Log of Moondance

Grenada's Independence day

2012-02-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Getting to Hog island is usually done by dinghy. Here we have some local racers who simply ran their boats up onto the beach. Let the party begin!

And it began.

Being a cruiser, celebrating has a different twist to the usual. We all went to Hog island to celebrate Grenada's Independence day. Here are a few shots of the fun. The band was loud, the beer cold and the rum strong.

Pan Band

2012-02-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

In preparation of the Independence Day celebrations, the Comancheroes Pan Band was having weekly practice. We went up to St. Paul school one night to watch. It was really something to watch students play a complete variety of musical pieces on dented, cut oil drums. The music was beautiful and astounding.

This was also a benefit for the band by the local parents association. So we had really good BBQ chicken and salad and of course rum punch to go with the music.

Cooking Class

2012-02-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Carolyn and Tim from Sunshine ll built a cover of many colors to go over the cabin hatch. We got a bunch of cruisers and some locals we knew to sign it. Pretty cool, eh.

We had been attending a cooking class given by Ester and Omega at Dodgy Dock restaurant at True Blue Bay. It was always fun and a bit of good food was always to be had.

Ester and Omega.

This day we had fried Mahi Mahi with spicy sauce and mashed potatoes.

Dinghy Concert 2012

2012-01-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

We attended a Dinghy Concert very near where Moondance is anchored. This was the first concert of the year. A tugboat hauls a concrete barge to a chosen spot and anchors it off. Then the tug and the barge are used as the stage. There were a lot of familiar faces and everyone had a great time.

Charles and Pat shaking a leg.

Kim and Joe limin'.

Bab's and Tim limin'.

Just chillin'.

Holiday of Joe

2012-01-06T07:45:00.001-08:00

After all the Christmas and New Years celebrations we all got together with Joe and Kim and rented a Catamarin for Joe's birthday. (The Festival of Joe)

Following are a few pictures of the motley crew having fun. Joe fished between stops and caught 3 blackifn tunas. One was eaten in half by a much bigger fish before he could get it to the boat. We suspect it was a wahoo.

We stopped over at Molinier point and snorkeled on the various underwater statues.

The guys.

The gals.

For more pictures go to sunshine2cruisin.blogspot.com.

Return to Grenada 2011

2011-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well we are back in Grenada. Not long after we got Moondance in shape and pulled out of Whisper Cove Marina we went over and helped Tim and Babs get Sunshine II ready to splash. We got to ride along to bring Sunshine II over to Clark's Court Bay next to where Moondance was anchored.

A couple of days later, actually a day before Thanksgiving, Blake and Stephanie arrived to spend a week in Grenada. They stayed at Kim and Joe's place and we enjoyed our stay there also. Tim, Babs, Blake, Steph and us all went to different events around the island. We went to a cruiser's Thanksgiving at Clark's Court Bay Marina, Fish Friday, the Food Fest in Victoria and Sunday we went to Hog Island where Joe and Kim put home-made South African sausage (budavorsh) on the brie (grill).

Left to right, top row: Stewart, Stephanie, Blake

Left to right, bottom row: Helen, Kim and Skyler, Joe

Having a cold beer in the shade, Blake, Tim and me.

Joe cooking on the brie.

Clam chowder and pig roast on Hog Island

2011-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and I went to a beach with Kim and Joe to do some clamming. Neal, a friend of Kim and Joe and now a friend of ours, joined us later. We spent the day swimming and clamming. Unfortunately the surf was really up and we didn't find very many clams.

This is the type of clams we were after.

The girls just limin'.

The girls did come through with a clam chowder using some from a can. Very good indeed. Neal took the picture.

A pig roast on Hog Island just seemed right. There were lots of people and cruisers there and was a lot of fun.

We have enjoyed our stay in the Caribbean very much this year and most of it was spent in Grenada. We will be getting Moondance ready for hurricane season and flying back to Louisiana soon. We hope to return to Grenada in November for another season of sun and fun when I will resume the blog site. Till then, have a great summer.

Martinique 2011

2011-05-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

In February we sailed to Martinique again for Carnival. We picked up Babs and Tim there and after a day of Carnival, we sailed to St. Anne's Bay on the south coast of Martinique for a couple of days. From there after checking out we did an overnight sail to Carriacou and checked into Grenadian waters once again. Tim and Babs just bought a nice Gulfstar motorsailer, Sunshine II and will begin a new life this November.

A couple of boats in Fort De France all dressed up for Carnival.

Tim and Babs in the Cathedral in Fort De France.

Waiting for the parade to start.

Having fun during the parade.

Pictures

2011-03-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of hat nite and couple of our trip to Martinique.

Sunset along the way to Martinique.

Cool dude and cool dudette sailing to Martinique.

Hat nite at the Oasis bar in Clark's Court Bay marina.

Kim and Joe on hat nite.

The Alice girls. Kim, Jeanne, Carolyn and Jenny.

Toward the end of the night.

Hat nite and Sail to Martinique

2011-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hey to everyone. We had hat nite in Grenada a while back and everyone had a lot of fun. The connection is a bit slow today so I will try to upload a few pictures later. Anyway everyone had to wear some sort of head cover and the different head gear was really fun. This was actually Kim's (Spice Kyaking) idea. Soon after that Carolyn and I sailed off toward Martinique. Our first leg took us to Carriacou and a couple of days later we did an overnight sail to Rodney Bay, St Lucia.

Along the way I let out a line with a green squid type bait and caught 3 fish total up to here. They were a Blackfin tuna, a Bonita tuna, and a Mackerel. We were running short of ice so I quite fishing.

The next morning was a beautiful sail to La Marin on the southern coast of Martinique. We stayed here for a little over a week then did a day sail north to Fort De France. Here we are waiting for guests to arrive tomorrow for Carnival. Carolyn is having fun shopping here in French Martinique. The produce is very high quality. I have not found any bad wine here and the beer is good also. We have no plans as such and will either stay here a while through Carnival or head for the southern coast of Martinique or maybe do a 2 day sail to Grenada, weather perm itting.

I will try to upload a bunch of pictures later.

Monkey, Manicou and Manish Water

2011-02-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Victoria is a small town up on the northern part of the island of Grenada. Every last Saturday of the month a food fest is held there. It was supposed to be a lot of local cuisine so Carolyn and I went on the bus for the festivities. We were not disappointed. There was some very interesting dishes available, like crawfish, fish, bull penile and manish (goat testicle) waters. A waters is like a thin broth or soup. There was also stewed monkey and manicou (opossum).

Carolyn had the breadfruit pie and fried fish. I had the stewed monkey. We shared a sour sop ice cream for desert. Next time we go I will have to try something new, the manish water or manicou perhaps.

We head for Martinique soon for German beer and French chocolate. A bottle or two of French wine may also find it's way into the hold.

Fair winds to all.

Camp Grenada

2011-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

We are still in Grenada and still having fun. We have met a lot of good folks here and we are in not too big of a hurry to depart. We have to go into Immigration next week or so to renew our visa. It doesn't seem that long ago that we arrived back here from the states.

We have sundowners here and there, this time on Moondance. Left to right is: Steve and Donna, Panama, myself and Joe and Kim.

Steve and Donna own an Amel 54 and are in Clark's Court Bay Marina. Joe and Kim own Spice Kayaking, and take clients on kayaking and Eco-tours of the island.

The post is short and sweet this time. Hope everyone the best for the coming year.

