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Cathy Manuel
Cathy Manuel

Cathy Manuel

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  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sanding and Sketching

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Rub Rail

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler
    2
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    Caught a Fish!

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Full Sails

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Lobster & Butterfish

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Electrical

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Doris does Gluten Free

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Bequia

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

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Anse cochon

    March 2, 2024 in Saint Lucia 🌙 26 °C

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Maple Leaf flag

    March 1, 2024 in Saint Lucia 🌬 28 °C

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sadie Hawkins Day

    February 29, 2024, Caribbean Sea ☀️ 28 °C

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Horseback Riding

    February 28, 2024 in Saint Lucia ☀️ 27 °C

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

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Work Days

    February 27, 2024 in Saint Lucia ⛅ 27 °C

    Up and had coffee and then off to yoga with Susan in the morning. It was a combo of Qigong and yoga. Interesting poses and movements, but since she wasn’t a yoga teacher the queuing was not great. Afterwards I went and grabbed a coffee as I had lots of work ahead of me. Brian hollered at me from upstairs as he was getting his delivered batten and panel… we carried both back to the boat. The batten was wound tight and hurt both myself and more so the boats we tried to gently open the coil.
    I set up in the pilothouse and worked for about 10-12 hour to try and finish off stuff for SJTC but time eluded me, and at 10pm Brian convinced me to go to bed and awake early to finish, which I did.
    I took some mini breaks during the day secure the spare batten in the boom and help mount the solar panel. Also took an ice cream break — lemon and chocolate sorbet. So good under the full moon!
    Tuesday was much the same. I delivered to SJTC and had a presentation to LexisNexis for FTHS.
    Since I have worked most of the time in Saint Lucia and we were supposed to leave tomorrow I asked Brian if we could stay longer. Mid afternoon we went to the Marina office and extended our stay to Saturday, which I was super grateful!
    While I was working, Brian did a pastel, chatted with locals, bought fruit, TDS the pilothouse window and wrote. He was so supportive!
    In the evening we had to buy Mid Summers again so we could finish it….. I definitely prefer this version and after reading it and seeing two movies I kinda understand it …lol    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Saint Lucia

    February 25, 2024 in Saint Lucia ☀️ 28 °C

    A great sleep with air conditioning running all night. Brian, still shaken by the murder of Ralph and Kathy, locks everything down even though we are on a dock with security.
    Laundry was gathered and picked up at the dockside (by Pat on golf carts that go zooming by). Garbage is also collected right at the slip and people continue to stream by. One couple came and recalled Brian’s carnage last year (hand in cast and wife left), wondering who I was in the mix. A bit awkward but I tell them we are a new couple.
    I work for a bit and then we make our way to the town of Rodney Bay, and then beyond to Reduit Beach (by the Starfish Hotel).
    We walk the beach and then decide to go for a little swim. It is fun to play in the water beside Brian! He didn’t do any art, but it poured rain and I was worried his pad would get soaked, so covered it up. While waiting the rain out, under a big tree, we snapped a few selfies, which Brian later posted to Facebook (inflaming his “soon to be ex” as he calls Karen, and exposing our new found love to the world).
    On our way back from the beach we stop at the grocery store and pick up a few things, including Quality Street candy in the form of a chocolate bar. In the evening we went for drinks with a number of the Salty Dawgs that were at the marina as well. It was nice to socialize, but it was loud and we didn’t stay for to long. (Cathy, Brian, Phill (Dragonfly), Fred (Isola), Barry (Momentum), Ted (Raven), Bob (Pandora), Nikki, Heather, Barbara, Bill & Maureen (Kalunamoo), Muna, Anne.
    Back to the boat to watch more Mid Summers Night Dream and to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Full Sails to next country

