Reflections .....

Checking out of the Grenadine’s was actually sad – we had such a grand time exploring the islands – falling in love with mother nature over and over again, experiencing life with some of the locals and for me – I am finally getting more comfortable with my boat duties and can anticipate some of Dale’s sailing needs before he asks… makes the whole experience much better for us.

You would think that after all this time together we would be getting tired of each other – but quite contrary – we are not running out of conversation, thinking about our future, making plans and setting goals … sharing the jobs on the boat … life does move forward – at this time we only have about one month of the first half of this journey… before we head back “home”.   Hard to believe that Dale has been on Companion for basically 7 months and has finally got into his own groove and can feel what “Cruising” is truly about. 

This week marks 31 years of marriage ... I am hear to tell you .... I would do it all over again....

Thanks Dale for all of our adventures and look forward to so many more!

Union Island and back to Bequia

Just about 6 miles from the Tobago Cays – another gem of an island – Union Island, which is a little more mountainous and populated. Union Island is covered with rainforest growth and palm trees – almost like Kauai.

 As we were passing by Palm Island, an exclusive resort island, Dale decided to check some systems since most everyone we have met recently their boats were tired and gear was breaking down. Sure enough the AutoPilot which has not been used in 4 weeks wasn’t working. Frustrating at first, but after 2 hours of looking at the manual and taking the door off the sink cabinet, donning headlamp and spreading out the tools a little Allan wrench was required to tighten the chain sprocket to the motor arm. Fixed!!!

Clifton the first village, on Union Island you sail into - a good place to provision, check internet, and relax – we anchored in the bay ….

After we spent a night there we were ready to leaves that bay, sailed around the corner – in view was Grenada– and before us was a half mile beach of white sand – four beach bar shacks – and only a handful of boats anchored – this must be paradise … again laid down the hook and spent two glorious days in Chatham Bay.

a perfect anchorage!

and two perfect nights - quite a "moonset" 

about 5:00AM

Leaving is often bittersweet because we know that the next time we visit, progress will happen and most likely this special place with have a lot more visitors – hope the locals can preserve the pristine beach and tranquility.

Setting the GPS for Bequia – we had a beautiful sail to Admiralty Bay - having been there about three weeks ago ….. It was almost like coming home – we knew right where we would anchor, where to go to clear out of the Grenadine’s, where to get wifi, where to put garbage, and where to find a new pair of crocs for Dale – we felt like real cruisers.  In our trip to the dock - we did have a treat – our buddies – you remember the oboe player and coast guard retiree from Dominica – they were in the bay – invited us over for happy hour (after we did customs and immigration – which is more a hassle than it needs to be)  - we had great conversation and maybe – you just never know our paths may cross again.

The plan was to leave Bequia at 3:30 AM and head towards St. Lucia – about a 62 mile sail – 11 hours later – Dale declared that this was his favorite passage so far – just enough wind for about 8 hours motor free – waves gentle and a current aiding us at times – couldn’t get much better in that sailors humble opinion.  We got as far as Marigot Bay – anchored in the bay and enjoyed a quiet night getting a good night’s rest – we both deserved it.

Tobago Cays .... untouched!

Sailing towards the Tobago Cays … we could see in the horizon – about 7 little islands in a group – just plopped down out of nowhere …. How did this happen?  What force of nature put them there?  Sitting in the clearest – the most turquoise water (I know I keep saying “the turquoise water” but it is true – the color of water is breathtaking – and beaches on each one – prettier than the last ….

The commander of the dinghy!

A boat boy appeared out of the blue and gave us a hand to catch a mooring ball inside the marine park – it was about 9am and we were settled in… so to speak ….. Actually Dale and I sat in the front of the boat looking in awe as the waves brushed the mile long Horseshoe Reef.   Yes, there were all sorts of others cruisers there – but it was quiet ….. gentle breezes ….. And just ripples as far as the waves go – We could see the bottom of the sea floor – perfectly from the deck. 

