00.000-07:002015-04-22T11:56:15.730-07:00More Sightseeing in the DRSunday after our tour of the countryside we headed into the tiny marina for lunch. On Sundays they have a BBQ for a good price. We sat down and had forgotten that this Sunday Bruce Van Sant, the writer of Gentlemans Guide to Passages South was going to be having lunch here. Van Sant, for family and friends not familiar with cruising the islands has cruised the islands and finally settled in Luperon when he fell in love with the island and the people. He has since moved to Puerto Plata from what I understand but comes back fairly often and seems to enjoy the company of cruisers. We bought his book so many years ago that it is tattered and dog eared very badly from reading it and referring to it over and over again. He has lots of useful information and explains how Island lees work, why one should move along at night here rather than daytime. Good info on lots of topics, especially how to work your way through the Dreaded Mona Passage to get to Puerto Rico. We enjoyed a nice chat with him when we realized he was sitting at the Rat Packs table before having lunch ourselves and returning back to Renegade for the evening. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk & I with Van Sant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting about boats</td></tr>
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We also wanted to do the 27 Waterfalls that we had read about and heard about so much. Since the rat pack was ahead of us they had all done it and told us it was a must do. Since we couldnt find enough people to get an organized by Papo trip done we had to go it alone. We hired a taxi for the morning and Nino came promptly at 9am to pick us up at the marina. He then drove us the half hour or so to the outskits of Puerto Plata and walked us in to make sure we got set before leaving us. He spoke very good english and gave us rundowns on the areas and answered so many questions we had about the country and its people. We checked in, paid our 500 pesos a person plus decided to do the buffet they offer afterwards for an additional 250 pesos. We got our lifevest and helmet and met our guide. We were lucky as we were the only two so we had our own guide for the trip. We started out on an easy walk over a long suspension bridge then a small path that soon started an upward trend. You can choose to do say 7, 12, or all 27 waterfalls. We wanted to do all so we got to the 12 mark and took a nice rest downing plenty of water and seeing if I could put my lungs back in my chest after carrying them the last 20 minutes. Geeeeze, Im outta shape. Every time you would ask how much further the guide would reply 5 more minutes. Hummmmm 45 minutes to an hour later we finally made it up to the top fall. The first jump was not really a fall but a leap into a deep pit. Im guessing it might have been a test to the guide to make sure you could swim and take care of yourself. The water was a bit cold and took your breath away but felt refreshing after that long hike. As the day progressed it felt downright great. Some of the falls you jumped from others you slid down. The limestone is carved smooth from the water and surprising slick. We jumped and slid our way down to the biggest one which was about a 25 foot jump. I was hesitant at first but I figured you only live once and this wasnt too bad of a place to die. Actually it wasnt that bad, the guide told you exactly where to stand and where to jump. Our guide even took my camera from me and videoed and snapped photos for us the whole way down. What a great bonus. They do have the people you hire to record your trip but ours did it for us. We finally reached the end which I thought might be close to the starting point but I was sadly mistaken and we had a bit more of a hike to get us back. We turned in our gear tipped our guide and went and had a so so lunch. I know those chickens that were wandering around us were probably on the menu and clucking about getting their last meal. One thing seems certain, all the meat we ate while here has got to be organic and free range. Even Dirk thought the meat tasted a bit gamy. Oh well, its gotta be better for us then what we eat in the states. Below see a couple photos from the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the suspension bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jump</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat areas to explore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slide</td></tr>
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Will post more pics and maybe a video when we get better internet. When we got finished with lunch we walked outside and there was Nino waiting for us. We got the backpack from the car, yea I could see again. I had to leave my glasses in the car, we changed and then headed back. Nino was gonna take us to the cheese factory and anywhere else we wanted to go but we were pooped and just wanted to head back to Luperon and the boat. We basically sat in silence the whole way back as I think we were tired, very tired. The ride back although only about 30 minutes felt like a lot more. Nino dropped us off, we paid and tipped him. For the taxi, the waterfalls, the guide, the food and tips we spent a mere $75.00 give or take. What great fun were having, stay tuned for more.<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-2609045942626117842015-04-16T14:46:00.000-07:002015-04-17T04:46:04.136-07:00Sightseeing in the DRAfter being here for a week now we are learning our way around Luperon. Where to find the bakery, finding it open is a treat.<br />
