Grand Pitons - mountains!

Grand Pitons were something else… so spectacular that we went twice to anchor in the bays that looked up at them.   The Pitons are two sheer high peaks on St. Lucia that seem to jump up from the water’s edge– so lush with tropical rainforest vegetation and wildlife – we were awestruck….. 

The Pitons from a mountain road

and of course – Dale took about a zillion photos of Companion  in the background … so here you go.

From the beach beneath the Pitons

There Companion sits 

One of the most memorable dinners we have had so far – this delightful restaurant on the beach in the bay – Wow was it ever delicious – Kingfish for Dale, Mahi Mahi for Chuck, Father and Andy, Blue Marlin for Danylle and I – atmosphere that was terrific – a steel band played providing the background with a killer sunset.   What more could we ask for – thanks Chuck for the treat!!!

Captian Dale and two of his mates!

Father and the girls - including Companion!

A “Flasher” in St. Lucia

Thursday – a beautiful day to sail – leaving Rodney Bay about 8am – we had about 10 kts of wind – the discussion – “to do it or not to do it”?

Danylle and Andy listened to the DVD instructions – Dale had  a good idea of how to – now the big question – when do we “flash?”

 Capt’n and Andy letting her out

Half way down our voyage – the perfect calmness and wind combination – Capt’n Dale gave the orders – “we’re doing it” – “ready”  - all of a sudden action – the lines all attached and …. with one huge pull – the “flasher” as the UK-sail folks call it –(we call it a spinnaker) came out of it’s sock.

Dale and Kim

Just as pretty as we thought it would be

Holy Toledo – the spinnaker was full out – just as glorious as we thought it would be….

Father watching all of this unfold….

Danylle and Andy – I think they just came back to sail with us to

make sure we really did use the spinnaker!

Chuck is a great sport and learning the ropes…

it was worth all of the fun/ anguish/ creative energy/ and concern to see this sail full on open ……

Danylle was at the helm when we opened up the spinnaker and then Dale took over – the apparent wind was 11 knots kts and we were going 10.2 knots (new speed record for Companion)…. he was in his element – and lovin’ it!

Totally open and glorious!

The skies were darkening up for it looked like a rainstorm – so now to take her down.

The Flasher on top of Chuck – as he says:

“Nothing in it for me – strictly science!”

Dale and Andy putting the finishing touches on the

spinnaker sock…. and putting her away for another day –

Dale and I will definitely need practice/lessons before we attempt to do this ourselves – or at least very little wind….. but in the meantime we will relish in the memory of how beautiful she was ….

Parlez vous Anglais?

St. Anne’s – a quaint little village – one of Martinque’s little gems.  We anchored out in the bay with about 85 other sail boats, motor boats and yachts ….. all just hanging out, relaxing, and some waiting to head out to the next bay. 

We enjoyed a day on shore – Dale was anxious about “checking out” at immigrations in order to head to St. Lucia, and the rest of us – just strolled around, except for Chuck who took his usual 2 to 3 mile beach hike, then we attempted to find internet and a good lunch spot – which we did… actually the panini’s were outstanding and on top of that – Andy got a free French lesson!  Grandpa enjoyed his ham panini – he goes with the flow very well!

on our way to find a lunch spot

For those of you who know Andy – he is quite the car buff and always looking for the “next new car” he wants to import to the US …. so here is his choice for this trip… he assures me it will go VERY fast  (only about 115 mph) and be fuel efficient… something like 60+ mpg….to bad we can’t get these cars in the US!  He would buy it immediately!

VW Polo TDI

The next morning, we set sail and headed to St. Lucia …. we actually had a great sail – made it in about 3 hours, 16 to 22 kts of wind and 24 nautical miles.  Captin Dale’s favorite passage so far.  We arrived into the Rodney Bay Marina – and tied up on the dock for the night – felt good to be able to get on and off at our own whim – twwe took really good, LONG, HOT showers …..  that evening was the beginning of the “Oh Hell” tournament…… what a fun day….

Whenever we are in a marina with fresh water and electricity it always bring out the cleaning frenzy – so with the help of Danylle and Andy, Chuck and Grandpa we scrubbed Companion clean … I know Andy can’t wait till we get her at least to LA to “buff” her – she will need it by then !  The kids are trying to figure out how many weeks we will keep her in San Diego and LA for them to sail her at their whim!

