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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    1

    We Sail

    January 24, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    The plan was to wait for a weather window, Sunday or Monday, and sail to either Guadeloupe or directly to Dominica. However that changed after Chris Whalen visited the boat. He was the carpenter who worked on the boat beside us. He explained that the teak on the deck would need to be redone and the windows as well. Brian wants to get the windows done and Chris had an opening next week. I pushed him a bit on timing and he said he could start this week, so we left Falmouth for Jolly…. But not without incident.
    We went to lower the davit to hoist the dingy but forgot to unpin the wind turbine, so we bent metal and pipes the support brace. We were able to grab it during a lull and tie it off to fix everything without the concern of being whacked by a blade. Finally we were ready to leave, but the anchor was resistant (enjoying its spot snug in the sand)…. But eventually it released.
    It was a quick sail with wind gust up to 35knots and mainly following seas.
    Chris and Arthur met us at the work dock to grab our lines and it was a bit tricky as it was blowing hard.
    Once settled we went the Marina office to check in and had a bite to eat at the Mexican restaurant. We later returned to the area in search of a shower.
    It was yoga and bed for me, but unfortunately the bugs here are really bad and my body was covered in bites in the morning!!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Middle Ground

    January 23, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Work in the morning and move in the afternoon! At 3pm we went to Blue Magic to fetch Maria (Rolander) and go for a hike to Middle ground (great views and lots of small goats). It has been awhile since I moved my legs…. It’s felt good!
    We went to Coventry Gardens and go three bags of groceries, it cost $350 CND, which is what I paid back in December at home.
    Later in the evening we went over to Blue Magic and had super - brought some turkey sausages and okra for everyone, Nicholas and Maria added chicken, salad and a veggie dish. After the meal we learned how to play Mahjong. It was lots of fun, I actually won the first round (East Wind) of four.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Nautical Namaste

    January 22, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Had some work calls in the morning and Brian went off to do a pastel. One of my calls was delayed by an hour so I ended up filming my first little yoga video and put it on Instagram.
    Even though I am usually up by 6:30am, the days seem to fly by and I do not get all the things done that I need too. However, I am still on pace with doing Yoga with Adrienne every day…. Just not with producing my own classes or videos.
    We went for a swim in the late afternoon and met the boat beside us (Mermaid). Mike and Robin are the owners and it is the same boat designer as Lorena. They are the organizers of the Antigua Classic (a regatta I dreamed about racing in, in my 30’s). They recommended a person in Jolly Harbour who could potentially help with the boat leaks.
    **Also made muffins… an epic failure! Half burnt. I didn’t keep them in as long and only dialed to 350, but there is no thermometer in the gas oven. I’ll try again.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Moving Lorena

    January 21, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Yoga class was a hit! I just taught to Maria (a fellow yoga teacher from Sweden who sails on a Swan 65) and we did a one hour class at AYC. Then we had coffee and chatted for another 1.5hrs.
    She was returning to the boat and I went to see if our tender/ dingy was still at the dock. It was and I was going to head to Nelson’s to look for Brian when he appeared. He had gotten into a conversation while redoing another version of the pillars (part of the Boom restaurant at Admirals Inn) with a professional artist, Philip Gray.
    We headed back to the boat and decided to move it again, in further toward Nicolas and Maria to get out of the swells. Anchoring doesn’t always work in the first, second or third try so it is stressful for Brian. However, we squeezed into a space. Later we went for a swim to Blue Magic but they were not at the boat. Maria came by shortly after and needed to borrow Starlink. We invited her for super (salad and turkey sausages) and then to visit friends at Nelsons Dockyard.
    She agreed…. After super we headed to Lena (Jeremy and Diane’s Amel) and stopped to see Nicolas along the way and he decided to leave TOT’s (a scotch club) and join us.
    We had a nice evening chatting with other sailors. Babs and Tim were heading to Guadeloupe in the morning.
    Back to the boat and bed… Mondays a work day!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Chain Hair