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkY8aUOhdJo/VTAnYsiUMLI/AAAAAAAADU0/H4sv6nEq5Hg/s2048/Photo%25252020150416171849340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="135" id="blogsy-1429220471013.9688" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qkY8aUOhdJo/VTAnYsiUMLI/AAAAAAAADU0/H4sv6nEq5Hg/s500/Photo%25252020150416171849340.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy pastrys</td></tr>
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Where to find good food...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patula's had great food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ended up buying one of these mugs. </td></tr>
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And in general, finding new things to photograph.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thats one heck of a security system </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink house is a typical home here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat market or family pet just killed? Hummmm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice shower and way to flush a toilet and wash your hands in one bathroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate we have to go through by the immigrations trailer.</td></tr>
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We did rent motorcycles with Dave & Tanya from s/v Dea Latis and toured a bit of country side. We saw beautiful rolling landscapes <br />
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And even had two encountes with cattle moving from one field to another. <br />
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They seem unaffected by the motorcycle sounds. Guess they are use to it. Our first stop was the Church of the Americanos, I think was the name of it. It is the site where the original church was built for Columbus. I guess you can tell I really need to research this all more. Spanish is not my strong point so I really need to sit and do some reading. But anyway here are some pics we took of the grounds and church. It was really quiet lovely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A papaya tree</td></tr>
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We then went to La Isabela that Columbus founded during his second voyage in 1493. He named it after Queen Isabela I of Castile. There were small parts of the ruins left on site and the museum held different items found. It was neat but written all in Spanish so hard to interpret, well, hard to understand, well basically I looked at the artifacts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool old graves</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the old settlers on display</td></tr>
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Afterwards we took the bikes out to the beach and found a little shack to park and find a shady spot to have a couple cold beers and some fries.<br />
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Saw some locals out spear fishing, this is what they returned with. Hummmmm first off the season for lobster is over, and second, not one of them is legal size. Guess thats one reason why fishing around these parts is not so good. They were quickly cooked up and served up to the locals, one of which had a uniform on as a government person. The enforcer is the consumer....<br />
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For about the first 15 minutes of us sitting there these two chickens were hanging in the tree upside down. Dirk said it was to keep them sleeping.....every so often one would flit about but for the most part they were quiet. about 10 minutes later a guy comes by, Dirk tells me not to look and before I know it they are drained and put on the table behind us being defeathered and chopped up into a pot. Not something you see everyday but it is the way of life here. Guess the treatment here is actually alot better than the treatment to our food in the states. At least these guys are all free range chickens, not kept in cages and the method of killing them is alot more humane. Still, I dont want to see it. <br />
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Soon it was time to head back to Luperon but one more stop to photograph the harbor before fueling up and returning the motorcycles. At $10.00 a day its a heck of a bargin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luperon harbor where we are moored</td></tr>
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More to come....<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-59749242436191223382015-04-09T05:52:00.000-07:002015-04-09T05:52:20.349-07:00Luperon, Dominican Republic<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We arrived in Long Cay in hopes that we would leave the next morning with a small weather window that had appeared. Well as quickly as it opened, it closed. Well....we already checked out of the country and legally we had 24 hours to leave but with the now closed weather window we weren't sure what to do. Guess we would wait it out. Its not like this island has anyone on it and the only people we see around are local fisherman and conch man going out early in the morning and returning late in the evening in their small fishing boats. I wanted to at least walk the island but as Dirk reminded me and we do try to play by the rules is that we were already checked out. We shouldnt be able to get off our boat. Days passed and the weather just would not cooperate. Where we were anchored wasn't to pleasant either as the swells from the ocean would wrap around and hit us on the side. We had two choices, suck it up or check back into the country. We elected to suck it up. I was even hoping for a day to float around