Andy and Danylle

 After the big wipe down - another shower and off we sailed for about 2 miles to Rodney Bay  - it looked like a great beach with a “national park” – the climb to the top of the mountain and fort looked like a killer – so we just looked from the shore and enjoyed the sights – once back on board the “veggie guy” came to the boat … he claimed all the fruit and vegetables came from his mother’s garden – of course I am a sucker for these guys …. so we have delicious bananas, cucumbers, Caribbean apricots, tomatoes and so much more…

See I told you – he has a killer smile!!.  

As he left our boat we took a really good look at his vessel – it was a floating UN – flags from every nation – and with his big huge smile he waved farewell….

Makes one proud to be an American – seeing our “colors” flying in the breeze!

Family arrives ... it is good to have peeps!

Just like precision – our “peeps” arrived on time.  Andy and Danylle rented a vehicle – not just any vehicle but a Kia Sorrento 2.0L Diesel /manual 7 passenger SUV – Awesome and powerfulllllllll –Andy had loads driving thru the countryside and hills …. they showed up at the marina pooped but excited to have “arrived” – the marina was a buzz with the “Saturday date night” crowd. 

Andy in the preferred seat

Dale, Chuck, the kids and I – had a “happy hour” on Companion then walked just across the sidewalk to La Marina Restaurant – delicious French cuisine with an Italian flair – all of our meals were great!   What a treat!  After a quick rest – Dale and the kids headed back to the airport to pick up our last sailor for this journey – Dale’s father. What a great feeling to have Father with us – to get to enjoy this new lifestyle of ours with us. 

Chuck and I stayed on board and got to enjoy the evening’s entertainment – a really great one-man gig.  Have you ever heard Frank Sinatra’s My Way in French?  This guy was tremendous – perfect for sitting on the boat and people watching  (you should have also heard his Michael Jackson rendiditons) anyway – Companion’s deck made a great dance floor!   By the time the rest of our gang came we were in full swing with the music – ordered up a pizza and then headed off to sleep – the music didn’t stop any of us from falling asleep!!

Today, Sunday – we left the marina and had an amazing sail – about 12 nautical miles – no motors and speed up to 9.2 knots at one time – to say the least Dale, Andy, Danylle, Chuck and Grandpa enjoyed the speed – I shut my eyes!!

The guys are enjoying a sailors lunch

We are now in the bay near St. Anne’s, Martinique and will be here for the next couple of days – going to enjoy the countryside of this perfect little French Haven!!  Just wish we knew how to speak the language.

Dualing Captains!!

It is good to have our “people” with us for the next week.

Hospitality Plus…..Domincia

Wednesday did we ever “veg” out – all three of us just kind of slept on and off all day – enjoying the view from Companion’s “trampoline”  - Roseau, Dominica -  a great spot to chill …. because that evening we were to meet Ophelia …… what a treat!!!

We were picked up right outside the Anchorage Hotel – we anchored off the shore of the hotel – dinghyed over, the docks had a lot to be desired – (I wish I would take pictures of these – they are usually quite entertaining getting on and off of – grace in action!)  and drove about 30 minutes into the hillside of Roseau – talk about lushness …. holy cow – the rainforest times two – bigger than life!!  Flowering vegetation everywhere – driving on the edge of their botanical garden – a spectacular vision.

Ophelia greeted us as if were “old friends” – you know  …. these experiences really make the world small! As offered – a wonderful dinner prepared and shared with us - ginger wine – delicious!!

Visiting and talking about her adventures in the United States with Partners for America, sharing stories about “Vrba” (Mary Kay) –( MK all good ... no worries) and then about her passion and occupation…. singing – what a career …. Ophelia – the Lady of Soul ….   After dinner we enjoyed lovely entertainment – she shared her “30^th Anniversary Celebration DVD” with us – Ophelia was singing along – that was the real treat – just a nice, relaxed evening.   You were right MK –  she is one special gal – thanks for sharing your friendship with us!!

