Arrival into Grenada…Boatyard Blues!

Dawn and I arrived in Grenada on the afternoon of Sunday, November 12^th, after leaving the Fredericton airport at 05:30 hours and travelling via Toronto.  We moved our luggage into a little apartment at Cool Running with the intent of having an air-conditioned drink of duty-free Kraken rum and then heading to the One Love restaurant for another cocktail and supper.  However, the heavens opened up upon our tin roof and never stopped until after we were fast asleep.  Comforted by a not-so-little more Kraken, we supped on pita with hummus and cheese instead.

 

We found the boat without many surprises and went to work on our usual list of chores.  We put in long, hot days, and mostly supped in the room; but did get out for burrito bowls at the Container Park and a supper at One-Love with Maria and Hugh of the Saint John powerboat “White Pearl”.

 

Cat Tales being lowered into the water

All shiny clean!

Nine days after our arrival, on a Tuesday, we launched with no surprises and moved out of the slip to anchor in the bay.  Each of the 4 full days after, we dinghied ashore, went for a two-hour walk to pick up groceries, boat parts, and various supplies.  Today, finally, we’re moving slowly, and we actually went ashore for a lovely lunch at the Sand Beach Bar, on Calabash Beach.

 

We intend to stay 2 more nights in Prickly Bay, then zip the boat around to the mooring balls outside of St. George’s.  We are a little worried that we might be displaced from there if we wait longer, as dozens of boats are just days away from finishing the ARC+ from the Cape Verdes.  Steve and Maria are among that crowd, and we have some of their gear onboard.  Plans further out than that are a little blurred.

Lunch and a cold beer on the beach (in the shade) after a 40 degree hour long walk! 

Sitting in the shade enjoying the view of the boats in the bay.

 

TECHNICAL

 

I had to change out another mixing elbow, after changing out the other just last year.  That leaves me with no spares unless you count the old ones with JB Weld holding them together.  We’ll see what we can find in Martinique.

 

Laurie is working on the electrical panel in the engine room after solar and new batteries were installed.  It’s usually over 30 degrees in the boat, but the engine room is much hotter.  He has to mop up his sweat before vacating!  Talk about earning a cold beer at the end of the day!!

Speaking of spares, I had sent my failed starter up to our friend in Gouyave to have it repaired last April, using our spare in its place.  I contacted the guy and he has no memory of it.  We’ve had some telephone discussions, and I sent up his note to him to remind him, but we fear the starter is gone.  Although we’ll miss that starter and have to replace it, I think we have to find another repairman for these little motors.  A real shame, as the man has repaired many alternators and starters for us.  A Grenadian who used to do the same work in Canada, he has grown old, and no longer can even manage his email account.

 

Solar panels arrived at 5:00 on Monday and we were up bight and early on Tuesday to get the old ones off and new ones mounted before launch.  The guys picked us up 20 minutes early, and we were ready!!

Other work included new zippers on the Bimini windshield, two new batteries, two new 200 Watt solar panels over the davits, and completion of my long and involved electrical upgrade.

Friday, November 24^th

 

Well, one more season aboard Cat Tales awaits.  But first, for those of you who read our weblog but do not otherwise know what we’re up to, here is a synopsis of what we did in Canada (mostly New Brunswick) over the last 7 months.  Weather wise, it was the wettest summer we could remember, with the water totally enveloping the beaches of Grand Lake most of the time.  Dawn was quite busy managing the estate of her mother, who left us last September.  She was co-executor with her sister Kathy, and predominantly had to work with a lawyer, an accountant, The Canadian government (CRA), and a couple of investment advisors to consolidate and distribute the funds as directed.  It resulted in many trips to town and a lot of enjoyable lunches with Kathy.  Almost done – so if you didn’t hear from her, you were not in the will ;-).  

 

She also has been quite busy with pickleball with new and old friends from the Minto area.  She says if her mouth isn’t sore from laughing, it was an abnormal session.  Her monthly book club sessions are also fun for her, and typically followed by a glass or two of wine.  A two-week trip to Ontario in the fall to visit with all three remaining sisters was also a big hit.

Kathy, Valerie, Dawn & Lorna

 

I finished the renovation on a 14-foot rowboat that was originally manufactured in Minto by Maritime Fibreglass around 70 years ago.  I took it down to the fibreglass hull (which also had to be well patched) and rebuilt the frames, gunnels, floor and seats using the WEST (wood epoxy saturation technique) epoxy process.  Once assembled and faired, I painted it using the Petit EasyPoxy system.  The interior is a cream-white while the hull is a pretty sea moss green.  Using the boat for exercise is actually fun, but I need a rear-view mirror – and will get one!

Laurie’s spring project!

 

I’m continuing to enjoy a history hobby, which includes researching, writing, trips to the Archives, and great new friends online.  As well, I get together with some guys in the cove once per week for a few drinks and pool games – on a rather poor table with “house rules”.  The cottage, all wooden exterior and windows, does take some time each summer, as do the many trees on the little lot.  A major cottage event was the installation of a metal roof, finished just before we left.

 

Dawn and I left the cove for a trip to the Amherst area to attempt to bicycle the Chignecto Ship Railway bed.  It is a major heritage site and the history intrigues me.  We also went down for two nights in a campsite at the St. Martin Shanty-Fest with friends.  It was an experience, and great to get together, but the event was underwhelming.  We will not be entertaining you with shanties next season!  We also enjoyed day trips down the valley and to Fundy National Park for hikes with friends.

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Bald Peek Trail, Welsford, NB with Leo and Jo-Anne

 

As always, we enjoyed local walks, Hobie sailing, time with family and friends, and great community meals.  Notable visitors included my brother Paul and his wife Alida, and nephew Peter and his adult children Emilie and Dylan.

A

A new roof for the house and the shed.  Can’t wait to hear it on a rainy day!

 

Okay, after this is posted, I can let you all know about our “Steadily depressing, low-down, mind-messing, working in the boatyard blues”.  Okay, it was not so bad, but check back for it.