Of course – as the “boat boy” motors away from us … the "boat vendors" start …. Need bread? Need ice?  Need fresh fish? How about a t-shirt? Hat?  Jewelry?  You want it – they got it…… so as usual we make friendly contact with them and occasionally support them.  There was one special “vendor” – Sydney … a great salesman and entrepreneur – he had a great smile (that always gets me!)  Was not pushy … and showed us his wares – I had a lot of fun shopping off the back of the boat!!  Sydney could answer all of the questions we had about the Cays – so it was a win-win situation …. Actually I think Sydney was the winner by the time I made all of my purchases!!

Sydney .. a real character!!

John, the first boat boy – was also an entrepreneur:  “How about coming over to my beach barbecue?  I do it really good – you will have a lot to eat – wanna make your reservation?”  We thought on it – and agreed to go the next day for a late lunch…  Oh by the way – says John: “Bring your own plate, fork, knife and drink” – ok ….. so we dinghy over to his side of the island – only a couple of plywood tables, a big bucket of fresh water, a grill constructed out of a barrel … there you have it – an outside kitchen.  Well I am here to tell you that it was delicious …. Tuna so moist with an amazing salsa of fresh fruit and tomatoes, saffron rice (with a secret spice) and an eggplant vegetable concoction that was outstanding … we couldn’t believe it …. Once again Dale was a member of the clean plate club … I took about half my tuna “home” and made tuna salad the next day for lunch….we highly recommend John’s kitchen to everyone! 

John's outside  kitchen

A happy and satisfied Captain!

Oh by the way – this iguana was our lunch time companion!

Swimming, snorkeling and nature watching were our activities for the next three days – we could not get enough of it … right off the back deck we would jump into the water – cool, refreshing and invigorating. About 150 yards from the boat was an amazing coral reef – Dale counted about 50 different species of fish and quite a few varieties of coral.  Sad to say but some of coral clusters are dying – the oceans are changing, plus 50 yachts at the cays have an effect.  (I got a little science lesson!) 

These little islands are pretty close together and we just dinghyed from one to another – that way we could snorkel from their shores – another favorite spot was Baradel Island – known as “Turtle Island” – and for good reason …. Dale just appeased me by agreeing to go with me – and won’t you know it – We were just snorkeling by ourselves and right in front of us – a Hawksbill Turtle appeared – we got to enjoy watching him for about 20 minutes – grazing and eating the sea grasses – about a 30” shell – he just moved so gracefully thru the waters – coming up for a breath every now and then … we were so excited to witness nature’s treat!

People watching here was incredible – there were about 50 boats in this marine area – all different sizes – about a 22’ boat from Norway with a young man – probably about 25 years old – making his way for the second time around the world…. A father and three sons in a 50 year old schooner making their way to Trinidad from Denmark – this boat and crew reminded me of the “Lost Boys” in Peter Pan. We shared a five pound jar of fresh peanut butter with them - we knew we could never in a million years finish it before we head back home - they were delightful and delighted with the treat!

Can you imagine?

The cruisers we meet in St. Kitts – Janice and Steve were also there – they joined us on Companion for a happy hour – nice to get reacquainted.

To say the least – both of us loved our time in the Tobago Cays – we will come back here someday – and bring friends with us – a real tranquil paradise that is a hidden treasure – a place to be shared!

Southern Grenadines

We stayed at Canouan 3 days as the large tropical depression slowly moved from Barbados to Bonaire, with Canouan in between.  From Canouan it was a lazy downwind sail with the jib only to Mayreau with the sun finally out. Mayreau  is a beautiful island of 250 inhabitants with long white beaches, and large coral reefs on the windward side.  We anchored in Saline Bay and enjoyed a few games of Rummikub. The beached seemed to have way too many bar shacks for the few boats in the bay, and weren’t even open.

The next day it became obvious what happens as the cruise ship Club Med 2 anchored offshore. As Kim and I rowed to shore to hike up to an old Catholic French Church (good to get exercise), boys on the beach began spreading out beach chairs.  The first boat off the cruise ship contained the steel drums for the band which played all afternoon. 

