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.

Tuesday April 22, 2014

Tuesday April 22

Betsy - Ken

Heading north, destined for the Moorings base in Rodney Bay, we stopped at resort and ordered some take-out sandwiches.  And While we waited a cold drink was in order.  Yummy drinks, yummy sandwiches.

We had a beautiful 4 hour sail where we peeked at 8.9 knots, arriving at the marina at 4:30.  

Followings showers we dressed up for a cocktail reception at the Windjammer Resort.
Drinks, dinner and a limbo floor show.  Back to the boat.

The Windjammer & Charlie's Band

Charlie is a fiddler player.  He and his bandmates perform at the Windjammer Resort for the evenings poolside Manager' s reception, Lucian style. 

Monday April 21, 2014

Monday April 21

South to the Pitons.

The Pitons

With winds gusting at 30 knots we picked a mooring before deciding to head to the more sheltered south side of the mountain off of Soufriere.  After dinner on the boat we sat in the cockpit listening to Bruce Springsteen, 'Live in Dublin' and because there was some distance between us and other boats the volume crept up a bit.  

Soulfriere 

Sunday April 20, 2014

Sunday April 20

Following breakfast "a la Eric", we hauled anchor and crossed the bay back to the marina to pick up Doretta who was going to spend the day sailing with us. Destination  - Marigot Bay

Donnie
You only have to wear foul-weather gear once to justify packing it

Unfortunately, we ran into a bit of a rain storm and got a little damp.  The sun was back in no time. 

No Regrets - Marigot Bay

Betsy - Donnie - Ken - Jim

Jim shuttled Ken, Betsy and I ashore to check out the shops.
Being Easter Sunday, most of which were closed.

Doretta & Eric

Marigot Bay

Rainforest Hideaway

With a 7:00PM dinner reservation we dinghied to the Rainforest Hideaway restaurant.
After a great dinner with even better service, 

Eric, Ken, Jim, and I stayed back for a couple of (Eldorado) rum drinks with John, the owner.

Saturday April 19, 2014

Saturday April 19

Following boat orientation and showers we were off to the local supermarket for provisioning.  At 4:00 we finally slipped the lines and headed for nearby Pigeon Island.   With the mooring balls taken, we set anchor overlooking a 'Sandals Resort' and 'The Landings', the same resort we dined the night before.  

Ken & Betsy - Fort Rodney, Pigeon Island 

Eric rigged and raised the Canadian and US flags on "No Regrets" while Ken, Betsy, and Jim snorkeled the surrounding waters.  While cockails and snacks were enjoyed, dinner was planned. Striploin and Tofu on the BBQ with a side of Potato, Zuchini, and Onion.  The tofu was for me.

Unlike the Bahamas last year and Tortola 6 weeks ago, I was missing the 'wow' factor mainly because, I feel,  I have become familiar to island lifestyle.  This is not a negative feeling by any means. The 'wow' was replaced with a warm welcome comfort of belonging.  I suppose this is the same feeling some people have after being in Cape Breton a couple of times. 

Friday April 18, 2014

Friday April 18

At 5:05AM Butch is at the front door of the Holiday to take me to the airport. He is on the same flight,  AC607 Halifax -> Toronto. His itinary would have him home in Charlotte, NC by noon.  

In Toronto, Flight AC689 started boarding at 9:15AM, direct flight to UVF, St Lucia.  

Upon landing at UVF, it didn't take long to recognize the heat and humidity.  Eric, his brother Jim who had sailed with us on week 1 in the Bahamas last year and our driver Cecila were waiting for me to clear customs at 3:30. 

We arrived at the 'Mooring' base in Rodney Bay after a beautiful 1.5 hour drive from the most Southern end of the island to the most Northern and boarded 'No Regrets", a 43.3 Beneteau monohull. Our other 2 crew members, Ken & Betsy Cooper, who had come to the island from Seattle two days earlier soon joined us. Beds were assigned and we were off to the "Landings Resort" for cocktails and dinner. 

At the Landings, Doretta, Margaret, and Marie all whom I had met in February were awaiting  our arrival.  After a beautiful evening of drinks, dining while listening to a sax player, we repaired back to the boat for night caps. 