    January 20, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We are still trying to decide if we leave or stay. The last few nights have been really difficult to sleep as the boat was rolling so much. One of the concerns is all the growth on the chain and not being able to get it off, while lifting the anchor (and allowing the chain down the hospipe).
    I wish I had taken a before and after picture. It was dirty and difficult to remove, but after lots of scrubbing it came off. The growth was only on the first 30-40 feet of chain. We used the wash down pump to rinse and clean the chain, but later realized it was not connected properly and had flooded the V-berth. We also has a problem with the bilge pump coming on but not pumping water. Both were fixable.
    After washing the chain and moving the boat about 500ft closer to the channel, I had stuff all over me and biting, so I jumped into the water and Brian followed. We had a good swim and did our 7 laps.
    Then we lounged on the boat and decided that to head to shore. Brian was going to do a pastel and then we were heading to Sushi at AYC.
    Maria met us at AYC and we had some G&T and chatted for quite awhile while Nicolas was at TOT.
    We made plans to connect again for yoga in the morning.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Mid Summer Nights Dream

    January 19, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    We took a look at the weather forecast and spoke with some friends, and have decided that we will likely stay in Antigua another week instead of heading to Dominica.
    Ashlynn called and I got to chat with her during a downpour as she was skiing at Mount Royal.
    I worked for most of the day and went swimming late in the day.
    Brian worked on his pastel. I love to watch how the first version transforms into something even better over the following day.
    We have been reading Mid Summer Nights Dream but I keep falling asleep while he is reading 💤 “awake the pert and nimble spirit of mirth.”    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Ready for Work

    January 18, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    As I was making breakfast a rainbow greeted my view…. One of the many joys of being on the boat.
    I had a conference call in the morning and Brian did a pastel. I continued working, but was feeling really sluggish and exhausted still. There is no time difference, so no jet leg, but I couldn’t look at the computer screen any longer.
    Brian was working on the forward leak so I took the opportunity to catch up and do two Yoga with Adrienne videos. We then went for a swim around the boat and scrub the dingy bottom. Brian does 7 laps, so I am going to try and match it daily, even though the current and waves are sometimes fierce.
    We had a nice salad and grilled pork chop meal, and then danced to some fun tunes, Brian played the guitar and off to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    3

    Mammogram

    January 17, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We had the car until 3pm today. This morning we woke up, had our coffee and breakfast, and I put more things away as Brian wrote. We then headed for the car around 10am. Driving during the daylight was much better!
    We went to Woods Radiology to get a mammogram (cost $180 Canadian) as mine was scheduled for March in Moncton but I wouldn’t be there and although I could reschedule…. I wasn’t sure what times I would be in Moncton. You walk in, show past reports, pay and have it done all under we 45 minutes. Results arrive the same day and all is clear!
    Next was Harper’s to exchange the mouse Brian bought so it will work with both Mac and Surface Pro…. As I forgot mine at home.
    Then to food stalls along the road for fruit and Epicurean for groceries. We bought 3 big bags and headed back to Falmouth, gassed up and dropped off the car. Then took groceries to the dingy and back to the boat.
    We were invited out to dinner by Brian’s friends Babs and Tim. There were two other couples (Diane and Jeremy on Lema and Susan and Steve on Thursdays Child). We went to a pizza place and had a lamb pizza.
    Back to the boat and off to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Antigua bound

    January 16, 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Flight boarded on time but we waited on the tarmac for over two hours… to get engine to work, to get luggage loaded and drive the plane. In business class the seats were nice and big, although no TV’s on the plane. I got another hour or two of sleep and landed in the evening. Immigration went smooth although I was worried my bag wouldn’t arrive as it was checked all the way through. It was last on the trolly but luckily it arrived.
    Brian was waiting with pineapple in hand 🍍.
    He had a rental car and is not used to driving (due to living in NYC) so it was a tense drive back.
    We parked in the rental car lot and got the bags to the dingy. I wore the 48lb one as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get it from the dingy to the Lorena (sailboat).
    Once on board I started to nest and get things put away while Brian cooked up a steak. We ate and went to bed as I was exhausted.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Up up and away

