Sailing Apuej Bien Blog

2014-04-21T20:49:00.000-04:00

Sailing 2014 Daisy Mae Jerome and Smitty

2014-04-08T22:16:00.000-04:00

Thought about how intrigued I am when I read a story and don't know what happened afterward. As you all know, we lost our sailboat in the Archipelago of Los Roques Venezuela, but that didn't stop Jerome from sailing and following up with our plans. On January 2014, Jerome joined Smitty in Trinidad and Tobago in order to sail sailing vessel Daisy Mae II to Puerto Rico. They sailed for one month where they met with long time friends Jay and Tom.

Life is Good

2012-03-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to say that I broke 100, shot 98 yesterday at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Daisy Mae II is getting ready to sail as we speak.

Teenager Completes Circumnavigation

2012-01-24T12:44:00.000-04:00

http://www.lauradekker.nl/Gastenboek.html

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T01:32:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year to All

It's been a while since we communicate in this blog. I must say, we are doing fine, since we came back from our sailing trip. Letting go has been quite an experience, frankly, looking at how things are faring in our country and around the world you should not fret about losing your sailboat. I'm glad we have somewhere to turn to. Good news is during our visit to Orlando for my birthday I we went out golfing and I still can hit the ball. My son has been recuperating from his accident and overall everyone is healthy and well. I miss adventure but we are planning some adventures at home and abroad already. It was so nice to visit family and friends on our way back to to Tampa; we did make a stop in Puerto Rico and I was able to see my son and mother, and of course re-unite with our partner Smitty.

Many blessings to all, may the new year bring peace, love and may this world co-exist with each other in a humane way.

We Lost our Yacht

2011-11-29T20:22:00.000-04:00

We lost our sailing yacht, but we didn't lose our life, our hope, our principles, our love or our faith. We are quite a match of tempered people. You better be if you are embarking on this navigation undertaking. We have been dealing with some cumbersome and sad acquiescence.
We just finished the list that the Insurance Company requires as part of our claim. As you can imagine, it brought many tears and sadness from my part. Surprisingly, I'm not so much concerned for the monetary loss as I am for the intangible value of the time, love, and effort we put into the search, acquisition and preparation of this sailboat throughout the years as we foraged for deals without compromising on quality of products obtained; the memories and precious times we spent aboard this sailboat. The dream, carefully crafted for many years, that took so many other years to accomplish; with hard work, determination and careful strategic.

We are not yet ready to share the details of this drama, nor the pictures we were fortunate enough to save from this ordeal. We would like to share them though, soon, for the benefit of the sailing community, as a learning experience and as a forum to share information about it. One thing I loved about the sailing community is their ability to organize from port to port; from bay to bay; help each other and mingle among different cultures and countries beyond language barriers. As I used to say, this is what the world should be like, right?

La Tortuga and Los Roques Venezuela

2011-11-27T21:23:00.000-04:00

Pristine Waters of Los Roques

Apuesj Bien

A Lot to be Thankful For

2011-11-24T11:25:00.001-04:00

It is a tradition to say thanks today in this part of the world. There is a lot that we need to be thankful for. We have had the privilege of having had a sailboat and of all the beautiful experiences we have had aboard Apuej Bien. Most of our passages this year were pleasant albeit challenging. Most of our journey through Venezuela was pleasurable; we met beautiful people who were surprised that we were Americans traveling in their country given the political dialogue of the day, but who never directed anti-american sentiment or negative comments.
We tasted some very delicious food and still have so many stories to share.

Los Roques is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen, and the memory of its majestic beaches will be stamped forever in our memory. The fine people that we met have also imprinted in us hope and the knowledge that good people can be found everywhere. These gentlemen in Los Roques were, El Almirante Franco, Chef "fish"Javier, Comandante Ruiz and Teniente Dorantes. Our family at the Embassy; they know who they are, confirmed that we are indeed a family. And then of course, our family especially my brother Ulises who followed us and cheered us up with the daily jokes and tracked our progress via SPOT.

Camille and Jerome

Press Release Venezuelan Intervention with Apuejbien

2011-11-20T16:15:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, November 13, 2011, Tampa residents, Camille and Jerome Harris, along with their grandson, Terence Harris, were navigating their sailing vessel west along the north coast of Los Roques, Venezuela, approximately 2 miles north of “Los Canquises”, in route to Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. They had checked out of VZ Customs and Immigration at Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, two days earlier in order to continue their passage to Bonaire. At approximately 2:30 PM they were hailed by Venezuelan Coast Guard Patrol vessel, Fumarel, captained by Armando Soriano Martinez in what appeared to be a routine check.
Upon request the Harris’ provided Venezuelan Captain with the name of their vessel, Apuej Bien as well as additional information. Notwithstanding, the Venezuelan Coast Guard Captain Armando Soriano Martinez, demanded that they return to El Grand Roque Island, 15 miles east of the location they had been hailed, under VZ Coast Guard escort.

