Stan/Windy
08/24/2012, Mt Harmon Bay

Well we just skated by with TS Isaac. We sent it on your way. Hope it brings nothing more than rain. We had lots and lots of rain and 25 to 30K of wind. The wind clocked all the way around to the South and is now gradually going back to an Easterly component. It's a well protected harbor with hills on three sides and a reef on the south side so the waves and roll weren't too bad.

Three of my native buddies came by with their little boat and catch. The water was so stirred up that they got no fish just sea urchins. They cleaned their urchins while tied up to my boat so now I know how to clean and eat them. I've heard that they are considered a delicacy. Had to show them that I could eat one raw just like them. Oh well, just thought of eating a raw oyster and downed it. Next time I'll boil or fry them. I told you they eat everything here. They were also eating raw conch and snapper.

My boat parts are here so will be leaving about mid September for Los Testegos. Been really busy doing repair and maintenance projects.

My bus driver , Patrick, says that the women outmumber the men here 10 to 1. That's really hard to fathom. No one seems to know why. Blame it on the nutmeg.

Was thinking this morning of all the reasons why this is such a fantastic island;
1. The people here are very friendly to foreigners.
2. They speak English (although a bastardized version--if they talk slowly you can understand them)
3.The scenery is beautiful
4. The interior has jungles, waterfalls, many hiking trails
5. The flora and fauna are just beautiful with splashes of color everywhere, fruit nuts and vegetables grow abundantly in the rich black volcanic soil
6. A great VHF cruisers net M-Sa with all kinds of social activities offered.
7. Transportation is cheap. Buses (vans) are only 3 1/2EC ($1.30)
8. The water is clear
9. The local Grand Anse Baptist Church sends a van to pick us up on Sundays ( there is usually only 3 or 4 white faces there but the congregation treats us as true brothers and sisters
10. The tours to chocolate factories, nutmeg factories and rum distilleries are awesome.
11. The Grenadians know how to celebrate and enjoy life
12. Prices are reasonable compared to other islands
13. Cooking classes are a hoot
14. And again the Grenadians are just great friendly people

Will post more pictures later...forgot the adaptor

Comments [4]

Stan
08/15/2012, Saint George, Grenada

I'm posting two groups of pictures. One is Jouvert (pronounced Ju Vay). This is called Dirty Mas or Ugly Mas. It started Monday morning at 4am and is characterized by people painted with used motor oil and paints. It has it's roots in Africa and symbolizes freedom from slavery. Lots of people drag chains and thinks. Also some wear mask and have saltfish in their mouths. You ask three people and get three different explanations.

We were told to wear old clothes and we found out why. It is one mass of humanity and they love to smear oil and paint on you, especially if your a visitor and white.

The next Mas is called The Pretty Mas and you can see by the pictures why. This Mas starts Tuesday about 3pm.

I wont attempt to label all the pictures. Enjoy, I certainly did.

Comments [0]

Stan
08/12/2012, Secret Harbor-South Grenada

Still waiting for my boat parts to come in.. You know, those taht would be here in 7 days now going 3weeks. Nothing open now anyway because Carnival starts at 4:45 am Monday with juvay or black mas or dirty mas. Then pretty mas is tomorrow around 3pm.

I was hoping to be in Venezuela by now but must have a chart card first. So I'm going to watch the Carnival events. These people are so proud of their country. You should have seen their reaction at getting a Gold Medal in the Olympics.

I've added pictures in the photo album of two cooking classes, a downtown trip to the outdoor market and the wonderful Pan Band competition.

Looking forward to Carnival and will forward photos

This is so far my favorite island.

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Stan/Rainy
08/03/2012, Secret Harbor-South Grenada

Have been neglecting my posts lately so will update and add new pictures.

We all have been busy last couple of days getting ready for this Tropical Depression or whatever it may become. Looks like we may have escaped all the major problems. Its just rainy with some squally weather but not bad. Gives me a chance to come to the marina at Secret Harbor and catch up on this blog.

Have taken a couple of bus rides into the interior again. Went with Cuddy who is very knowledgeable on flora and fauna. He drives his own bus and farms a two acres up in the mountains. Went to another cocoa processing plant, Annondale Falls, Crater Lake and Rivers Rum again.

Have been taking a cooking class every Thursday with Esther and Omega. These ladies are comics as well as great chefs. If they were found they could easily have their own TV show in the States and make big money.

Also took the bus with 'Shademan' over to watch the Lime Comancheros and see the costume making frenzy now that Carnival is so close (13th and 14th)

Comments [3]

Stan
07/21/2012, Grenada

Still here. Waiting for boat parts, SW Caribbean chart card and extra drive belt for autopilot. Thought this would be the best place to wait. Will probably be here until mid August before going to Testagos

If anyone wants to come down this is one of the best islands so far

Comments [0]

Stan
07/13/2012, Prickly Bay

What a great day Thursday. Vans picked up sailors from all around the different anchorages and took us to a Grenadian cooking class then to a pan band performance at St Paul then a tour of a plant making costumes for Carnival.

Check the pictures

Comments [1]