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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

traveled in 24 countries Read more
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  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Cluebra

    March 25, 2024 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    On my night watch (with Brian sleeping in the pilothouse), there was a large cruise ship that passed closeby. Later in the morning a freighter was on a collision course with us and Brian had me radio them (Carribean Force) to ask for instruction. Although I have the VHF course and have used it occasionally I don’t have much experience, so it was good practice.
    When we started to get closer to land I looked back at the fishing line that Brian had put out at Dawn and realized that something bigger then the cedar plug was trailing behind the boat. It was a Barracuda, but had died in the line and we didn’t keep it since we didn’t know how long it had been dead and what water it was caught in. There is a disease called Ciguatera, that is found in tropical fish life and is horrible for humans affecting the nervous system.
    Once we arrive in Culebra and anchored, we got some food and then headed for bed as we were both tired. Brian slept till nearly 6pm, but I was up a couple hours earlier and finally finished reading my book!! Then I called Kimmy ~ miss my friends.
    The alternator is not working to recharge the batteries and the generator is only sub par so we are limiting the amount of energy consumption, which means Starlink is off unless I am working.
    We weren’t up long before hitting the bed again. Brian stayed up to do some art but I was out by 8:30pm (and slept till 7am).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Blue Magic

    March 24, 2024 in Sint Maarten ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Up early and made pancakes, a Sunday tradition. I had a board meeting at 9:30 and Brian was heading to Blue Magic to help with there refrigeration issues. Board meeting ran 1.5hours and I worked for another two on follow up things.
    Unfortunately, we couldn’t leave the Bay untill 4pm, when the bridge opened again. After I was finished working Brian wanted to take me for a little tour. We swung by Blue Magic to see how they were doing and Maria came with us. We ended up taking the dinghy to the soggy dollar, and walking to a beach. Sadly, on the beach a beautiful sailboat had washed ashore, likely due to the storm several weeks earlier (where we went to Point de Pitre to get away from it).
    We dropped Maria off, picked up the tools Brian had left with them and headed back to Lorena to quickly hoist the dinghy and anchor and make the 4pm draw bridge opening.
    Sails up and we waited for the wind to fill in as forecasted but it never happened so we motor sailed untill midnight and then dropped the sails and just motored. At least we had fairly calm seas and a beautiful moon.
    I laid down in the aft cabin from 9:30-11:30 and then was up untill 4:30am before heading aft to sleep again. The solitude during the night was actually really nice.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sint Maarten

    March 23, 2024 in Sint Maarten ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We left early in the morning and choose to tow the dinghy behind us. Luckily we did as we realized that the bridge only opens at 9:30 and not again untill 11:30, going into Simpson Bay. We just made it in time, in fact we only dropped the main as we rounded the red bouy to come into the channel. I haven’t been at a draw bridge since sailing the Bra D’or Lakes in Cape Brenton.
    It is shallow in the Bay and we anchored near Nicolas and Maria on Blue Magic. Shortly after we got settled they came by the boat to say Hi.
    Brian had made reservations at a restaurant called Tropicana (reviews look great), but Nicolas and Maria were having refrigeration problems and weren’t sure they would be able to come, as they had lots of food thawing and invited us over. They were heading to Island Water World and we weren’t far behind them, although we didn’t see them. We got new breakers, a radar reflector, replaced the watermaker filet er we had given to Mike, and got more varnishing supplies.
    We took it back to the boat and were about to head to get groceries when they came back to confirm they weren’t going to restaurant. We agreed to have a meal with them and Maria came in the boat so we could do groceries together (but first we had lunch), then a big grocery order. The fridges on Lorena are stuffed full!
    Once the groceries were put away, we went for another cruises around the Bay and Brian brought me to Goonies…. But it was loud, so we walked the docks and met Nestor and Yolanda (who were anchor next to us when we came in, and in Jolly Harbour). They invited us on their boat and we sat and chatted for an hour or so, eating some homemade hummus.
    Then back to Lorena to make a quick salad and head to Blue Magic. We had a delicious meal of pork roast, rice, peas and salad, with the ice cream we brought for dessert. After dinner we played Rummikub, and back to Lorena to sleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    2

