15 August 2010 | Jaji, Venezuela
15 August 2010 | Venezuela
15 August 2010 | Merida, Venezuela
15 August 2010 | Merida, Venezuela
15 August 2010 | Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
12 July 2010 | Tortuga, Venezuela
07 July 2010 | Navimca, Venezuela
07 July 2010 | Cumana, Venezuela
07 July 2010 | Cumana, Venezuela
07 July 2010 | Makro Store, Cumana, Venezuela
Union
10 October 2007 | Union
We quickly anchored in Clifton not wanting to waste any time, as we still had to travel to Carriacou, check in at Hillsborough, and then move further south to Tyrell Bay, where there was more protection if the system was gaining momentum. Bill was uncomfortable with the holding so he stayed with the boat while I took the dinghy to shore to check out. A man on the dock directed me to park near the restaurant, offered to tie up the dinghy and keep an eye on it while I was gone. I tried to discourage him as these favors usually have a price attached to them. He directed me to the Customs office about 2 blocks away and off I went. Clearing out went smoothly but then I was directed to go to the airport for Immigration. That was a bit of a hike down a country road which took about 15 minutes one way. I returned to the dinghy and the man appeared to assure me the dinghy was in good hands. I gave him $10 EC for his trouble and headed back to the boat. Union Island had a nice feel to it and another time we'd like to stop and spend a night or two. However, this time we had decided to go directly to Carriacou.
Checking Out in Union
10 October 2007 | Union
The previous night we checked the weather and were a little concerned that another tropical wave was heading our way with the potential of further development. We thought we could be better protected on the leeside of the island we had been anchored beside, so took the boat over to check it out. It appeared to be too shallow for us and if we anchored further out we'd be blocking the channel used by other boats. Regrettably we decided to leave ahead of schedule and get to Carriacou where we could be better protected on the leeside. Our cruising guide recommended returning the way we came in as the shorter route could be hazardous. The Marine Service people disputed that and said the shorter route was perfectly safe if we were careful. With the weather uncertainty ahead of us we decided on the shorter route. Another boat left just ahead of us on the same route. It is important not to follow other boats assuming they know where to go, because you never know if they really know. We stuck to our own course which, thankfully, followed almost exactly behind the other boat.
We still had to check out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines making our next stop Union Island. There is a huge reef around the entrance to Clifton where we had to check out. It seemed a little confusing as we approached because the markers were so far out to sea but we carefully kept outside of the markers and worked our way into Clifton.
Iguana Sightings
10 October 2007 | Tobago Cays
Early the next morning we took the dinghy over to the turtle area, shut off the motor quite some distance away, and quietly paddled in. We thought we might have a better chance at spotting turtles (those 365 days a year turtles) if we didn't startle them. We saw the odd print of a turtle crossing the sand but no turtles. What we did see were a number of iguanas who were quite happy to stop and pose for a photo.
Cactuses Galore
10 October 2007 | Tobago Cays
We took our dinghy to the turtle area and anchored it near shore. We wandered around the area looking for turtles and, finding none, hiked across the small island to another beach. The terrain was a bit harsh with cactuses everywhere. Look at the size of this one. Our rubber shoes got filled with small cactuses, occasionally poking right through. We had to stop and pull out the razor sharp points that were poking into our feet before we got back to the dinghy. Still no turtles.
Turtle Sightings Every Day??
10 October 2007 | Tobago Cays
Cruising boats arrive periodically with tourists aboard who swim, snorkel and look for sea turtles and then leave shortly thereafter. Two charter boats actually spent the night and left early the next day. There is an area cordoned off to protect the turtles. A Marine Services boat came by to collect a park fee and we were informed that turtles could be spotted 365 days a year, pointing to the cordoned off area.
More Idyllic Living
10 October 2007 | Tobago Cays
We left the following morning for Tobago Cays keeping close to our track. With shallows on one side and reefs on the other, we had to be extra careful. The Tobago Cays are said to be the Grenadines jewel and we found that to be accurate. The beautiful secluded sandy beaches and shades of blue water is breathtaking.