Trinidad and the Return to Grace

We arrived in Trinidad early November. 

Will GRACE still be in good shape after sitting in 90 degree plus temperatures in water-engorged air that often explodes into torrential tropical downpours? Well we did have an air conditioner running, all surfaces had been vinegar-washed, all foods removed and we had hired someone to check on her periodically … But I was still visualizing the worst case scenario… something like this on the inside of our boat...

We opened up the companion way and held our breaths…
not too bad so far. The boat is a purposeful mess as expected but clean.

Then we entered our “state room” (captain’s quarters) YIKES! MOLD!!!!!

 

Not only the walls and ceiling but inside the air conditioner as well… So much for the periodic inspections!!!!! The good news was there were no signs of critter infestation. So we set about the arduous task of a deep detox/clean of the entire inside of the boat then onto the outside. We installed the sails, bimini and dodger, scrubbed the deck, waxed the hull, polished the chrome. The only outside service work we had done was the bottom repainted and the dinghy engine serviced. The motor runs the best it ever has! For the cruiser, Trinidad is the place for very professional marine services, (while on site to monitor I should add!)

It wasn’t all work and no play however. We did takes breaks to enjoy what the island had to offer.

One evening we enjoyed a “Pan” – a steel drum band(s) event held every Friday evening in Port of Spain. The band we saw was amazing! They played everything from Reggae to the Beatles to Classical with superb finesse and artistry. 

We took an all day bird watching tour. Our first stop was Yarette located in the lush Maracas Valley  and home of a  hummingbird sanctuary and nature preserve. 

Trinidad boasts sixty different varieties of hummingbird as well as other tropical beauties. I am so happy Jeff invested in a good camera. Otherwise we never would have been able to capture many of these photos.

 Tucans in the distance 

The nature preserve was quite spectacular as well supporting many more varieties of flora and fauna. 

 

 MONKEY LADDER vine

CARPENTER ant soldiers were used by locals to stitch wounds together. They allowed the ant to bite across the cut. After the bite, the body was pulled of the head. The pinchers on the severed head would hold the skin in place. A lovely visual isn't it?!

The AGOUTI is considered a delicacy in Trinidad. Uh thanks but no thanks!!!!!

A cuter AGOUTI pic. AGOUTI pot pie anyone?

TEGU Lizard - This baby was almost three feet long!

Second stop was to the Caroni Swamp to view the Scarlet Ibis – The Scarlet Ibis is Trinidad's national bird and quite rare. Of the countries that provide habitat for these birds, Trinidad is the best place in the world to view them.  In the other locales, such as Venezuela, these birds are in remote and very difficult to travel to areas.  We were lucky enough to witness this spectacular sight one evening. Hundreds of Scarlet Ibises flocking to a small island, joined by white Egrets. Best natural Christmas performance Ever!

Our very knowledgeable Scarlet Ibis guide. 

 

 

And naturally we had to partake of the two Caribbean favorites. 

1) Mexican Train Dominoes – There is a strong cruiser community in Trinidad. Cruisers come from all over the world many of whom have circumnavigated more than once. Every morning there is a cruiser broadcast “net” via VHF radio where weather, local events, local issues, cruiser issues, objects for barter or trade are discussed and all are welcome to join in. Every Sunday a group of cruisers gather to play Mexican Train Dominoes. We were lucky(?) enough to make it to three games! 

And 2) The local outdoor market. I must say this market was an interesting combination of rich lavishness and utter decadence. 

Finally, 21 days later,  we “splashed”. 

Notice how tightly we're squeezed between boats. Getting these boats out without damage it a true art. At one point the boat hoist hit the shrink wrap on the neighboring boat but no damage was done.

I stowed-away inside the boat during the launch...FUN!!!!  Soon I felt the caress of water underneath the boat. AHHHH!!!!  Cool breezes… no bugs!

Three days after splashing we embarked for Grenada, the first stop on our Northern trek back to the U.S. My sister Julie likened us to the sailors on the Mayflower on their passage to the 'new world". Kinda romantic I thought. So in the Thanksgiving spirit I am giving thanks (knock on teakwood) for our electronic navigation equipment unlike the poor Mayflower sailors that were trying to go to Virgina but ended up at Plymouth Rock. So that’s how they discovered new lands! Many a discovery is based on sheer accident! 

A wondrous journey to all,

Pam