December in Grenada

2011-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from Grenada.

The weather is finally starting to moderate as we start to enter the new year, less rain and more sunshine.

We have been anchored in a small cove on the east side of Hog Island for some time now. We are usually all to ourselves but get neighbors occasionally now and then.

Here we are on the trail from Mt. Hartman Bay to Prickly Bay. It's a short, nice walk.

Christmas eve at Clark's Court Bay Marina.

Carolyn looking good.

Sun set from our little almost private cove.

We have been here for some time now, the weather is getting better and we are starting to get the itch to move on. We will probably take our time and head north next week. Wishing everyone the beginning of a great year to come.

Oil Down

2010-12-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

Carolyn and I have been wanting to go to an oil down and our chance came last week. A trip was organized by local cruisers to go to a local oil down and visit a nearby water falls on the way. We had a great time and ate plenty. Along the way we stopped at a local rum shop and had 3 beers for 10 EC (almost $4 US). Then off to the falls. The falls were very pretty and everyone had a dip, the water was actually cold and felt good.

Concord Falls

Oil Down.

OK, it doesn't look like much but it is actually very good. I had a talk with one of the cooks, Kisha, and she explained how it is done. In a large pot goes grated coconut and turmeric (known as saffron here in the West Indies) then meat (chicken usually), dasheen, breadfruit, other tubers if available, large dumplings and all of this is covered with callalou (a type of edible greens that looks like elephant ears) on top. Enough water is added till about half of the ingredients are covered, then it is covered with a lid and brought to a boil.
The coconut produces an oil that floats to the top and when it cooks long enough for the oil to mix into the rest of the ingredients (the oil goes down, hence the name oil down), it is done.

This oil down was done on the side of the road next to .... Yep you guessed it ..... a rum shop.

You've just got to love this place.

Kisha, one of the oil down cooks.

Grenada Holiday

2010-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

It has been rainy almost every day, nearly all day. We finally had a break in the weather with some sunshine so I managed to do a few repairs including a trip up the mast to change out the navagation and anchor bulbs. Here are a few pics of what has been going on between sqwalls and thunder storms.

Thanksgiving dinner at Clark's Court Marina in Clark's Court Bay.

On our way to Clark's Court Bay from St. David's Bay. Dink is keeping up very well.

In St. David's Bay getting ready to sail west to Clark's Bay.

We went to Fish Friday in the fishing village of Guave. We had things like tuna on a stick, fish pizza, fried fish and coconut shrimp. There were all kinds of other dishes available also.

There was also plenty of cold beer available.

Grenada update

2010-11-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

OK. Here are a few pics on the new camera. Seems to be working.

This is Grenada Marine from the bay. There are first come first get moorings on the west side but we chose to anchor on the east side of the bay because I found it less crouded and less rolly.

Apartments just on the east shore of the bay. These cottages rent for 600 US normally, but go for 140 US during the off season (like now).

The huge travel lift used by Grenada Marine to get all manner of boat in and out the water.

Here we are snug and secure just after we completed our bottom job.

Like I mentioned before, Grenada Marine and St. David's Bay is surrounded by high terrain and is very safe as a hurricane hole. But that same blessing becomes a real task when you try to do work on your boat yourself. There is very little breeze and it can be buggy.

Back in Grenada

2010-11-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Howdy to all.

Carolyn and I have made it back to Moondance after a 5 month visit back home in La. Grenada Marine (the boat yard in Grenada where we left Moondance on the hard) is OK. We were put well up into the yard a good distance from the water. This was good for hurricane season but not so great while we live on the boat and make repairs. It is hot, humid and nothing of a breeze except just before a rain.

The good thing is most everyone is very nice and helpful and the marine store is in the yard with most everything you could need. We should be finished with the fiberglass work (nicks, cracks, and filling in the holes left behind when I removed the old knot meter from the bottom of the boat) and the bottom job tomorrow. Then we start on a water tank leak and getting the engine back to it's prime. It will be nice to be back in the water. I'll take pics tomorrow.

Hurricane Season Count Down

2010-10-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time back home with family and friends. We visited almost everyone and even made some new friends. We even had some friends that came over and visited with us. We look forward to getting back to Grenada and starting another cruising season and meeting old friends down there. We will get Moondance ready, including a little fiberglass work and a bottom job and be in the water as soon as possible and hope to take a few pictures of the process.

Yes, we purchased a new camera, so updated pics will be coming with our blogs. We hope to cruise back up the windward and leeward islands again, visiting some of islands we missed on the way down the first time and revisiting some of our favorite islands again. We have friends, Troy and Deana, and Steve and Pam who plan to get to the Dominican Republic by hurricane season next year and into the Windward islands the following cruising season. That means we will have to spend two more seasons in one of the worlds most beautiful cruising grounds, "life is good."

Friends

2010-06-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had a visit by Bab's and Tim from Texas. They wanted to experience what it is like to go cruising so we left Grenada and sailed to other nearby islands. We stopped at Isle Rhonde, Terryl Bay in Carriacou and the Tobago Cays. Six days later we returned to Clark's Court Bay in Grenada and enjoyed some local sites like the Rivers Antoine Rum Distillery. After 11 days they had to return home. Everyone had a great time.

Now it is time to start getting the boat ready for a haul out and we will fly home for hurricane season.

Grenada cont.

2010-05-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

After getting settled in Grenada we started seeing and doing things as we learned what was available. There is a lot to do and enjoy in Grenada. The first night out we went to De Big Fish bar and restaurant. There was a great band playing and we had beer and pizza with one English and two French couples. The next day was a walk to the stores and local bank. We walked for about 2 miles to the two different malls and had "fish water" in the park by the sea. Fish Water is like a soup with lobster, conch, fish, dumplings, potatoes and dasheen with a melody of seasonings and was very good. We ate this because one of the local schools was having a fair day in the park as a fund raiser. We are suckers for almost any kind of benefit like this.

Prickly Bay can be quite rolly and was, so we sailed from Prickly Bay to Clark's Court Bay. Still rolly but not as bad, so after we picked our little spot that was away from the other boats but still close enough to get to the marinas and beaches were things might be happening we dropped the main hook and I put out a stern anchor to hold us pointed to seaward. That cut down the roll to nothing except for when the rain and thunder storms would come through.

Clark's Court Bay is nice with 2 marinas and a third accessible by dinghy just around the corner in the next bay. A small village is right there with some groceries. So for we have been to movie night (free movie) where everyone brings munchies to share, hamburger night/ social, did an island tour and will be going to watch the big leather back turtles come ashore to lay their eggs at night. We have seen most all the spices grown locally and how they are processed for sale and consumption. We have also seen the last original water wheel being used for the production of rum in the western hemisphere. Rivers Rum Distillery is still operated the way it was since it started in 1785.

So long for now.

Grenada

2010-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

After a week in Carriacou we sailed to Prickly Bay in Grenada and will explore the southern coast for a while. My computer wifi antenae is no longer working now so we have make use of whatever is available. At present we are using a computer at the local marina for short messages and e-mail. We will have have my laptop checked out when we get to the states.

Along the way.