    February 24, 2024 in Saint Lucia ☀️ 28 °C

    Up early and had coffee, writing, nice breakfast and then dealt with gathering the stern anchor. While we were out with the dinghy Daniel flagged us. He was having trouble with his dinghy engine and wanted a ride to La Morin (a considerable distance via dinghy). Brian suggested he might sail there, but Daniel asked if we would see if any other boats would take him…. As we were leaving in the opposite direction. We spoke to a Catamaran in the bay and they were also from Brittany — we explained Daniels situation and the guy said he would go help. As we were leaving and hoisting the anchor he headed over. We lamented to leave our newfound friend but we were moving to Saint Lucia, some 35miles away.
    Sails up and we had a wonderful crossing to Rodney Bay. As we entered the harbour we saw Kalunamoo coming in as well. The plan was to go to the marina and Brian hailed them on VHF and they offered F1, but he wasn’t sure where it was so we said we would get back to them, but couldn’t reach. Brian called them on the phone but continued to proceed to the Marina, looking for F1. We were going to the very end on the main dock. I had to yell at the water taxi guy to move his boat so we could back in. Always a little unnerving but Brian did a great job.
    We went to check in and it went smoothly…. Also stopped to buy fruit from the stands and local fruit boat.
    This is the exact same location Brian was in early last February when his marriage dissolved and his wife left, to never return to the boat except to gather her things in Maine. I suspect it will be difficult memories for him (and Karen and he speaks to her often).
    He was at the marina for 5 week last time, so he knows ALOT of the workers and people at the dock. We went for a walk of the docks, and visited a boat called Aquarella that he remember from last year (Evelyn and Terry). She does watercolours and invited us aboard to see some of them.
    It was nice to be at dock and have access to showers and toilets and restaurants although we both had sea legs for awhile.
    We went to eat at the sushi restaurant in the evening before returning to Lorena. We are hooked up to shore power which means not having to run the generator or worry about power for a few days. We decided to watch another version of Mid Summer Nights Dream ~ director, Julie Taymore. As I am not a TV person we only got through part of it before retiring to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Pte Catherine

    February 23, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 27 °C

    After breakfast I had some emails to respond to, so Brian went out with the dingy again and did another pastel. He is always happier when he is doing art.
    We watch an older boat (and solo sailor) come in an anchor under sail. Impressive! As we were leaving to go explore, we stopped by his boat and chatted. He was French and invited us over for a brief drink at 6pm. We accepted and then headed off for the day. We walked over to the next cove (the nude beach) and then to the Plage de Saline. Fun to chat and people watch but it was really hot! We found a nice private spot before the beach to go for a swim and we hit it on our way back too.
    Then I showed Brian my little yoga spot, played peekaboo with Lorena and walked to Pte Catherine where we could be the bay well! The photo of the white and blue box was a contraption to catch land crabs. They put the box over the large holes with some bait at the end which triggers it to shut.
    Back to the boat on our own water taxi in the bushes. We showered and prepared some chesse and crackers to take to Daniel. He was an interesting and eclectic guy and sweet to me. He was about 80+ and had always dreamed of having a boat to spend a winter in the Caribbean. This season he bought a boat in La Morin (spending most of his money) and his wife and family didn’t want to crew with him, so he has had other crew or done it alone. However, he has encountered many many problems and was really fed up with this journey, so he was leaving his boat in La Morin and going back to Brittany, France. It was a lovely evening and he was taken with how smart Brian was about France, French politics and speaking French…. I understood lots but added very little to the conversation. Eventually I need to up my language game.
    Back to Lorena for a late super and bed as I barely slept the night before (and moved to the v-berth). The rolling swells isn’t great for an anchorage but the spot itself is beautiful!
    Tomorrow we leave.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Petites Anses Des Salines

    February 22, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 28 °C

    We read and wrote as usual and then I did some work while Brian took the dinghy and did a pastel.
    Later in the day, we hoped on the dingy and went for a walk and swim on the beach that Brian did a pastel. We anchored the dinghy , swam around and walked too. It is a beautiful area that is somewhat secluded (clothing optional beaches).
    Word about the disappearance of a Salty Dawg couple (the association that Brian is part of), has really disturbing Brian. It would seem the couple were boarded by escape prisoners and killed and thrown overboard, and the boat was taken to Saint Vincent by the prisoners, found by other sailors and the guys captured. Such a sad story!
    Then I was serenaded with a Shakespeare sonnet about the Fall of life 💕    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Anse Meunier

