Overcast in paradise

Oriole
Sun 10 Dec 2006 20:52
Admiralty Bay, Bequia. 13:00.91N 61:14.64W
If anyone thinks that winter in the Caribbean is all about basking in the sun on the foredeck with a rum punch in one hand and a fair maiden in the other is sadly mistaken.  
We checked out of Trinidad on Tuesday afternoon planning to leave early the next morning for Grenada (80 miles) We woke at 0300 for a 0400 departure and it was pouring with rain, back to sleep.  At 0600 it was not much better but at least it was light so at 0730 having breakfasted and listened to the weather prophets forecasting a day of rain and wind we departed.  The wind was favourable and the rain stopped but we did not see the sun all day and arrived after a fast passage just after dark.  We spent a couple of days in Grenada sorting out a few minor problems and catching up with friends and in spite of the prophets of doom sailed up to Chatham Bay, Union Island in the Grenadines (Johns favourite anchorage) with a brisk wind, mostly ahead!  We were offered a lobster at a bargain basement price from a fisherman within minutes of arrival and half an hour later he (the lobster) was cooking on the stove. 
 
 
Bequia in the rain - urhh.
 
Today we paid for this indulgence and we had another day of overcast skies, rain and drizzle, for the sail up to Bequia.  We hope when Robert and Dani's Christmas holiday hotel sails into English Harbour, Antigua, that they will appreciate the privations that were endured aboard the good ship Oriole to get her there. At least the temperature is tropical.