2010-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

We are on Union Island, part of the Grenadines. We will be here about a week before heading farther south. We were in Canuan when an older fisherman swam up to the boat and wanted to sell his catch. The reason was because he didn't have a boat. Every morning he swam out , fished and swam in to sell his catch. We bought 5 lobsters and a crab one day and 5 lobsters and a fish the next. We paid 40 EC each time (about $16 US) and gave him a ride in to shore. We also gave him cookies for his kids. After that we sailed over to Mayreau and went out to town for a cold drink, town was a mile away UP hill. Later we made the trip again to go to Dennis's Place for a drink and an appetizer of whale. Whale is still hunted in Bequia and we were lucky to be offered this local rarity. It looked like well done beef roast but tasted like fish. Very odd indeed. From Mayreau we sailed to the Tobago Cays and swam with the sea turtles and snorkeled the reef.

As our camera is still not working we uploaded some pictures that we took this year around the BVI's for your pleasure.

An actual working distillery.

Sour sop, a fruit.

Breadfruit, cooks like a potato.

Canouan

2010-04-15T06:44:00.001-07:00

We are in Canouan, part of the Grenadines. We hope to move on to Mayreu and the Tobago Cays today. As we said before, our camera is no longer working so we added more pics from carnival in Port de France, Martinique. We got these from friends Bill and Colleen from Dolce Vita.

Covered in Molasses. We don't remember why.

Burning the effigy of evil.

2010-04-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

We have posted a few more pics that we got from Bill and Colleen while on a road trip in Matinique.

Grand Anse D'Arlet

Depaz Distillery. Each tank is stainless steel and holds about 10,000 gal. of clear rum. This is how the clear rum is stored (outside). The aged rum is stored inside while aging.

Bill and Colleen in front of the Depaz Castle.

The Castle's back yard. Cricket anyone?

Painted wall in nLa Marin.

Easter

2010-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, we are still in Marin, Martinique and will spend Easter here with friends on Dolce Vita and I Don't Know and then try to head south. The weather is nice but getting rough over the coming week again so we will sit tight and enjoy the food and culture till then. The duck pate is really nice. Hope all of you have a great Easter weekend.

Robert & Carolyn

New bedding

2010-03-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

We are still in Martinique. We are expecting a new mattress for the boat to arrive Thurs. or Fri. Then we will prepare to head south provided the weather cooperates. We plan to skip St. Lucia since we've already been there and we do an overnight sail to Bequia. All of the islands are experiencing a draught as bad as anyone can remember for at least 25 years and St. Lucia is very hard hit with water being rationed and severe penalties with misuse by anyone. Some locals said they had been without running water for 2-3 weeks.

As you may have noticed, we did not down load any pictures. The camera gave up the ghost, I think from exposure to the harsh environment. We are looking for a replacement but may not be able to add pics till we get one in the states. I guess that means we may have to redo this area of the Windward Islands again next year instead of pushing on to the western Caribbean. It's a tough job but we are willing to suffer for our readers. Carolyn is headed up to the Post Office to mail B-day postcards while I sit here in Mango Bay restaurant/bar updating the blog and doing e-mail. Everyone have a great day.

Back in Martinique

2010-03-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hey to everyone, we are back in Martinique. Actually we are in La Marin/ Ste. Anne on the SE coast of Martinique. While in St. Lucia we grew tired waiting for the southerly winds to ease up or turn more north easterly so as to make sail to Bequia. The sail to Ste. Anne was great and we can stock up on more good wine, cheese, chocolate, etc. From here we will sail straight through to Bequia overnite when we get a decent sailing window. Carolyn just bought an Irish Coffee (the real thing) so I have to help her with it. We will update as we go.

St. Lucia

2010-03-05T09:18:00.001-08:00

We made it to St. Lucia. We are anchored in Rodney Bay and it is quite nice. It does get rolly at times but it is unusual. The weather is very dry and St. Lucia is going through a long draught as I write this. Water is rationed and expensive to buy at 20 cents per gallon US so we make do with as little as possible. Check in to Customs and Immigration is easy and $35 EC (about $14 US) gets you a month in St. Lucia.

Moondance at anchor in Rodney Bay with Pidgeon Island in the background. Pidgeon Island is a Park and historical site.

A group of mangoes along side the road.

Carolyn enjoying a really good Italian style pizza.

Local fishing boats pulled up for repair.

Sandals Resort near Pidgeon Island.

There was a dredge in the lagoon near the marina.

A junk rigged sailboat headed out of the lagoon.
We don't know when we will be leaving St. Lucia exactly but will not stay too long as we want to get down to the Grenadines and spend more time there.

Martinique cont.

2010-02-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

A few more pics of Martinique. We finally got a window and made it a little farther south.

Pictures of St. Lucia will come soon.

Sunset near Anse D'Arlet.

Diamond rock on the southern tip of Martinique. During the French / English war, Nelson captured this small island and quickly commissioned it as a ship, the HMS DIAMOND. He had crew and cannons installed and began shooting at unsuspecting French ships coming into Martinique.
This drove Napoleon mad because his beloved wife Josephine was from Martinique and it was an insult for Nelson to do such a thing. Napoleon sent a naval fleet to recapture Diamond rock and engage Nelson. The French navy succeeded in retaking the rock but returned to France before Nelson could catch up to them.

Local racing sailboat.

Dormant volcanoes in the background.

Cane fields of one of the many distilleries in Martinique.

Martinique, Carnival

2010-02-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Blake and Stephanie flew down to Fort de France to spend a week with us in Martinique. Their arrival was delayed because the volcano on Montserrat had a colapse of it's dome and continued to throw ash into the atmosphere to such intensity that all flights to Matinique were cancelled till the next day. Following are pictures of Carnival in Fort de France.

Blake and Stephanie

Cross dressing for carnival is common.

In the container is rum.

Part of the Chicken parade.

A local Pottery shop doing their thing.

From the balcony with the bay in the background.

The streets were packed and went on till about 10 pm.

Dominica

2010-01-31T11:16:00.000-08:00

We went on a guided tour of Dominica. We used Martin's service and our guide was Paul, a local medicine man actually. We had a great time and brought home about as much free fruit , vegs, and herbs as the trip cost us. Here are some of the sites in Dominica on our trip.

Paul cleaning coconuts for us.

These are cocoa pods in a cocoa tree. The beans are collected from the pods and roasted and ground. The locals use cocoa as a tea. This is a wild tree.

This is a vanilla vine growing up a coconut tree. Vanilla has to be pollinated by hand.

Carolyn enjoying a treat and holding a little lemon grass.

Beauty everywhere.

The local Saturday market.

Market

It was a great day topped with a full moon rising over the mountain.

Market in Portsmouth.

Wild flowers and plants.

This rainbow went all the way across the island.

Guadalupe, Dominica

2010-01-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

We didn't stay long in Guadalupe. We only spent a couple of days then went on to Dominica. There we plan to see the interior which is jungle and waterfalls etc. We like Dominica so far because it reminds us of the DR. More pics to come later.

The town of Desheias in Guadalupe.

Desheias is very french.

The volcano on Montserrat was acting up as we passed on our way to Dominica. It was about 10 miles away but you can see the plume going up very clearly from the mouth.

Guadalupe as we left it behind.

This is where I am doing my Internet thing and the cost is a cold beer or drink. I not complaining. If I plug in and use electricity it cost about $1.30 US.

Antigua

2010-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Antigua was really nice. Beautiful, historic and nice people. We really enjoyed it.

This is part of the original structures from the past. It is now the Customs and Immigrations building.

An anchor of the times and the three white and black drums are recreations of the capstans used to roll a ship over so the bottoms could be repaired. This was done by running lines under the ship, over the decks then to the capstans where men would turn them and slowly careen the ship over.