    January 15, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    Packing is always a last minute challenge and Ive never done it for 5 months+ but managed to fit everything into a big 48.7lb backpack that I dropped to the airport early, and another bag for personal stuff.
    Parnavi and Shray moved there stuff into the house the day before as they work through the week. I got a couple delay notices and wasn’t sure that I would get away.
    When I checked in I decided to upgrade to first class so I’d have access to the lounge and comfy seats on the plane.
    Evie was supposed to drive me, but since I was delayed I went to see Dad, came back home to drop the car, and had Chandana and Menuka drive me to friend David’s place in Dieppe. We hung out, did a swing to the airport to check my flight as I didn’t have data any longer (left my SIM with the Silva’s) and then to Second Cup for a smoothie.
    Flight was good and on walk to international part of the airport, a lady travelling from Moncton to Bahamas was struggling with luggage, so I carried it for her as it was a long walk. Once we got to her gate, I spotted a place to sleep and got a couple hours of shut eye untill my hips started to hurt. I woke around 2:30am and wondered the aisles and found a chair to nap in untill the lounge opened. I went to the lounge and got another hour of sleep, then took a long hot shower, got some breakfast and headed for my gate.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Canadian Soil

    December 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C

    Long long day! Flight from Toronto to Montreal landed at 1am and then we were kicked out of YUL arrivals from 2 - 3:30 (after just falling asleep on a quiet bench). I resigned to loud, bright lights and no sleep as the clock ticked on. At 3:45 I headed back thru security and waited till 4:15 to enter the Air Canada lounge. I sat at a table, did a little work, ate beans and eggs (twice) and filled myself with three large coffees. Then headed to my gate and boarded for the final leg. It was nice as there is only one seat per row and 1A was all mine.
    Dad picked me up and we spoke about the car for awhile. Quick hello to Wavey and in my way home. The house was barely clean and will need a good scrub down, the plants a good soak. I opened mail, took a call from SJTC and decided to put my tree up. After, a short walk with Manju to visit Sheila so I could stay awake until 8pm. Once back home I laid on the coach to admire the tree and was asleep in moments. I awoke after midnight to a sweet message from Brian, and made my way to my own bed for a full nights sleep (no Dracula tonight :-().
    Signing off till the next adventure in 2024!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    V.C. Bird International

    December 15, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Strange to sleep in a real bed and take a shower with lots of space. The hotel was old and the equivalent of a Super 6….($173US). We woke early and went to the hotel breakfast at 7am. We watched the cruise ships come in and then decided to walk around. We crossed the street and I took a detour to Zemi art gallery (and found Warri seeds). The owner (Stephen Murphy) had lived in Canada for 25 years and had dual citizenship. Back to find Brian and we walked to the church and around the town, stopping a few times for water. We went back to Zemi and I bought a Christmas ornament (well something he drilled to make into an ornament) and then we went back to the hotel until checkout at noon.
    Back to the car, only to find a parking ticket and then off to Friar Hill Road again…. to Woods Mall. I asked about the cost of a mammogram and then need past images (which I’ll collect when home). Then to Bella Cafe again, to enjoy another smoothie and lunch. We went to Epicuriean Grocery store and found they had lots of gluten free food. They were playing Mary Did You Know (mom’s favourite Christmas carol) and many other tunes. It was the first time I heard carols and it brought tears or happy and sad!
    Then to the airport as flight wasn’t cancelled, Brian came in and I went to the bathroom to change, only to realize that the pants Ashlynn had sewn…. Was done wrong. I found my yoga pants, said a sad goodbye and headed to security. I purchased some fish tacos as I figured I wouldn’t eat till tomorrow again. On the plane now, finishing my writing as my trip concludes, and hoping that Ashlynn is having a wonderful time at the ballet with Hugo.
    I’ll sleep at the airport tonight and catch my flight in the morning.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Titi

    December 14, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Had our regular morning and after I wrote, I asked Brian to drawn in my journal, the image that I see every morning. He happily complied as I finished packing and left a few notes around the boat.
    Many things have been left behind for my return back in January, but my back packed I left Lorena for the last time in 2023. We estimated that I spent 40% of the last 5 months on the boat.
    We picked up a car from Titi car rental that we had reserved. a few days earlier. It was Brian’s first time driving in the opposite side of the road (and he barely drives, having lived in NYC most of his life). He grazed the side mirror and was tense for awhile as we drove to St John’s but slowly started to relax. First we went to the optician to get new lenses for his frames (he will get them in 2-4weeks), then to the Doctor Bowen where we had to wait for 1.5hrs. Brian got yearly bloodwork and physical and everything looks good …. His weight loss is a mystery…. Likely stress from the many changes he’s experienced.
    While at the Doctors my flight was cancelled…. He had an appointment with the dentist across the street and I called Ashlynn and tried to figure out what to do.
    We went to Bella Cafe to try and figure it out. Brian called the rental car place and extended his contract, he then decided to go downtown to the bookstore. He bought King Lear, Midsummer Nights Dream, Frankinstien, The O and another book. Then we saw Birkenstocks — he has hated my falling apart sandals and bought me another pair (Merry Christmas) along with ones for himself. Then we headed to Heritage Hotel (only one of two hotels in St Johns) and booked a room for a night. This is the first time in 10 months Brian has been off the boat overnight.
    We headed to Hemmingways, just around the corner for a wonderful meal. I had the traditional meal (ducala - sweet potato and coconut roll) and salted fish. Brian had goat curry. We then headed back to the hotel, read a bit from each book and went to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Shirley Heights