in the water alongside the boat but it was far too rough for that even. Finally after 5 days we found a very small weather window. Dirk spoke with Chris Parker and he said that if we didnt take this window we may not see another one for at least a week and that one was questionable. Decisions, decisions.....we decided to go for it. We both knew ahead of time that the trip was not going to be pleasant. With the winds blowing the last several days we knew the seas would be at least 5 to 6 footers ontop of swells. Plus the wind was still blowing in the 16 to 18 gusting to 25 ish knots. Well after leaving Long Cay before lunch we arrived in Luperon 22 hours later. We were worried that we would arrive to the harbor before daylight but as we were getting close to the island the sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon. I do remember reading in a book about being able to smell The DR before seeing it and it was so true. It smelled like fresh farmland and manure. Not in a bad way either, it smelled like earth. Im not sure what I was really expecting but the more that came into view as the sun rose the more surprised I was. This vast land of rolling mountains coming out of the sea was amazing. I have seen mountains before, but always by flying over them or driving to them and you see the landscape change as you go. Here it was Wham! Hello, in your face, Im here type of a mountain. After living in flat areas all my life, traveling in the Bahamas where its all flat, its nice to see terraine. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun was rising and this was what I saw.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We knew once we got in from the other rat pack emails that we would need to contact Papo on the radio and he would show us to our mooring ball. He would lead us to deeper water to anchor but for $2.00 a day for a mooring ball you cant beat that. Dirk hailed him on the radio and he told us he would meet us in the cut in 5 minutes. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papo and brother Freddie leading us in.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> PaPo and from What I gathered was his brother Freddie soon came out to meet us and we followed them into the bay and up to the mooring ball where they took our lines and fed them through for us. Ha, look at that, we were right behind Dea Latis whom we had traveled with a bit a couple years ago. We also noted other boats we were familiar with as being part of our pack heading south. Yea, we caught up....</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow appeared shortly after we made it into the anchorage.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Pabo then headed into town to retrieve some of the officials to check us in. Not sure who they all were, but soon Pabo returned with 5 men, one in military uniform, two others seemed to work for him as they are the ones that had the forms and were filling out papers and writing out stuff. The other two were probably just lookers on that caught a ride to see. Pabo also joined the group as our interpreter. Men were all business till I broke out cookies and cokes then all hands were in, they were not shy and helped themselves. After the cookies and cokes were gone and paperwork complete they left and we were told to then go into town to see immigration and customs. Found the dinghy dock and walked past the fishing fleet before finding the trailer. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wait area outside of customs</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We filled out more paperwork, paid our $93.00 entry fee, passports were stamped and we were told to go next door for agriculture and immigration. The office was bare except for two desk and a couple chairs. No computers here, its all done on paper still and you need to have your own pen. No lights, no a/c, well there was a lone wasp that occupied the trailer. The ag guy was sitting outside as it was cooler there than in the office and he filled out a paper, asked if we had any fruits or veggies on board which we replied yes to. He asked where we bought them and then said $10.00. We paid and he said he would come to our boat in the morning at nine to look around. We were also told that the tax person and immigrations man was not in, come back tomorrow. Oh well, we tried to get it all done today but what can I say, it was after all Easter Sunday, we should just be glad they were there at all. Afterwards we went in search of food and found the marina our friends had told us about. They were having a BBQ starting at noon so we headed over. We found several cruisers/rat pack that we had been cruising with were there also and we combined tables so we could all sit together. Dirk and I both ordered the grande Presidente beers that we had heard so much about.