Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Tobago Cays, Grenadines
12.37.791N
61.21.393W


Although it didn’t blow a houley last night, the wind did pick up for the rain that eventually passed through. The first charter boat that we have seen this season had pulled in at dusk, dropped their hook, then proceeded to party hardy. They woke up in a different place this morning but thankfully still safe and secure with no misadventures during the night.

We hoisted anchor at 8am and motored over to Hillsborough on Carriacou to check out. Some islands have their customs and immigration forms on line and since Grenada is one, we took the opportunity when we had it to download the forms and have them preprinted for checking in and out. This makes life much easier for everyone involved and the customs official said as much. We were in, out and gone by 9am.

We then sailed over to Union Island to check into the Grenadines. Although our anchor held for the time that we needed to be there, it had a rather tenuous grip so we left the engine running while Dale ran to clear us in. I think I scared him when I told him that if I wasn’t there when he returned, I would be doing figure eights out beyond the reef. It was a quick trip. We left Union by noon and picked our way through the reefs at the southern end of the Tobago Cays by 1pm.

Dragonfly, our slip neighbor in Coral Cove Marina (Trinidad) was already here. We picked a spot nearby and settled in behind them a bit. Dale let out 100’ of chain, although we anchored in 9’ of water, then proceeded to raise the sunshades over the front and back of the boat. We’re going to be here awhile. I told him I’d like to spend Thanksgiving here because I love it so much. The drawback is also what makes it attractive. The closest grocery store, internet café, bank, gas station, etc, is back on Union Island.

Dale dove in to check to make sure the anchor was securely set, then swam over to Dragonfly to say hello and invite, Jeff & Una over for sundowners. They told us that Dean & Jill on Delilah, other campers from Coral Cove were also here. The more the merrier, they were invited too. Plus Gary & Linda on Rainbowrider, we had a full cockpit this evening.

It’s good to be back where the water is crystal clear and the reefs are alive with fish and coral. One new item though, Jeff & Una have been here for over a week and told us that we now have a nurse shark that likes to swim in the area too. And you know how I love sharks, regardless of type!

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