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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • 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

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Slave Days

    November 30, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We explored the island today! We went to the sugar pottery where they used to have 100 slaves working the sugar cane. Brian was going to do a pastel but the light wasn’t right. We took a walk through the town and found some food at a small grocery store… always fun to explore. We also spent an hour trying to pry open a coconut we had bought weeks earlier. We had drank the water from it yesterday and ate it today.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Pastel, Poetry and Panties

    November 29, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We snorkelled and saw amazing coral and lots of fish and eels, even a black underwater spider with yellow dots. Brian did a pastel of the beautiful spot we are at, I chatted with Kim (alway great to get an honest perspective).
    I have been able to work 2-4 hours per day and explore the rest of the day.
    Since the washing machine was broke, we needed to do laundry by hand. So we spent much of the two days hand washing clothes, sheets, towels. We lost a towel in the morning, and Brian dove to get it. The water is so clear that he could see it…. A fun find!
    In the evening we decided to watch (start it) Romeo and Juliet. I had never seen it (we watched it over three days).    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Terre-de-Bas

    November 27, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Up early and watched the sunrise and the moon set…. Such a beautiful morning! The catamarans left and disappeared to wait her side of the moon. A big and very productive writing in the morning which made me realize that I ask far more questions then I answer. Now is the time to start to find the answers. I have been in struggle mode for so long and now it’s time to turn to solution mode. It inspired me for work, and for the first time in a couple weeks, I actually had energy. I worked for 5-6 hours straight, and Brian went back into town… got some groceries, did a pastel and came back.
    While working at the computer I heard a splash and saw he had jumped in the water. The lid closed and I quickly followed. A great way to close the day. We then decided to move the boat to Terre-de-Bas to both find gas and reduce the rolling. It was only 3miles away.
    We motored over and anchored in a small but beautiful bay with two other boats. We then took the dingy to the beach and proceeded to walk through the village (eating pistachios).
    Afterwards we arrived back to the boat for food and sleep. We had planned to swim again under the moonlight but it was a cloudy night.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Terre-de-Haut

    November 26, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Up caffeine and writing. A cruise ship pulled in and anchored nearby. Then chat with Brian that seemed to sour the vibe. The anchorage is rolling and Brian had a rough nights sleep with leg cramps. He wanted to move but I had a conference call and had asked to stay put for today as I desperately needed to work all day.
    I suggested he leave an do a pastel in town to get away from the rolling. He left and I had board meeting.
    We needed to do laundry and the wash machine broke, further exasperating the mood. He worked on it for a few hours with no fix. He then discovered that the new solar panel was busted due to the fishing line getting caught in the wind turbine during the trip.
    I was completely unproductive during the day as the negative energy permeated the boat. Finally I shut the computer down and went about making supper. We chatted for awhile in the evening and watched two catamarans anchor close to us and then Brian decided to break his habit of sheet music and decided to free play….. it was beautiful and he moved around the boat playing. Tomorrow will be a better day!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Les Saintes Passage

    November 25, 2023 in Guadeloupe

    Up early and enjoyed the regularity of reading and writing. Then went for a swim over to the Grand Cru boat (Instagram: https://instagram.com/follow_the_5un) and told them we had photos we wanted to share. Rinsed off and then Adi came over and I sent the pictures and we chatted for awhile.
    Then lifted anchor to head down the coast and over to Terre de Haut. It was a 4hr sail, and we had about 2hours of 24-28knots of wind, furled the jib and rode the full main across the windy straight. We tried to anchor a couple times in Ilet á Cabrit but the moorings were taken and the anchor would not set property. We ended up hooking a fishing trap when lifting anchor a second time, which complicated matters. We then went to another anchorage and it has a lot of roll! After tidying up we headed to town for a stroll and to do a pastel (but he didn’t end up doing so). We walked around the village and some of the local stores, stopped at all three markets and bought a few things (no gf). Then back to the boat to do a few more chores. Washed down the deck to get rid of the crud from the anchor and the wash down bucket dropped twice, so I jumped in to fetch it. We had skewers of mahi-mahi and red snapper for super and we made gf cookies (not good) and croissants in trying to use up food stores. We sat on the foredeck for awhile gazing at the full moon and chatting. Again, both really tired and found the pillow before 9pm.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Pigeon Cove

