Saturday 4 January 2020

Made customs/immigration/port captain just in time and kept them late. No extra charges. Bonus. Dinner ashore.

Sunday

Now anchored in outer harbor (harbour.. it's British) without any internet. In attempting to buy mobile phone sim yesterday discovered that purveyor had run out with back log of requests. New delivery was expected before evening. Prior to drinks ashore at Crow's Nest Restaurant and Pub with mates from Grenada who are parked nearby, went back in early and still no joy. Bugger! Awaiting word via Sailmail for when available, perhaps this morning.. it's raining.

Internet important due need to research boat maintenance. Seems St. Maarten, as previously implied, is excessively expensive. Antigua, either here or in English harbour, might be good or possibly St. Kitts (St. Christopher) where infrastructure for yachting has increased from six years ago, but prices may not have expanded commensurately. Strong wind coming in by Thursday night so need to find an island in which to dawdle for several days. Other considerations: St. Maarten or possibly USVI, best spot to send lithium battery and we need to park vessel for two weeks or so by 2 February. If not started very soon, probably no haul or work until after return from PV so layover could be anywhere nearby. Could even be St. Thomas where good friend from Florida, Tim Ashe, who runs a charter cat, SV Meow, is based, but don't want to beat back upwind with leaky deck. Nanny Cay in BVI is another possible locale for work. This has gotten way too complicated.

As one may surmise, proceeding to Florida any time soon has been scotched (not to be confused with Talisker single malt, the preferred elixir of discriminating whiskey drinkers everywhere). May regretfully not get there this winter - no Key West, no buskers in Mallory Square, no happy hours at the Sunset pier, no debauchery along Duval St., no Michael McCloud at the Schooner Wharf Bar. Bollix!

Speaking of which, just finished "How Scots Invented the Modern World" by Arthur Herman. A surprising analysis of Scottish history, the Scottish Enlightenment and its effect on the world and especially the ideas and attitudes that helped make America. A fantastic read. Makes one want to claim Scottish heritage, notwithstanding the over-mystification and less appealing aspects of Highland life.

And speaking of that, although having gotten significantly better, still frustratingly limping around like Walter Brennan's Grampa from The Real McCoys. If you remember that TV show from original broadcast you're probably a geezer yourself.

Jack & Jan