    December 13, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    On our full day we decided that we would hike to Shirley Heights. Isabelle can by and this time be had a gf quiche so we had that and Brian’s croissants, along with the papaya, passion fruit and banana yogurt and granola breakfast. Power up before the hike.
    We sunscreened up, packed some food and water and set out! It was about 8km all together and lots of fun chatting, exploring, and taking some photos. Brian did a pastel of a photo he took in Guadeloupe yesterday, so perhaps he will do a few more from photos.
    We walked the road up but a trail on the way down (where I discover land crabs), then a nice walk on Galiean Beach and back up to meet the road (with a brief stop for me in a gift shop (clean the beach youth NGO) and then to meet up with Brian as he walked towards Nelson’s to check on the sails.
    We went to A&F and the sails were ready but Franklin wasn’t back so we settled ourselves at a cafe with our regular drink orders — flat water for me and bubbly for Brian.
    Once he paid for the sails we got a drive to the AYC, got the sails loaded onto the tender and back up onto Lorena. It was blowing pretty hard so we decided not to put them up, but lashed them to the deck.
    Brian washed his feet of the sand and I spontaneously decided to dive in the water. My last swim. We did our 3 laps, took a shower on the transom and then went about preparing a salmon dinner…… while cooking Brian played guitar, and a smile emerged across my face as I realized it was Christmas music. So beautiful— he played his Canadian Christmas CD while we ate and then I finished packing for the morning departure.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Hiking

    December 12, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    The Royal Clipper anchored close by early in the morning as we were sipping coffee and writing — a beautiful sight! Brian worked on the pastel he had done the day before while I worked. It rained hard at n the morning…. Each day it rains 3-4 times for about 20 minutes. It is always a challenge at night as airflow helps the boat stay cooler but rain often prevents it.
    We needed to go into town to get gas for the tender, and drop off the sails to Franklin. I bought more bananas and passion fruit and the stand across from the gas station.
    We then went to Nelson’s and had a coffee, OJ and split an omelette. I wanted to go see a part of Nelson’s from the signage at the front, so we hiked up…. And then decided to do the entire hike across the crest that took us down to Pigeon Cove / Beach. Back to the boat for salad and sea bass….it has been exciting to have salad again!! Maria invited us to watch Nicholas swearing in at the TOT club (Royal Antigua run club), but we declined as the winds were really strong and we wanted to relax.
    Tough to reconcile that tomorrow is my last fun day on the boat!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Yoga

    December 11, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Isabelle from La Brassarie come by the boat most mornings and Brian enjoys a croissant or three. He could eat all day, anything he wants and still not gain a pound! Luck for me, there is no Gluten Free to tempt me.
    Did some work in the morning (call with Lise at SJTC and Lisa about FTHS). Then we went for a swim at noon. I am still working on my diving. I’ve moved from the transom to the side of the boat, but haven’t got the guts for the topside yet.
    In the afternoon, we headed to the Yacht Club where Maria had reserved to do her Less Mills yearly yoga training. We did the workshop but had trouble with getting the Master Class to stream properly. Cindy (Steve) and Alex (Andy) were also with us. Brian had left to do a pastel at Nelson’s Dockyard and came back to work on it as we tried to do the class. Eventually we gave up. We had to get back to the boat and grab a bite to eat before I did another FTHS volunteer orientation.
    The winds have been strong all week and have prevented us from taking down the stay sail and Genoa, but there was a calm at sunset as we arrived back to the boat, so we made haste and decided to take down both sails to get fixed. It was still a challenge but we happily managed.
    It was a great day that was balanced with 4-5 hours of work and equal amount of play! I haven’t done yoga at all during my time on the boat and it felt good to practice.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Laundry Time