This one of several old, 1700 to 1800 anchors along the shore in the harbor and more artifacts are strewed over the bottom of the bay.

An original building being used as shops etc.

One of the artillery placements at the mouth of the bay. The bay was used as a dock and ship repair station for the British Navy.

A tall ship pulled in while we were there.

Off to Guadalupe.

St. Martin, French West Indies

2010-01-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

The trip to St. Martin was uneventful and nice. We anchored on the French side in Marigot Bay as it is less expensive and if you go into the lagoon it cost nothing. Check in and out was very laid back and easy. One person to see, a computer to fill out you forms and stamp, stamp, your done and with a smile.

Marigot dock.

The market place on the docks.

St. Maarten, the Dutch side. The bus cost $2 / person one way.

Down town St. Martin, the French side.

Adios St. Martin, we are headed for Antigua.

Tortola,BVI

2010-01-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

We stopped over at Norman Island, the bay is called the Bight. It's a very nice place and we were there along with Mark and Amber on Opel. From there we went to Tortola.

Moondance in The Bight.

Amber in the dink next to Opel.

The coast of Tortola.

Road Town

Jeannie and Chester. We met them in at Norman Island.

Callwood distillery, still producing rum.

We enjoyed driving around Tortola with Ann Marie, Larry and Mark.

We all stopped and had a bite to eat along the coast.

Leaving Tortola for St. Martin/ St. Maarten.

Tortola,BVI

2010-01-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

We are in Road Harbor, Tortola at present waiting for weather to jump across the Anagada Passage. The Anagada is similar to the Mona Passage only a bit longer. We are looking forward to seeing the Dutch and French islands as we move down the chain toward Grenada.

The Bight on Norman Island

2010-01-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

Norman Island, BVI is a great place. We went into the Bight and managed to anchor on the far north side of the bay. It was crowded. That night we went to Willy T's, a steel schooner turned bar.

Along the way to Norman Island.

It was a very good sail.

Willy T's.

Parrot at the Pirates Bight Restuarant.

Willy T schooner.

Baths, Trellis Bay, BVI

2010-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

We spent the afternoon at the Baths and went to Trellis Bay for New Years.

Rugged coast along the way. Then the Baths. Next is a couple of fire balls at Trellis bay that is lit for New Years. The last picture is of the Mumbo Jumbies that walked around the crowd.

Jost Van Dyke, BVI

2010-01-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

We stayed in Jost Van Dyke for a day and night before heading for the Baths on Virgin Gorda. We went to Corsairs for pizza and then to Foxy's and finally we walked to the Soggy Dollar for a Pain Killer.

Main street.

Local taxi.

Us with Mark and Amber.

Carolyn having fun at Foxy's.

St. John, USVI

2010-01-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

St. John island in the USVI is a quaint little place but quite touristy. You can walk the whole town of Cruz Bay easily. One thing we did that we would suggest is take the Vitran bus. For a $1 you can ride to the other end of the island and back again for another $1. It was like a roller coaster ride in Disneyland.

We walked into Larry's Landing for a drink. At Larry's you mix your own drink. You heard right, you mix your own drink. The bar tender gives you a bottle of what-ever you like (well drink, like Cruzan rum, hawk vodka, etc.) and what you want to mix it with and a cup of ice. Then you pour your own. When your done, the bar tender puts everything away and you can try to drink your "way-to-strong" drink. The reason they do this at this bar is because the liquor is actually cheaper than the mixers. The drinks are $3.

Burros along side the road during our Vitran ride.

Iguana in the town square.

Cruz Bay harbor is small and very crowded.

Town square.

Charlette Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI

2009-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great sail to St. Thomas from Culebra with SE winds at 12-14 kts and 1-2 ' seas.

A tanker along the way to St. Thomas. That is Culebra in the background just in front of the tanker.

Some of Charlette Amalie as we entered the harbor.

The harbor from a bus as we returned from shopping. Liquor is duty free here and about half price.

This is a cruise ship destination and there are usually 2 to 3 coming in and out every day so the anchorage is a bit rolly at times.

Sunset in Charlette Amalie.

We met up with most of the boats that we had sailed with off and on along the way here in Charlette Amalie and promptly got together for boat drinks and story telling. It is good to visit again with the "Luperon Class of 2009" as we now call ourselves. The group includes Opel, Sasura, Loafers Glory, Te Oigo, LaLa, Sarabande, Markelle, Central Park, and of course Moondance.

Wishing everyone a great Holiday season.

On to Culebra, PR

2009-12-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

We finally got going and left Salinas for the east coast of PR. After a couple of days in Bahia de Jobos we sailed on to Patillas, a little fishing village and got stuck there because of weather for six days. There is not much to do in Patillas so reading , walking to the grocery store and having a cold beer with the locals sums up our stay in Patillas.

Anchored in Patillas.

The weather broke and we headed for the east coast of PR.

On our way to Green Beach on Vieques Island. From there we sailed to Cayo Icacos for the night and left bright and early for Culebra.

Carolyn baked this carob cake in her pressure cooker while in Culebra and it was very good.

Culebra as we entered Encenata Bay.

Culebra from Moondance. Culebra was an interesting place. It reminded us of sort of a hippy hangout. Most businesses were owned by and frequented by old hippies and boat people. I believe there were more gringos in Dewy (the town) than Puerto Ricans.

Bahia de Jobos, PR

2009-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

We did get to do a little sailing while Babs and Tim were here. These are pictures of our trip to Bahia de Jobos, a bay about 5 miles away. We anchored there for the night and sailed back the next day.

Sundowners in Bahia de Jobos.

Babs and Tim

Tim on the helm

Sunset in Bahia de Jobos near Boca de Infierno (Mouth of Hell) the entrance to the sea. Babs and Tim left for the states and I think they enjoyed their stay, I know we did.

El Yunque Rain Forest, PR

2009-11-27T08:24:00.000-08:00

Babs and Tim came to visit for a week while we were in Salinas. We toured the island, ate street food and drank rum and a beer or two. One of the places we went was the Rain Forest. We were not expecting much and were very much surprised. It is a very beautiful place and we all enjoyed it very much.

View of El Yunque from a tower.

Carolyn and I in front of one of the water falls.

Babs and Tim in front of the water fall.

Flowers everywhere.

Lush greenery and ferns.

Bamboo grew 30-40 feet tall.

All in all, a very memorable trip.

Ponce, PR

2009-11-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

We made a trip into Ponce with Larry and Ann Marie. It is different than San Juan and has as much history as San Juan.

The old fire station has been turn into a museum/monument. It is located on the square in old downtown/ art district.

An original fire truck for the station. I forget the year and model.

Bomberos means pumpers. That is what firemen are called.

One of the beautiful local churches.

This tree is reported to be 1000 years old.

Spanish color and architect.

The tour bus we took from the square. Not expensive and very informative. We took the tour given in English.

Back in Salinas and the end of another great day.

Old San Juan, PR

2009-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

We traveled to San Juan with Larry and Ann Marie of Loafers Glory. A very interesting place with a lot of history.

Down town Old San Juan

A view of Old San Juan from San Christabol Fort.

Cannon balls at San Christabol Fort.

The dungeon at San Christabol Fort. There are wall drawings that are encased in glass to preserve them in this dungeon. The drawings were done by captured soldiers and officers before they were executed.