Ophelia... the Lady of Soul in Dominica

A delighful evening of friendship

Dale and Kim in harbor outside of Pointe de Bout

One of my joys is ... as most of you know – is having people “over” – well Thursday night the Oboe Musician/ Professor (Jay) and the Coast Guard retiree (Jack) – came over for a spaghetti dinner – great conversation, quite a few laughs, and sharing of cruising information – makes for a good evening. The sunset brought the “green flash” to us – when the sun hits the ocean an optical illusion occurs and you see a quick green flash – pretty amazing. The boys (as we call them now) left from Fort Meyers in December and now our paths should cross often.  They are taking Alborada to Grenada for the hurricane season.  (Chuck has the photo of the evening on his camera – so no pic right now)

Friday morning was a calm day – Chuck sat on the front bow seat for the 12 nautical miles that Dale sailed to Anse Matin –   a little port town in Martinque – we anchored out for the evening and I think we watched one of the most spectacular sunsets that we have seen – a red red sky…  during the afternoon we explored the village – a cute little “European” style shopping area.  A good night’s sleep was excellent for my attitude. 

Today we came into the Pointe du Bout Marina – you should have seen Dale – he is so good – motored into the Marina – did a 180 within the length of the boat, backed into the spot; missing the two boats on either side of us and landed perfectly – whew it is good to be with an experienced sailor!!  Did I tell you …. he did this in front of two “party” catamarans full of people …. that was fun!  

Companion squeezed in

We rested a little bit , washed down the boat and readied her for Danylle, Andy and Father’s arrival this evening.

Dominica - lovely and lush!

We have been so lucky and maybe this is what the other sailors talked about – we had a good sail from Falmouth Harbor, Antigua to Pigeon Island Guadalupe – perfect waves and wind for me…. basically non-existent.  A good introduction for Chuck; sitting on the “foredeck” seats – watching the world go by … we sailed 53 nautical miles that day….left at 6:30 am and arrived by 5:00 pm.

Capt'n Dale and Chuck heading out of the Harbor

Pigeon Island is a spectacular little and I mean little island that has 2 mooring balls – a huge pile of rocks with great snorkeling – a tremendous sunset – so red, it brought back the sailors poem… “Red skies at night a sailor’s delight!”   We held well all night – tides changed in the morning and we left pretty early as we only planned to be in “transition” in Guadeloupe for the evening.

Continuing the journey south – we had a shorter sail on Sunday – only 42 nautical miles – very quiet for the first couple of hours – then the winds picked up and the waves came alive with a little chop.  I decided that these last two long voyages I really should try to “medicate” myself – I needed to do that so I would be “happy”, “non-drowsy” and certainly not sick – so “that” worked out well.

Arriving into the charming bay of Portsmouth, Dominica was like sailing into a movie set – picture perfect.   The island has a professional group of “boat boys” – PAYS (professional association of yacht services) – they came out to greet us – welcomed us to Dominica, helped us to secure a great mooring ball and invited us to join their fund-raiser BBQ that night – of course we were all on board…. rested for a little bit and readied ourselves for a good meal….. and all the rum punch we wanted!!!  Going to gatherings like this, we always meet characters – a professional oboe player and professor from Des Moines, a Coast Guard retiree, an Education Specialist from Seattle and her husband  (they have been doing this for 10 years). We enjoyed visiting with these folks and know that our paths might cross as we all continue south … what a lifestyle.

Dominicia beach - love the crystal sand!

Another service of the PAYS group is land tours – so Monday we spent 9 hours driving thru the lush hills/mountains of Dominica – dense rainforests, scenic roads on the coastline, agriculture is plentiful, banana plantations, and my most favorite  - seeing the floral “road-sidia”  - all along the curving roads …  huge clusters of Helaconcia, orange/yellow and red – Anthurium – pink, red and white - giant bushes of Poinsettias – red, and white.  A feast of color for all eyes.  

Our driver for the day, “Dr. Love” as he is known by his nameplate on the front of his van was an excellent host and representative for his country…. knowledgeable and safe.  We shared our van with a family of sailors from Finland.  They just crossed the Atlantic about 8 weeks ago with a 6 year old.  Can you imagine??  Our tour included hiking to the Emerald Pool, lunch on the mountain top, hiked to another waterfall and back to the harbor -

So after sharing stories of what brought us to this point in our lives – “Dr. Love” knew the way to my heart – stopped at different spots on the road – cut cinnamon bark off of the tree, sheared some “lemon grass” for us to make soup with, basil hand picked out of the garden/shed where we purchased a “Carib Indian” basket, and then harvested a handful of tropical flowers …..what a treat for this florist….now what kind of “vase” did I have on board to do the flowers justice?

Helaconia on the side of road - thousands of clusters.....

How about using a “Planter’s” peanut jar – the right height and width – not top heavy…. I am going to have to do some serious shopping now!!  I have a mission!!

From the road to the centerpiece!!  

