Yet more Turtles

Catacaos
Graham Shaw
Fri 2 Apr 2010 15:30
We finally left Grenada, after a quick trip to the doctor as Lucas has not
been well for almost a week. Apparently much of the population of Grenada
have been suffering with the same ailments: there has been a
serious water shortage, and most of the water has been shut off in Grenada,
then
turned on again every few days for a few hours, thus allowing all the bugs
in the
pipes to mutiply, then flush through in to tanks when switched on. Very
unusual for Lucas to be ill, very strange he was so quiet. Anyway, he is
back
to normal now so all the peace and quiet gone.

We did one hit from Grenada to the Tobago Cays, stopping briefly in Union
Island
to clear Customs into the Grenadines. The weather was very windy and
outside the shelter of the islands
the wave heights picked up big time, with wind up to 35 knots -
almost on the nose - not pleasant. I had to have my last turtle fix until
next year. Sorry yet more photos of turtles, this one was huge, and I
think the biggest I have seen close up. I managed to get about a metre from
him. Also I saw a lot of two and three turtles together which was a first
for me. Anyway no more pics of turtles for a long while. Also managed to
get a photo of an iguana, which was on the main island, there were lots
there this time and I remembered to take my camera.

Next we were off to Bequia, and had a fab sail doing 8 knots almost all the
way, did the trip in
good time, and anchored just in time before the heavens opened. We hooked
up with
Nadene and Robert on Seawolff. We met these guys briefly in Grenada just
before we left, so lovely to spend more time with them. They came across
from South Africa on their boat which is a power cat (Steve would like
this one). No sails, but two hulls like our boat, and nine feet longer than
our boat making it 47 feet. I am very jealous of Nadene, she has a washing
machine and a Force Ten (the bee's knees of ovens on boats). It was lovely
to have a tour of their boat - so much space, huge stand under shower, plus
they have a huge fly bridge - and did I mention a washing machine and force
ten? Ah I can but dream. Anyway I am sure we will catch up with them again
shortly as they are on a similar route to us, not sure if Nadene will invite
me on her boat again, as I was drooling to much on her kitchen tops (granite
I think).

We did another long day sail from Bequia to Martinique, again good sailing
day,
the wind in our favour and the sea pretty calm, but did not catch any fish
though - sorry I expect to much. Again good speed made, we have lightened
out the
load on the boat - no I have not thrown Gray's tools overboard - we sold
off one of our spare anchors as we had three (for a case of Carib), and
carrying
less fuel around, we think this is making a big difference on the speed we
seem to be maintaining - you imagine how fast we would go if I ditched
Gray's
tools over board.

Martinique is still as lovely as when we left only a month ago, straight to
the cheese shop and a little wine to go with it.

Next stop Guadaloupe.

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