Boqueron to Salinas

2009-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

We left Boqueron with sadness, it is a very captivating place. We sailed with Loafers Glory, Sarabond and Te Oigo bound for Salinas on the south coast where we will spend some time on boat projects and entertaining friends. We made short early morning jumps between stops so as to be tucked in somewhere before the trade winds kicked in and the seas got a little uncomfortable. The jumps were 15 to 20 miles at a time and very nice. One of the stops was Ponce and was welcome but not that great. The yacht club harbor where everyone stays is deep (30 ft.) and crowded. We left the next morning at 0730 for Caja de Muertos, a very beautiful island that is a state park. Lobster season is open year round in PR so everyone was hunting. We had caught a small tuna called a tunny, Te Oigo had caught a Spanish mackerel and Sarabond caught a huge lobster so that night we all went to Loafers Glory and cooked up a feast. Life is good.

Cabo Rojo light house is a very demanding site as you round the west coast of PR and turn east along the southern coast.

Houses on the water in La Parguera.

Cana Auroara (Gilligans Island) is a state park and here is where everyone swims and comes to BarBQ. We are about 5 miles from Encienada.

Anchored off Caja de Muertos (coffin island). Notice the light house in the background.

Coming into Salinas. The bay anchorage is very quite and protected.

Puerto Rico

2009-11-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

We are in Boqueron, PR. The bay faces west so it is normally a calm anchorage and good holding. We got in early Friday and called in to customs. The check in was easy and done over the phone. The next night was Halloween and Boqueron came alive with hundreds of people dressed for the occasion. We also dressed a little and had a great time. The difference in the the DR and the PR is striking. We enjoyed the DR but Puerto Ricans are truly wonderful people, very gregarious and friendly. PR is very beautiful. Here are a few pics of Halloween night in Boqueron.

Locals

Joe (local pub manager of Los Remos) and LaLa and mother Mariola from SV LaLa.

Somebody's new bride.

Just having fun.

2009-11-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Mona Passage can be a very hard sail and getting to Puerto Rico or visa versa an ordeal. Fortunately we had a very good crossing. We sailed with Loafers Glory and Sandy Annie as a group. We made the crossing in 30 hours. It can take as long as 60 hours or longer. Samana was OK and is a cruise ship stop. The Port Authority and Commandant of the Navy were very nice and check-out for our dispachio for PR was a total cost of $20 US. The bay has very good holding but you have to lock up your outboard and put your dink on board every night because theft is prevalent.

Crossing the Mona

Loafers Glory and Sandy Annie

Sun set in Samana

Boat info.

2009-10-15T10:29:00.001-07:00

A few peaple have been asking about the cost of cruising. I will try to give a decent idea of what to expect. Please remember that things can change. First of all, The Bahamas are NOT cheap. Load your boat down with all your favorite foods like peanut butter, paper goods, coffee, chocolate, etc., etc. Most things are available but very expensive. Beer is $5 per can. A case is $5 per can at 24 cans = $120 US. Learn to drink rum which is very cheap and good. Some cruisers bring beer to trade for lobster, fish etc. Understand that this is illegal but alot of people do it.

As you move on to the DR things are more readily available and less expensive. Most prices are the same as the US and many home grown or handmade things are much cheaper.Beer becomes reasonable again, rum (very good rum) is still quite cheap. Eating out is close to or in some places cheaper than buying the produce and cooking it yourself. However, here in the DR you must be willing to learn your money in spanish and bargaining is the name of the game or you will be taken advantage of.
We will be leaving the DR soon and will have been here for close to 5 months. I expect our Immigration, Customs and Harbor control fees will total about $300 US. I'm on a mooring which costs me an addition $60 US per month and I get my bottom and prop and thru-hulls cleaned about once a month for about $20 US each time.

I hope this helped. Carolyn and I try to keep our costs down to $1000 per month and so far we have not had much trouble doing so. We get to do pretty much what ever we want to on this budget.

One of our propane bottles about to be taken into town to be filled. It is about the same here as in the US, but much cheaper here than further down island.

One of the propane bottoms hooked up and ready to go.

DR party time

2009-10-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of a typical cruisers get together and party. These pictures were taken at Shaggy's, a local hangout.

Cruisres her come from all over. The farthest that I know of are from South Africa, Ireland and Poland.

Carolyn and Anna Maria frfom Loafers Glory.

Me, Mark and Karen from Sasura and Mark (with guitar) on Opel.

Some of the local cruisers have really good musical talent.

Dominican Republic cont.

2009-10-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures taken at different times during our stay in the DR.

Tiano Indian artifacts.

Rush hour traffic, no joke intended.

Cigar maker in Sosua on the beach.

Taking it easy on the beach in Sosua.

View of bay off Sosua beach.

Back in the DR

2009-10-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone. We are back in the Dominican Republic and getting the boat ready for the next leg to Puerto Rico. We have friends flying into P.R. for some fun time and we should be able to head that way in a week or so. In the mean time we will try to put a few more pictures of Luperon etc. on the blog. We are enjoying Luperon very much but it is time to start moving on to somewhere south of somewhere.

Hurricane season

2009-07-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hi to all. I hope you enjoyed the first sailing season of Moondance. Carolyn and I are in Louisiana for the upcoming hurricane season visiting friends and relatives. We left Moondance moored in Luperon under the watchful eye of friends. Later as the hurricane season comes to a close, we will fly back to the DR and ready Moondance for the second season of sailing. We hope to journey from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and then down the Leeward and Windward Islands to Trindad.

Have a great summer and we hope that you will join us again in October or November.

Dominican Republic

2009-06-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

The DR is very lush, green and beautiful. A land that is still in the 50's and 60's. All along the roads to anywhere you will likely see burros, lots of motor bikes, cows being herded from one place to another, even bulls laying in the middle of the road in the middle of the day in the middle of a curve. (From experience). In Luperon it is not unusual to have cats, dogs and even goats come walking into a place while you are eating. You quickly learn to bargain for everything. Food is fantastic and the rum is not only good but cheap. A chicken dinner with fried chicken or chicken in gravy with rice and beans and a salad is about $2.80. This is for all you can eat. Rum costs about $4-5 a bottle (700 ml to 1 litter). Unofficial cabs, the transportation of locals are called "guaguas". We took 3 guaguas to get to the airport in Puerto Plata, a distance of about 60 miles at a cost of about $4.00 each one way. The down side is that you will be riding with many, many other people as the guaguas make their money by stuffing as many riders as possible in the vehichle as they can. We like it because you never know whom or what will be riding with you.

This is a meat market. They butcher in the morning and hang the meat for people to buy the parts they want. What is not sold by that afternoon is roasted and sold the next day.

There are too many flowers to take pictures of and mangoe trees, bananas and coconuts trees are everywhere. Papaya trees grow everywhere like weeds or shrubs and start producing when only 3 feet tall.

Typical mode of transportation.

Downtown Imbert.

Vegetable/fruit trucks make their rounds.

Raw amber being shaped and polished in Puerto Plata.

True amber will float in salt water.

The coast line on the way to Sosua.

The hills of the DR.

The pictures do no justice.

Dominican Republic

2009-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

We made the DR. As soon as we were checked in I tried the internet. Not so great but the beer was cold.

The main street in Luperon from the muelle (dock) into town.

The cemetary at La Isabella, Columbus' first sttlement in the new world.

This is the Casa de Almirante Colon. Columbus' house (what is left) in Isabella. It overlooks the bay of course.

