On our Way Again!

We left Chaguramas just after 4am on a still and starlight night. After picking our way through anchored yachts and ships, we made our exit from Trinidad via the Mouth of the Dragon narrows just before dawn. On the other side we had little wind for an hour or so so motored on under autopilot while we had breakfast and watched the sunrise. Later, the wind rose to a comfortable 15 knots on the beam and we kept this all the way to Grenada with just a few slight increases in strength. This was probably one our best ever sails with a consistent 8+ knots speed with almost 9 for a short while. Our only problem was that we hooked a fish which was able to break the hook from the lure so we never saw it! Must have been big and maybe something we wouldn't have been able to bring aboard.

We've been in Grenada 2 weeks now and met some old friends and seen something of the island. A full day round the island tour with our friends Nell and Phil from Moondancer was really great as we really got to see almost everything. A swim at the Concord Falls was a highlight and it was also great to visit a nutmeg processing station. Work there is still all by hand in 19th century style although the volume processed is only 10% of pre hurricane Ivan levels as so many nutmeg trees were destroyed. One interesting fact is that if you leave the nutmeg in its shell it will keep for 10 years. So, the ones they gave us will probably still be in use when we eventually return to the UK!

The island is very beautiful and a vibrant green and it's hard to see the devastation caused by Ivan except in the number of new roofs. Islanders are friendly and helpful and not at all persistent in their attempts to sell you something. A change from some of the other islands where 'No thanks' doesn't mean anything other than they need to try harder.

We've also had friends we have previously met up Island aboard for lunch and also for dinner. Needless to say, our wine and beer stocks are going down! These have all been good fun and great to catch up with their adventures. That is, apart from the washing up!

Our plan now is to head to Bonaire, off the north coast of South America and we have been busy buying the right charts plus ordering in from the States the right chip for this area to go in the chart plotter. This has now arrived so I guess we just need to get the weather right before we leave sometime in the next few days.