2009-2010 Caribbean / Bahamas Trip
December Pictures

Just as we were really beginning to like St. John, the weather forecaster suggested that if we wanted smooth sailing to Grenada anytime soon, we better make tracks. So, we left this very pretty anchorage, Frances Bay at noon for our 3 day or so sail to Grenada.

We had almost a perfect 3 days. Single reef main, 45-60 degrees apparent wind, 15 to 20 knots. Very nice change from our Norfolk trip.

Perfect with one squally exception

Like a black and white picture

It was over quickly in time for a sunset

The next morning's Grenada landfall

Couldn't stop taking pictures. Very pretty island.

Very mountainous. 20 miles long. Rain forest in the interior.

????

Constant rain clouds over the mountains

Sailboat heading north as we approach the southernmost point in our trip

We were not the only people here

Very Mediterranean feel

Harbor downtown St. George

Fort built in 1800's never used until 1983!!

Our anchorage for the first several days

Typical side street. Very clean

Away from the harbor, over the hill and down to the shopping district.

Looking back to harbor

The ginger man

We had fun buying vegetables, spices, and coconut water

A short cut from the market through to the harbor avoiding an uphill walk back.

Returning to our dinghy we came upon this building.....bars on the windows and in a prime waterfront location?

Even Amy the librarian was surprised

Leaving St. George's for Prickly Bay

The start of our road trip with Windance III.

The rain forest visitor's center. This guy bit me when I tried to pat him.

These women were much friendlier

Our tour mates, Werner and Christina.

Coconut water and jelly

Coconuts followed by roasted corn in Grenville.

The remains of a Russian/Cuban plane from the 1983 US "invasion."

The old Pearls airport has not been the same since the 1983 invasion.

Typical Grenadian home.

At the North tip of the island was Leaper's Hill

The Leaper's Hill story

A cemetery is also at the site

The 3 sister islands seen, from Leaper's Hill, which we will pass on our way north to our next stop, Carriacou.

Our lunch time entertainment

Amazing story, see log.

Le Phare Bleu marina in Clark's Court Bay. We celebrated Amy's birthday by
having dinner inside this red Swedish lightship. An unforgettable meal.

Passing the north tip of Grenada on the way to Carriacou.

Between us and the Isle de Ronde, the peaked island, is Kick em Jenny. An underwater volcano still active and on "restless" stage warning as passed by the 1.5 mile exclusion zone. Although not clear from the picture the seas were very turbulent.
Carriacou, Tyrell Bay. A funky looking place with an ecclectic mix of cruisers and liveaboards. This guy was in St. George's at the same time as us.

More interesting Carriacou boats

Carriacou Haul-Out

Pacific Seacraft 34 at Carriacou Haul-Out

We stopped here for a drink during our walk

Friendly place.

Carriacou had a sailing school program with Optimists. Here are the kids after their sail.

Amy's flora du jour

Main street Tyrell Bay. Great having access to fresh veggies

and also cold drinks

We had fish for lunch

Hillsboro, Paradise Beach, and behind the peak, our anchorage at Tyrell Bay

Our next destination, Union Island. Can you imagine having this view from your front door...the house here is owned by an American who runs a local electronics shop.

Used to live in Dover...believe it or not the same print and color street signs.

Wonderful old architecture in Windward

Amy's favorite

one more

What a wonderful smile.

Windward has several boat builders. These designs were seen all over the island

Great house on Jack Iron Point on the way to Hillsboro

Cat on the way to Union Island

Downtown Hillsboro.

Can't remember the last time a town dock had more local boats than cruiser dinghies

Here's where we cleared customs Christmas Eve in Hillsboro

Amy and I searched every stand for limes with no success

Car transport Caribbean style

Christmas dinner

Christmas sunset

Very pretty and quiet anchorage behind reef at Petite St. Vincent

Petite Martinique, most dependable and cheapest spot for fuel.
$4.00 per gallon for diesel. The good news is that we have used only
27 gallons in the last month.

Our feelings precisely

Beautiful Bristish motor yacht passing Catholic island as viewed from our anchorage in saline Bay, Mayreau

Warning.....when a cruising guidebook says that Salt Whistle is a must see near the Tobago Cays, remember you are not the only one reading the guidebook.

The way the world used to be

Union Island.

Great cottage and private beach on Carriacou

What's wrong with this picture.....
Back to Grenada to see Tech Nick for some more pole lengthening!.

On the way back to Grenada we stopped at Sandy Island off the tip of
Carriacou for
New Year's Eve "celebrations."
Name the famous sculpture.....
.
These guys were waiting for midnight for the ball to drop

Back in Grenada in time for another Saturday market.
Our trusty wind generator with now a foot of additional mast....the smaller diameter graft just below the top. Let's hope the blade and backstay never meet again.