    December 10, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Up to a beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, Brian had a rough sleep with nightmares and a sleeping pill….. so he felt groggy, tired and off all day. I must say that I am really enjoying the early to rise and early to bed. Waking at dawn…. And sitting with my thoughts in silence, while sipping coffee (beside Brian) for an hour or more…. is so peaceful! We decided to gather all our laundry and head into Falmouth for a few hours. We dropped two big loads for wash only and it would be ready by 1pm. We went to the gas station and beside it was a fresh fruit place where we stocked up, and then to a little stand for passion fruit, bananas, sorrel (a dried flower that is only available from Nov- Jan and tastes like sour candy) and coffee. Brian did a little search (he calls them peewees). We also had a taste of Sugar Apple.
    We then when to Budget Marine (on our way to Gennie’s another grocery store that is supposed to be cheaper but wasn’t open). It was a long walk, but pretty. We brought the new gas tank and produce back to the tender and Brian tried to switch the tanks, but didn’t have a funnel.
    We headed to Covenant Garden grocery store — they seemed to have alot more this time, including GF bread and Greek yogurt. Back to get the laundry and then to dry it on the boat. We forgot to get extra clothes pin, so we had to be creative (using lines) to hang all the clothes. Once we got back, Tess and Hartmult invited us for lunch. I started to make French Toast (excited about the GF bread) and Nicholas and Marie invited us over. I had a conference call at 4pm (FTHS volunteer orientation) so it was an intense discussion about what to do…. I finished making the toast and we headed to Blue Magic for a quick visit. After my call we went to Cappy’s for a drink with Brian’s German friends. Finding the boat in the dark is always fun, but Brian seems to intuitively know where she is.
    We gathered the rest of the clothing on the boat, made the bed and put away clothing before sleep.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Sushi and Dancing

    December 9, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Today we started to prepare for what we anticipated to be a nasty trip, instead ….. a lot of fun! The winds were steady at 20-24knots but we only used the stay sail and with it zipped along at 7-8knots. It was only a 10-12mile trek so we arrived quickly.
    We again had difficulty anchoring, although only tried once, we slid back 1000ft over the course of the afternoon. Eventually, we let out another 100ft and seemed to have set the anchor (mantis/ plow).
    When we arrived, we noticed that we were beside Always (Tim Sanders) who had Ilse aboard. She was Brian’s crew for the delivery and he was hopping to see her. They were leaving for Jolly Harbour and then Panama. She filmed us but didn’t say much…. Brian later learned that they are headed to Australia together— might be a tough passage for someone who gets seasick.
    I did some work, called Leanne to chat and listened to Brian play guitar. We then headed to AYC to try Sushi again (it was great) and have some fun dancing untill the floor became too crowded with people (including Jill, who we meant the first time) and smokers. Back to the boat to relax for the rest of the evening.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Duck Fat

    December 8, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Lots of boats in this little cove, so always the fear of sliding or anchor dragging. We set the alarm and all was well through the night. We watched a wedding on shore last night, which was fun, with lots of music filling the air.
    Today, after our sacred time of coffee and quiet writing, we started on work and chores. Brian finished his pastel — he usually does it, sets it on the captains chair or fireplace mantle, and observe it for awhile, then gets the pastels colors out to tweak it.
    Brian set about cleaning the duck fat off the grill and the side of the boat (it had splattered everywhere). He also took fibreglass and covered the Rutgerson so it stay secure and not pop the top cover.
    I worked most of the day, but took time out for a swim and to watch rainbows. We went to shore (as I just wanted to se the clear water on the other side) and walked around for 5 min before heading back to the boat. Lots of kite surfers here and they launch from this spot or their boat…. Fun to watch.
    We looked at the weather and realized that winds would be getting stronger and swells larger. We reached out to a few sailors as we didn’t want to get stuck there…. And decided we would leave in the morning.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Non Such Bay