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rat Pack </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We had heard about how cheap food and beer was here and for 860 pesos which is about $18 or 19 dollars we both had big plates of food With grilled chicken, grilled veggies rice and a 24 oz beer a piece. Afterwards we hung out just a bit before heading back to Renegade for some much needed sleep. It was still early so we ended up taking a 3 hour nap, waking at about 5 pm. By 8:30 we were back in bed watching a movie and soon after that sound asleep till after 8am the next morning. I got up, made coffee and expected the agriculture gentleman to be here at 9Am, 9:30, no man, at almost 10 he showed up and looked at the basket with 5 onions in it and another basket with one apple and 3 oranges in it. Asked again where I bought them and said okay, I could keep them. Asked if we had any animals and we said we have a cat. He asked for paperwork on the cat and I had his folder open and Dirk was digging through the other papers we keep in another folder. He asked if the cat ever got off the boat, we said no and he said no matter we were done. No need to show any papers. As he left he saw the garbage bag on deck and took it to throw in the International garbage bin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> This is where we must throw all garbage from outside the country. Seems a great place to keep it, right next to the water where when it gets full they burn it then keep on adding. Since we wanted to check out town, exchange some money for pesos and eat we loaded into the dinghy and headed to the dock. We still needed to visit immigration and get our tourist cards and pay for the port tax. Back to the trailers we went and paid $20.00 for two cards and then paid the tax lady $10.00 for port tax. What that goes for we have no clue. Guess its to pay for the use of the water to float your boat in. Anyway we left there and asked a gentleman how to get to a bank and how to buy internet. Communication here is by speaking slowly and hand gestures. Even then the message doesnt come across easily. Darn it, where was my english to spanish dictionary again? Thats right, on the boat.....we finally got the jest of what he was saying and he us,so we went on our way down the street. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds me of what Cuba might look like</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We managed to find the internet place and signed up for a couple weeks. Very cheap at $18.00 for two weeks I would say. So now we are settling in, catching up with everyone and enjoying the culture. So many things are planned such as going to the 27 waterfalls at Puerta Plata and a day trip on a motorscooter or motorcycle which everyone uses for transportation around here. I saw 3 grown men riding on one and another man with what looked like a freezer on the back of his. At about $10.00 a day rental for one you cant beat it. Stay tuned and I will update as we go along. </span><br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-17492937673302365882015-04-07T10:12:00.000-07:002015-04-07T10:12:18.798-07:00Providenciales Turks & Caicos<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We left our anchorage at 4am in the dark of night and set our course to Provo. About 7 of the boats from the Rat Pack was in Sapodilla Bay anchored. About 12 miles out we were told that we would need to check in with Provo Radio. Apparently Provo Radio is like DEA, search and rescue type all in one. They basically monitor radar and watch all traffic coming into their waters and traveling through and out. We called in to let them know our intentions and he said to radio them back when we anchored as he had some questions. We did call him back once we anchored amongest the other pack but he told us to stand by and never came back. Oh well. We did our part.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our route from Mayaguana to Providenciales</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning to head over to Long Cay or Six Hill Cays. It would be a full day to get there across the banks and then the following day we would stage at Big Sand Cay for our jump to the Dominican Republic. We did not check in to the country and just flew our Q flag which is standard protocol. We pulled anchor at sunrise and started our trek south east. The winds cooperated at first but then we began taking them more head on. They were light so no biggie. Dolphins even came by to play in our bow wake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We were about 4 hours into the trip when Dirk noticed one of our shrouds seemed a bit too loose. He did all the rigging on this boat so he knew how they were adjusted. We put the sail down and looked again, still loose, so he got his gauge out and measured the tension. All of them seemed loose. This wasnt good....he went below and discovered that our compression post was beginning to mushroom out and collapse. This was really not good. We talked to others on the radio and called marinas but with this being Sunday no one could really help us. Our only safe option was to turn back and return to Sapadilla Bay, wait till morning and try to hail marinas on the radio to see if there was a boatyard. We ended up being anchored by s/v Victorias Ghost who had also left with the group still sitting in the anchorage. Later that evening they radioed us and told us they were waiting on a new water pump to come in as on the way down theirs began to leak. They were renting a car in the morning and asked if we would like a ride around town to pick up groceries and since they were heading to the Caicos Marina and shipyard to check on the pump we tagged along to see if we couldnt talk to the boatyard to see if they could help us out. First order of business though was to properly check into the country. Dirk went to customs as soon as they were open which was an hour late this day. Guess they had a good weekend. He then returned to the boat, picked me up and we proceeded to head into the beach where we would leave our dinghy for the day. We did some running around and thank goodness they drove as it is the British way of driving and cars. Steering wheels on the wrong side, drive on the wrong side. More than my brain can handle......we ran lots of errands, ate lunch and checked out the boatyard. Yes they could help us.......we would wait a couple days before heading in as some bad weather was coming and we wanted to be in a secure place for that. Didnt