    February 21, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 28 °C

    Up and had our coffee and writing before deciding to move. Mid morning we hoisted anchor and the boat in front of us had to move. We sailed (motored) around the corner to a bay but didn’t like how shallow it was, so we turned around and went to Anse Moustique.
    We went for a swim and then I had work to do, and Brian was hoping to do a pastel from the boat, but decided otherwise.
    We took the dinghy to shore and went for a walk to the other beach in the cove we tried to anchor in.
    Brian did a pastel and I went a little ways further and did yoga in my Canadian Underwear for an hour. My face in the sun on a little patch of sand and Lorena lurking in the distance … bliss!
    The roll was significant, so we got the stern anchor out and kedged a couple times when we got back, which settled it somewhat.
    Beautiful sunset and an okay sleep as the boat was being tossed about more than usual.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    La Dunette

    February 20, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 28 °C

    Worked most of the day on the computer while Brian installed the heat shield over the exhaust riser. Also spent two hours on the phone to CRA trying to find out why the online portal was saying I owed nearly $20k, when I know I have paid everything up. In the end, after long conversations, turns out they owe me money! PHEW!
    We went for a little dip and talked to the boat in front of us, as it seems they may be overtop of our anchor and we plan on moving tomorrow. They agreed to move if we had trouble.
    We got cleaned up and then headed to Sainte Anne for supper. When we got to the dock, three people (Turkish) explained that there dinghy had been stolen and they needed a drive back to there boat, so Brian took them and all there groceries and I waited for him to return…. Taking some me time to meditate on the edge of the dock.
    We walked around and found La Dunette, where we had some water, coffee and a virgin drink as the restaurant didn’t start serving untill 7pm. We ordered (me Shrimp and Christopine and Brian Steak). We could see the dinghy dock the whole time and the sunset was beautiful. We had Panna Cotta for desert and then headed back to the boat. We found Lorena in the dark without much effort and retired shortly thereafter. Brian has been encouraging me to speak/ learn French so we have been reading Francis Ponge poetry in French ~ Pluie.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Hot spot

    February 19, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 29 °C

    This morning we decided to invite Kevin and Cindy over (as she was sick the day before), and then invited Bill and Maureen and a few from La Marin (that we didn’t expect to make the journey out ~ Joe and Edwin).
    Mid morning we headed back into La Marin but not without a hiccup. In the channel, we were going a little faster and the dinghy engine suddenly stopped again. We tried to restart without luck, but a sailboat was motoring past and flagged down another dinghy who offered to help. Turns out he was a Canadian from Quebec who towed us to the gas dock, where we refuelled, and gratefully the engine started again (perhaps water in the fuel tank from earlier rain).
    On land we wanted a heat shield (so we could utilize power from the alternator while underway), teak and wood to fix up the aft cabin and load up on groceries. We wanted to go to a bigger store, so we walked and walked to find it. Then we walked more to try and find the teak place that was closed (as most shops are for 2-3 hours in the afternoon). We walked back to get the dingy and brought it to the back of Price Leader. We had stopped in there to get some snacks and walked behind the building, to the dock, earlier to have a picnic of cheese, dates, ham, and pear. Upon our return, we went to the teak place (Caribe Menuiserie) but they do not sell teak veneer and suggested further south.
    We found Carrefore but food was more expensive and many shelves were still empty. There is nothing gluten free on the French islands… I am hoping to find some granola and hemp seeds in Saint Lucia as I’m nearly out. We went back to Price Leader to grab a few cheaper things (cheese) and filled the dinghy with 4 bags of groceries as well as a heat shield and large cable ties that we picked up earlier. The heat had gotten to me and I was simply exhausted (maybe heat stroke).
    We took it slow as we returned to the boat. I wanted a nap but Brian suggested a swim, so we did so. Then we decided to swim to Kalunamoo (Bill and Maureen) to see if they were coming over tonight. Maureen wasn’t feeling well, but Bill was coming (Kevin declined as well since Cindy wasn’t feeling good, as did the others).
    On the swim back I swallowed some water as I was so tired. We washed off and got ready for Bill.
    He is an interesting man, Brian gave him a tour of the boat and then he talked about his work in NYC, his love for sailing and journey to living aboard. Brian, sensing I was fading fast as was he, wrapped up the conversation and went below to take an imaginary call as I said goodbye to Bill.
    We grilled pork chops for supper, nice to have the grill working again, and then went to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sundowner