Thursday April 17, 2014

Thursday April 17

ST LUCIA - 2014

SAILING

My flight leaving for St Lucia leaves Halifax on (Good) Friday at 6:44 AM.  Thursday, I left home at 1:00 on route to Halifax. After checking into the  Holiday Inn (Airport) Hotel, I crossed the parking lot and walked into the Hilton destined for a bite to eat and a cold drink. "How was the sailing trip?", this gentleman asked as I approached the bar.  Sitting at the bar on the same stool as on Feb 02 was the same gentleman I shared a few drinks with on my way to the BVI's. Butch works for an energy company based out of North Carolina and is overseeing work in Port Hawkesbury. His travels have made him a frequent flyer and a regular at the hotel.  We repeated the course of our original meeting. 

Wednesday March 05, 2014

Monday March 05

Travel Day

12:00PM -12:45PM Beef Island, Tortola -> San Juan, Puerto Rico

3:35PM - 6:37PM Flight 772, US Airways -  San Juan, Puerto Rico -> Philadelphia

8:37PM -11:42PM Flight 3383, US Airways - Philadelphia ->Halifax

Down to Ginny's for one last Fried Egg and Avocado Sandwich.  

10:00 Airport Taxi

Beef Island, Tortola

Check In, Departure Tax, Security - Check

Boarding time, on time. Wow, this plane is small. 

Cape Air Flight 4501

Low flying, clear beautiful day.

'Best inflight movie ever' as we flew over the islands we have become to know only by water.  What a great way to leave this island paradise.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Emigration, Customs - check

Flight Check In, Security - check

Man there is a lot of kids and babies (crying) on this flight.  Although, noise cancelling headphones can reduce the drone of airplane engines by almost 100%, a baby's cry can penetrate them. Haven't their parents heard of baby Gravol or Tylenol. I am sure anyone of us would pay extra to have either included with their boarding passes.  I don't mean to sound cruel but, these are probably the same parents that will pump drugs in their kids for any inflection.  Volume up and Gin & Tonic please (it has become my flying drink of choice). Regardless of the disrespecting parents it was a great flight with US-Airways to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, USA 

While at the airport I entered the USAirways lounge for a bite to eat, a glass of wine and to use their complimentary wifi.  

Long sleeve shirt on - Check.

Gate 10 is conveniently just down the corridor from the lounge. Flight 3382 left on time for Halifax with me aboard and more crying babies.  Headphones on, G&T please. 

Captain just spoke, 12 minutes til we land in Halifax, -16C.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Landed on time.

Customs - All other passengers cued up for customs screening.  I walked up to the Nexus kiosk, hit a couple of buttons and I was cleared.  

Socks and Crocs on - Check

Airport shuttle to hotel

Tuesday March 04, 2014

Tuesday March 04

Packing for flying can sometime be a challenge.

We sat on our balconies drinking coffees and Baileys. There is something about coffee on the boat vs land-made coffee, with or without the Baileys.

Before going out on this last charter we had made arrangements to challenge the Catamaran Operaters Exam.  Our appointment was set for 4:00 in the Off Shore Sailing School classroom.

We walked into town and bought a few items we had perselected before our last departure.  By the time we returned it was time to consider what we are taking and what we are leaving behind and who the benefactors would be (groceries, wine, liquor).

Off to school:
15 questions answered and we have our Catameran Endorsment certificates.

Catamaran Operator - Donnie

We made a few deliveries, had dinner and were back on our stoops watching, reflecting, and planning.  Regardless on returning or not to Tortola next year, we will be in St Lucia in April of this one doing much the same thing. But before then, there are other climates to conquer (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Seattle, and possibly Alaska).

Since February 03, I haven't worn anything but shorts, T-shirts and flip flops.  I have pants laid out for tomorrows journey home.

Why is the moon upside here?

Poor picture but look at the moon

Tomorrow, 14 hours within the airport community.