The series of events that followed resulted in their sailing vessel running aground; with this family's life and safety being placed in critical danger as they had to abandon their vessel. After running aground the vessel listed on a 45 degree angle and was being violently rocked by breaking waves and current. The escorting VZ Patrol Boat, which was directing the sailing vessel course of travel prior to this incident, did absolutely nothing to assist the floundering vessel and/or its crew safe rescue. The Harris’ had less than three minutes to grab flashlights, additional PFD’s and their SAT Phone prior to jumping into the dinghy, at the time when the sun was about to set and it was getting dark. They were rescued one hour later, or should we say they assisted in their own rescue, after the escorting Coast Guard Patrol vessel had to call upon a locally based Coast Guard Unit for assistance. Since the local Coast Guard Unit could not reach their location on the nearby beach in the night, the Harris family had to re-launch their dinghy and travel to the rescue vessel across the reef and rocks. S/Y Apuej Bien remains aground and has since been burglarized and vandalized as the Venezuelan Coast Guard failed to secure this vessel which was under their charge at the time of this event.

Jerome M Harris

Captain/owner

SY Apuej BIEN

Accident in Los Roques

2011-11-18T11:06:00.001-04:00

Just when we had departed to Bonaire, Sunday November 12, 2011 at approximately 1430, we were hailed by a Venezuelan Coast Gurard patrol boat named Fumarel whose captain asked to identify our vessel. We were navigating west along the north coast of los Roques, approximately two miles north of "Los Canquises".

We never know why things happen, and many of us like to think that everything happens for a reason. The series of events that followed resulted in our vessel running aground; me and my family's life were placed in critical danger as we had to abandon the vessel which was stuck in the reef. Moving up and down in a 45 degree angle, Terence jumped down below deck to grab whatever he had a chance to salvage, and we maneuvered to jump into the dinghy at the time when the sun was about to set and it was getting dark. We were rescued one hour later, or should I say we assisted in our own rescue, since the Coast Guard could not reach our location on the beach, hence we had to relaunch our dinghy a travel to their location across the reef and rocks.

I'm writing this as I prepare to board our flight out of Caracas. When we get safe home, we will be publishing the detail story of this disaster, provoked by the ill judgement of a government official who decided to exercise abuse of power and hatred towards an american flag and Americans. You will also learn about the incredible gentlemen who helped us after the accident.

2011-11-09T14:11:00.001-04:00

Just as planned, we left in the morning. I took a nap around seven or eight; I don’t remember exactly because I was both nervous and excited. Jerome must have sensed me because he took the initiative to tidy up the boat inside; the galley, the bathrooms, everything organized for our departure. Jerome even prepared some sandwiches for the road. My nap lasted like an hour or so, around twelve at midnight I prepared plenty of coffee and poured it in a thermos. Didn’t put cinnamon.

I put on my night navigation gear which consists of leggings and a long sleeve cotton and spandex bottom. We all put on our equipment; life jackets, holsters, harnesses, flashlights and all. Once underway, Jerome and Terence installed the whisker pole on the jib, which is a wonderful pole that maintains the jib in place when there is not a lot of breeze.

When we took out the moon was full; magnificent. Truthfully; it illuminated the whole surface of the water which was calm and in spite of it being dark, I could feel the warmth of the water which had received the heat of the blazing sun the day before. And we left like this, the breeze was like eight or nine knots, the seas super calm, what can I say, fabulous. In this manner, we left motoring with the sails the trajectory.

Eventually, after the sun came out, after the skies had turned violet with a tone of reddish yellow diffused alongside the clouds: voila, the sun came out. After the sunrise, little by little the breeze became less intensive at the time that Jerome decided to cut the motor thinking we were not advancing much anyways. Right then was when we heard the noise which definitely sounded like something had just f----d up down below. And just like we thought, when Jerome and Terence went down below they saw that the propeller shaft had come out again. Promptly, Jerome indicated we had to return to Puerto La Cruz and that we did by turning ninety degrees: a turn that left us quite frustrated and deceived.

