After celebrating Christmas on Grenada we lifted the anchor and sailed north.
Our goal was the small island Ronda between Grenada and Carriacou. Vincent wanted to go there as it is good fishing. We dropped the hook in crystal clear water on 6 m depth.
At the same time we heard Vincente on the VHF. “Fish on board” It was a big Wahoo that filled the freezers on Pasion Ibiza and Bella Luna.
Working our way south we revisited many of our favorite places, and met friends along the way so it was quite a social time.
We were required to check out with customs and immigration on Union Island. While there, we returned to the HAPPY ISLAND bar where we posted photos in January. This time windsurfers entertained us with spectacular tricks. Here is a short video as one surfer flew through the air and grabbed a beer from a gentleman holding it out for him. He had a few drinks as he surfed away and then returned giving the beer back to the gentleman. Cheers by all.
Our final sail of the season took us from Union Island to Carriacou Island where we joined 7 other boats leaving for Trinidad.
A week earlier a sailboat was pursued by “pirates” near the Trinidad coast. Shots were fired and although no one on board was injured, the boat sustained several bullet holes. As a result, a total of 8 boats formed a convoy and made contact with the Trinidad Coast Guard and North Coast Radio. We filed a sailing route with them and had radio contact as we approached the coast. They were monitoring us on radar. We experience no incidents and had a beautiful 16 hour sail, arriving Trinidad early in the morning.
Bella Luna, Beaucastel and Blue decided to go into the first cove and anchor for a few hours of sleep as we did not choose to go into the area of the marina at night. It turned out to be a magical experience. As we approached in the moonlight there were a lot of fish swimming at the surface. When we set the anchors and turned off our motors we heard Howler monkeys and tropical birds in the distance. Waking in daylight we were in awe of this beautiful cove, with still water, dense tropical foliage and the silence except, again, the moneys and birds callings. How special to be in this South American setting to enjoy our final anchorage of the season.
Our friends Karl and Bekki from Florida planned their sailing trip with us months ago but due to the Boeing grounding, their flight to Antigua was cancelled the evening before departure.
They were able to rebook a flight a few days later but into Guadeloupe and out of Martinique. So we headed south and arrived to meet them in Pointe a Pitre, the main town of Guadeloupe. As we approached we were escorted by dolphins!
Next morning Karl rented a car, we stopped at the bakery to buy wonderful French sandwiches and we took a tour to Basse Terre, the mountainous region where we hiked to a waterfall, had a picnic lunch, fed mongoose our crumbs and enjoyed the beautiful settings. Karl is a photographer so arrived well equipped.
In the evening we ventured some many miles for a meal at a French restaurant that was in a rural setting. Thank you goggle maps for finding it for us. It was extremely special, memorable and excellent food. Thank you Karl and Bekki!
With favourable winds we sailed to Marie-Galante, named after one of Columbus’s boats. The island is very unspoiled, quiet and beautiful. Best to tour the island via car or scooter. With very little traffic, scooters can certainly be considered. This island is wonderful for hiking. The island once had 600 sail driven windmills for grinding sugar cane. Today approximately 70 windmills remain in need of repairs, plus the newer generation windmills which produce energy for the island.
We anchored off the village of Saint Louis and enjoyed walking around and talking with people. A few speak english and we found a young man who lived in London for several years but wanted to return to his homeland. Very friendly people here. Unfortunately we were under a strict time frame so we had to depart sooner than we wanted.
We told Karl and Bekki we must stop at Portsmouth, Dominica for the evening beach BBQ. Once again, as we wrote earlier, it was so much fun. With a few rum punches and good music, everyone dances. We took a tour of the island and enjoyed more waterfalls.
We learned how much China is providing aid and help to this island from the past hurricane.
The final passage with Karl and Bekki was to Martinique, Fort de France, where they returned back to Florida. Although it was a short stay, we stayed very busy and had a wonderful time!