At long last we have managed to update the photo's from Gran Canaria and Mindelo!
More photo's to follow
Monday, 18 February 2013
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Life in the Caribbean
Since arriving at Rodney bay things have been pretty hectic. Usual boat stuff to do, cleaning, minor repairs, laundry, gas and water and some shopping.
We have arranged for the boat to come out of the water on the 14th and have the bottom scrubbed and new rudder bearings fitted. The top bearing leaked during the crossing which allowed water into our normally dry aft bilge. This is where we stored the cans of beer, as a result we had a few damaged cans thankfully we had another completely undamaged case which we restowed in a dry locker.
As Cliff is with us until the 11th we took a trip to Martinique so he could see another island and to catch up with our friends Kent and Lis.
On the way over we heard a really hard bang on the hull and somthing hit the rudder. Rowena on the helm, looked back and could not see anything but a bit of green in the water. I thought it was going to be a big bunch of fishing net. Next thing I saw huge flippers or fins, did not know what it was, not a dolphin or whale as the edges were wavy. If it was a huge fish the fins would be too close - there were four- then I realised it must have been a turtle! It must have been below the water, I just hope that all we did was spin it and what I saw was it trying to right itself. There was no blood in the water so I hope no injurys. We were sailing not motoring fortunately. We will check the bottom of the boat when she is lifted on 14th.
Martinique is very French; the shops, restaurants and attitude, almost like the South of France in the Caribbean. Not the same friendly laid back approach as in St Lucia, and everything at Paris prices too! We spent a couple of days anchored at Cul de sac du Marin, a real boat park with a 600 berth marina but with every boat service you could wish for. We then moved out to the very pretty village of St Anne, a complete contrast, still French but with a more Caribbean flavour.We had a lovely swim off the back of the boat in turquoise water. I tried washing may hair in seawater and it worked quite well. I rinsed it with fresh when we got out and it felt great. We have a 5litre garden spray bottle that we use to rinse off after swimming, which takes off the salt using the minimum fresh water.
We are now back in Rodney bay. We will stay in St Lucia until after Ruth and Michael have visited us. We have not decided if we will move north or south. Decisions, decisions!
Last night in the Marina there was a really good Rock band, Skip Monday, which we enjoyed with a few Piton beers.
 | ||
| Rodney bay marina
|
As Cliff is with us until the 11th we took a trip to Martinique so he could see another island and to catch up with our friends Kent and Lis.
 |
| Yes we are back in France! |
On the way over we heard a really hard bang on the hull and somthing hit the rudder. Rowena on the helm, looked back and could not see anything but a bit of green in the water. I thought it was going to be a big bunch of fishing net. Next thing I saw huge flippers or fins, did not know what it was, not a dolphin or whale as the edges were wavy. If it was a huge fish the fins would be too close - there were four- then I realised it must have been a turtle! It must have been below the water, I just hope that all we did was spin it and what I saw was it trying to right itself. There was no blood in the water so I hope no injurys. We were sailing not motoring fortunately. We will check the bottom of the boat when she is lifted on 14th.
Le Marin from the anchorage
Martinique is very French; the shops, restaurants and attitude, almost like the South of France in the Caribbean. Not the same friendly laid back approach as in St Lucia, and everything at Paris prices too! We spent a couple of days anchored at Cul de sac du Marin, a real boat park with a 600 berth marina but with every boat service you could wish for. We then moved out to the very pretty village of St Anne, a complete contrast, still French but with a more Caribbean flavour.We had a lovely swim off the back of the boat in turquoise water. I tried washing may hair in seawater and it worked quite well. I rinsed it with fresh when we got out and it felt great. We have a 5litre garden spray bottle that we use to rinse off after swimming, which takes off the salt using the minimum fresh water.
St Annes
We are now back in Rodney bay. We will stay in St Lucia until after Ruth and Michael have visited us. We have not decided if we will move north or south. Decisions, decisions!
 |
| Houses surrounding Rodney bay Marina |
Last night in the Marina there was a really good Rock band, Skip Monday, which we enjoyed with a few Piton beers.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Arrived St.Lucia 06:00 Thursday 31-Jan-2013
We are in Rodney Bay marina St.Lucia!
Arrived 06.00 local time this morning.
Crossing took 15 and 1/2 days.
Fantastic!
once we find wifi, normal blog updates will resume
(update via satphone)
Arrived 06.00 local time this morning.
Crossing took 15 and 1/2 days.
Fantastic!
once we find wifi, normal blog updates will resume
(update via satphone)
 |
| Dawn arrival in Rodney bay |
 |
| Celebrating our arrival - Thanks to Gary & Janice for the Champagne |
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Update Wednesday 30-Jan-2013
Wednesday position 14,15.8N 59,11.1W
103Miles to go.
Should be there by mid-am (local time UT-4).
Dolphins chasing flying fish.
Wind light with squally gusts.
Champagne ready !!
(Update via satphone)
103Miles to go.
Should be there by mid-am (local time UT-4).
Dolphins chasing flying fish.
Wind light with squally gusts.
Champagne ready !!
(Update via satphone)
 |
| Raising the St Lucian courtesy flag |
Update Tuesday 29-Jan-2013
Tuesday posistion14,31.0N 56,51.7W
238M to go.
Went fishing, but the big one got away with the lure & twisted up the line. Better it got away. Swapped pole to other side wind NE
(update via Satphone
238M to go.
Went fishing, but the big one got away with the lure & twisted up the line. Better it got away. Swapped pole to other side wind NE
(update via Satphone
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Update Sunday 27-Jan-2013
Sunday, Posistion 14,43.9N 52,12.3W
Only 510m to go.
Bacon croisants 4 breakfast & fresh coffee.
May go 4 the papers later & a pint before lunch!
(update via satphone)
Only 510m to go.
Bacon croisants 4 breakfast & fresh coffee.
May go 4 the papers later & a pint before lunch!
(update via satphone)
Update Saturday 26-Jan-2013
Saturday noon position 15,01.8N 49,47.3W.
650 miles to go.
All had a shower last night.
We still have plenty of water left.
(update via Satphone)
650 miles to go.
All had a shower last night.
We still have plenty of water left.
(update via Satphone)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)