This church near Isabella contains original artifacts brought over by Columbus on his second trip in 1493. It is the site of the first mass given in the new world.

The chuch from the road.

I don't know what this bronze signifies but it was brought over by Columbus.

This is a sculpture of the Guardian Virgin of the Mariners. It was carved in Genoa in 1490 and brought over on the second trip. It is actually made of wood.

I believe this is a Madonna also from the second trip.

Traveling in the DR is done by motor bike, guaguas, bus or taxi. Guaguas are a type of inexpensive taxi or bus.

Provo, Turks and Caicos

2009-05-27T12:27:00.001-07:00

Hold up in Sapodilla Bay, Provo. Very OK harbor but can get rolly.

Robert and a new friend watching to make sure he is tying off right.

A hill next to the anchorage which is the highest point on that island has several rock carvings on the top. The carvings date back quite a ways.

Party time at the Shark Bite.

We went with six other boats in on a van to get around town which is about 5-6 miles from the anchorage. We stuffed 13 people into it.

Tierra, Tierra

2009-05-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

From Rum Cay we sailed to San Salvadore, the famous "Tierra, Tierra" from one of Columbus' crewmen who first saw land and was paid a bonus for doing so. In fact the picture in the Rum Cay post just before this post is actually a picture of the coast line of San Salvadore. I mistakenly posted it in the Rum Cay section. So that is what Columbus saw after his first trek across the Atlantic.

The church of San Salvadore.

The Columbus and Lucyan Indian Museum. Unfortunantly it was closed when we were there and had been closed for some time with no hint of when , if ever, it will be open again.

This is the Bahamain flag up on the spreader while under sail om Moondance.

It was nostalgic to be in San Salvadore but qiute dissapointing at the same time. A very laid back place as well as beautiful but I wish we could have seen more about the history of the island. We left after a day and a half. Columbus only stayed a couple of days also. On to Provo.

Rum Cay

2009-05-27T11:41:00.001-07:00

Here we are in Rum Cay, the second island that Columbus stopped at on his way to Cuba and Hispaniola (DR / Haiti).

Flowers everywhere.

The Sand Bar (actually the only bar).

Rum Cay from the sea.

Another beautiful day ends.

Dominican Republic

2009-05-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Carolyn and I have safely arrived in the DR. We will update the blog ASAP. We are having difficulty in finding fast enough internet service but never fear, we shall adapt and succeed.

Conception Island

2009-05-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

We made it to Conception Island and will share a few pictures. It was quite beautiful.

A really small crab on the beach.

Carolyn took this picture through a glass bottom bucket. She was in the dinghy and I was diving the reef.

Diving the reef.

Beach.

Inland terrain.

Carolyn climbing to the top of a bluff. The veiw was great.

Veiw from bluff.

Laundry day on Moondance.

Everyone up the creek and paddles. This was an estuary for young turtles and fish. We tried to take pictures of the turtles but they were way to fast.

A few more pictures

2009-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures during our stay in George Town. We managed to get them on the blog before we left.

Family Regatta Fair

The straw market.

High school band.

Police band.

Complete with horns.

George Town, Bahamas

2009-05-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

As of now, we are still in George Town, Great Exuma. The weather is finally shifting so we can move on. We plan to venture out to the far Bahamas, known as the "Out Islands". These are the first "land" islands that Columbus saw in 1492. They are not visited as much as the other islands (cays) so internet connection, if possible at all, will be less likely. It may be awhile before we can update the blog.

This is J&K computer shop. It is the best internet connection that we've found in town. In fact, this "building" is the best connection that we've found so far in the Bahamas. Now you can appreciate it when we say that communication with the outside world is difficult at best.

This is what a reef looks like, the dark ominous area in the water. Hitting one will ruin your day for sure and this is why most of the time you sail during the day in good light. Carolyn calls them "BLACK HOLES".

This is a beautiful little jelly fish. We have no idea what kind but it was in the water near the dinghy dock in George Town.

You have to look closely to see a couple of kids in the water and to the right a dolphin. There were 3 dolphins that played with the children for about an hour then left.

We had a good time here in George Town but it is time to move on.

George Town

2009-04-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

We are in George Town now and made it in time for the Family Regatta. There are close to 400 cruisers in Elizabeth harbor and lots to do.

The bridge to enter Victoria Lake and the dinghy docks.

The ever-important mail boats.

Islanders enjoying the races.

The festival that goes with the races. There are about 30 stands selling food and drinks.

One of the local race boats after a race.

Another larger class race boat.

One of the locals threw a line to this boat and missed so he jumped in and swam the line over.

One of the races.

One of the stands making conch salad.

This is a sunset from our cockpit.

Black Point

2009-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of Black Point. We found this to be the most honest and laid back island of all, a real jewel, and the best coconut bread we've found so far was at Lorraines.

Willy Rolles house (Garden of Eden). For a donation he gives you a tour and shows you the native trees and plants.

The ever important mail boat. Throughout the islands mail boats carry people, produce, products and everything else imaginable to and from the islands. Even the mail. It comes in once a week and is a big affair.

A picture of Moondance in the harbor. On this walk we picked two wild coconuts and cleaned them and later Carolyn made home made coconut cream pie. Yum, Yum.

This is a blow hole where a very large sray of water shoots up. There are many on the islands.

Local kids after school having fun at the dinghy dock.

This is the Exuma Sound side of the island.

Pizza time at DeShamon's.

Cruisers enjoying pizza and cold brewskies.

Staniel Cay

2009-04-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Staniel Cay. The movies "Splash" and "Thunderball" were filmed here.

The group at Club Thunderball enjoying the happy hour specials, $3 rum punches, shots or beer.

The coconut (and regular) bread place.

The pigs on the island come running out to get fed when you land.

A local catch of fish, conch and crab.

They clean alot of conch around here.

This is the smallest and only liquor store and it is in the Yacht Club.

The locals cleaning their catch.

And the sharks did come.

Pizza, movie and happy hour nite at Club Thunderball.

This is the cave used in the James Bond movie "Thunderball".

The entrance to Thunderball cave.
We went snorkling in the cave at low slack tide. It was very nice and we also fed the fish while in it. They prefer peas or corn but we gave them crackers and bits of bread.

Black Point, Great Guana Cay, Bahamas

2009-04-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

We are a little further down island and doing well. We are at Loraine's cafe in Black Point using their computer system. Once again, we apologize if we did not answer your questions and e-mails yet, communication with the outside world is very limited. We are about 50 miles from Georgetown and good internet service, we hope. We should be there sometime next week, weather permitting and hope to update the site with pictures. As for now we have access to cold beer, strong rum punch, and fresh home made coconut bread. This morning, walking along the beach we found wild coconut palms and knocked down two coconuts, husked (peeled) them, cracked them open to drink the water and brought them to the boat to eat. Tonight we meet a number of other cruisers in town for pizza and beer. It's a rough life but we enjoy it.

Exuma Land and Sea Park

2009-04-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

We are in the Exuma Land and Sea Park in Warderick Wells, Exuma. It is very beautiful here. The Bahamian Wildlife game warden's home and base is here as well as a station for the Bahamas Defense Force. We picked up a mooring for $15 a night. The park rules keep you from collecting anything. You can not fish, shell, spear or even take sand. You can not dispose of trash or anything else. There is no water, fuel or food available here. But you can get ice ($5 a bag) and internet ($10 a day).