    December 7, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    AND BACK….. We didn’t make it to the pink beaches, but did decided to jump in for a few laps around the boat before heading back towards Antigua. We sailed with a reef so not to use the bottom batten as the epoxy was still tacky.
    While in route we passed Nikki and Barry (who briefly dropped on the way to take their dog to shore last night) and I also chatted with Ashlynn (and Vinnie) about what to do to celebrate Christmas — we talked about Bota Bota but ended up deciding on the Nut Cracker ballet.
    We arrived back to Green Island and decided to explore Non Such Bay, before settling on anchor on the west side of Green Island. We launched the dinghy, and reluctantly I stayed on the boat to work while Brian went to do a Pastel.
    Steve and Dawn (catamaran named Pilar — pronounced P-lair) who were behind us, and whom we had met in Jewel, decided to re-anchor. I invited them to drop by later, they messaged Brian to decline.
    We bravely decided to try and bbq the duck. I had found a recipe to bake it with the cranberry sauce, but Brian didn’t want the smell in the boat. Google said the BBQ on low heat for and hour…… they were burnt little breasts by the end, but once we scraped the char off, still edible albeit over cooked. Brian’s poor new grill (which he tries to clean after each use, is a disaster).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Barbuda

    December 6, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We sailed to Barbuda, a 35mile trek. The winds were blowing strong and it was a good sail, but long. I have work to do but it was to challenging to sail and work. Brian lifted anchor and got us underway while I worked as much as I could before the seas started to swell. We sailed with no motor untill the wind started to recede and we noticed the batten had come free again and we lost the Rutgerson face plate this time. When we tried to start the engine, it again would not start, so Brian had to “Hotwire” it. With the combo of engine and sea we were going faster and caught a Barracuda on the fishing line. It was fun to watch Brian reel it in, and then take it aboard…. Sharp teeth! We decided to free it back to the water.
    The entrance to Barbuda was filled with reefs, so we had to pay close attention. Once we got to the Coco Bay the engine would NOT turn off using the stop switch. Brian calmly made several calls to no avail and finally called on the VHF for assistance to those around us (several Salty Dog flags flying). Two men (Kevin with half an ear from South Africa, who had been living aboard for 25years) came over and showed Brian where the shut off switch was.
    While he was doing that I was getting the face plate off the new Rutgesron and putting it in the bottom batten. Brian came to help and we decided to epoxy it, to prevent it from coming apart. By the time we finished everything, sun was going down and I watched the sunset from the transom until the stars started to appear.
    In the evening we booked a Lobster feed with Enoch for noon the next day, however later we took a look at the weather and saw that a system was moving in that might have us stuck. We decided to leave in the morning.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Green Island

    December 5, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We got tossed around at night and decided to head to Barbuda in the morning. However, once we got out to sea, the waves and sweeps were really heavy and we decided to pull into Green Island. It took a couple tries to set the anchor but It was a beautiful gem!
    We decided to head to shore so Brian could do a pastel, and we rigged two bouys together with his art stuff and our phones in a dry bag and swam from the boat to shore. I walked and swam while Brian did his art, a gorgeous picture! Then we swam back to the boat.
    There are lots of party boats and charters but they were not to loud, and one of the boats leaving cheered as Brian dove off the top of Lorena. 👏
    We had a big charcuterie board for supper, and as per usual, retired around 9pm.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Boat Drag

    December 4, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We got up and decided to head into town for a pastel and to get groceries. Got caught in a rain shower on the way… kinda fun. We meet Aubrey (who is setting up fresh produce at English harbour) and loaded up. We then walked to the North Sails loft to apologize to Andrew (but he wasn’t around, nor was Rahim). Off to Nelson’s Dockyard, sat and had a coffee at a little cafe, went to the grocery store and to a gift shop across from grocer where I bought soaps and other Christmas gift items…. We met Salty Dogs (Steve and Lynn from Roxy) who told us about a gathering at 5:30 tonight.
    Back to the boat, but on the way stopped to say Hi to neighbors Lane and Judy from Vermont (Corsair) whom we invited over for drinks. They have a bench in front of there mast and seat on their wenches. We went for a swim and it looked like we were getting closer to reef so decided to check it out with handheld sonar on the dingy, indeed we were drifting and would have to move. We visited Muna and Fred Canadian boat from Chester on Isola Merida and went to Corsair to say we would have to move…. They had decided to go to the Salty Dog gathering in the evening.
    When we lifted anchor there was a huge coral head on the tip. I was unable to get it off and it was hard on the boat moving forward. We hailed a large tender (from the super yacht Loon) and the two guys and a girl helped us remove the large chunk of coral — after several attempts it was gone.
    We re-anchored further out and quickly headed into shore to go to the party. We chatted with Lane and Judy (and their crew Tim and Susan) for awhile at the party … and before at the dress shop where Judy was trying on clothes and Lane was telling us about Barbuda. He is the CEO of a large homeless organization in New Jersey.
    I realized that I had to leave for my conference call with Toronto Detention Centre and we left (without paying for my coffee which we only remembered much later).
    Got on the call… although my camera wouldn’t work for most of the time…. Good Orientation session by Norm.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Falmouth