To bad it was overcast in the morning - quite a sight anyway

Back to the hike, the town which has no name is charming and the church is perched on the top of the island with a great view of Tobago Cays. Kim befriended a little 3 year old whose mother was happy that she was entertained while she set up her little gift shop.  On our way back to the beach, we bought some provisions and Kim browsed some of the gift stands.

Macee was quite the gal - a real talker 

Mayreau Catholic Church 

conch shell sacristy light

So an afternoon, listening to the steel band and rocking to the beat and to the rocking from the shuttles off the cruise ship.  A few gin and tonics and swimming

off the back of the boat. What a perfect day!

d

Emily .... one of a kind!!

Girls ... gotta love’em!!  Especially our Em  ..... “Why does Andy get his own blog posting?” ... all in good fun she asks.  It doesn’t take much to know that Em is special ...  and yes, I agree – she should have her own posting!!

“Sailing” thru life with Em has always been remarkable .... 

she knows how to have fun ....

and yet is content to be quiet ....

a good listener  .... she is able to think things thru  .....

a great sister, friend, daughter .... she loves unconditionally!

and granddaughter .... learning Grandma's secret recipes!!

her sweetness comes thru .....

Em has a passion for people!!    Life is her “oyster” .... 

We are excited to share life’s adventures with Emily and Kyle as they begin their journey!!  This is gonna be good!!!

Sailing into their "adventures" !!! July 16, 2011 ... life is good for Em (and Kyle!)

Another day........

Leaving Bequia was gorgeous – a little wind, short waves, blue sky, turquoise water …. I’m at the helm – Dale hoisting the main sail ,,,, out goes the jib …. and we are sailing along….. Nice, peaceful and really enjoying the time – only 20 miles to go and we would be in Canouan ….

About 8 miles into the journey we looked up at the sky, there was big and I mean BIG black clouds …. nasty, is the best word to describe … we had no idea where they came from…. most of you know … I don’t do storms!  Dale gave instructions … to make sure everything was secured and not going to bounce around… we  decreased the size of the jib to the second reef point ... watch out and get ready…. hold on!!

Grey skies and waves starting to build

We hit a pretty good size squall …. Dale eased the main sheet, therefore the winds did not toss us around too much, and he fell off a little to put the waves at our hind quarter…. 31 knots of wind …. 5-foot waves – rain, rain and more rain… Dale had control of Companion  … when I calmed down and really took a good look – the gray mist that hugged the waves was beautiful…. a serene somber glow …. winds settled and rain eventually stopped  …. Arriving into Canouan 3 and half hours later – none worse for the wear.  Just had to know that this is part of the experience...

I think Dale actually enjoyed using his sailing skills ... he is a good captain!

Dale soaking wet!!!  A good captain doesn't mind!

Anchoring in the bay – we settled in for the night – more rain... at least six games of Rummikub ... sleep was calling us .....

We woke this morning to more rain .... the rain smelled so sweet – we turned on the local radio station .. the report , a “tropical depression”  - the announcer says – “I don’t know why but we are having one!”  Apparently unusual for this time of year... more rain ... I think, we got the same idea at the same time .... collect the water -  Dale plugged up the dinghy – gathered the buckets, wash basin and collected water –

This is when the dinghy is more than a dinghy!

buckets and buckets of fresh water

delicous for drinking as well!!!

Enough water to do three “loads of wash” with fresh water for suds and two for rinsing – heavenly!!!  Nothing better than line dried sheets!!

Laundry is more fun on the boat!!  (says the Captain!) 

The skies are back to blue for the afternoon and we are off to play in the village...
life is good!!

Bequia … Beyond Beautiful!

This is exactly what Dale and I had imagined all of the Caribbean to look like…

turquoise, sky blue, cobalt blue, pale green …. crystal clear warm water …

it is awesome, incredible … beyond beautiful!!