want to spend anymore money then this was already gonna cost us. We also stopped at an IGA, wow, this was the first real grocery store I had been into in months. The selections were overwhelming, the deli section made me drool. Some items were more expensive than the Bahamas such as butter, same brand almost $3.00 more. Most items were cheaper. We bought some needed items and headed back to the boat to start thinking about this compression post issue. On the way back we noticed a new boat in the anchorage and we stopped in to say hello. They had just come from the Dominican Republic and were heading north. The following morning we talked to them again and managed to do a swap of some Caribbean charts for an older version of the ICW charts and some Caribbean charts. They also gave us a very nice Dominican Republic courtesy flag. Nice swap all in all. A day later we motored the hour to the marina and tied against the wall. The following morning we would have the fabricator of the new compression post come by to take a look. In the end Dirk and he worked a solution to the problem that would not require us to remove the mast. Whew, that saves alot of labor and money not having to rent a boom truck at $150.00 an hour. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the marina from the boat. Its very small but its used for dive boats to base from and boats having work done.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view while I did laundry</td></tr>
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Basically what Dirk and the gentleman that helped did was first to jack up and brace the mast after loosening the shrouds just a bit. Once the weight was off they cut the compression post above where the rusted area was making sure there was good post left. <br />
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At this point the guy left to start fabricating a new boot and plate while Dirk worked to grind off the bolts and prep the post for the new boot. He was able to save many hours of paying these guys over $100.00 an hour that they charge for labor. Once he removed the old post he took it over to the shop and short time later we had the new boot and post to trial fit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the bootm of the old post. You can see where it started failing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New parts to trial fit.</td></tr>
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Dirk was able to get the part back to him in time for it to be compleated that day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new section of compression post installed.</td></tr>
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Well that was a lot less painful then we thought at first. Dirk spent the next day tuning the rigging and making sure all was a go while I did another load of laundry. We would wait a day or two before leaving as there was a weather window opening to head to the DR. Alice from the catamaran behind us Wild Vanilla was going into town, had a car and asked if we would like to tag along. I said sure as it would give me a chance to re supply my fruits and veggies once again. We stopped at this box store called Sunny's and were happy to see some really good prices. We bought a few case lots of stuff that we would use and they also had a non case area too. Then it was onto the IGA one more time for last minute items before returning to the boat. The following morning Dirk let the marina know that we were checking out and to call customs as they would come there to clear us out. Out intention was to clear out then head out the channel of the marina and instead of taking the hour back to Sapadilla Bay, just anchor close to the island which would save us time heading across the banks the next day. Next morning we arose early and made our way to Long Cay where we would stage for our crossing. The winds were not playing nice, 18 to 20 knots, gusting to 25. It was cloudy on and off which made it hard to see the coral heads one must dodge the 38 miles to get there. At one point while I was at the helm of course we heard a small thump as it was too late for me to turn once I figured the dark area was not a cloud. No harm done thank goodness, but from then on I avoided all dark areas, clouds or not. It took us so long to get here as the wind of course was coming from the wrong direction that we finally made it into the anchorage as the sun was setting which isnt good. There are so many coral heads in these parts and most of it is not charted. We crawled in and set the anchor then Dirk took the dinghy around looking at all suspect areas around us to make sure we were clear. We were.....time for a sundowner after that day. The boat was very salty as we took so many waves off the side that they would splash up and over. Oh well, not doing anything tonight and we would be on the move again tomorrow anyway. Or would we?<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-47342425569923493242015-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:002015-03-26T11:01:02.999-07:00On Our Way SouthAs we were waiting on weather to leave we met up with several other cruisers that were headed out also. We kept in touch via radio and had a couple meetings on our different destinations and routes. We would meet at Chat and Chill beach, charts, ipads, and notebooks at the ready. We would come to be known as the Chat & Chill Rat Pack. <br />