    December 3, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We were up early again (normally day starts at 6:30) and got the dinghy hoisted and boat prepped for leaving. We had no troubles starting the engine this time, a nd began our 52 mile trek to Falmouth, Antigua. I try and do some work or reading on the passage, but it doesn’t work well for me and I start to feel queasy.
    The batten popped out of the sleeve and we had to keep a close eye on it, not to loose it as had happen before to Brian on the passage over. We also noticed a rip in the Jib that needs attention. I took some time to try and get the rust off the aft port stansions.
    Sushi at the Antigua Yacht Club, Clubhouse restaurant was on the menu. Once we arrived in Falmouth, we again struggled to anchor a finally settled on a spot, although it was getting dark and lots of boats around. We quickly gathered up garbage and headed to the dock. Once at the club we ran into Nicholas and Marie (and a whole crew of others), we switched seats and sat at a table of 10-12 people (including Steve and Cindy on Karuna - from Vermont). We had sushi but my evening was interrupted as the first bite I took had Tempura, so bathroom called most of the night). It is Super Yacht week in Antigua and there are MANY huge vessels in the bay and at dock (Loon, Chasing Daylight, Calex, Sea Owl, Twizzle, SuRi).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Check out at Deshaies

    December 2, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Sail Day… a 45 mile stretch. We had been at Fidel In Anse for a week. It was such an idyllic place — quiet, clear water, nice anchorage, & beautiful view. Time to move on and maybe connect with Nicolas and Marie, who days earlier were sailing from Florida to St Barts and lost their engine….. but after a couple days get it moving again.
    We left early as we wanted to get in an “check out/ clear” the country (France/ Guadeloupe) before the small shop, the Pelican, closed. We had a wonderful day of sailing (motor off most of the time), although the wind was swirly in certain places along the coast and it rained some, but produced LOTS of rainbows (the Caribbean is full of them). I was at the helm and trying to pass the boat that beat us across Les Saintes Passage, and succeeded. Lorena’s autopilot is hooked into the iPad, so it is cool that I can take the iPad and sit anywhere and steer the boat!
    When we went to turn the engine back on, it would not start. Brian had to return to jump starting it by tapping the wire to the battery (bypassing the solenoid. We also passed Nomad (Brian’s friend Leon) as chatted on VHS and took photos of him underway.
    Leon is headed to the Grenadines and Brian was hoping he would be in Antigua over Christmas, as he will be staying to do boat repairs, even though he has an invite to spend the holidays with me. 🎄❄️
    We had trouble anchoring in Deshaies, but once we finally set, we headed to town to check out. Brian wanted to buy me sandals (as the cork in my Berkinstocks are falling out), but I declined.
    The check out process is always frustrating for him, I find it strange as they don’t stamp the passport. Afterwards we went to the grocery and stocked up (even bought duck breasts). Apparently the French subsidized the food on the islands so it is cheaper to buy here verses Antigua — and I found some gluten free cookies!!
    Back to the boat for supper, watch the rest of Shakespeare and sleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Puttering

    December 1, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We have started thinking about heading back as my flight is less then a week away. Brian still has a bit of a cough and we are both exhausted a lot….. the remnants of Covid. I decided to extend my visit by a week so that I could see Ashlynn via Montreal. I worked for a few hours and then we headed back to the Pottery ruins to do a pastel. On our way back to the boat, there was a boat (Seaductress) with a Canadian flag so we stopped by and chatted. We invited them over for drink (from Brockville). Liczy and Randy came over around 6 and stayed till 9pm. We had a charcuterie board and they brought tapenade and persimmon. It was nice to spend time with other people.Read more

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