October 2013 visit to Grenada

New Upholstery for

the Salon Settee





Last October we spent a few weeks in Grenada.  

Among other things we reupholstered our settee and refinished the

settee table and modified it so the wings would fold down.

A Bit of Exitement

On February 20,2014 while sailing North from St George, Grenada toward Carriacou we experienced a failure of the compression strut under our main mast, this caused the main sail rigging to go slack.

My first reaction was to turn into the wind to unload the sails and begin the process of furling the sails.

Fortunately our good friend, Chris of the s/v Quicksilver was in radio contact with us and advised me to

attach the main halard to the aft most point of our vessel then winch it as tight as possible to secure the main mast.  This worked quite well but there was still considerable movement of the main mast side to side,

at this time I remembered having some cargo straps on board, so I placed them on the port and starboard

main stays, that stopped most of the movement and we then returned to St George, thankful that the mast was still standing and we were still healthly.

A few days later we had the mast removed so that repairs could begin.

It's now nearing three weeks later and the repairs are progressing but slowly.

( Island Time Mon)

The cargo straps used to tighten the side stays.

Note the amount of slack in these aft stays, they should be relative tight.



A thirty ton crane truck was used to remove the mast.



Taste of Trini



The high light of Trinidad has to "The Taste of Trini"

Our host was Jesse James owner of Members Only Maxi Taxi Service.  He is a native Trinidadian of East Indian ancestry who is very proud of his country and Oh By the Way he Loves to eat.

Remember this a tasting tour and the servings are small but we will consume over 70 such tastes before we get thru.

We even get to visit the Atlantic Ocean on this tour.

This watermelon stand owner is a great fan of Led Zeplen as his stand is named "The Stairway to Heaven"

               Eat Your Heart Out Carolyn!

Some home made HOT SAUCE.  No I didn't try it.

                              

Today I experienced a very unique type of fatigue,  EATING FATIGUE!

OH! The reason for the trip, the "Question".

Well the PRO's win.

The Con's appear to be greatly embelished by people who haven't even visited the island.

As Arnold said in the Terminator "I'll be back"

August, hmm...mm? Let's go to Trinidad

We have heard many a story about Trinidad/Tobago both pro and con so off we go to check it out.

We flew down to Trinidad via American Airlines and our friend Chris had a taxi waiting upon our arrival to wisk us off to the tropical delights of the sailing vessel Quicksilver where he preformed his duties as host with impeccable perfection.

On a short walk-about to visit some remnants of a WWII US Navy installation we saw these flesh eaters lounging in the sun shine.

These guys are called Caimans, they are a bit smaller than those in South Louisiana.

Another day found us on a little voyage over to Chacachacare.  Besides being only some eight miles from Venezuela it is also home to a deserted leper colony.

We had a nice ride but we can't call it a sail as the wind was near calm. Ray and Irene aboard C - Drifter joined us.

The buildings slowly being overtaken by the jungle.

I think this area was the kitchen.

Some of the beds just left when the place was abandoned.

   The chapel.

The Dr.'s house.

A TT coast guard cutter on patrol, remember we are only approximately 8 miles from Venezuela.

Back to Texas and a chance to play with the granddog Roman

  Babs and I had the pleasure of keeping an eye on Scott and Kathy's Roman for a weekend.

The dog does like water.



June found us in Grenada for a short visit.

We had some repairs and modifications to do on Sunshine II so off to Grenada for the month of June.

How can you tire of views such as this. 

Of course there is always a picnic and a hammock in the shade to lie in.

Then there are the parties.

We aways have time for another party.

While back at the marina we met Harold and Quai LaBorde aboard Humming Bird III.

They were the first Tridians to sail around the world twice! In both directions!The last time they went around Cape Horn!

Harold and Quai were honored as national heroes by the goverment of Trinidad  Tobago upon the completion of their first circumnavigation.

Here they are departing the Grenada Yacht Club docks for their home in Trinidad.

On board are three generations of the family, Harold, his son and his grandaugther.

Time to return to Texas.  Oh, the repairs and other chores well we are retired now and don't have to punch the clock anymore.

We are now Dirt Dwellers ( for awhile )

We came home to find our dirt dwelling (aka hangar home) in great condition.  Maybe we should leave more often!



The grass was mowed, flower beds were weeded, even the hot tub was clean and ready to go.



Our neighbors, Barb and Steve, put on an annual birthday extravaganza with Hot Rods, Airplanes, Food and a Live Band.




Hot Rods and Kids

 

    

This year they were joined by another neighbor, Lanny, who is a War Bird and Swing Dance fan.



T-6's prepairing for takeoff

 


War Bird Fly-By

 






War Bird with it's "Cloaking Device " on

 





Helicopters on Display

 

My birds after washing six months of dust off








Swing Dancing the Night Away


Mother's Day 2013, our sons prepaired a Crawfish Boil to celebrate Babs's day as well as the mothers that they live with.

Until we do something else note worthy,  see ya.