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Caribbean is Calling (2024)

January - June 2024
  • Cathy Manuel
A journey from January to June Read more
  • Cathy Manuel
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  • Saint Lucia Saint Lucia
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Sailing, Self discovery, Wellness, Yoga
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  • 89footprints
  • 146days
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  • Cathy ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)

    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 ManuelTravelerCaribbean is Calling (2024)
    2

    Caught a Fish!

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

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

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