    November 24, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Up early and worked on the computer, then hoed on the water for a quick swim to the fishing trap and back to the boat. We watched a cruise ship anchor nearby and start ferrying people to the mainland. We watched a family on a catamaran from Australia (3 kids and husband,wife). He came and said hi to Brian who was cleaning the BBQ grill of the lamb meat mess from the night before.
    We decided to move down the coast and went to Pigeon Cove. After anchoring and some food, we went snorkelling and saw several turtles and various fish. We went a long ways and lungs were tired by the time we arrive back to the boat, even though we took a break at a beach nearby. More boat chores and I did a bit more work. A Catamaran (Grand Cru) pulled in beside us, a family from Israel with three small boys. The swell were causing the boat to roll a lot so we contemplated leaving the anchorage and moving further down the coast, but ultimately decided we were both to tired. Brian wasn’t feeling well this morning and had taken a Cold and Sinus medication.
    We had a nice chat with Nicholas and Marie whose engine failed today and they are 400 miles from Saint Marten. The rain clouds rolled in on and off all evening and we were not able to use the BBQ…. So had a baked Brie and a mashup of fridge food for super.
    Stayed up for away chatting in the pilothouse — anniversary card, future plans, sailing and life…. Nice breeze blowing through, and we would doze off. Heading to bed early again …. 9:20pm and lights are about to go out!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Deshaies

    November 23, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Nice to wake up and see a new place! I jumped into the water early and swam around the boat. Brian joined and decided to start cutting away the fishing line that had gotten wrapped around the prop. He was nervous about holding his breath for so long (particularly with Covid). I had a FTHS zoom call re videos at 9:30am and then we hopped in the dinghy and headed for the village to clear costoms at a small store called Pelican. Filled out the Sail Clear on the computer and then wandered. Brian found a spot with some great color and shadows, and I went for a walk on the beach. We then went to the bakery for a croissant (pas san gluten). It was fun to listen to Brian converse with everyone in French. Most of the town, including the fish store, closed up between noon and 2pm, but we found a grocery store and bought some supplies before heading back to the boat.
    It was Thanksgiving in the US so Brains day was smattered with calls from Vincent (his friend), Greg (his brother called a day earlier), and his two kids (Ian and Marley). We returned to the water and cutting off the fishing line. By the end, I was swimming down with googles to help remove the line as he cut it. Proud of myself for not panicking under the water…. It felt pretty good!
    We were going to grill some of the skewers but I left them in the wrong freezer, so we ended up having lamb burgers with broccoli instead, a late meal. We were both exhausted, likely from constricted breath and Covid. I tried to do work but was to tired so went to bed around 8:30pm.
    It was extremely hot at night and the boat was rolling so not much sleep.
    *while at dock in Antigua we had power and used the A/C in the boat to stay cool.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Night Sail

    November 22, 2023 in Guadeloupe ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Up early with the planned departure time of 10am. The sail arrived shortly after 8am and we went to work at putting it up. We made some minor oppies that we had to backtrack on, but overall it went well. Then got it up and began putting the battens in, only to realize that the last and longest batten was missing.
    Brian went in the hunt for battens and Lennox showed up to clean the carpets. Leroy also showed up to give me a list of the songs we had spoken about earlier in the week. He had brought mint and lemongrass a few days prior (for $5).
    Rahid came to the boat shortly after Brian returned to measure the batten pocket. They will try and put something together so we can get underway as we are already checked out of the country. We took a walk to see the super yacht (Joy and another from George Town) and get some sand under our toes.
    We ended up leaving late afternoon. Putting up the anchor was a challenge as so much mud and dirt and then it got stuck half way….. Brian fixed it from below. The sunset and nighttime sail was beautiful and relaxing. Brian has it rigged so that he can steer the boat via autopilot from anywhere on the boat. We sat and chatted on the forward deck for along time. A good man!
    We docked around 10:15pm. I was concerned about anchoring in the dark but it all went fairly smooth. We then cooked the shrimp and headed to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Boat Repairs