Monday March 03, 2014

Monday March 03

We left our mooring at 9:00AM and were entering the harbour leading into the Road Town Marina an hour later.  "Moorings Base, Moorings Base, Moorings Base this is sailing vessel Ansotica requesting docking assistance".  Ansotica, put your fenders on the port side and the dinghy on the bow starboard side.  Eric did what we were told as I was at the helm. Boaters are leaving the harbour on day one of their charter and although I have had some amazing boating over the last few weeks, part of me wishes to be any one of them.  I guess, I am not ready to be a land dweller.  When we entered the marina a dingy pulled up and a Moorings driver jumped on board and backed Ansotica into its slip like he had done it 1000 times before. It is amazing watching these guys maneuver large boats, strategically placing them within inches of each other.

We discarded the reefer contents and packed the remaining dry goods and liquids. Some we may consume ashore but the majority we will give to some of the staff we had become well acquainted with while on land here at the marina (Louis, Arthur, Neil, Amanda). We were a bit over provisioned, still with some quality goods.

A porter came and took all our belongings to our hotel rooms.  We were exhausted and looking forward to showers and beds that didn't move.

After naps and a few email updates we sat on our side by side balconies watching boats and people come and go as we sipped red wines while snacking on crackers, cheese, hummus, and dark chocolate.

People watching:
As our balconies overlook docks 'A' and 'B' one cannot help but watch people come and go to and from their chartered boats.  For example, a couple just passed by: He pulling 2 large wheeled suitcases and carrying a big knapsack while she carries her purse.  She later walks by, still carrying her purse.  Later a 'Moorings' person is on their boat doing the usual pre-departure briefing.  He is taking in as much information as possible while she hardly pays any attention.  I am sure, in her mind, she is saying, does he expect me to pee in that and where do I plug in the hair dryer?  As they leave the dock she is not on the bow or the stern watching for clearance, she is sitting in the cockpit with a diet coke. Ok, perhaps I added the diet coke part but it sets the scene.  Thank god she was not on our boat.

Another couple go by. He pulling a large cart full of luggage, groceries, and gear, she carrying the exceess of 2 bags. They are laughing and enjoying the excitement of getting on a sailboat for a week in the Caribbean.  They would be welcome on our boat.

Nutmeg:
We went to Charlie's for a couple of cocktails.  "2 Piña Coladas please".  Rum, coconut, pineapple juice, topped with nutmeg.  Not just a garnish, nutmeg plays an integral role in the flavor of tropical cocktails. It was front and center atop of the many Painkillers and Rum Punches we enjoyed.  As I prepare to leave these islands, I will take with me my new appreciation for nutmeg. 

Sunday March 02

Sunday March 02

Mark's alarm sounded first, then Marcy's, followed by mine at 6:AM. At 6:15, the four of us piled in the dinghy for the last time. Eric and I walked them to the Beef Island Airport, A 5 minute walk from the 'yellow' dock at Trellis Bay.  Needless to say, a nap followed.  

Beef Island Airport
"Have a safe flight"

Renewed again, Eric suggested we sail towards Anagada with the plan that if the sailing is slow we would simply tack back to either Peter Island or Road Town.  We cleared the Scrub Island bluff at 11:30 and started our return tack at 1:30. At 4:30 we picked a mooring in Great Harbour (Peter Island). This is the same island we stayed the night before returning the catamaran.  It is directly across from the Road Town 'Moorings' Marina.  We have to be off the boat, with all our stuff, by noon tomorrow.  Although the winds were very light today, it was a very relaxed day on the boat.  

Our mooring for the last night

Lines after a day of sailing

Sunset looking across to Tortolo

Dinner on the boat.

Saturday March 01, 2014

Saturday March 01

We dinghied into the beach for breakfast and a walk along this beach lined street of shops and bars in search of  breakfast.

The morning after, a bit slow.

Christine's
The breakfast choice

Even Mark needed a lie down

What are you looking at, can't you see I am working? Tourists...

As we are pull away from the dinghy dock Marcy noticed a pelican sitting on the bow of an anchored boat, patiently waiting for its prey.

At 11:30 we are past the mooring field on 085M, destination Trellis Bay.  Because the course was upwind and lacking the energy to repeatedly tack, we decided to motor. Traveling at 5 knots would give us an ETA of 2:30. I went below for a quick nap.

We picked a mooring ball near the jetty closest to the airport.

Dinner at the Last Resort Restaruant.