    Île Fourchue

    March 22, 2024 in Saint Barthélemy ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Up and caffeinated before hoisting anchor and heading over to Île Fourchue, it was only a 4mile trek but we wanted to get there early and explore. We didn’t hoist the dingy but towed it behind us.
    When we arrived, similar mooring balls, with just a loop on top. After discussing a few strategies we decided that I’d jump in with the rope and a fender and tie it to the mooring. The ropes were heavy and the current fast, so I had to swim strong to try and reach the boat which needed to turn before I got to it. Eventually we got Lorena attached to the mooring ball, under the watchful eye of others…. Brian somewhat annoyed that no one helped. A few hours later we watched another boat come in and lift the button hole right up through the mooring, easily looping their line through… we felt silly! Always an opportunity to learn.
    I ended up pushing myself to hard and actually struggled to stand, my legs like jelly, after securing to boat. I was really weak most of the day — maybe to much sun or exertion.
    I went for a swim/ float and then had a nap and also helped Brian with some boat chores like soldering the wire that detects the rudder position at the helm, Today was a list day for Brian and he spent time writing his to-do and to-buy lists.
    Later we went snorkeling, brought the dinghy to the area and saw lots of the underworld including a barracuda that was circling us and Brian was worried about the watch in my wrist.
    As the sun was going down we went ashore and Brian headed to do a pastel, and although my legs felt like jello, I hiked to the top of the island and was greeted by a beautiful sight.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Anse de Colombier

    March 21, 2024 in Saint Barthélemy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Yesterday Jason and Marcie in the boat beside us (who were also the couple with us in customs) invited us over for sundowner tonight. We weren’t sure if we would be here today (as we had technically checked out), but we decided to stay another day. We invited them and Innisfree for sundowner, but Innisfree was leaving for Gustavio as they had issues with their water maker (Brian gave them a filter which worked) but they still went. So we had the other couple over. He is a physicians assistant (PA) and does telecare from the boat and she is a graphic designer. Nice to meet them!
    During the day I had work stuff as I was preparing for a Board Meeting. While we were having coffee a patrol boat came by and we assumed that we would be in trouble for anchoring, but they were just reminding folks of the 5mile/hr wake zone, stay no longer then 4 days and limit the noise. It is interesting to watch all the boat traffic coming into the Cove. Mainly tenders from super yachts coming in to set up for the owners/guests on the beach.
    We went ashore again and did some swimming and Brian did another pastel. I had forgotten to turn off the inverter, so I swam back to the boat to turn it off and returned to the beach at the same time Brian was finished. I absolutely love the pastel he did today. The colors and light are so vibrant and the water IS the color in the picture!
    This is my favorite spot so far on this Caribbean journey!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Gustavio

    March 20, 2024 in Saint Barthélemy ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Wow, just wow. The color of the water, the sound of the birds (doves), the landscape and beach are all so beautiful in this cove!
    We had to take the dinghy into Gustavia to check in. It was a 2.5mile ride, and nice to see some of the yachts— it is with good reason that one of the immigration questions is “do you hav a helicopter on board.” Initially we split up and Brian was to do customs and I to find the laundry mat. He got frustrated and the laundry was on the other side of the cay. We took the dingy over and got the laundry started, then went for a walk… first to Fort Oscar but got send away by police who are occupying the area, and then to fort Carl. My cardio is not as good living on a boat and I felt the hill climbs! Then we went back to customs and checked it…. Frustrated by the process along with another couple! We returned to laundry mat at put the clothes to dry and went to get some food. The sushi restaurant was closed but we found another place and had a Greek salad and a piece of tuna tartar for $40 euro 😵‍💫.
    We told Innisfree (Mike) that he could use the boat for his conference call and that we would be back by 2pm, so sadly we left without getting to explore much.
    Back to the boat am put away clean clothes and got ready to leave the boat so Mike could do his call. We went to shore and anchored the dinghy, had a swim and then Brian found a spot to do a pastel and I went for a hike to the top of the beautiful trail with birds and turtles, trees and large rocks with interesting formations.
    When we got back to the boat, Mike was gone but he had another call at 6:15… so we hustled to make food before his call. He ended up doing it from the bow of his boat (using Lorena’s Starlink).
    When they refer to paradise in the Caribbean ~ it is here!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    St Barth

    March 19, 2024 in Saint Barthélemy ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Up early, coffee in metal mugs as we secured the dinghy and left Nevis to sail towards Saint Barth’s. It was a beautiful sail! I tried out my she-pee for the first time underway with great success. As we approached St Barth’s the boats got bigger and bigger. We decided to skip Gustivo as it looked rolly and we went directly to Anse de Colombie. What a beautiful spot! We decided to anchor even though there are moorings. Once settled we went for a swim and the water was incredibly clear. You could see the bottom even though it was 20 feet down. We went to the mooring closest to us and pondered taking it, but a Cat came in and scooped it up. Often we swim to see if the anchor is dug in and here you didn’t need google to see that we were set securely. It’s a magical spot!Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Monday meetings