    November 21, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Brain has started to feel really sick so we are still laying low and wearing masks whenever we are out around people. He went to the market for provisions and bought a new BBQ as the other one had a part that corroded and broke while he was cleaning it. He worked at securely attaching the new one.
    Marshall finished up the glass work and Lennox came by to do the carpets but didn’t have the correct fitting so will come tomorrow early morning. The sails were also supposed to be dropped off this afternoon but they never arrived.
    We went to immigration at 4pm and cleared customs to leave at 10am tomorrow.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Re-test

    November 20, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Sadly, there is not a lot of gluten free options here, but every morning the bakery comes by to the boats to sell item and Brian often gets a croissant. I usually make eggs or yogurt and granola.
    Boat work and my work was the task for the day. Less tired today, but starting to get a cough. Brains crew, that left before I arrived, thinks that he/me were faking the Covid story so we could spend time alone and are snubbing him altogether. I had him pick up another test, as I would be happy to have them on the boat. Again, super faint line…. But Mr Google says that still means Covid. I don’t think I left the boat at all today.Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Covid fatigue

    November 19, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Exhausted today! I tried to do some work but had to sleep a lot of the day as I was really tired. Walked around Nelson Dockyard and Admirals inn for an evening stroll. I think Brian is coming down with Covid too.
    The glassing work in the boat is nearly done, we are waiting for the carpet and chairs to be cleaned, and the sail to come back from North Sails and then we will head to either the anchorage in Falmouth.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Pigeon Beach

    November 18, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    My throat is still scratchy but more than anything I am just really tired! I slept for awhile in the V berth in the morning. Brian had workers on the boat and was doing stuff. Then I listened to the rest of the shortened audio version of the Zen book I forgot in Montreal and decided to write about it.
    Later in the afternoon we decided to head out to the beach, Pigeon beach, and go for a swim. It was nice to walk barefoot and swim in warm water with Brian. We then walked back another route and stopped at the Yacht Club to get some sushi. It was an open air restaurant…. So I cautiously agreed. We had a great meal, although they didn’t have any GF soy sausage, they had eel sauce. Lilly was the server and she was great. A lady named Jill Edward’s came to the table (a lawyer) and complimented me on my hair 💕…. Beach hair nonetheless.
    Later they had a DJ and we danced on our way outside. Fun as we had the floor to ourselves and we both look like old fools with our dance moves.
    Back to the boat and fireworks started at the house on the hill. It was magical.
    The minute my head hit the pillow I was asleep!    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelNomadic NovemberTraveler

    Quarantine

    November 17, 2023 in Antigua and Barbuda ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Hot hot night and a restless sleep. Woke up, had some coffee but didn’t feel like food. We had to get the main sail off to replace the batten, so we documented it and then took it off. I was feeling really weak! I waited beside the sail and the grass, and chatted with a local guy named Leroy (who paints boats). We had a long conversation about Rastafarians and what it means to him — Spirituality, love, being the best version you can be.
    Brian was working on the boat and came over when Zimbabwe around selling clams. He bought 2.5lbs for $20.
    I cooked up some eggs for lunch and then decided I was just to weak and needed to sleep. I laid in the helms cabin for a few hours, dozing on and off, catching a nice cross breeze while Brian took a conference call and created a beautiful pastel.
    While I was still laying down a public health officer came by as he had heard that I had Covid (word travels fast) and informed Brian that I need to stay in the boat except the bathrooms on shore for 5days. Gladly, my sore throat has receded and I am just exhausted.
    We cooked up the clams and determined that they didn’t smell good or we didn’t cook them correctly, so threw them overboard and cooked up some steak.
    We took a nice evening stroll, mask in hand and had a great conversation with John and Lena from Two Captains (and Dodger the dog), stopped at an open air restaurant (with a lone table at the bottom of stairs away from everyone) and had some water (San Pellegrino and regular) before heading back to the boat for the night.
    In the middle of the night it started raining and all the hatches were open, so we scrambled to close everything up.    Read more

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