    February 18, 2024 in Martinique 🌬 28 °C

    More boat chores today, glossing the window frames, reassembling the BBQ and work, work of chatting with Lisa G about FTHS, and also a therapist appointment (Sébastien) on Zoom. The boat next to us, Kalunamoo, who was also beside us in Dominica, came by and invited us over for a sun downer at 5pm.
    We decided to head into Saint Anne and explore the area, but as it was Sunday, groceries were closed as were restaurants, but trinket/ tourist shops were open.
    We wandered around and walked a big loop around the town, after Brian made a purchase of a bongo drum and t-shirt.
    With cautions of theft we have been locking the dinghy and when we got back we didn’t see it, but it was stuck under the dock, with rising tide. With little effort we got it out, but scratched the top of the engine.
    Back to the boat, went for a swim and did another coat of varnish on the window trim. I made chesse, crackers, fig jam, etc… to bring to Kalunamoo and we headed over. Another couple (from the UK, on a Moody) were already there. We didn’t stay overly long… the discussion was a lot about the weather system that had passed through, the chaos it caused and how salty dawgs and (Chris Parker — weather guru) handled it.
    We left and headed back to Lorena to have supper and watch the final bit of Mid Summer Nights Dream.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Boat Chores and bathing

    February 17, 2024 in Martinique 🌬 28 °C

    We bought 24 eggs at the grocery store yesterday, so oueff’s for petite dejeuner was on the menu as we still had 6 left from Antigua.
    We wrote and sipped for a long while in the morning and I marvelled at my life, grateful to be on this adventure, in a beautiful place with a great mate.
    Then to boat chores. Unfortunately, I got sucked down a CRA rabbit hole where they claim on-line that I owe $14k….when I untangled it all, I realized I have already paid. Nothing like CRA to sour a mood and bring me to tears! Finally I let it go and got to work!
    Brian was sanding and glossing the window frames in the new windows, and I cleaned out the in-floor food locker in the galley that had beer and almond milk exploded throughout. I emptied the locked, washed it and let it dry out before reorganizing. I emptied the water from the adjacent floor locker, and then got to work at cleaning the BBQ (vinegar and baking soda work wonders) so we could reassemble…. It WORKED!
    The final chore (for today) was the AIS. We tried to factory reset the old one, but finally gave up and installed the new one. We now finally have a working AIS, which means that we can see all the boats around use, but also, they (or anyone who want to find us on this link: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/sh… ) can see where we are.
    We were supposed to watch the last bit of A Mid Summer Nights Dream before our rental time on Amazon ran out, but I striped down and slide into the water instead. Brian joined me briefly… first time in over 2 weeks that we went swimming. I stayed in the water and cleaned the white line along the haul and then scrubbed the dingy.
    A quick stern shower and then got ready for a gathering of the Salty Dawgs in La Marin. I actually got dressed up and wore a dress.
    As we headed back to the town we passed another traditional square sailboat with outriggers, and got some good shoots. We did a quick run to the grocery store again for some apple and pears, and then to Kokoorum for a meet up. At the table: Edwin & Karen, Joe & Mary, Laurie and Dan, Sheldon and Susan and Kevin & Cindy. Had a great chat with Karen, who has been in a relationship with Edwin for nearly 3 years and hasn’t given up her terrestrial life (New Jersey)… we talked a lot about values, it was great!
    All left except for Joe and Mary… we stayed and had super with them (I had a fish poke bowl). Interesting couple who have only been married for a year and a half, and cruising for the same (but together 10). We talked some of the challenges of being together 24/7 and how sailing pushes you to be the best version of yourself as challenges bring out the true colors. Joe profoundly stated that the key was to wake up each morning with a clean slate, Mary felt that open and honest communication was imperative, addressing things as they arose.
    Back to the boat, it was a 30-40min dingy ride, in the dark and shallows with a catamaran nearly Plowing us down. We forgot to turn in the anchor light so some detective work in the mooring field to find Lorena, but within 5min we found her. Back aboard it was cookie time and we resolved to watch the final 40min of A Mid Summer Night Dream. However, wifi wasn’t strong enough and the timer ran out…. So we went to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Sainte Anne