We had covered one third of the route to La Tortuga; accurate fact since Terence is performing the charting of our passages. Then after a while, Jerome said that with the lack of wind, we could not make it back to Puerto LaCruz before sunset, those leaving us exposed to the many freighters and oil tankers in the area. He said we were going to heave two; that’s when the boat “stops” by backing the head sail into the wind. It causes the boat to canter in one position. He had decided to dive under the boat and push the propeller shaft back inside so he could attempt to reconnect it to the motor coupling. Terence was going down below to remove the wooden plug and assist him in reinserting the shaft.

So to make a long story less long, they were able to put the goddamn thing back together in some way and we were able to start the freakin’ motor. We came back to Marina Bahia Redonda in Venezuela where the staff has treated us like family. They placed us in a slip, called the mechanic, Juan, who had performed the work on our propeller, and graciously accommodated ApueJ Bien back. Once there, Jerome cleaned the hull and the outside of the boat; I cleaned inside; the bathrooms, the saloon, the galley, everything sparkling clean. After that Jerome fixed some “cuba libres”, and while I started writing this we were cooking some chicken with a seasoning I brought from Grenada; steamed vegetables, and I re-heated lentils I had cooked the day before. Hey and by the way, we had been sailing from two in the morning till three in the afternoon. Today, we are repeating the operation again at two a.m. Same route. Apuesbien.

Maria, muy amable y atenta

Juan the mechanic

Preparing to leave Pto La Cruz on our way to La Tortuga and Los Roques

2011-11-07T20:06:00.000-04:00

We are leaving tomorrow at 2:00 a.m. towards La Tortuga island about 56 miles from Puerto La Cruz, our plan is to leave the following day La Tortuga to Los Roques, we may be able to find internet connection there. We will be heading 308 magnetic compass north toward Tortuga. Tortuga (Pta. Delgada) coordinates are 10 55'0"N 65'09"W. Los Roques coordinates: 11 54'16"N 66 35'11"W. For our photo fans here are some photos of our stay in Puerto La Cruz:

Neighborhood Channel Puerto La Cruz

Jerome grooming to pick me up at the airport

El Chinchorro de la Esquina

Marina Bahia Redonda

Bahia Redonda

Adjacent area to Marina Bahia Redonda

Passage from Grenada Los Testigos Margarita

2011-11-04T20:18:00.001-04:00

Los Testigos, VZ sits at Lat 11°23'N// 63°06'W, and is small group of low lying pristine and unspoiled islands with crystal clear aqua water and white powdered sandy beaches.. They are sparsely populated primarily by local fisherman, and actually have a small Venezuelan Coast Guard forward operating base. In the past it was routinely visited by cruisers as they headed south from the Eastern Caribbean to the safe havens of Margarita Island & Puerto La Cruz during hurricane season. However, with recent pirating episodes and a growing security & crime threat, eastern Venezuela is being avoided by many cruisers today.

For reasons unknown Los Testigos has proven to be a challenge during each of our two visits. For instant, on my first visit to Los Testigos with Smitty as crew in July 2009, my engine overheated, but more important was the fact that I accidentally & unknowingly set off my SPOT beacon's 911 signal, which resulted in Camille, who was in Puerto Rico at the time, sending the Venezuelan Coast Guard to our boat in the dead of night. Notwithstanding, I later replaced my water pump impeller and we were on our way the following day, but the delay gave us a great opportunity to snorkel and explore the island.

Local Fisherman's home in Los Testigos, VZ

Los Testigos-note the ocean on both sides of the beach

On our recent passage from Grenada to Los Testigos, it tested all of our seaman skills as we encountered several storms. There is nothing more challenging than sailing in a storm at night. I have to digress, so the story has a perspective. My insurance company requires a survey of our vessel every 3 years, and I had one performed in February, which identified repair items to include the replacement and repair of my propeller cutlass bearing & the replacement of my upper and lower rudder bearing. These repairs were performed in Trinidad prior to our launch, but required that the mechanic remove and replace our propeller shaft and rudder to install new parts.