    March 18, 2024 in Saint Kitts and Nevis ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Still feeling the blues….. not the sky, not the sea but just me. I have three conference calls peppered throughout the day, so that we can travel again tomorrow. Between call 1 and 2 we took the opportunity to get in in the dinghy and head to customs to check out (same people served us…. Lovely Alica and the snarly women who seemed to hate the world). There we ran into Jeff and Melissa, Salty Dawgs on a large Catamaran (with a sweet puppy) and chatted for a few minutes before heading to Best Buy where we stocked up. I treated myself to some Welch’s fruit snacks — sometimes it is nice to see familiar food and brands, although we eat very well.
    Back to the boat and we were supposed to check out and leave by 2pm but decided that we would get to Saint Barth’s in the dark. I was able to secure my third meeting for this evening so we stayed and between call 2 and 3 we went for a long walk on the beach and unfortunately we swamped the dinghy as we did not haul it far enough up the beach. It was filled with water and sand… yikes! A few kind souls (two Canadian women from Brockville and a guy from NY) helped us to empty the water and sand (Brian removed the engine). Then put the engine back on and we used the defined swim line , to pull ourselves back towards Lorena, and by some miracle the outboard (Yamaha 9.9, 4 stoke) started. I had a call in 5 minutes from the time I got back onto the boat.
    The view here, the volcano in front of us is pretty, but it will be nice to move on tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    The Big Swim

    March 17, 2024 in Saint Kitts and Nevis ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Back in the routine of coffee and writing, but disrupted by the roving police boat that insisted we move to a morning ball immediately. Brian saw others getting ready and he wanted to get to a ball closeby first so we mobilized quickly and took the dinghy and some rope out to the mooring and then moved the boat to it. We then made a second pot of coffee and Brian was testing some alternator issues, running the engine to charge, to no avail. Tired, stress, to much coffee, to little patience or something else lent itself to frustration and hurt. Craving solitude I left the boat and swam quite a distance to shore, where I found a quiet spot away from humans to cradle my soul.
    I had a conference call at 2pm and Brian, helping our neighbors who were rowing came to shore, and fetched me at the same time. We had invited Innisfree (Mike and Glenda) over for dinner in the evening. After my call Brian we went for a swim and then left the boat so Brian could do a pastel, then into town for a walk around, visiting the statue of Hamilton (one of the founders of USA Coast Guard as well as legal matters), born in Nevis.
    Back on the boat we tidied and hosted Innisfree. They brought Salmon and beet salad and we had MahiMahi green beans and orca. Great meal and company….. interesting couple. She owned a yarn store in Vancouver (wet coast wool) and he was an engineer involved in Fusion.
    Anxious to find my pillow and sleep off the stress of the day!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Nevis

    March 16, 2024 in Saint Kitts and Nevis ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Tired, we near Nevis and realize that we need to be alert for all the fishing pots. The night went quick and with no real incidents, but our core will be sore as we were tossed about a lot, and I have lots of bruises from trying to stabilize while in the galley.
    We came into Charlestown, where customs is and tried to find a yellow quarantine mooring ball, but non existed so we anchored. The mooring is a new procedure for me so we had a few squabbles but figured it out.
    We needed to move fast as customs closed at 1pm and it was 11:30am when we arrived. We lowered the dinghy and headed to the wharf. On the way, people were rowing so we tried to help them by giving a tow. The wharf was high and I got our dinghy tied and was about to tie the other when the dinghy when under the wharf and I fell off, into the water. Unfortunately I had a backpack with all the passports, clearance documents and my phone. Brian was able to grab the backpack and get it off me quickly. And I was able to get back in the boat. On the wharf, soaking wet, we headed to customs and immigration. The officer, Alica, was so nice and brought tons of paper towel, and gave me a chair. She took my shoes to dry in the sun and Brian did the same with our documentation. We did sail clear but also had to fill in there country form online. I took my dripping shirt off and hung it on the balcony…. So there I sat in my shorts and sports bra filling out forms, tired and wet. I ended up putting my info first, and then added Brian but when it came time to choose relationship (and earlier I had put me single and he married ….. since divorce is in the works and no separate checkbox)….. my options was declare married, parent, sibling or caregiver, so I chose the later…lol
    After we final got done at customs and went for a little walk to buy some fruit and groceries (at Best Buy…. A nice store with decent prices and familiar brands). Then we headed back to the boat and went to anchor at Pinney Beach.
    We took the dingy for a little spin and visited the Canadian neighborhoods…. One was two couples… from Burlington and NFLD. The Nfld guy, Daniel, was a professor of naval architecture at MUN. Then we went to Innisfree as they were Salty Dawgs, and Canadian (Ottawa and Vancouver). They invited us on and we chatted for a little while, before heading back to Lorena.
    We had supper and were off to sleep really quick!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Triple Reef