    February 16, 2024 in Martinique ⛅ 28 °C

    Left Trois Ilets first thing in the morning and had coffee and breakfast in route to La Marin and Sainte Anne, where we hope to get the AIS fixed and finally check into the country. We sailed, well motored, as the wind was on our nose the whole time so we would have had to tack back and forth to get there. Unfortunately, in order to tack you need to furl the jib or stay sail and let it out on the opposite side, not conducive to efficiency, so we took the lazy way. We left at 6:45 and arrived around 11am. There were sections that had lots of pots so I got to sit at the bow and direct Brian through the maze, as we stayed close to shore for most of the trip.
    The anchorage is full, but we had no problem setting the anchor and are beside Kalunamoo (Bill and Maureen), former Salty Dawg who were also beside us in the south side of Portsmouth.
    We quickly lowered the dingy and attached the engine, something I’ve been doing since Brian hurt his hand. We made rounds to say Hi to a few boats and then headed into La Marin. It took us about 45min and we didn’t follow the red and green so got ourselves into some pretty shallow water, where we had to back track. On the way back to the boat the engine died, but we restarted, then it died again about 15ft from the boat, so we had to row and then Brian spent some time fixing it (water in the fuel).
    Earlier in the day we had a tiff as I was trying to clarify what Brian was asking me (about the water tank), he wasn’t understanding my words and then felt I got defensive when he went and showed me. Perhaps he was right. He is a very smart man and usually knows what the remaining of the sentence is, but often I am not looking to be right, just heard. This tension carried on throughout the day, getting shushed at immigration and ignored with regards to directions. When he is on a mission, my words seem to irritate. However, in the large scheme of things it is all minor and truly things that wouldn’t have bothered me before. I am either becoming more sensitive or I just care more about what Brian thinks of me, then others who have come before.
    All was resolved by evening. We found the Garmin AIS800! His finger is healing well but it is giving him pause for thought. We had been moving toward keeping the boat in Curacao and then Panama and heading across the canal at Christmas. Now, he is talking about going to the DR and having me fly to Curacao from there, and he will make his way north again, perhaps to Canada.
    Either way is fine with me.
    We did not find the BBQ piece and Brian put out a message on the Salty Dawgs WhatsApp group looking for a Ventura (part that we need). Later he remembered that he had saved pieces from the old BBQ, and sure enough, he had a spare.
    After super we watched another section of A Mid Summer Nights Dream in the pilot house (the Apple computer dropped but still seems ok)…and then off to bed. All in all, another beautiful day in the tropics ☀️🌴    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Virtual Yoga

    February 15, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 30 °C

    Boat chores and work consumed the morning, alone with testing the video feed for tonight’s yoga session at Irishtown Community Centre. We also finished A Mid Summer Nights Dream.
    We then made our way into town…. And I drove the dingy. First time, and it went ok. It’s been awhile since I have used a tiller, and I wasn’t able to start it…. But with more practice I’ll get comfortable.
    We walked around Trois Ilets looking for a good place to do a pastel, wandered down a private lane, and found a mangrove that overlooked the water, in the area of the sinking sailboat. Brian did a picture in hast as a bugs were bad. We then got back to the boat 15 minutes before I had to log on to teach. Unfortunately, my phone wasn’t charged so I delayed getting on Zoom. My set up worked well, I couldn’t really hear (or see) others, but was able to teach between the gallery and salon. I gave everyone a quick tour while the Brian sat in the pilothouse during my class.
    After class we had a BIG salad, gluten free buns and burgers on the skillet. Then queued up the Michelle Phifer movie of Mod Summer Nights Dream and started watching it. We got 30-40 min in and I needed to go to bed.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Bungs and Bees

