Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tuesday April  29

Travel Day

The Gear
(we left some behind with the good chance of a return visit)

Eric - Jim - Cecilia
Pit stop at Black Dog for a pre-airport refreshment and lunch

 St Lucia -> Atlanta     (Overnight Layover)

Atlanta -> Toronto

Toronto -> Halifax

Monday April 28, 2014

 Monday April 28

With our crew a bit lighter, Eric Jim and I left Rodney Bay sailing past Pigeon Island towards Martinique. With no intentions on completing our bearing to this far off Island, we turned around  and brought the boat back to its base for the last time.  

Donnie at the big wheel

Jim at the other big wheel

Later, Doretta and Marie joined us for dinner at Cap Maison.  My favourite place to dine on St Lucia.  Without thinking possible, the cliff-side dinner and service surpassed my memory of my last visit.  

http://capmaison.com

Time to pack

Sunday April 27, 2014

Sunday April 27

We left Rodney Bay on a short day trip over to Pigeon Island for a picnic lunch.  We choose to drop an anchor but it would not set.  We tried again and again and again.  Finally the anchor caught but unfortunately it was wrapped around a heavy massed, unidentified blob.  Betsy went in to investigate.

The Blob

The Rescue Crew

We called the Moorings base who deployed a rescue crew.  It was determined to be a big piece of coral.  Utilizing the windlass and the halyards we were able to release the coral back to the bottom of the bay.

Coral - with 'No Regrets'

********

With the excitement over.  We headed back to the base to prepare ourselves for Marie's big concert with her students at the Cathedral in Castries.    

With support by the week-long instruction with the Venezuelan instructors, this concert was amazing. Classical with a Lucian beat.  

Well done Marie!!

Saturday April 26, 2014

Saturday April 26

Back to Base Camp (Rodney Bay) we cleaned up, dressed up 

and were off to a chariety recital at the residence of the former Director of Music at Marie's school.

Music For A Cause

A very civilized affair

Beautiful home and grounds

jim and Margaret

A frog enjoying its home

Friday April 25, 2014

Friday April 25

We set sail for Marigot Bay, South of Castries. 

After securing a mooring ball we jumped in the dinghy, then a cab destined for the local rum distillery. 

St Lucia Distillers

Doolittle's Bar

We all agreed that today is the hottest day yet.  

With our distillery purchases safely on board we dinghied off to Doolittle's Bar for some cold refreshments that only a blender can achieve.

From there we went back to the Rainforest Hideaway before dinner on boat.

Marigot Bat Sunset

Rainforest Hideaway

Ken & Eric
(Eric's hands look like they could be knitting mitts)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Thursday April 24

Back into Rodney Bay to prepare for a cocktail reception on The Unicorn, a square rigged ship used (in part) in the making of the "Pirates of the Caribbean".

The Unicorn

Pirate Betsy. Aye Aye!!

Venezuelan Instructors with Marie

Marie arrived with the youth instructors from Venezuela.  The students are here conducting a week long music camp with Marie's students.  They will be presenting a formal concert in the Castries Cathedral on Sunday night.
 

Donnie - Doretta - Ken

Wednesday April 23, 2014

Wednesday April 23

We did a top up on our provisions and slipped the lines.  We decided to go to Pigeon Island.  The same island as Saturday night.