    March 15, 2024, Caribbean Sea ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    The fishing pole was out and we nearly caught one on the voyage but it got away! Brian had gone to lay down in the aft cabin when the rod went off.
    The day today was more spicy, maybe because we were tired or perhaps due to the increasing winds.….. I tried to get some sleep in the aft cabin midday but the auto helm has a high pitched noise that made it difficult.
    Early in the evening we put a triple reef in the main and at one point tried the stay sail but the vibration was to much so we switched back to a furled Jenny. We have been casual about the watches, both sleeping in the helm and have the alarms on (but no radar deflector). When wind drops or one of us moves, the other wakes. It seems more relaxed and less stressful then last night. Unfortunately the wind meter has failed us, and gusts are supposed to happen up to 37knots… we resigned ourselves to the current condition and should be in Nevis by mid morning tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    300 nautical miles

    March 14, 2024, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Up and started preparing for the passage. I made food that we could easily accessed without cooking as the winds were going to be significant. We got the dinghy hoisted and we were off the hook by 9:45. We headed west as I misunderstood Chris Parker’s forecast numbers to be the bearing, not the wind angle…. But Brian corrected course.
    We cut the engine around 10:30 and were under sail all day. The water is beautiful, the winds are strong, the conversations delightful…. And my sailing gear - a tank top and underwear.
    We had gnocchi for supper and afterwards, around 7pm Brian announced he was going to sleep. He dozed on and off while I wrote and thought. It is hard to read as the sea state has picked up to 4-6ft swells, the wind in 17-20knots but forecasted to pick up during the night, and our speed is 6.5-7knots, on a heading of nearly due North (005).
    A boat / cargo ship passed us and came within 2nm during the night on my shift. It set off the alarm, and made me nervous. I didn’t catch much sleep and was happy when daylight arrived!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Check out

    March 13, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We messaged Seckie (from the Doyle guide book) last night and he responded early this morning. He said that he could take us to Clifton to check out if we could be at the top of the hill in an hour. We agreed and quickly eat some food and packed our bags.
    We took the dinghy to shore and started to hike up to the top of the hill for 8:30am. He picked us up and we drove into town (definitely not walkable) on narrow roads with no guard rail. It reminded me of the drives in Croatia.
    We got to town and Brian went to customs and I headed to buy fruit. I found a good section, along with some GF Granola and Johnsonville breakfast sausages in various little stores. There isn’t very much in Clifton, but we did also find an ATM.
    We were returning to Chatham Bay via boat with Seckie and Vanessa. It was an amazing ride and fun to see the turquoise waters and kite surfing area. When we arrived back we saw Shuti (Mo and Ole) so we stopped to say Hi and decided we would have a meal together on shore this evening.
    Back on the boat, I had work to do and Brian went off to do a pastel. Then we got another/ final coat of gloss in the rails before heading to Shuti for sundowners. We brought our water and some cashews…. They had sour worm (chewy candy…. I was excited) and peanuts. We toured the catamaran and it was comfy.
    We then decided to head ashore… all in one dinghy and I face planted getting it. My yoga is clearing calling me to do more so I keep my balance.
    We went to Sunset Cove and had lobster for super. It was good, but not as good as our boiled version. The fruit juice smoothies were amazing.
    Once we said goodbye to our friends and headed back to the boat, we reviewed the forecast from Chris Parker for our passage to Nevis, and started to prepare the boat. Then off to get a good nights sleep as we would be sleep deprived for the next few days.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Chat with homies

    March 12, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Again, trying to work on the boat and h get all the layers of gloss on the rub rail. When it dries then I work. While the wifi was on I got a message that Menuka had lost her ID card so I tried to contact her and then called Chandana and chatted with him for awhile.
    Also got to talk to Kim, Kirsten and Dad today. It feels good to spend time with friends, even when I can’t be near them.
    We headed to another spot on the Bay today and anchored the tender so Brian could do a pastel. I stayed in the boat and read. Then we had trouble getting the anchor up, so Brian had to dive in to retrieve it.
    Some mega yachts and ships have come into the harbour… it is quite a sight and the sunsets are beautiful.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sanding and Sketching

    March 11, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    I am far behind on my details of my travels so will try and catch up as best I can, these last two weeks (as today is actually the first day of Spring).
    While in Chatham Bay I didn’t sleep great as responsibilities felt heavy and worry grinding at my soul. I have turned to yoga in the mornings which has helped calm the spirit!
    We sanded and varnished/ glossed the Starboard rub rail. Most of our day was spent on boat chores, some work duties and pastels.
    I went with Brian to the other side of the Bay. He anchored the dinghy and I went to shore with my book to read and relax. On our way back to the boat we stopped by and said Hi to a few folks with Canadian Flags 🇨🇦.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Rub Rail