Dale and Chuck are both good – enjoying easy company – and quiet nights – we are getting use to the early to bed and early to rise scenarios.  Sailed today for 15 miles south to Roseau – the capital of Dominica – tomorrow we are meeting my cousin – Mary Kay’s friend – Ophelia and her husband Mark…. we look forward to sharing with them,

The Birthday Child!

Today is Danylle’s birthday – a good day for memories!!  Thanks Danylle for continuing to the person you are and continually making us proud.  We love you.  See you on Saturday!!  How lucky are we!!!

Bare Feet - love it! Back in Antigua

As I ended the last blog entry … “life’s little pleasures” …. are precious, indeed.

We did spend three weeks in Anacortes/Bellingham … what a wonderful time of our lives… seeing our kids really happy and ready to start their next chapter.  What a thrill to witness!

Having helped on most likely thousands of weddings  - some quite grand, some simple, some with problems – some so full of love and happiness …. that is what we have!!  I have seen everything and believe me –…. life is good in Bellingham!!

Our Bridal Couple on beach in the USVI

We had the greatest week – I cannot tell you how smooth it went – Em and Kyle are easy going and “go with the flow” -  so within the first five days we were  almost “home free” – Em was organized and had a plan …. whew ..  it makes a sailor’s wife and the mother of the bride’s job so much easier and relaxed.  We had a ball and I can see the big picture….as Em said to me – “No matter what, Mom…. at the end of the day … we will be married and that is all that matters!”  Life is really good!

Besides wedding planning, Danylle spent a weekend with us – that was a gift and special treat to have her with us.  Also seeing my folks, Glori, Mike and Max was great- spending time with Laura and Brian and then  friends in Glen Ellyn for afternoon and a quick sleep over at Dale’s Dad’s – we made the most of  the time we had…… before we flew back to Antigua.

Getting on the plane – just thinking about the “job” we have yet to do .. as we sail Companion south to Curacaos.  June starts the hurricane season – not such a far way to go – but … still I look at it as a “responsibility” -  it is kind of unnerving.  


I knew that Dale was anxious to get back to “her” – make sure first that she was safe – secondly that everything was still in working order, that we would get the sail back in a timely fashion, and lastly that we would be able to leave when he (and the weather) allows us to.  So with that on our minds … off we flew.

In Miami we met up with our friend Chuck Novak (he will be with us for the next three weeks) - easy peazy – he just appeared at our gate!!!  A non-eventful flight and cab ride back to Falmouth Harbor – Chuck and I waited with a beer in our hands while Dale “found” a dinghy ride over to Companion - Dale saw immediately that Companion was where we left her .. ( a sigh of relief ) – opened the doors – everything in order – (a sigh of relief)  …. got our dinghy off the davits – the engine started right away …. (another sigh of relief) …. got back to us, our luggage and a few groceries in hand – we gave Chuck the nickel tour of his “home” – and headed back to shore for the BBQ buffet – back to Companion and to tell you the truth I don’t even remember falling asleep  - it happened so fast – guess I kind of missed the “rocking” while sleeping in regular beds.

Chuck helping out with the main sail

Today – wake up was slow for all of us – a quick breakfast – Dale showed Chuck some of the “ins and outs” of the boat –as he turned on the big engines to charge the batteries – the alarms went off – Dale was fit to be tied -  starboard engine acting up again – ugh ….  after calling a mechanic to come over – a few swear words **!!*** – Dale tried again – no alarm – just a nice purring engine – guess the Companion wanted us to know she missed us!   (a huge sigh of relief)  Off to  provision … we almost had to start from scratch – frig had been totally emptied – and now the sail is making its way to us via the sailmaker – Chuck is a quick study and eager to learn and help.

a couple of hours later…..

Dale getting the main sail battens installed

Sail installed – the guys from the sail maker helped out and it took no time  - only an hour – life is good …. now to wait till tomorrow to get the anchor chain un-shackled from the mooring ball and then …. we take off for Guadalope for a night, then to Dominica for three or four days – and arriving in Martinque  on the 18^th to meet Danylle, Andy, and Father – yes – Dale’s Dad  - a sailor at heart…

Chuck will learn a new language – “sail talk” as we like to say…. so watch out Springfield – Chuck might be buying a boat for Lake Springfield!!! 

Forgot to tell you – the winds have calmed down – 79 degrees – sunny – 12 knots of wind  - cool breeze – we appreciate being in "bare feet" again!