Riding the Wind

Spectacular skies have become the norm while Shawn has been visiting us here in the beautiful islands of the Grenadines.

The wind has been light but the night skies incredible and while we are hoping for some wind so kite boarding can commence my camera has been busy and I am loving the digital age! 

Finally a favorable weather report and we are heading out to the more remote anchorage of Frigate Island on the south west shore. First a last pit stop to top up on fresh veggies, fruit, beer, and one last roti for the road. The produce stands of Union are tourist priced but colorfully displayed so shopping is a visual as well as palatable experience.

On his last day here the weather gods finally deigned to provide adequate wind for kite boarding for Shawn the snowboarder now in the tropics. Ready to go with all his new kite board equipment,  setting up on the beach for a launch requires a bit of work.  

Pumping and untangling and Dad all the while ready in the chase boat just in case. 

Fortunately he seemed to get the hang of it pretty quickly and lamented that the wind became perfect on his last day of vacation. 

A goodbye sky……

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season....

To all our friends and family,


We miss you all and hope this Holiday Season brings you joy and laughter, warmth and good cheer, and above all else..... health and happiness. 

                                       Love .......... Deb and Don and Daisy

The Perfect View

12/17/2011

Fort Hill, Union Island

With still no wind but low on food and grog we headed back to Union Island.

Fort Hill over-looking the harbor and airport of Clifton offers spectacular 360 degree views and provided a good hike for a much needed workout.

The island of Mayreau and the Tobago Cays were easily visible from this ruined 17^th century French fort complete with rusty cannons and dilapidated walls. 

A hot and sweaty climb but well worth the panoramic view. 

The hike back down had as much to offer as the summit.  

A profusion of zinnias grow wild here on the island in all their reds, pinks and a surprise splash of yellow.

Top it off with a sunset walk on the beach at happy hour and the day could be termed perfect.

            Bunks are available......

Tobago Cays, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

12/13/2011

Awaiting the wind for kite boarding it was decided that we should head out to the famed and popular Tobago Cays. 

A marine park and turtle sanctuary, this pristine spot is protected by a horseshoe reef and yet open to the full trades. 

10 to 12 knots was all that was forecasted so it was a perfect day to go east and see some turquoise water.

Made up of four low coral islands and white pristine beaches with easy snorkeling, this is also a green and hawksbill turtle nesting site. 

A beautiful spot and so clear you can see the bottom and count the sand.

                                                         Hanging out on the front porch.

Snorkeling was a must and all promptly got wet and headed for the reef. 

File fish, trunkfish, anemones and this graceful school of blue tang. 

So nice to be Wet!!!!!!!

Out of the Boatyard…..Life is Good!!!

12/5/2011

The Starship has been revived from her long dormant, moldy, ant-infested hibernation in Grenada Marine where she has been patiently awaiting the crew’s return these last six months. 

It was a long and tormented haulout for Captain Don after months of remodel work at home in the States and then two more months battling mud, rain, mold, and every bug imaginable in the boatyard. 

For any of you on his email list, I know you were explicitly kept abreast of just how pleasant it was….daily. Note to self…..no hauling out in the jungle during the rainy season!!!

I wisely and necessarily remained behind working and paying off bills in South Carolina, desperately hoping to miss the messy launch and clean-up. 

Thanks to our son Shawn who flew in to assist Dad with bottom paint and launch procedures, we are now floating!  

This despite the minor damage to the almas during the final launch moment by the travel lift (crunch…ouch…..#$^&(@...!!) We again bless whoever it was that invented Splash Zone!

Our destination is now Union Island in the Grenadines a short day sail of thirty-five miles to the north. 

Breathtakingly beautiful with crystal clear water and a protected reef perfect for kite-boarding, we are hoping for strong trade winds as Shawn is determined to learn to ride the wind. 

Arrival in time for moon rise.

The next morning brought a walk about the small town of Clifton provisioning, checking in, and general remembering where everything is. 

It has been a year since Don and I were here last so we spent the day remembering where the cheap beer and best rotis are sold, determining if the french deli had baguettes and hoping for some fresh papayas .

Anchored in front of Happy Island, made out of conch shells and providing hi-decibel reverb Reggae, we commenced relaxing. 

Rainbows and Reggae…..yah mon!