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On the 15th of March we finally pulled anchor and headed out the South cut with our sights on Rum Cay. To get to Rum you have go to the north end of Long Island. We would have liked to stop at Long Island but we were on crunch time and it would have to wait till the return trip. It was a long day as it took us about 11 and 1/2 hours to make the run with the wind almost directly on our nose. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The numbers are where I sent my spots from. Each leg is approximately 4 hours</td></tr>
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We all set anchor in Rum to settle in for a good night rest while several other boats elected to bypass Rum and keep going to Mayaguana and even others shooting directly to Puerto Rico. Seems bypassing Rum may not have been a bad idea as the next morning as we were pulling anchor we all complained how rolly the anchorage was and how no one got any sleep. Our next leg would be an overnighter to Mayaguana, 27 hours in fact. During the daylight hours sometime Dirk was able to hook and get into the boat an intact mahi. No sharks sharing with us this time.<br />
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The day drug on and soon the sun set to a complete black night. We all kept ourselves awake with radio chatter checking in on each other and playing dodgeball with the big cruise ships and freighters that seem to pass too close. The moon finally rose right before the sun and soon we began to see land. Of course once we spotted land it was still many hours till we reached our anchorage. At one point I was sitting staring into space when I thought I saw a splash in the water, my eyes were tired so I wasnt sure what I saw. I then saw it again but only saw a couple shots of water being blown into the air. Hummmm, I turned to Dirk and said I think I see whales, sure enough, we were in the migratory waters of the humpback whales. Very cool but scary too. I have seen the videos of whales encountering sailboats. Anyway we radioed the boat behind us as we knew they had two kids aboard and wanted to make sure they got to see them. They were closer then us and saw one breach very close to the boat. By this time we were close to our anchorage and could see some of our pack already anchored. Looking at the display you could see the boats that have AIS as it looks like a parade.<br />
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Once we had the anchor down we settled in for the evening. We decided that we wanted to stay an extra day and check out the reefs here as this is one of the furthest and most unvisited islands in the Bahamas. There arent too many residents here as it is usually used for a fishing village. A buddy boat Tangent also decided to stay a couple days extra too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows our route from georgetown to Mayaguana</td></tr>
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The following morning Dirk and Andy from Tangent along with their son Drew took off in search of something to hunt. It was a productive morning as they returned with a 20 pound Nassau Grouper. They went to the outer reefs and so had to get the grouper carefully while being watched by 3 reef sharks. Quiet the excitement that I could care less to hear about. After they moved on and couldnt find any lobster big enough they decided to return to the boat.<br />
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A bit later in the afternoon I asked Dirk to take me to walk the beach. I only found one seabean and pretty much no shells. Oh well....so on the return trip to the boat we spotted some small coral heads that we thought might be fun to snorkel. We went down and low and behold there were several lobsters sitting in holes just waving. Not the place we thought we might find them but sometimes you never know. Soon Andy and his son Drew who had been hunting some small corals came by to see if we had any luck as they had not spotted anything. They were in the water in a heartbeat once they saw we were finding lobster. We ended up with a nice addition to the grouper. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two slipper lobster and two spiny </td></tr>
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The following day the guys decided to have one more hunting day as we would leave the following day. Another grouper, this one about 12 pounds, and a few more lobster were added to the freezer. That would be the last of anything we could stuff in the freezer. <br />
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We decided between us all that we had enough seafood to have a feast with. That evening we headed over to Tangent ahd had lobster balls, lobster dip, seared Mahi, and grouper fingers. Wow, it was all delicious and we all stuffed ourselves. The next morning was spent cleaning up the decks, raising the dinghy and getting the boat prepped for the short trip to the Southeast anchorage where we would stage for our crossing to the Turks and Caicos. That evening we pulled into the anchorage, set the hook and Dirk dove in to check the anchor. While checking it he found a conch laying right under the boat so he picked it up and proceeded to make his last conch salad. It was early to bed as we had a 3:30am wakeup to make the trip south. But not without toasting the last of the Bahama Islands with a cold Bahaiman Kalik.<br />
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Turks & Caicos, here we come.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Q flag is ready</td></tr>