    March 10, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Sunday is Pancake Day…. Missing my friend Kirsten, my second home during Covid.
    After a feast we headed out to work on the run rail of the boat. We had to sand down the bottom side and a small piece of the top side with 60 grit and then go over it with 100 grit, and then apply two coats of primer. It looks nice! Now we have 8-10 coats of varnish to do over the next few days. The sun was hot so sun-shirts have proven to be useful the past few days (again, thanks Kirsten).
    We were done and watching the tourists head to shore, when another schooner came in, rumbling loudly. Brian got excited as he knew the man from Mystic, CI where he had kept the boat for two seasons (Geoff Jones). We popped into the dinghy and went for a quick visit to say HI. Upon getting back to the boat, we decided to go snorkelling where the fish and coral were plentiful. After we got back to the boat and washed off we decided to head to the beach and hear the steel drums. We thought it would be more then a one person thing, but nonetheless, had a nice walk, smoothed at Sunset Cove and a chance to talk to Phillip.
    Once back to the boat we got the hammock out, something I have been wanting for months. We set it up at the stern and enjoyed the view and chatted about how to get to DR and when to start heading there. While making super I chatted with Kim for a bit and then we chowed down on sausages wrapped in GF tortillas and a huge salad, finished with some chocolate ice cream.
    We were going to start planning the trip but Brian decided he would rather play the guitar and draw before we turned in to sleep, sore from our weekend of stripping, sanding and varnishing.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    2

    Caught a Fish!

    March 9, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Woke up and decided early that Brian would do a pastel. We lowered the dinghy from the davit, put the engine on, and then I attempted to start it. There was a kerfuffle as I had a learning style different then Brian’s teaching. But we worked it out quickly and he allowed me to start and drive the dinghy. I could have stayed in the boat and worked but decided to go with him and read. It is his first art attempt in awhile as he wasn’t inspired by anything he saw in Bequia.
    When we returned to Lorena, we decided to apply the stripper to the rub rail followed by lots of sanding. Finally we gave up after we bought another lobster from a local fisherman who stopped by the boat - they also gave us two conch. Brian decided to make some water (run the generator and put up with load noise), and I tenderized the conch and figured out how to cook it gluten free style. We cooked the lobster immediately as it was fatigued. I read that the conch parts are good bait for fishing, so I took a rod and tried to figure out how to us it. I started on the transom and worked my way to the bow, where I caught a Jack Fish. We could have kept and ate it, but since we already had a feast waiting, we released it.
    The water maker was giving pressure problems, so Brian was nervous, but when it finished we decided to go snorkelling. The water was clear and beautiful along the point and we saw lots of coral, lion fish, Chinese trumpet fish and more. Back on the boat we cleaned us at the stern shower and lounged (and took a spin around the Bay on the dinghy). We came back to Lorena and grabbed some attire before leaving again to check out the shore. We went for a long walk on the beach (and I climbed the bolder, that reminded me of the Rocks in NB). We stopped at Sunet Cove and had a virgin Pina Colada and watched the sun decent before heading back to the boat to feast on lobster, quinoa salad and conch. I decided to fry the conch in oil, with chickpea flour, egg wash and crushed gf crackers. It was very good! We usually listen to music during meal prep and eating…. And sometimes there is dancing involved afterwards 😆.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Full Sails

    March 8, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Up and had coffee, breakfast and wrote about life. Then had a meeting at 9:30 to prepare for. My headphones are falling apart and my camera stopped working on my phone, so I was distracted the whole meeting with sounds of Brian getting ready to leave. I was scared he was going to hoist anchor while I was in my meeting but assuredly, it was just my paranoia.
    After the meeting, and greeted with a hug, we made quick work of leaving Bequia (having hoisted the dinghy and engine the night before).
    We headed over to the opposite side of Admiralty Bay so that I could see the moon caves/houses. Buildings etched into the side of the cliffs. We were under full sail and stayed that way all day, only dropping the sail once we reached Chatham Bay on Union Island. This is as far south as we will go. There was a boat Brian knew in the bay and we anchored next to them.
    Fiona went on the SUP board and we hoped off the back of the boat for a swim. It was nice to chat - they have had a lot of company and she is getting tired of it. They are good friends, but at home she doesn’t live with them. Brian tipped her paddle board in an effort to push her back towards her boat, and I offered a few paddling tips (which I am not sure were welcomed). We then decided to put on snorkel gear and explore. The water seemed a bit murky but I saw a manta ray as we were swimmers back to the boat, sadly Brian was to far ahead of me…. I raced to catch him but finding it again was to challenging.
    It is a beautiful spot here and a few local boats came by, Phillip at Sunset Cove and others to sell us fish. Since we had butterfish waiting for us we declined. The fish was taster than expected…. I boiled water garlic, onion and tomato and splashed the boiling water over the fish in the skillet. Learning to fillet them was again something new!
    Although we don’t do alot when sailing, it always tires me out, so I had some extra chocolate mocha to keep me awake.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Lobster & Butterfish

