04/Feb/2010, Chateaubelaire
Mothers run for their children! Dogs move off the road! Goats sprightly leap for the verge! Oncoming vehicles swerve into the ditch! Make Way! Make Way! Loud bass reggae music blares as the near uncontrollable metal box hurtles through another cluster of colourful dwellings on its endless cycle of flights along the tortuous, winding, precipitous leeward coast of St Vincent. Driver to the fore clutching the wheel, staring ahead, bling galore from wrist to elbow on both arms. Conductor sat at the sliding door to the left. A ragged guerrilla cap, proclaiming "Rebel", holds his tumbling dreadlocks against the warm gale blowing through the vehicle. Sunglasses pinned to his dark shining brow reflecting the passengers' terrified images. An elderly lady, prim in formal dress, her hat perches precariously on her grey head. The group of Rastafarians lounging, heads moving to the heavy beat. Shaven head youths and young schoolgirls working at looking "Cool". All united in their white knuckled grip of seats in the mini-bus and a fervent wish to reach their destination rather than their Maker on this fine sunny day on a Caribbean Island. ..... (continued ... see later blog)
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03/Feb/2010, Young Island - St Vincent
Spruce has sailed back to Young Island at the south end of St Vincent, last here twelve days ago to pick up Robin and Susie for their two-week holiday. Unfortunately, almost over but lots of great memories of visiting the Grenadines and having a late Christmas with them on board.
Today we are off to see the West coast of the island. Wallilabou, Pirates of the Caribbean fame, nature trails into the rain forest and, maybe, a glimpse of Soufriere, the slightly active volcano in the north of the island. One day folk fear this will be another Monserrat necessitating evacuation of at least part of the island.
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02/Feb/2010
A view across the Tobago Cays and here is a link to some film of swimming with turtles at Tobago Cays. Our friend "Welly" from yacht "Rapau" took her underwater camera and captured the elegance and graceful movement of the creatures we so enjoyed swimming around with.
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31/Jan/2010, Canouan - St Vincent & Grenadines
... and here is one of snorkel-diver Susie... her first time trying out this mode of swimming underwater.
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31/Jan/2010, Canouan - St Vincent & Grenadines
Off into the blue and inner space again but with friend Welly and her versatile waterproof camera. Fantastic views of coral and fish dancing in the sun beams penetrating the clear turquoise sea, coral fans and structures swaying gently in the oscillating movement of the crystal water produced by the rocking waves above.
An impromptu Sunday lunch aboard Danish yacht "Navigo". Robin and Michael went off spear fishing with the local fishermen and came back with Old Wife Fish, Lobster, and a blown up Puffer Fish. No puffer fish experts in our crews so we steered clear of that one. Maria and Michael did us proud with thirteen for barbecued fish and lobster lunch. The homemade bread was delicious and a chance to get to know the Canouan fishermen Aaron and Glen, and Glen's wife Colette.
Depending upon weather (wind direction and strength) tomorrow we may be heading back to Bequia. The name of a good guide who can take us into the St Vincent rain forest was provided by a contact on this morning's SSB radio net. We will most likely leave "Spruce" in Bequia and take the ferry across for a visit. We hear security of your boat, if left unattended in St Vincent, is a chance affair.
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30/Jan/2010, Canouan - St Vincent & Grenadines
Fisherman Glen returns from his morning's work with Robin looking happy and cheerful. Several hours of tiring diving, in water too deep for Robin to reach the bottom, produced but a few fish. Mainly blue coloured parrot fish. Spruce bought them from Glen to make a tasty lunch for four. A shame to see the demise of such beautiful creatures but local livelihoods are dependent and they are such succulent eating.
Glen gets the medal for trust. Into the water with Robin and then he hands him a "loaded" spear gun! Wow! That is trust indeed:-)
Photo is "Blue parrot fish in blue bucket" ... no influence from Picasso:-)
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