Everything seemed to have been operating fine as we tested SPECTRE & Apuej Bien on our shakedown cruise from Trinidad to Grenada. SPECTRE had not sailed for over three years & Apuej Bien had been on "the hard" for two years but no major problems were identified. The cruise from Grenada involved a night passage to insure our arrival in Los Testigos at first light, so as to avoid a late afternoon of night arrival, which could prove dangerous with the island's reefs, high winds and strong currents in the passages surrounding Los Tesigos. After a grueling 16 hour passage, during which Terence was truly tested and performed outstanding, we arrived in Los Testigos, and began approaching the anchorage. As we dropped our sails in what had to be 25 knot winds, I heard a thump but my motor continued to rev yet Apuej Bien was not getting any of the engine's power and began to drift towards the rocks which sat off the stern of my vessel. Additionally, I could not turn my rudder to maneuver, as I drifted in 70 feet of water with strong winds and current.

I'd lost my engine at the most inopportune times in the past, but that's the beauty of a sailboat, you really don't need an engine to maneuver, you can do it all under sail. But to not have steerage, now that's another matter, and it gives you a real "PUCKER FACTOR". After about 30-40 seconds, which seemed like an eternity, my steering became available, and with Terence resetting our head sail, we were able to maneuver. No problem, right?

I wish, but the problem wasn't over, because I had no idea why Apuej Bien lost power. When I went below to check the engine compartment, I was aghast to see that my propeller shaft was gone, and where the shaft should have been sea water was rushing in, ..."PUCKER FACTOR #2".

Training is an amazing thing, because that is exactly what kicks in under emergency situations. Anyone who owns a sailboat, knows that the boats comes with a variety of different size wooden plugs, for use if you lose a thru-hull. I have a complete set of wooden plugs on my boat but never thought I'd need them, well guess what, ...they work very well, and my plug was a perfect fit and it stopped the flow of seawater immediately Problem solved, we're not going to sink!

Plugged Propeller Shaft

We were able to sail to an anchorage, but later realized that any repairs would have to be performed at Margarita Island. So the following day we set our sails, and had one of best sails I've ever had. Got to the root of the problem, which frankly was the incompetence of the apprentice mechanic who replaced my cutlass bearing unsupervised in Trinidad, and he did not re install the propeller shaft securely, voila...NO PROPELLER!.

Lobster for Terence in Margarita Island

Upon arriving in Magarita Island, I thought Terence deserved a special treat, so we dug into the frig, and pulled out a couple of lobster tails.

Fresh Fish Fiesta Concord Beach Margarita

After a couple of days we made it over to Concord Beach in Margarita to have a sit down meal and discuss possible solutions for my propeller repair. I used my scuba gear to dive under Apuej Bien and we re installed the propeller shaft. Our contacts in Magarita could not recommend a good mechanic, so it was decided we'd continue on to Coche, Cumana and than Puerto La Cruza to effect permanent repairs.

The Story of R&R and my return

2011-11-02T08:47:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday, October 30, I boarded AA Flight 769 on my way to Caracas in order to rejoin my beloved husband and crew of vessels Apuej Bien and Spectre. As requested by my husband I have posted several pictures that will give you an idea of where they have been. Their stories from the passages from Grenada to Los Testigos, and onto Isla Margarita, Coche, Cumana, Mochima National Park, VZ and Puerto La Cruz are abundant and I promise to expand on them sometime soon. We arrived yesterday from Caracas, after a four hour drive by “autobus”. Our pace in Caracas from the airport to the hotel put me back in step with the sailing mode and it's sometime hectic pace.
However, today, I’m sitting at the Captain’s Desk, we are docked at Marina Bahia Redonda located in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela; air conditioning is on and finally I have found my muse.

I took a leave from our boat on October 12^th which left me with little inspiration; dull and devoid of any writing skill. Even though I had mixed feelings about leaving the boat, I really felt exhausted and needed some rest. We had decided for me to spend some days in Puerto Rico which gave me the opportunity to see my mother, my sister and my son. I spent most of the days with my mother and sister and I have to say the time spent together will always be priceless. Did I rest? Definitely from the boat lifestyle but not the way I expected. I had a great time with my family for sure. We had a party at my father’s house for Rafa who turned 23 on October 30^th. Even though I couldn’t see him that much because of his demanding College requirements, we did spend some quality time together.

2009 photo of my mother and I

Most of the time I stayed at my mother’s apartment in Isla Verde; she lives in a condo right in front of the beach. It was hard to convince my mother of my real need to rest as she wanted me to go to the beach and meet all her friends. My mother is seventy four years old and she wakes up every day at five in the morning and goes for a three mile walk along the shore. She doesn’t drive and she fulfills her needs by foot, walking to the nearby grocery store and pharmacy. We took the public transportation system bus four times on our way to Old San Juan and each time we waited 15 minutes each way. It was nice, different. Buses have air conditioning and for seventy five cents each way we traveled to Old San Juan and came back. I estimate my mother walks approximately five miles per day; her cardiologist recently told her she has a heart of an athlete.