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-71789125211138135992015-03-26T08:15:00.001-07:002015-03-26T08:16:15.390-07:00A Link to Dirk Playing The Sax on the Beach<a href="http://youtu.be/NyNXsrSuiYI" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/NyNXsrSuiYI</a>Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2167839635051395388.post-2290543394014683222015-03-25T12:16:00.001-07:002015-03-25T12:16:32.358-07:00Finally on the moveWe waited in Staniel Cay area dodging cold fronts till our part was flown in on the 17th. In the meantime We met new and old friends coming and going.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Many beautiful sunsets we experienced</td></tr>
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One day our friends Val and Ray on M/V Valkyrie decided to put on a little music jam session on the beach. Jim on Pirate provided the propane for the grill and everyone brought what they wanted to cook along with something to share. Dirk had started playing the saxophone last year, so they asked if he would bring it to the beach to play. They had all the equipment, keyboards, guitars and such, Jim provided the tent and Dirk brought his amp and sax. It was a great turn out of old and new friends and a beautiful day on top of that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the entertainment begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sing it Janie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk and his first time playing in public</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play it Dirk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a beautiful day and a full parking lot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixing a bit of conch salad</td></tr>
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On the 17th our part arrived from Canada to Fort Lauderdale and same day was flown over to Staniel on the 3:00 Watermakes flight. By that evening Dirk had the new replacement part installed and we were making power once again. Everybody decided that since we would all start going in our own directions that we should have one more party on Pirate Beach so one boater provided the fish, another the shrimp and french fries. We all brought the sides and a fish fry we had. Thanks goes <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">out to the men for tending the hot oil and cooking as we socialized. Lots of Corn toss was played, food eaten and conversation had. </span> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn toss </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk and I with Birgit from M/V Moonrise</td></tr>
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On the 22nd we finally managed to pull ourselves away from Staniel Cay. Finally the weather would cooperate for a couple days. We decided to travel the outside route as Dirk wanted to fish and we thought it might be a nice sail. Our goal would be to get to Rudder Cut Cay. On the way we got 2 Mahi, one was decent size, not huge and the other was only half a fish. As Dirk was reeling it in he saw what he thought to be a second Mahi fighting for the bait but it was actually a shark attacking the poor Mahi. Dirk reeled and reeled till we got it in a saved a bit of meat for us. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the shark left us</td></tr>
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With the two fish we still managed to get alot of meat from them. We pulled into The cut and cozied up to the shoreline, dropped the anchor and had a wonderful evening with sundowners on the back deck. We were just south of Musha Cay which is owned by David Copperfield. He has put a statue of a mermaid with a piano under the water by the Ruddar Cay in about 10 feet of water so we decided to have a look see the next morning. This is not my photo, something I pulled off the web but it looked just like this. Dirk had his go pro and took some cool video. <br />
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We also explored just a bit before we headed back to the boat showered and picked up anchor to head south to Rat Cay. Several of the boats we had been hanging with the last couple weeks were there also and left about an hour or two before us. On the radio all we kep hearing was fish on, fish on. One in the box, two in the box and so on. We hadn't had one bite.....guess our luck ran out yesterday. Between 2 of them I think they landed a total of 6. Oh well....they kept heading to Georgetown and we pulled into Rat Cay for the evening and anchored with the only other boat there. Dirk decided since he had no luck on the outside that he wanted to try lobstering a bit. We took the dinghy close to the outside but it was far too rough and he settled on finding some conch, which he did, three of them. Back to the boat, clean up, make dinner and call it an evening. The following morning we Headed to Emerald Bay Marina. Its the first one we have been in since leaving our marina in Merritt Island.But first he wanted to back track a bit to the area our fellow boaters caught the Mahi at the day before. No luck except a barracuda which we hate to catch as they are a bear to get off your line. We finally gave up and started heading south again. When we got about a mile north off solider cay we had a hit. I jumped behind the wheel as usual taking directions on which direction to turn. Whatever we had on was big, it kept diving and swimming away as the line just kept buzzing off the reel. What did we have? Dirk fought it for sometime and soon began to tire. He thought at one point the fish got off or tired as it quit fighting so much. When he finally got it to the boat we couldnt believe it. It was a huge Wahoo, the biggest we had ever seen. I held onto the line as Dirk tried to gaff it but kept missing. Finally he got a good hold right in the gill plate right before the hook just dropped out of its mouth. Im scampering around trying to figure out how to help him get this thing on board. He finally heaved it