Bequia took our breath away – an 8 nautical mile sail from St. Vincent’s –

waves choppy and winds about 17 kts.  – about a 1.5 hour sail –

Once we could see the shore – a breathtaking view of the lush “mountains” – covered with immense growth of rain forest – blow holes and crashing water against the cliffs and the whitest of sand beaches… this will be a memory for us forever.

Sailing into Admiralty Bay – we were about 1 of 75ish boats anchored…. the little town of Port Elizabeth perched right on the edge of the beach…

I think I will use the photos to tell about our stay here… then you will get the idea…… much easier this way!!

Admiralty Bay – safe, secure and quiet ….

Princess Margaret’s Beach – unbelievable the sand as soft as velvet – walk for a good mile or so..

Speaking of walking- all along the boardwalk – plumeria trees in full bloom - I gather some everyday for our table… a fragrant treat for me!

The sunsets have been especially perfect – actually we can’t see the sun set but get to experience the sky as it changes color… pretty darn amazing…..

Today was one of those days …. especially great – Dale and I went out on a “date” 

Renting a little yellow two-seater scooter we headed off…. (I can remember when we went on Dale’s 750 Honda in 1979… oh what a difference!)

Em .... no worries ... I hung on tight!! ANd boy could that scooter take the curves!

Driving the island – a total of 7 square miles – was a hoot – up and down the three main roads …

we saw everything on the road. …from glistening beaches, thru the rain forest … keeping watch for goats, cows, and giant iguanas!

Purposefully driving over to the Hawksbill Turtle Sanctuary …. Mr. King – in his retirement knew that the Hawksbill turtles have a possibility of going extinct –  poaching and netting – he, in 1997 started gathering their eggs and taking care of them till they are 5 years old – releasing them back to the beach where they came from – they now have a real chance to “make it” … apparently only one in 3000 eggs make it to be five years old in the wild…. I know hard to believe – but at this point Mr. King and his assistants have released 881 back into their marine habitat…. for this scientist and his wife, we were impressed…

Driving for a couple of hours. .. and lunchtime approaching .. the decision for beach front dining was made…. Mango’s was the place for us….

 As you can see – the beach is only a stone’s throw away….

Dale has had a craving for “Conch” since we had it in Antigua – not until today did we find any…. and oh what a treat… “Conch Creole”  … for Dale to get excited …

It was entertaining for me to see him enjoy and eat his conch … he thinks this might rank up there with one of his top three meals off the boat….Captain Dale belongs to the clean plate club!!

We don’t have a photo of this…. but Mango’s (in my humble opinion has one of the best rum punches I have ever had in any of the Caribbean Islands…. yummy!)

After a lovely 3.5 hours of touring this little gem of an island… parked the scooter safely back on the beach… we dinghyed back to Companion… for a quick dip, washed the hulls down, and will take a nap…. but first I wanted to share our day….

 we will return in two weeks time…. 

Danylle, you were so right... Bequia is special... thanks for sharing your memories with us!!  Just an FYI - the "Swing Bar" is no longer here ... but we have found new places to go.....

St. Vincent’s – Restful Respite

Sailing into St. Vincent’s from St. Lucia might have been one of Dale’s top three “sails” – enough winds to give him some excitement and waves that didn’t make me to anxious – so overall probably a 9+ if we had to rate it!  The jib was full and the main sail giving stability…. a 36 nautical mile sail… averaging 7 kts… so pure bliss for the Capt’n!  One of the highlights on the sail was having a huge dolphin and I mean huge … swimming right along side of us for sometime…. heaven on earth!

Leaving St. Lucia and the Pitons

We had to go to customs and immigration when we arrived - we chose Wallailabou Bay.  A gorgeous little bay that was made famous by Johnny Depp – Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed here – the resutarant and some of the stage set is still there – but other than that it was about as sedate as one can imagine – tucked away from mankind – there were only 3 boats moored there – BUT at least 15 “boat boys” wanting to give aid, sell jewelry, fruit, veggies,bread – you name it – they got it - after the initial 45 minutes they calmed down and so did we…. we rested, ate and slept like babies!! 