Park headquarters and office.

Land crab, very tame.

There are many trails you can hike in the park and many mangrove patches.

Mangrove swamp.

This whale died as a result of ingesting too much plastic thrown overboard.

This is the real skeleton, no plaster casts.

Us at Barefoot Beach. (Beautiful women in these islands, hey!)

View of Barefoot Beach.

A type of land hermit crab.

Birds everywhere. These are at the feeders at the office.

Normans cay , Warderick Wells

2009-04-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Below are pictures of Normans Cay. The Exuma sound side of Norman's Cay. A sea slug, private homes on Wax Cay (these were assembled, numbered, disassembled in Viet Nam and shipped to Wax Cay and reassembled), downed drug plane, diving for dollars,
drug lord's abandoned house, dock, McDuff's ($14 hamburgers), airstrip, lone palm island and finally the little welcome committee when we arrived at Exuma Park on Warderick Wells Cay.

Allens Cay cont.

2009-04-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures of Allens Cay.

Getting the dinghy ready.

Graffitti at the ruins.

Sofie and Blake of Windarra getting ready to feed the iguanas.

We made a camp fire and roasted marshmellows here one night.

On top of Allens cay there was this section of stone works left by passing cruisers. We left our own, beside Carolyn.

Allens Cay

2009-04-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Allens Cay is known for the iguanas and their lack of fear. As we dingied up to the beach they came out of the bush in numbers looking for a handout.

They are very curious and quick.

Carolyn and I walking up nto the ruins at the top of the hill on Leaf cay.

EXUMAS

2009-04-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
We are safe in the Exumas. There is no easy form of comunication so we are lucky to get this message out. We will update as soon as we can, probably about two weeks as we may be in Georgetown by then, back to civilization.

Bimini cont.

2009-03-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is the group of cruisers at the marina where we are staying. (The Blue Water Marina) We are all waiting for a weather window and are all going to different places, some going to the states, some to the Abacos, and we are going to the Exumas.

Saw this sign as we were waking into another marina/bar.

Carolyn coming back from a shopping trip.

Checking the prop and condition of the anode etc. It looks like we may get to leave on Sunday. We will probably spend one night on the banks and make Nassau by the end of the next day. If it works out that way, then we will have an update from Nassau.

Bimini cont.

2009-03-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of Bimini.

The goats are turned loose every day to feed around the island and are rounded up before dark. Mother natures "lawn mowers" at work.

An old ship from Belize.

West side of the island is beach front.

OK. Carolyn took the picture and said that I was just a little too cocky and cool. So she wanted another.

Bye bye cool.

This is Rose who sells her homemade pastries out of her home as many Bahamians do.

The supply boat comes in every Thursday. It is best to buy what you need on Friday because by Monday it will be gone. Then you have to wait til the next supply boat to come in again.

Conch and conch shells everywhere.

The local fauna.

S. Riding Rock to Bimini

2009-03-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

We are in Bimini and here are a few pictures. It is quite beatiful and because of weather we will be here for a while.

A cruise ship along the way. (One of many ships we crossed during the night)

South Riding Rock. We anchored here for the night then went on to Bimini.

This is Jim and Denice on Lizard (35 ft. Baba) We crossed the Gulf Stream together.

We are in the entrance to Bimini here.

Customs was very nice.

Carolyn and I on the east side of the island along the beach.

This large starfish is actually 7-8 ft. down by the docks.

A fisherman came by with conch and lobster for sale. We bought a dozen lobster for $60 and split with Jim and Denice.

The chefs are happy.

Bimini, Bahamas

2009-03-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

We are safe and sound and in the Bahamas. Actually we are in Bimini at the Blue Water Marina. It is $30 a night here. We were not going to stay long but the weather is really turning crappy so we may HAVE to be here a few days. Our plan to make Riding Rock and then go across the banks did not work. We did made it to Riding Rock, which is an open anchorage. But because we had a "lumpy" ride across the Gulf Stream and a very rolly, rough night at anchor at Riding Rock, all in all a miserable 36 hrs, we decided not to go on to the North West Passage across the banks. The next day was great. We motor sailed to Bimini and slept in. From here, weather permitting, we will continue on eastward. Pictures of our trip and Bimini will come soon.

Marathon cont.

2009-03-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago we went to check on a friend's boat. While we were there we went to Cast-a -ways restaurant to eat and do a little computer work. They had an aquarium and we got to see a live seahorse. (Sometimes it doesn't take much to amuse the mind).

We did not know ! It is actually piped in.

Carolyn and I went to Sombrero beach at the end of sister creek today to clean the bottom of the dinghy and saw this guy swimming across the creek. A really nice iguana.

We beached the dinghy and took a before and after picture.

Much better. We used wet scrub-brushes dipped in sand and rinsed with salt water.

This will probably be our last entry for a while. We hope to leave for the Bahamas on Sat. and don't really know when we will have access to wifi again but as soon as we do we will update the site.

Marathon cont.

2009-03-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last night was the last day of operation for the Boot Key bridge. There was a ceremony next to the bridge that had bag pipes, conch horns and a few toasts. It was called a dinghy raft-up and we witnessed this from the cockpit of Moondance as we are anchored near the bridge.

Raft-up

The Boot Key bridge in it's new permanent position.

This is a large manatee we saw enjoying a little fresh water dripping off the back of a boat as the owners were rinsing it off.

The manatee on it's back.

The end of another day in paradise.

Marathon cont.

2009-03-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures of Marathon.

When everyone has their anchor lites on it is really something to see. This picture is the best we could do but does not do it any justice.

A beautiful Marathon sunset. "Now where's that drink?"

Boot Key is a very protected habor. The wind is blowing around 25 kts in this picture.

300 + boats

We are anchored just inside the harbor near the bridge. The city is working on the bridge today in order to make it permanently open from now on.

Marathon, Fl.

2009-03-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are still in Marathon. We have been waiting for a weather window for better than a week and might get it this coming weekend. Crossing the Gulf Stream should not be done with any wind from the north because it builds up really nasty seas. Marathon is however a very good place to wait for weather. There are 300 boats/cruisers at any given time here and the city marina runs the mooring field and is a great place for meeting other cruisers etc. It is not too far to supplies and groceries. You can also anchor free of charge in the harbor if you don't want a mooring ball.

On our way to do a little shopping.

Carolyn's camera work !

Marathon harbor.

City marina dinghy dock . The building in the background is the office, tv/meeting, work shop and showers.

We had a conch sandwich here and was really good.

Marathon, Fl.

2009-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

We are in Marathon. It was not a very good trip as we had to be towed in by Felicity. (Thanks Jim and Teri). The raw water impeller came apart and the engine overheated but we are here and well anchored in the mooring field. I've changed the impeller and bought a couple of spares.
Teri had to fly back to Texas and return to work. She will be missed and we look forward to meeting up again later down the line.
We will try to post more pictures before we depart for the Bahamas.

Dinghy dock at the City Marina.

Bahia Honda cont.

2009-02-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

This is a small island/shoal just off the the park. The two dots just under and to the left of the trees on the island is Jim and me. We were trying to catch a lobster or two. No luck but had lots of fun.

Left to right: Robert, Carolyn, Teri and Jim ( Ocean 4).

These iguana were sunning themselves on a pillar on the railroad bridge.

The pelicans are almost tame.

A beautiful sunset from Moondance's cockpit.

