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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Samana

    April 5, 2024 in Dominican Republic ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    *** It's been 7 weeks and I haven't written or updated the last part of my trip with Lorena & Brian to the Dominican Republic**** Sitting on Mambo Beach, Curaçao.... Counting down the return to the boat. Here is the rest of the story!!!
    At a dock again and it is a beautiful thing to get off the boat and use the toilet. I was up before Brian and feeling anxious as our time together is drawing short. I edit the naked fish video to remove any really spicy parts, took a picture of sleeping beauty and started a grocery list.
    We chatted with Gavi who arranged a driver for use to take us into town (Santa Barbara / Samana). We went to the outdoor food market, stopped at a truck selling fruit on the side of the road (got passion fruit) and the grocery store. The most expensive part of the trip was the driver.
    We cooked up the eggs/ row from the MahiMahi.... They tasted strange and I think they made Brian sick.
    We toured around the marina more and went for a swim to see the flimingos.... And enjoyed the pool. It was a great day and being at the dock also means a/c!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Marina Puerto Bahia

    April 4, 2024 in Dominican Republic ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Coffee was ready by the time Brian got up and we decided to contact the marina and make our way there tout suite.
    Not knowing what to expect or which side we would be coming in on, we got lines ready on either side and Brian walked me through the process…. He also asked for dinghy help. As we came in, a worker came aboard and took the lines and made the process easier.
    Once docked and settled, we got some food and proceeded to start the checkin process.
    You have to clear through immigration, coustoms and Navy (who boards the boat). I was a bit concerned as we didn’t check into Puerto Rico as we were supposed too, but it wasn’t questioned or a problem. Shepard (navy guy) came aboard and played Brian’s guitar and chatted (he spoke English too… which many do not). I connected the power and then Brian checked and added the second unit.
    We explored the premises and were going to do laundry but there were already loads going. We went back to the pool area but decided to jump in the ocean. We swam to the dock and to the water trampoline, then to the net which goes all the way down to the bottom…. Knowing that it likely means to keep certain sea creatures out…. We took a look and decided to proceed beyond it, to the small beach around the corner where Flamingo’s 🦩 in all there regality pranced about. They left the area when we emerged onshore, and we sat on a branch and watched them, marvelling at our privilege to see an experience such sights.
    We walked to the dock, and then jumped off, swam back to the pool area where we had left our things unattended, took a quick outdoor shower and headed back to the boat.
    There are three restaurants on the premise, and we went to the one attached to the building on the main floor. It was a challenge to make them understand Celiac, but Brian talked to the chef and we were able to order a meal, although not something I would get again (steak on top of coconut lentils) and salad.
    We chatted about how to get a new wind instrument (Brian called a place that had it, but not sure it would ship it in time - Sea Wire)….. bed early to catch up on sleep.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Wind meter dies

    April 3, 2024 in Dominican Republic ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Another magical day at sea even though the wind died down (not forecasted) and we had to turn on the engine. We changed course so we are not directly downwind but a wind angle of 125 (and bearing of 273).
    With the light winds we decided to experiment with the whisker pole again and unfurling the geneoa through it. We lounged on the deck for awhile, chatting about past and future sailing plans.
    Then decided to do some naked sailing as it was so hot and no wind! We put out the fishing pole and we’re getting ready to cool off with a bucket bath when a fish jumped on. I reeled the MahiMahi (also known as dolphin or Dorado) in my birthday suit, then proceeded to pour rum on the gills to kill her, and under Brian’s tutelage I cleaned and and fillet the fish. So much meat… and we even preserved the roe.
    After all that we finally took a bucket shower. The winds were starting to get swirly and I was questioning whether the wind indicator was working as it was not reading the same as the vain. Our wind speed indicator had stopped. We still set the sails to the wind indicator, but could not get wing on wing, so gave up.
    We had a beautiful MagiMahi meal with quinoa salad and decided to sleep soon after. The wind had died considerable and we were only travelling at 3-4km it’s, making our ETA 2-3am.
    Instead of taking shifts, we set the radar and AID alarms and both slept, waking every hour to check on the situation.
    When we hit the waypoint, we still had another 5-8miles to travel, and follow nav bouys into our anchorage, just outside the marina.
    The first time we dropped anchor, I felt (only using a flashlight) that we were really close to shore. We lifted and went another 100feet out.
    Once settled we headed to sleep. Brian was out for much longer then I was.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    1

    Ahoy!

    April 2, 2024, North Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Had a conference call in the morning and a few work details to complete before we were set to leave for 240miles. We hoisted anchor around 11:15am and we’re on our way. Brian hoisted the dinghy solo, a task he will need to do once I leave the boat for 6 weeks. My trip to Curacao is coming soon and I am both excited and sad!
    We had a great day of sailing and the wind was perfect! We had the engine off within the hour and both sails up. As per usual, I didn’t sleep much on the first night.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Cluebra