Boat Boys rowing past Companion

The Blue Lagoon was our next stop – a great “little hole” … we ended up spending two night on a mooring ball and the next three nights at the marina  -  we both needed a break – nice to get on and off the boat at will, grocery shop, fresh water swimming pool, Companion got a fresh water bath with bubbles and use the internet – that was really a treat for me – the internet reached the boat, so wedding planning and communicating was so easy  - I could get it whenever I wanted…

View from the outer rail at the marina eatery....

 Dale enjoying the sunset view...

We bid farewell to the marina and headed to Bequia ……

Sorry to see these Guys go - we had a ball!

It has been a pleasure to have Chuck Novak with us for the last 21 days… 5 islands later…. the time went by fast …. He was eager to start the adventure and has become an asset to the everyday duties of cruising.   I was kind of worried about him before we started to sail– he walks 5 miles everyday – and well on the boat if you walk to and from your berth and around the deck – that is about 20 yards at best.  But as you can see – he adjusted perfectly….

Another one of his new pastimes – reading – a total of 8 books in the 21 days –a new record for him and not that he was bored – but just relaxed and content. 

The sailing language was quickly retained and now he knows the main sail from the jib, the halyard line (the yellow rope) from the jib line (the blue one!), the head from the galley and his favorite – “dump the toilets” (or empty the heads)  … we have had many good laughs and created wonderful memories.

Father arrived in the middle of Chuck’s adventure and he too adapted to this sailing lifestyle …. always ready to go and eager to help – he already knew “sailor talk” as he was a sailor in WWII so that was easy to get him in the groove.  Getting in and out of the dinghy became easier as the week went on… I can only hope and pray that both Dale and I will be active at the age of 88.  It was a real thrill for us to share Martinque and St. Lucia with him –

Rummikub was most evening and some afternoon’s entertainment – we all have to use our heads – which is good to keep that active. A little brain power goes a long way…..

 See where I spent this afternoon – on the internet at the most beautiful location – The Reef Beach Bar and Restaurant with wifi …. unbelievable –

The Reef Bar and internet - tough duty!

Thanks guys for choosing to spend time with us… we loved having you on Companion.

Dale's Water Taxi Service.....

rub a dub dub 3 men in a tub... and no one fell in!

Seeing the sites in St. Lucia

Road trip – windy roads… oh my!!  The four of us – Father, Chuck, Dale and I took a little road trip to the active volcano and botanical garden. St. Lucian’s are very proud of the natural beauty that surrounds them.  There are “professional guides” at the volcano – so very knowledgeable and willing to share their expertise.

 Active volcano - boiling mud lakes

The Gardens were outstanding – Napoleon’s wife, Josephine had the natural hot springs built – my oh my – what history lays beneath all of the stone … fascinated and overwhelmed with the beauty.

You thought you would see Dale in Josephine's pool - right?

The tropical flowers were breathtaking – between Chuck and I – we probably took 100 photos of the helaconia, birds of paradise, and anthurium – so many varieties… 

All I can think of …. “How did He do it?”   

The artwork of nature – nothing is taken for granted. 

How lucky are we to get to see this for ourselves!!

I am just going to share one more thought - when a person takes these "tours" - you are basically putting your life in their hands  – our driver took us over the most windy roads – and narrow … we were happy to get back to Companion – safe and sound!!!

Just Andy!

Most of you know that our girls mean the world to us … and as they choose and have chosen their life partners we just have to say we are blessed…. so on that note:


We are so thankful that Andy shares the love of sailing with Danylle – and

the fact that he can make her laugh till she shakes!!

What a team!

It doesn’t matter what he is doing – he pretty much loves life!!

Anything for a fresh baguette!

As you can see – he can chill on the bow of Companion….doesn’t that looks grand?

What more can you ask for ... a hammock on the bow, 

an ice cold Heinken and warm weather!  

Life is good for Andy!!

A quick dip off the dock in Martinque

Thanks, you two for coming again … 

Sailing into the Piton's Bay