Carriacou and Petite Martinique

 While in Carriacou we had to haul out because there was a continuous leak into the bilge caused by 6 little holes near the engine intake thru-hull. These were old repairs, improperly done before I bought Moondance and were not known of until they eventually failed. Here I am waiting to be hauled.

 Tyrrel Bay Marine is a very small but cool haul out. Not too expensive and friendly.

 Moondance getting her bottom pressure washed.

 In this small yard you have to be sure you have everything you need to complete the expected job because there is no local marine store in Carriacou. Supplies can be ordered and shipped in by ferry but that can take from 2 days to 2 weeks to receive. Here I am putting the last coat of bottom paint after several days of fiber glassing, sanding and painting.

We took an island tour while on Carriacou, this pic is from the only clinic on the island. The clinic is on one of the highest peaks and for a reason. Back in the early days the clinic was placed up here to get the sick out of the confines of the town where they had plenty of fresh breeze and fewer mosquitoes. It also removed the sick from the rest of the population to reduce exposure to certain infectious diseases. Dengue fever caused by a certain mosquito is still common in most of the Windward islands.

 We also glassed in some fins on Tim's dink (water world style'57 Chevy).

 One of the comforts of home, a burger and fries at the near by Slipway Bar and Restaurant.

 While in Carriacou and after Moondance was back in the water we sailed over to Petite Martinique, a small island just east of Carriacou. This is a newly born lamb.

 Here it is feeding. Although it looks like a goat it is a sheep variety common to most all of the islands.

 Happy island.

 Local fishing boats on Petite Martinique.

 While walking the island of Petite Martinique we stopped at a local shop to get something cold to drink. A few locals were there so I bought them a beer and we had one ourselves. After about 10 minutes of visiting with them, they wanted us to try their local strong rum called Jack Iron. Their rum has no labels on it and sold in 1 liter and 1 gallon plastic jugs.

We do fish, especially between islands where we drag a bait behind us. We caught these between Canouan and Bequia. On the left (my right hand) is an Atlantic Little Tunny and the other is a Blackfin Tuna.

Bon Voyage'

 Joe and Kim of Spice Island Kayaking decided that it would be best to get back to England so they closed down their local business and prepared to fly out. So a proper going away party was planned. Here is a group picture of the picnic.

 Joe and Kim, best of luck to you.

 After Joe and Kim left for England we headed north. Our first stop was Molinier Pt., Grenada. There are underwater statues there and it really is something to see. The pics we took do no justice but this is a MUST SEE thing so go to  youtu.be/WhVzwh9OFkY  or if that doesn't work do a search on youtube for underwater statues/ Molinier.

 Local kids enjoying the day and fishing near Molinier Pt.

 We left Molinier Pt. and sailed north to Isle de Ronde. This is a long liner, a local fishing boat that sets very long fishing lines out to catch big tuna, marlin and wahoo etc.

 Approaching Isle de Ronde, this is one of the sisters, which are 3 large outcroppings of volcanic rock. The volcano which is 2-3 miles to the west is an active underwater volcano.

 This is Aqua Sulis. Becca, Amelie and Nick sailed along with us and Sunshine 2 as far as Carriacou then went on to St. Lucia. The rainbow was a nice touch.

 Sunshine 2 at anchor on the west side of Isle de Ronde. The three of us stopped here for the night.

 Carnival in Carriacou. There were a handful of guys dressed up like this and speeches were given, then everyone went home. Simple!

 We (us and Tim and Babs) dinghied to Sandy Island while on Carriacou.

 The north end of this very small islet was built up/ protected with piled up dead coral to prevent erosion.

 

When you need both hands!

Relaxing after a great snorkel.

Fun in the Caribbean

Some of the kids just limin' on Hog island.

 One of the many beautiful local sailing dinghies. Hog is a place where everyone goes to relax, let loose and have fun.

 Joe and Kim and Babs chillin' in the shade.

 This is a place that Carolyn really likes. We have to stop almost every time we pass by so she can get her jerk chicken fix. It is very good. They serve it up by chopping the chicken into pieces with a machete. You really don't know what part of the chicken you're eating but it is chicken (we think)!

 One interesting thing we did was be invited to be part of the audience of a local TV show. This particular broadcast featured Ester and Omega. These gals are friends of ours from the cooking classes we take in True Blue Bay Resort and they asked if we would be there for support. It was alot of fun and we had Fried Mahi Mahi with ginger sauce and breadfruit casserole. 

 Ester and Omega with the TV hostess.

 The audience.

 In Grenada, in fact everywhere in the West Indies, cruisers walk alot or take local buses that run regular routes. Here we saw the local highway department repairing pot holes. Look closely, yes, that is a wheelbarrow a shovel and a broom handle with palm leaves. We thought this was just a one time occasion but we noticed this going on all over the island in many different locations. Obviously this is standard equipment for this type of repair.

 We're walking, and walking, and walking.

Tim and Babs walking, and walking and walking.

Grenada's Independence day

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

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.