    February 14, 2024 in Martinique ⛅ 30 °C

    Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
    I sent out all my Valentines and gave a nice card to Brian in the morning. We had our usual coffee and writing and then lounged about, responding to friends messages in the morning.
    I did some work on the computer for a few hours and also sanded down the bung holes on 4 of the 8 window frames, to prep them for stain, sealer and gloss.
    Brian made calls, trying to reach Garmin about the AIS and get replacement parts for the BBQ. He also did some sketching of the boat beside us.
    We decided to go explore Trois Ilets and find a spot where Brian could do a pastel. He usually likes to do it from the dingy, but couldn’t find a suitable place so we went to shore and walked around untill a scene caught his eye. He perched on a inconspicuous veranda and worked his magic while I sat on the curb and read. Carnival is still happening and today was black and while day, with lots of people and noise buzzing about. After he finished we walked further, stopped at a bakery and had a treat (I had macarons and he an almond croissant).
    We climbed back down to the dingy, amidst the people in line for the ferry, heading to Carnival, and started back towards Lorena. Brian encouraged me to drive the tender, so I did so…. It’s been awhile since I used a tiller.
    Rod Morris (#4 & 26) are the names of the batteries on the boat that are check often, and are usually around 20-40%. They don’t seem to charge when the engine runs, so the generator has to be running to charge them. We usually run it in the morning, and then while preparing supper. Tonight was Salmon (on the stovetop as BBQ is outta commission), Okra and French cheese.
    I returned to work for a couple hours while Brian continued sketching, talked to his son Ian (about his wedding, his AI paper and life as a lawyer), and his former nanny (who lived in his parents home till they died), Anita. It is always fun to listen to him chat with Anita in Spanish. They typically talk every Sunday but he called to wish her Happy Valentines Day.
    After I shut down the computer, I needed to get some air, as the rain had started earlier and we closed the hatches, so the cabin was getting stuffy. I went to the bow to admire the night view. As I sat down I felt a sharp pain growing in my foot and couldn’t understand why. Brian was coming to join me and said I had been stung, and helped me inside to a bright light. He got the tweezers and pulled out the stinger. We rinsed the area and put a cold compress on. Shortly after we headed to bed and read some more Shakespeare, trying to finish this play ….. saucy and audacious eloquence.    Read more

  • Cathy ManuelCaribbean is Calling (2024)Traveler

    Carnivale

    February 13, 2024 in Martinique ☀️ 30 °C

    Up early to a loud party noise around 5:30am that continued for an hour or more. We realized it must be Carnival but didn’t know what part of it. We spent some time working and tidying up from the sail, washing salt off the windows and then we needed to head to the ferry dock and make our way to immigration. It was around 11:30am when we arrived and the ferry just came in. There was much of a line, but confusing over how to get tickets. We had to redo it at the kiosk, 7 euro round trip to Fort-de-France, the ferry waited and we headed over. Fun to take the ferry… last time I had a ride like that was 15 or more years ago in Bermuda. When we got in, it was clearly the start of Carnival and everything seemed to be shut down. We looked for immigration but was told they were closed and would not reopen untill Thursday or Friday. We decided to eat at Suzette’s crepes and had a great meal… with Brian encouraging me to order or speak in French. Then we explored around the town but pretty much everything was closed. We had fun weaving in and out, up and down around the streets, Brian talked to a biker gang/guys, who invited him to have a shot.
    We were going to head back to the boat but heard that the Carnival was goi g to start at 4pm (Caribbean time…lol). It wasn’t very organized, but we stayed and watched in the Center median for awhile… lots of people, particularly little kids, covered in molasses. It was Brides day…. The day in waiting… and lots of men dressed as women.
    We eventually bumped into people that Brian knew, Salty Dawgs, Barbara and Ted on a Catamaran. We talked about Brian’s finger and they invited us back to their boat for drinks and antibiotics. Back on the Cat we had water, and got some newer Neosporin to apply. We had chesse, dates, hummus and veggies and great conversation. They took us back to the dingy dock and we grabbed the ferry back to our very quiet anchorage of Trois Ilets.    Read more

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