    March 7, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Laundry was top of the list this morning so, we brought a large bag over to Daffodils. From there we walked up a steep hill and up to a fort/ perch that we could see from the boat, we headed down the path on the side of the hill and it lead back to laundry place. They were building a new dinghy dock and one of the workers said that he had fish and would come to the boat later.
    We took the dinghy into town and stocked up on groceries a two stores and the fruit market. On our way from Doris back to the other store a guy stopped us in the street and wanted to know if we wanted chicken. When we said I don’t eat it, he said he had pork and beef. Brian bought both from him. Then back at the dinghy dock we met Flex who sells lobsters (and was recommended by another Dawg - Kathy). We bought one for $85EC, and brought it back to the boat. We put him in a bucket and then in a mesh bag attached to the painter of the dinghy.
    Brian was going to prime the top rub rail and I chatted with Ashlynn, who was on the ferry to Victoria BC. I was boiling eggs and then made quinoa and emptied out and cleaned the cupboards while talking to her. We had a great chat! The laundry arrived back to the boat, by boat and I paid 80ec…. Not bad for wash, dry and folded clothes.
    We we were told to cut the lobster in two and grill it…. This took a lot of time and effort, but we finally did it. Then Hayden came by in his SUP with Butterfish, as he said he would. Brian agreed to buy them all, and Hayden showed me how to descale and clean the fish. We put them away for tomorrow and enjoyed a beautiful lobster dinner!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Electrical

    March 5, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Started the morning as usual, and I was getting prepare for a meeting at 9:30am that was cancelled. Shortly after, another boat in the harbour (Duene) was coming over in the dinghy to help Brian with electrical issues. Kevin came and brought his girlfriend Cindy. I was hoping to work but ended up entertaining or chatting with Cindy, who seems unhappy with her life and relationship, for 3 hours.
    The guys seemed to have made progress, contacting Belmar for the alternator and regulator, and Ian the previous electrician that worked on the boat. The alternator is not charging the batteries. Originally they thought it was a heat issue, but Brian made a heat shield and it didn’t solve the problem. They have adjusted the cool air valve and made some other assumptions to hopefully resolve the problem.
    It rained most of the day, on and off. During one of the off time, we drilled holes (with a circle saw borrowed from Kevin) into the alternator cover, to allow more air in. We got into a tangle that escalated quickly, but resolved quick too. I was always scared of arguments fearing they were a sign of failure in a relationship and would avoid at all cost, but Brian and I seem to have a health way to deal with conflict when it arises, with honesty and compassion. My chat with Cindy made me more grateful for the relationship that Brian and I have with one another, the transparency, respect, trust, friendship and love.
    We headed back to Duene to give back the tools, then to chat with Chis and Fiona on Cariocou and back to our boat for a quick swim. We showered off on the stern and then got ready to head to land and go to dinner with Mo and Ole. We were going to the Fig Tree but it was closed for a private function. A guy along the path offered Brian some weed or snowball… Brian decline but wanted to know what snowball was (the dude wouldn’t tell him) so I explained or suggested it was cocaine, and the guy acknowledged it.
    We went to the Plantation restaurant/ hotel and got a table. The serve was slow but the food good! We had Greek salad, steak and eggplant dishes that Brian and I shared. We had to move part ways through the meal as it rained so hard we were getting wet. I love the sound and smell of the rain 🌧️
    Conversation was great, the coffee at the end was better then dessert and we parted ways with our new friends at the dingy dock, hoping to get back to the boat before rain came again.
    Back on Lorena we had a cookie, checked messages and headed to bed as it was 10:15 and past our normal bedtime.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Doris does Gluten Free