over the life lines and onto the deck. About a third of the wahoo had been bitten clean off by a shark! And were glad it was as we would have never landed it if it were still fighting to the end. As it was, it had just about bled out by the time we got it on board. Dirk was so tired but set to work. He ran below to get his scale but found it was too heavy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One happy but tired man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thats a heck of a fillet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some nice steaks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">He weighed each fillet he got off the sides and they were 20 pounds, when he had nothing but the carcess left it was 30 pounds. So all in all what he got on board was a 70 pound fish. We estimated that had it been whole it would have weighed about 100 pounds. That was one big fish and we managed to get 40 pounds of meat from it. Now what to do with it all, our freezer space is only so large. We ended up giving some away to friends who dont have such good luck when fishing. </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some nice steaks</td></tr>
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I managed the boat as Dirk cleaned up a bit and before we knew it we were at the entrance to Emerald bay. We stop here for several reasons, one, they have 50 cent a foot dockage on the seawall. This is new as you use to have to get the $1.00 slip which is cheap too. The wall is a bit of a walk to the main building but we just dinghed right over. They also have free, yes free laundry which in itself pays for more than a day. You are required to pay for a minimum of three days regardless of how long you stay. We were planning on three anyway. They also have free wifi and a great cruisers lounge with pool table and big screen TV. We pulled in and headed to the fuel dock. Its an easy in and out so we decided to fill the tanks here. It would be the first time putting fuel in since we left our marina. After filling up we headed to the seawall and Dirk did an outstanding job of parallel parking between two other boats. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk enjoying the A/C, free wifi and TV.</td></tr>
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The following day our friends Kate and Steve from Blue Summit came in to the marina so they could prepare to pick up their daughter. We decided to rent a car together on the 28th and head into Georgetown to reprovision. Figured it would be alot easier that way then via dinghy. We hit the Exuma Market and the Prime Island Meat Market which had a great selection and if you call them the day before with an order will freeze it for you. Guess they know it taxes a cruisers freezer trying to freeze meat. I didnt have much room but I was craving chicken and beef at this point and got a few pounds of each. When we returned to the marina we put the refrigerated goods away and walked over to a nearby restaurant to have a late lunch where the bartender/ waitress set us up with some incredible rum drinks Bahamian style. Basically, so strong that Dirk went to bed for nap time when we got back to the boat. With the windsbeing so bad we ended up staying in Emerald Bay for about 8 days. The winter fronts keep coming back to back making travel really hard. But it did give me time to catch up on the blog and I managed to was a couple loads a day playing catch up, its a busy place that laundry room. That is unless you get there at 5am which I cant do. After 8 days we decided to untie the dock lines and head for Georgetown, the cruising regatta was over so the chaos should be over. We ended up having pretty high seas to the point we both had to take seasickness medicine. That doesnt happen too often. Lucky for us it was a short trip but the 2 to 3 hours it took felt like an eternity. We finally made it and searched the anchorage for a place to go finally setteling on a spot by Monument Beach ther wasnt much space so like many others had to anchor in the channel. The next morning abot 30 boats were leaving so we found a spot closer to shore next to Moonrise. All the friends old and new from Pirate Beach were here and we met up with them on Volleyball Beach for a jam session that Valkyrie had organized. They had some great talent show up so we decided to do it again a couple days later which would be Dirks Birthday. He turned a milestone 50 and I wanted to do something special but it is hard to organize anything when friends and family are so spread out. I baked him a Rum cake and made him his favorite, Key lime pie. We headed to the Chat & Chill beach for a wonderful array of returning talent and some new. Dirk got up and did several songs. So proud of him as he has been practing a lot and getting so much better. He also seems to be getting a bit more relaxed in front of strangers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk the Birthday boy</td></tr>
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I was planning on taking him to dinner at St. Francis Resort but Val asked if we would like to join them on their boat for drinks. I left it up to Dirk and he accepted the invite. She and Ray invited a couple other boats over and we all threw a little last minute munchie stuff together and met for a great evening with new friends. The next couple days were spent doing last minute shopping and stocking up for the trip south. Now we would have to be patient and sit a bit longer to wait on weather.......<br />
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Dirk and Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06704753785522824472noreply@blogger.com0