Thursday, December 3, 2015

Day 5 - December 1, 2015

It was a special day, Clair's 50th birthday. Captain Phillip and crew made it a most memorable event. The day started with Bloody Mary's for Rob & Clair and a special breakfast.



As usual, the day's events were posted on the board.


Our first anchorage was off Young Island. A short dinghy ride had us at the base of the site of historic Fort Duvernette. The climb to the top was facilitated by stairs, but it was still quite a climb.

Arriving at Young Island.


Luba at the base.


The view from about half way up.


Cannons most of the way up.


And more at the top.


The view from the top. Diamant at anchor.


Snorkeling off Young Island was next. It was the best to date.


Lunch featured Mahi-Mahi fresh caught earlier in the day. Barney continues to outdo himself in the kitchen.


The afternoon was used to tour the Botanical Gardens and Fort Charlotte on St. Vincent.




The St. Vincent Parrot, the national bird.


Fort Charlotte and views from it.






Then, it was back to Diamant for a birthday dinner complete with decorations.




After dinner we enjoyed the King Comedy Hour with jokes and riddles.



And thus another day in Paradise concluded.

Day 4 - November 30, 2015

We arrived safely in Bequia last night which gave us a full day onshore.


We did an island tour with Noel in the morning.

Our first stop was Bequia's most famous model ship building shop. It was been in business 50 years.




Then we were off to what remains of Bequia's fort and some stunning views of the island.


Noel explained the history of each stop. (I should have removed the beer bottle trash which was not ours.)



Houses are situated on the hills all over the island.


Then we were off to the boat museum. Bequia has a whaling tradition that continues today. Noel's family has a whaling history, and one of the boats displayed is from his family.



Our final stop was the turtle sanctuary.



Turtles of all ages were there.




We went back to the boat for lunch then went back to town for a walk about, a beer and free WiFi.



We were back onboard for a Captain's cheese party in the late afternoon.


It was also clean linen day, and we discovered towel art.


We decided on a late dinner at Mac's for lobster pizza, the object of this adventure. 


Going around the table from front left, Captain Phillip, Barbara & I, David & Luba, and Clair & Rob, our new found friends from the UK.

And then they arrived. Two was more than enough for the 7 of us.


We were most happy to crawl in bed after a busy day in Paradise.

Day 3 - November 29, 2015

We are off to Tobago Cays where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.


Tobago Cays is a marine park. Locals run tours, water taxis and offer grilled lobster for sale.


The day was filled with snorkeling and walking the beach looking for critters. We did not go unrewarded.


We did a bit of snorkeling after and gave the camera a bit of a workout.  I discovered it was not all that easy staying on subject while the surf moved me around but I did get a few useable shots.



Later in the afternoon the ship used in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean sailed by. It was a postcard shot!


Lunch was served ashore, cheeseburgers in paradise.


And there was some quiet time.


And a photo op or two.


Then, it was back to Diamant and a sail to Bequia and a Caribbean sunset.


Monday, November 30, 2015

Day 2 - November 28, 2015

Off to Union Island and a day on the beach. The day's planned activities.


Barbara & Luba



Taking a hike to the top of the island (Barb stayed behind due to her sprained foot) we met Bushman.


View from the top.


The day closed out with rum sizzles back on Diamant.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Day 1 - November 27,2015

 We arrived in Grenada safely and on time last night. Observations: The Allamanda Beach Resort is clean but retro 1950's. The room (first floor) patio door lock was broken, and the hot water was tepid. Suggest you price the Coyaba Beach Resort for an all inclusive room & breakfast buffet. I believe the total price would be close to identical.

Photos are of The Coyaba open air dining room & beach. We are looking forward to boarding Diamant this afternoon.




We saw Diamant as we pulled into the Victory Bar to check in.




We set sail in the early afternoon on our second longest sail of the trip headed for Carriacou.



Captain Phillip hard at work.


We boarded the dinghy for a run to shore for a beer and music by a local band.




Then, we took the dinghy back to Diamant for a well earned night's rest!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Miami Layover

We have an 8 hour layover in Miami. I decided to purchase a 30 day American Airlines Admiral Club pass for $99. It allows admittance for 2. It is well worth the money as there are showers, food, beverages, WiFi & charging stations. The service and facilities are outstanding. The photo is of the lobby.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015