    March 4, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We got up and had our usual routine and then headed into town after lowering the dingy, and making several pit stops to see people along the way. There are a few people from Saint John here (Krista Neyjen - ?) and the boat Stop Know at Rodney Bay Marina is owned by John Falcon (Castle Rose). We also chatted with another Canadian but from Toronto but with ties to the Maritime’s, Duene (Cindy and Kevin), the Dove (a couple that she is polish and he is Italian/English)…. Brian enjoyed making the rounds. We also chatted with Shuti, the catamaran in front of us from Germany and invited Ole and Monica over for Sundowner at 5pm.
    The customs and immigration was going to take awhile so Brian released me to explore Port Elizabeth. I walked to Doris’ and found tons of Gluten Free foods and other items (Maple Syrup, figs, cottage cheese) that haven’t been available elsewhere in the Caribbean. Lots of Pamela’s GF items…. I stocked up the backpack and went back to the customs building but Brian was still in line so I walked around more and went to Threadworks, a social enterprise on the island that trains islanders to see, gives them a job and sells the clothing. I didn’t by anything but was nice to chat.
    I returned and Brian was patiently waiting for me (although a bird made friends with his tee shirt). We headed to Peelers Marine store, Venture Hardware Store and Caribbean Wood, looking for better varnish stripper and a certain size Allen key. We were unsuccessful on both fronts, although we found a possible alternative to teak for the aft cabin. We also bought some fruit from various vendors and are now restocked. Plus we had a chance to sample soursop so I am excited to try ours tomorrow!
    Back on the boat and I was supposed to have a call at 1pm, but Richard cancelled as he was sick. So I did some work and and tried to get this blog up to date! There was a boat that came by to tell us all about the BushBar and give us a flyer. A young man and his girlfriend own it.
    Melanie has been making plans for the cruise in October that we booked in December/ January. Today she booked her tickets and I followed suit, although I will meet her in Montreal and fly from Barcelona to Nicaragua (and then to Virginia).
    I made some food for the sundowner and Mo and Ole came over for a few hours… great conversations! They left and we had pork chops and salad, and I passed out on the chair. We went to bed and tried reading English but I was falling asleep. I love reading together but as soon as I get to the bed at night, the off button gets switched and I just fall asleep 💤.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Bequia

    March 3, 2024 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We were up before 5am as the rolling was bad in the Bay. We let go of the mooring and I had a spotlight that I used for the next hour on the bow to make sure we didn’t hit any fishing traps. The light attracted the flying fish who put on a show.
    We arrived at the Pitons at dawn, unfortunately there was very little wind but the view was incredible. We then turned the engine on and motor sailed to Port Elizabeth, a 65mile stretch. I tried to work on the phone and computer but was struggling not to get sick as there was lots of rolling motion, which I don’t normally mind, but can’t seem to handle when I am on a device.
    Brian beckoned me to come forward, thinking he saw a marlen but there was a school of dolphins all playing around the bow of the boat for 5 minutes or so…. Using the bow to rub their head and belly, jumping in the air and making this sailor very excited 🤩🐬
    We got in around 3:30pm, anchored with ease and settled into the new area (for me), Admiralty Bay.
    We grabbed snorkel gear and decided to check out the reef, it wasn’t close to Anse Cochon but nice to get off the boat. We then showered on the stern and relaxed for awhile. A boat from Daffodils came by with information. We got supper ready and grilled MahiMahi or Dorado as locals call it.
    Sadly, while eating Brian got a text from his credit card company that spoke of fraud which set off a series of unpleasant calls. He went to bed early and I stayed up to do some work things.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Anse cochon

    March 2, 2024 in Saint Lucia ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    Up and had our coffee this morning. Last day on the dock. I chatted with Kim Wanless early in the morning and then headed to the showers on land, and a pit stop at Cafe Ole for some gf banana bread and coffee before heading to the boat to make sure Elvis was doing ok with the bright work (scraping the varnish off the rub rail). I wrote, did some boat chores like getting water out of the kitchen locker, wiping mildew off the pilot house ceiling and fixing the bulkhead in the aft cabin.
    By noon Elvis was quiting, even though half of the bottom of the rail was not stripped. We got everything on the boat battened down. We had help getting out of a tight spot (F1) and then we headed to the gas dock. It was a bit of a clusterfuck…. But so it is with two people trying to dock a 60ft boat in tight space. We managed! Unfortunately they wouldn’t sell gas untill we gave immigration papers, so Brian had to run back (bribe the agent on lunch break) and sign out (even though we did it on SailClear). I moved Lorena up the dock with the fuel guy (Michael) and Fred from Isola Nadia, then we moved their boat. Brian returned and we got a total of about 140 gallons of diesel (unfortunately it overflowed on both sides).
    We headed out the narrow channel and into the anchorage, but decided to continue— we put up the main and had a 2.5kt current with us.
    Brian suggested Marigot but when I looked at the chart and navionics, there was a place 3 mile south of Marigot that seemed good, so we checked it out. This was my first experience with “boat boys” who do not have a good reputation in St Lucia. Andrew can by and wanted us to moor. He wanted 50EC…. I worked him down to 20EC.
    It was only 3:30 so we decided to go snorkeling. The reefs and all the different fish were beautiful, as is the resort on the hill. We took a shower on the stern and then lounged for awhile, putting away the sail and chatting.
    The anchorage is rolly so it will be a long night. We had a beet salad first and then cooked Turkey dogs (in a gf wrap) on the BBQ while I chatted with Dad. And finished with an ice cream bar… we always eat so well on (and off) the boat!
    It will be an early morning with a 10-12hr sail tomorrow so off the bed early.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Maple Leaf flag