Bahia Honda

2009-02-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

The entrance to Bahia Honda State Park is through an open section in the old railway bridge.

Opening in old bridge.

Part of bridge in the park. You can walk on it for a ways.

Bahia Honda anchorage.

Beach

Lagoon and marina, it was way too shallow for Felicity's and Moondance's draft.

Key West to Bahia Honda

2009-02-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

We have a few more pictures of Key West and our sail to Bahia Honda State Park.

We ate breakfast one morning at the Blue Heaven, very good.

The waite staff at the Blue Heaven.

Sunset over the mooring field.

Cruise ships in Key West bight on our way out of Key West.

Sailing to Bahia Honda.

More of Key West

2009-02-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

More of Key West.

Iguanas like sunning themselves.

We ate , drank and listened to the band at the orginal Sloppy Joe's, reportedly one of Hemmingway's hang outs.
Dogs, cats and chickens have the run of the place.

The four of us enjoying the Southernmost Bar and Grill.

They are everywhere you least expect. It is great here in Key West, but it's time to move on.

We will start wacthing weather for our sail to Marathon.

Key West

2009-02-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well we are in Key West as you know and we have a few pictures for everyone.

This is the dinghy dock at the city marina. It's a about a 1 1/2 mile dinghy ride to the docks. That's Jim Selman of Felicity in the background.

This is the southern most point in the US with Cuba 90 miles to the south.

Jim and Teri on their way back to Felicity.

Here I am getting diesel at a gas station, there are chickens all over Key West. No one seems to know why or care. It is very laid back here.

Boat houses are plentiful here. This one was along our dinghy ride to and from the city docks and the city mooring fields.

Ft. Myers to Key West

2009-02-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

Finally got good speed internet to upload a few pictures. Enjoy.

This is the mooring field in Ft. Myers. We are in the middle somewhere !

Caralyn and I were baffled at this thing we saw in the shower room and we finally remembered that it's called a "bathtub", it's been a long time since we've seen one. Showers are the norm.

This is a huge sea turtle that we saw on the way to Key West,it wound not have fit in the trunk of a VW (where the hood of the car should be).

It was very weird and calm most of the trip.

You can see how eerie it was with the fog banks rolling in and the color of the water etc. We should have some pictures of Key West next time.

Key West

2009-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
We made it to Key West. Fl. The internet connection today is not good so pictures will have to follow. The trip over was wierd, lots of thick fog and inky waters, just really weird. Key West is fun, kinda like a grownup's carnival city with really good food. Anyway, we get in touch with pictures as soon as we can.

Sarasota

2009-02-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

A band was playing at O'Leary's where we dinghied to the docks after anchoring in the cove.

The band at O'Leary's.

Having a pitcher of beer. The couple behind us are from Nova Scotia.

Moondance anchored in Sarasota. (In the center between the trees)

Banyon trees.

Sarasota skyline.

Along the way.

2009-02-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Along the way to Sarasota we stopped to spend the night at the American Legion dock in Madeira Beach. It got very windy and rough and the tide fell 3 feet, so we couldn't leave till the next day. So being cruisers we did what cruisers do, we went in and had chicken wings and cold beer.

American Legion Hall and docks (free).

Dolphins visit the boat regularly.

The Skyline bridge on the way to Sarasota. (175 ft. tall)

An actual Coast Guard rescue in Tampa Bay. A single person was hoisted up by sling and the boat continued on toward Tampa. We hailed several times and was there to assist but got no reply. It was over by the time we got really close and they went on their way so we did the same.

The ICW is very shoal here. The lite blue water next to the boat is 6-8 ft. deep, the darker shade of blue/black is 2-3 ft. and the lite tan is sand about 1 ft. deep. This is about 15-20 feet away on either side of us.

Tarpon Springs

2009-02-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

More pictures of Tarpon Springs.

This is a statue of Saint Michael, a very special saint to the Greek Orthodoxs.

The shrine we visited while in Tarpon Springs.

Saint Michael Shrine.

This is the largest Greek Orthodox church in the US.

Greek style "Whole Foods".

2009-01-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures of Tarpon Springs.

Food is important, so Carolyn had the Mousaka (eggplant casarole).

We had greek salads.

I had the charbroiled octopus.

The trolly system.

An actual working sponge boat.

Tarpon Springs

2009-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

The sail from Carrabelle was fantastic. It took 30 hrs. altogether. Here are a few pictures along the way and arriving in Tarpon Springs.

A very smooth and beautiful sail for the Gulf this time of the year.

A gorgeous sun rise after a long night.

The Anclote Key lighthouse coming into Tarpon Springs.

Tarpon Springs.

Going to get diesel fuel in Tarpon Springs.

2009-01-23T13:14:00.000-08:00

A few more pics from Carrabelle. We will blog again when we reach Tarpon Springs.

An actual clock in town.

The bridge in Carrabelle we bicycled acrossed to get to the Pirate's Cove.

Pirate's Cove restaurant.

2009-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

We are in Carrabelle, Fl. It is a small quaint town with not much to do but we found a few interesting sites. Tomorrow we will stage out by Dog Island and head across the Gulf for Tarpon Springs Sunday morning.

Oystering.

Nice shot of more oystering.

Moondance at the Moorings in Carrabelle.

Arrrgh ! We sailors did partake of the brew and slaw dogs. Yep, that's right, hot dogs with cold slaw, not bad at all. We were at Pirate's Cove restaurant.

That's right folks, you've heard of it, now you've seen it.

Apalach

2009-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

Finally got on to site to upload a few more pics. Enjoy.

Sacks of oysters just coming in and being weighed.

Water Street Hotel in background.

Shrimp boat docks.

Panama riding in the dinghy.

(We've been gone way too long.)

Peace !

Apalachicola, Fl.

2009-01-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from Apalach.

Down town.

Water Street Hotel and Marina.

Marina is behind hotel.

Marsh behind slips.

There are dozens of beautiful homes in Apalach.

Apalachicola, Fl.

2009-01-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, we are in Apalachicola, Fl. and are doing OK. We were here a week and have several pictures to upload but unfortunently the site or the speed of our connection prohibits sending them. We post them at the first op. we get. It is very nice here but time to move on. We hope to be in Carrabelle by tomorrow afternoon and will stage from there for our jump across to Tarpon Springs.

2009-01-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

We are now in Apalachicola, Fl. and we took a few pictures along the way. It was a very nice trip down the Gulf County Canal to the ICW and the Apalachicola River. We were going to stay a day or two then head for Clearwater but a very large cold front is coming and our window closed for the crossing. For those who may be wondering, a weather window is a period of relatively calm weather just before or after a front. I perfer a 48 hr. window with winds and waves from the right direction. If it is coming from the general direction that we are traveling to, it needs to be very low winds and seas. The more it swings aft the more we can handle. If it comes from directly behind us we can travel in 20 kt. winds with 8-10 ft. seas but we would try not to go out into anything worst than that. It is possible and has happened, that the forecast misses it a bit and we can get caught in worse conditions. It can still be safe enough but we do not enjoy it.

Entering the Gulf County Canal.

Sandbar at entrance to canal.

ICW

Palm trees among the bald cypress.

A Bald Eagle along the ICW.

2009-01-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures from Port St. Joe.

Carolyn was fascinated that Palm trees were growing next to Pine trees.

Down town Port St. Joe.

Oysters and coral growing on the back of a motor boat. We don't want this happening to Moondance so it's time to move on.