During the weekends, my mother meets a group of friends at the beach which I denominated the “socio-cultural phenomenon” of Isla Verde. They meet in front of the beach of Condominio Coral Beach. On Saturdays, she sits down with Maria, her husband and company, my mother brings the umbrella, and they share “los piscolabis” ( Hors D Oeuvres) and everyone brings their beer. Probably they have been meeting here each weekend for the last twenty years or so. Maria and her husband sit closer to the shore near the water where you can feel the roasting effect of the blazing sun. And that, ladies and gents is exactly what I was trying to rest from!

So anyway, this exquisite group of people also meets on Sundays, but on Sundays my mother sits with el Doctor Gonzalez y su esposa Betsie. They pay the guy who handles the chaise lounges and he sets a table and chairs for them, right in front of the recreation area gate of Coral Beach. The same thing happens on Sundays, they drink beer, wine, drinks and everybody chips in with “los piscolabis”, puertorrican style. There, each postulates their philosophy about life, family, popular culture and food. Usually they talk about things going on in their neighborhood, but gossip or “chismear” is prohibited. The group is rather interesting because it combines an interesting heterogeneous and eclectic set of professional backgrounds, nationalities and age groups. Within the group, some are retired, some are still working; some had kids or grandchildren and some never had kids. What they have in common is their ability to receive friendship, to practice camaraderie in a companionable and gracious manner. Among the many things that can be said about my stay in Puerto Rico I must signify that this is one good thing going on in this island.

Smitty and me

Where are the Photos?

2011-10-31T23:43:00.001-04:00

A collection of photos of what has been going on with Apuej Bien... The stories are coming up.

Los Testigos

Apuej Bien in Cumana

Los Testigos

The Propeller is gone

Los Testigos to Margarita without the Propeller

Celebration for arriving safely Margarita Island from Los Testigos

Coche

Cleaning the Dingy Coche

Gary and Smitty at Coche

Dolphins Sail from Coche to Cumana

Captain Fixing breakfast

Concord Beach Margarita

Puerto La Cruz

Caracas, Camille and Jerome

Mochima and Puerto La Cruz

2011-10-26T07:06:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that it has been 28 days since I arrived to Grenada after that awesome 12 hour sail. Yesterday I talked to my lovely husband, Apuej Bien sailed to Mochima National Park where they are anchored at this time. I had talked to him in the morning, looking at some weather sites looking at the wind and all. Yesterday afternoon we were trying to compare what we saw in these maps, the forecasts and their actual sailing experience. There is still some scattered showers and tstorms in the area but they had a nice sail. This morning the plan is to sail to Puerto La Cruz and maybe finally I can meet them. Mochima National Park bay is a beautiful bay, clean and peaceful. There's no internet connection and internet connection has been very limited, I'm sure we'll post some pictures soon.

Coche Island and Cumana

2011-10-19T09:08:00.000-04:00

Apuej Bien got her repairs done; the shaft of the propeller had popped out. Repairs are done and everything looks great, on the way to Coche and then to Cumana where Apuej Bien will be docked in the marina. Cumana Venezuela will be great place to get provisions as everything is quite inexpensive. Including wine which we found two years ago for like three dollars a bottle. We found one bottle upon our arrival in Trinidad and you can see the bottle in the photo we took when we launched the boat in the water September 12th, or so, where we are having a toast. I'm still trying to get organized in terms of what I will be doing the next couple of days. My father arrives on Sunday so definitely will be spending a couple of days with him.

Apuej Bien arrived to Margarita

2011-10-14T21:54:00.002-04:00

Just received communication from my husband.
They ended up sailing to Los Testigos and arrived to Margarita two hours ago. They had engine problems the whisker pole worked great. I can breathe now.

The Sea and Patience

2011-10-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.” “Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

On the way to Margarita

2011-10-13T09:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I arrived to PR; I cried all morning, definitely leaving the boat and my husband is not pleasant. Yet in spite of having such a wonderful time in the boat life in the boat becomes quite tough; we spent more time moored in an open bay than we normally would. I talked to the love of my life yesterday just before they were leaving to Margarita Island, around four. They will be sending a message through the "spot" instrument which indicates their coordinates, so I will be monitoring the course this way. In other matters, my mother is so happy that I came to visit so that makes my happy too. The island close to Margarita that Ulises is talking about is called "los testigos" but they decided to go straight to Margarita instead because of the possibility of danger there with the pirates even though that topic is debatable according to the various blogs that I have read. Anyway, we should be hearing about Apuejbien soon.