    March 1, 2024 in Saint Lucia ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Great sleeps at the dock! It is a quiet place and we are usually the early birds up at 6am and a walk down the dock to the washroom. This morning I did yoga with Susan (proceeds to Amy’s Place). Nikki was there and I did a time lapse video and then we talked medical insurance after (as she and Barry are from Canada).
    Back on the boat to do some writing a boat chores… one being the raising of the Canadian flag. I brought one to the boat but felt it was strange for me to put it up. Brian was the one who got it out (it is a Canadian boat after all), so I proudly hoisted it.
    We had breakfast after yoga, and Elvis was working away at stripping the varnish. Then we headed to Derm Med Rx to see Dr Joseph. Brian had been before to just get checked for skin cancer and I thought it would be prudent to do the same. All was good for both of us, and it only cost me $130Cnd. The medicine on the other hand, basically mole/ spot removers, was going to cost me $200 so I declined and will us some of Brian’s (who got the same).
    Afterwards we got groceries (almost $350usd) and carried it back to the boat (I got cat treats for all the strays). Then went to hardware store to grab paint stripper and to the pharmacy.
    We paid Elvis before we left and I calculated it wrong (in EC not USD), so we walked back to straighten it out. Once we got back we had supper (salmon and salad and ocra) and went to a street party in Gros Ilets and just walk through. Lots of miles on the pedometer today! Stopped for an ice cream on the way back and then to bed as we were both tired!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sadie Hawkins Day

    February 29, 2024, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Did some chores this morning… we recieved word that the water would be shut off for the weekend, so we washed the boat down and filled the water tanks. I missed Ashlynn’s call but got her irritated text after she tried to call a few times and I didn’t answer. It is always great to talk to her and even better when I get to see her. They are leaving for BC for 4-5weeks next Wednesday and she had a great girls weekend getaway last weekend.
    Brian returned with a strange looking fruit, apparently called Soursop. It is always fun to try new fruits and foods.
    In the afternoon we walked back to the beach and had a dip in the water and actually swam a ways out and then back to shore. We dried off on loungers and eventually I stripped off and put dry clothes back on. We headed back to Rodney Bay town (we had walked through before exploring sushi and the gallery) and decided on Spices of India. Unfortunately, it was the last place Brian had a meal with his wife before she left. The food and service was amazing …. And since it was Sadie Hawkins Day I wanted to pay. Later I looked it up and said the day was in November….. but either way I remember it from teen camp when the girl asked the boy to a special dinner.
    We had a fantastic “extra day” and headed back to the boat, but stopped first at the grocery store to by vinegar and a few other items before the big stock tomorrow. We had an ice cream on our way back and then decided to watch the Hollywood version of Romeo and Juliet. Of course we only got half way through before heading to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Horseback Riding

    February 28, 2024 in Saint Lucia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today I went to “yoga” again and Nikki joined me. I made our normal breakfast of yogurt, granola and fruit in the morning.
    I was able to wrap up work early and we decided to go for a walk to Gros Islet. We walked through the streets, looking for places to do art. It was great to be in a neighborhood with locals. We went to the waterfront beach and we were hot so opted to strip down to underwear and go for a swim, as one of the local kids were doing next to a wharf. We swam and then sat to dry off. In the distance I noticed a guy had a horse and was running it, and the horse was rolling in the sand. I said to Brian I would get to see it. I waved as he went by but the jockey didn’t stop. Next time he brought her out to the water for a swim and I went out too. Eventually we started to chat and he races this 11 year old Arabian, that is only 12 hands high. He offer to let me ride (bareback, in my thongs and bra), so I said sure! What a thrill to walk and trot with this horse, bareback, in the water.
    Later, on the walk back, we met a guy who was French (earlier we were trying to learn some Pigeon/ Creole language …. How are you: Sac-a-fait; I am great: March bien) so Brian enjoyed chatting with him.
    Back to the boat after a long walk home through various neighborhoods. Time for a shower and then supper and bed.    Read more

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