    April 1, 2024 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Up and decided to make water now that the Bay has emptied out. Unfortunately, there were issues with the water marker and Brian spent the morning fixing them.
    I had a FTHS call at noon and then needed to submit a grant proposal. Brian had tax paperwork that he needed to do as well, so I helped him sign electronically.
    We decided to go for a final swim… but I didn’t dive as my leg is bruised from the belly flop, but I did manage to do a decent dive from the side rail. We then hoisted anchor and headed to Cluebra.
    The charts caution against shipwrecks and unexploded bombs…. Yikes! We found a good spot and dropped the hook and quickly headed into town as it was getting late. We looked for fresh fruit people but the stalls were gone. We went to a grocery store and Brian was frustrated that we weren’t able to get fresh fruit, claiming we should have left earlier. We then went to the Zaco Toca that a FB friend of his recommend. He went to the bathroom and I was seated…. He thought I left so another miscommunication. We decided to not eat there and head back to the boat, but first we did a little tour on the dingy.
    Back to the boat to put away groceries, make supper and prepare for our voyage tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Easter Sunday

    March 31, 2024 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today I didn’t want the smell of chemicals around me…. That was my goal.
    We woke up, and I went to watch the sunrise while Brian went about the regular morning chores — empty and put away the clean dishes, empty the water tray below the freezer in the top fridge, use the Britta water to boil water in a pot for coffe and use the rest of the cold water in the Britta to top off our water glasses that had come into the aft cabin with use, before refilling it from the tap. We opened a new bag of coffee (Lavazza, that I excitedly bought in Bequia for $89EC 😵‍💫) and I read Kon Tiki… a great book and a gift from Brian.
    Then wrote for awhile and made a big French toast breakfast with some gluten free bread I bought a week or so ago.
    I called Kirsten and we chatted for awhile, got caught up on the chaos her life has been but hopefully she will have more answers next week as she has been having ischimec events and a doctor is finally “on the case.”
    Then I tuned into the church service at First Baptist and caught the last 15-20 min and switched over to the service at Elevation Worship (in NC).
    Brian has boat chores he was determined to do such as a final layer of gloss in the top, take the tape off, and then be decided to strip the starboard toe rail…. But we have crappy stripper and he did more then he could manage, so I hoped in to help while he went and chatted with his cousin Mark. He came back but thankful the rain started and that ended our work.
    He had other boat things and I went about preparing food for the upcoming passage. I cooked broccoli, boiled eggs, par boiled sweet potatoes for super tonight and made date and peanut butter snacks that I freeze (good potion bites if the seas are rough).
    All the power boats were clearing out and it was just a few boats left in the bay. We decided to go for a quick swim, and I bravely did not one, but a determined two, belly flop dives of the roof of the pilothouse (12 feet or so) trying to teach myself to dive. Ouch!
    Then we headed to find a place to do a pastel…. I drove the dinghy for awhile but got nervous in the shallow waters and Brian took over and nestled us into a spot. I read and listened with amazement to all the bird and other animal sounds in and behind the mangrove. I felt like we had been dropped into the jungle in Costa Rica. The smell was also unusual and teetering on the edge of repugnant. Brian did a quick pastel… as the bugs had found us, he wrapped it up quickly.
    Back to the boat and we started preparing dinner…. The sweet potato fries took longer then expected (I still struggle using the propane stove on the boat and finding the right temperature (with no gauge inside, only dials outside which I don’t think are correct). Food was great and again we were tired from a busy day. Brian did a sketch (in his new book) and then played the guitar for a bit, before we retired to both read in bed. Usually I am to tired, but the book was captivating and I thought I could finish it, but sleep got to me first.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    1

    Good Friday

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

    Lots of motor boats/ yachts coming into the bay for Easter weekend. They are all rafting together and forming a half circle around us.
    I had several calls today… chatted with Melanie (so good to talk to friends), called and messaged Steph for his Birthday, and spoke with a lifer who had spend 39 years in prison and was just released two years ago. Was interesting to get his perspective.
    In the afternoon we headed out to find a pastel and anchored on a tenuous spot. There are two anchors in the dinghy and Brian uses both when making art.
    When coming back to the boat we went for a swim and showered off the the transom before starting to prepare for dinner.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Beach walk

    March 27, 2024 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today and tomorrow will be work days, trying to get things done before the Easter weekend and we do another passage. The weather window looks like we will be leaving on Tuesday and traveling another 280 miles.
    My work days are always stressful as I try and juggle helping Brian with my other responsibilities. The boat is a lot of work for one person and sometimes he is overwhelmed and I can’t help, so it puts him in a foul mood. Thursday was one of those days and I was feeling very tender and torn.
    We did work on the boat, swam and Brian did a pastel of a beautiful beach, on an isolated peninsula while I read and walked.
    It is such a stunning area that photos do not do it justice! The colors of the water sparkle blue, green, brown and white. So nice to relax in a quiet anchorage for a few days!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Impeller

    March 26, 2024 in Puerto Rico ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    As is often the case, plans for the day get derailed when other parts of the boat call for attention. Each morning we run the generator for 2hours to try and charge the batteries. This morning I was in the head and heard it stop — not good news.
    When I came out Brian explained that the impeller would need to be changed and it was a two person job. I was able to invert and take my 8:30am call with Sebatien on my cell phone.
    After the call and a bit of work, we tackled the impeller and successfully changed it, so the generator is running again.
    After doing more Otesha work, we got the dinghy down and went for a little spin around the Bay… meeting other Salty Dawg catamaran couple, John and Rebecca (and kids Luc and Rachel). We also anchored the dinghy and Brian did a pastel while I started my new book, Kon-Tiki.
    Back on the boat Brian reworked the pastel, we got supper ready and he then played the guitar while I marvelled at the moon.    Read more

  • 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

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