Still in Grenada next stop will be Margarita

2011-10-11T16:11:00.000-04:00

These next couple of days both vessels will be preparing to depart to Margarita Island, Venezuela. I decided to take a trip to Puerto Rico and join my husband and Terence in Curacao or Bonaire. I swore I would last more than a month and a couple of days since I would like to become a real sailor one day. Nevertheless, I feel a little overwhelmed and tired. Leaving at this time is very hard for me but will be good if I want to make it all the way to Cartagena, Colombia. Both of us will be keeping the blog, at least I will have a chance to see my mother, my sister and Rafa whom I haven't seen in a while.

Mountains and the River

2011-10-08T18:49:00.005-04:00

The first couple of days we took the public transportation which very much like in the rest of the islands is quite affordable. We visited the market and the Spice Mall where the grocery store is at, we traveled to the beach and the resort where we rented the car. The people to whom I've had the opportunity to talk to while walking the town and visiting the market are eloquent, civil and very courteous. They seem simple, humble and proud of their country. Men are very respectful. While we traveled the simple buses we saw a couple of times how the driver would get out of the car, stop the traffic and cross the kids. Young kids not older than six years old travel using these public vehicles and everyone seems to help in a tender and sensible manner. Having witnessed these acts left me with a sense of well being and hope.

Yesterday we rented a car and today went out on a trip up the mountains. I wanted to see the falls and the river but between you and me, I was not looking forward to the curves going down, going up steep and narrow. Oh, well maybe when you see these pictures you may agree that was worth the curves.

From Petit Anse Resort and Restaurant Elegant Balcony

French Antiques from the Original Plantation House

Beach, Rum Punch and Clear Water

2011-10-06T19:03:00.000-04:00

Beautiful day today. We woke up this morning had coffee and breakfast and early we were out in the dinghy to spend a day at the beach. Yesterday we ended up spending all day at the Yacht Club doing the laundry. A series of showers yesterday that would come and go had us stay there. We ended up having lunch at the Club, where they have a restaurant and the large sitting area, a bar surrounded by an elegant balcony. Just chilling out there reading books and watching the news, the hours went by.

Grand Anse's beautiful beach area was just what we were looking for to relax. Jerome and Terence rented the Hobbie Cat and I chilled on the chaise lounge. Had one of those island Rum Punches avec the nutmeg. Delicious. Enjoy the photos, the last two photos were taken while up on deck watching the sunset.

Trying to do Camila's pose

Talking to my mother on the sat phone

Up on deck watching the sunset

Friendly People in Grenada Nice Day

2011-10-04T20:34:00.000-04:00

It is interesting to see the differences in culture and people's attitudes as you travel in a sailboat. It can be quite drastic sometimes, even if you are traveling relatively short distances. My experience arriving to Grenada has been very positive; people's attitude remind me of my dear Puerto Rico where people have such an incredible sense of humor and are just plain and simple "nice", I felt very welcome. More than anything I want to share some photos of what we did today. Take a look at that tunnel; it is not just for vehicles we actually had to walk through there while vehicles were transiting, of course; in order to get to where our dinghy was located.
In other matters, such as wine, I'm very happy that I have been able to find good wine at a reasonable price... Everyone who knows me know that I drink wine... So these are the pictures for today, hope you enjoy.

Grenada Spiceland

2011-10-04T14:42:00.000-04:00

Finally got to land yesterday after a big tantrum from my part :-D; we have been spinning and rocking in this anchorage. Not that I don't enjoy the rocking; most of the time I do, really; I enjoy the rocking like when I was a child and someone probably rocked me in a rocking chair; my grandmother. I can have multiple naps and lime like they say around here. We got here Saturday like my lovely husband and Captain said, pretty early around four or so, but soon afterwards it started to rain and then it rained the following day too. So we didn't go on land. Sunday morning I had a chance to get in the water though; crystalline, pristine and beautiful.

So like I said yesterday we got on land; checked in with Customs and Immigration and went to the beach. We have nice resorts around here but we have to take the public bus to take us there because it is quite far for a dingy trip.

Before I continue I'd like to share a photo of SY Spectre captained by Gary and Co-captained by Smitty. I'll post some more photos as today we will head out to explore the Spice Island.