Pirates !
Blue Sky's Voyage
George & Michael
Sat 14 Jul 2007 13:34
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Hello Friends
"13:14.8N
61:16.3W"
(Friday)
We had a slightly ambitious 58 mile run down
here from Rodney Bay yesterday and just got in with enough time to check in at
Customs. We're already half way down the west side of St Vincent since the NW
corner is the residence of the local "herb growers" and is a bit lawless,
apparently.
St Vincent - or at least this bit - is
entirely undeveloped and not spolit at all. You are greeted by boat helpers in
rowing boats who help you moor and take a stern line ashore round a tree. They
row as they couldn't begin to afford an outboard engine. As soon as you are
securely moored (even before...) you are beseiged by other locals trying to sell
crafts or fruits & veg. or anything you may need.
George was particularly impressed with
'Julian' who provided lots of mangoes and avocadoes etc. and only wanted a tin
of beans and a packet of pasta in return, literally to help feed the
children.
Anyway - you're wondering why this blog is
entitled Pirates? We're in Wallilabou, St Vincent, which was the set for
quite a bit of the first Pirates movie and some of the second. Maybe the eagle-eyed filmgoer will recognise some of
the set?
 This bit is just by the dock which was built
by the movie people but is unfortunately half smashed already following a storm
last year.
Our helper Nigel took us for a walk this
morning up to a local waterfall. The falls themselves were not particularly
impressive, but on the way, every tree is discussed and the fruit or cooking
process considered, so walking anywhere is interesting. Nigel pointed out
an uncle who was hoeing his plot with some difficulty as he was on crutches (bad
knees apparently). He had a donkey to get to and from his home but for a man who
was moderately disabled he was doing a great job and had prepared this charcoal
mound which would be covered by banana leaves and sand and left to smoulder for
5 to 7 days to make charcoal.
 We passed by a couple of nutmeg trees, with
plenty of nutmeg just dropped to the ground. George, being a nutmeg fanatic, had
a field day and we collected handfuls: presumably enough to last years. We also
saw the local ladies doing the washing in the river, though we thought a pic
would be rather intrusive so you'll just have to imagine that.
Following a long sail the previous day, we
persuaded Nigel to let us have the afternoon off and we've agreed to visit his
village tomorrow and inspect a boat he is building for himself.
Here we are in afternoon light in front of
the filmset.
 (Saturday morning)
Nigel nowhere to be seen this morning - only
helper is Julian who says that all the others went to a party last night and are
drunk. This may be true but could just as easily be a strategem to corner the
market!
We'll be off to a slightly less rolly
anchorage so that we can have a look at the autopilot which packed up on the way
from St Lucia. Our guess is mechanical failure at the moment, probably a sheered
bolt or maybe just worked loose. Anyway, more contorsions in the bottom of the
lockers to find out.
Best Wishes
George & Michael
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