All right. Tomorrow we leave. 3 or so weeks at sea. Sounds wonderful to me but there are those of different opinion.
We have no mechanical or other such problems and are fully stocked on food and water. As far as I can tell we are as prepared as we can be.
The BVI's (or rather the island of Tortola as we haven't been to any other island of the BVI's) are wonerful. Very friendly people, lovely climate, and a great sense in music (Trinidad was a little to Soca for me). We have spent about a week in Tortola and although I have enjoyed every minute of it I am really looking forward to heading back to sea and also finally arriving in the Maritimes.
We estimate that it should take us any where from 2 to 3 weeks depending on the strenght of the winds. Also depending on the winds is wherther we'll stop in at Bermuda or not. Some times I wish we will because I'd like to see Bermuda, and other times I think it would better just to do the trip in one hop without having to deal with the extra hassle of more burecrats and such.
This leg will be the longest time I have spent at sea, and I am personally looking forward to it with a mix of youthful anticipation and elderly caution. I know the potential danger the sea can bring, but at the same time the freedom and joy as well. I don't believe I will land in Canada quite the same person. For better or for better or for worst I guess.
Well, next stop Canada.
John
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Adious BVI
After much discussion and consideration we have decided to push off tomorrow despite long range weather forecast of light and fickle winds.
A stop-over in Bermuda is possible but not likely given the forecasts. We will most likely find ourselves more to the west following the USA coast (a couple of hundred miles off it).
My optimistic ETA in Port Hawksbury is May 9 (I like the number 9) but May 16 is more realistic.
My "beatings will continue until morale approves" t-shirt seems to be working as John has now agreed to give a final blog entry before departure.
until later,
Simon
A stop-over in Bermuda is possible but not likely given the forecasts. We will most likely find ourselves more to the west following the USA coast (a couple of hundred miles off it).
My optimistic ETA in Port Hawksbury is May 9 (I like the number 9) but May 16 is more realistic.
My "beatings will continue until morale approves" t-shirt seems to be working as John has now agreed to give a final blog entry before departure.
until later,
Simon
Thursday, April 17, 2008
progress so far ...
Hi Folks,
We had a good sail up here from Trinidad to Tortola with alll problems, such as engine and windvane stearing breakdowns, sorted and repaired on route.
We travelled approximately 500 miles in 4 days which is quite satisfying.
It only took as two days to recover from motion sickness and start eating properly again - which is usual for me and thankfully John too.
Unfortunately we were pushed too far west to stop at any of the other islands on the way but did sail within eyesight of Granada, Nevis and St Kitts.
Our list of "to do's" is now finished here in Road Town Tortola and we are just enjoying some land existence and waiting for improving weather patterns to set off for Cape Breton. A stop in at Bermuda is possible but unlikely given prevailing wind and currents. I expect the trip to take between 2 and 4 weeks giving us an arrival in Cape Breton and Charlottetown sometime mid-May.
John no longer wants to contribute to the blog. Not sure why. Perhaps a lack of "what's in it for me" appeal. But no worries. He hasn't totally cut himself off. He continues to correspond in private with his parents via email. (Or so he tells me).
So Grampa John, Emma, Tony, Jackie, Alan, and whomever else might have been following this blog so far I'm afraid to say that the youthful enthusiastic dimension of this blog has dissapated and only the weary jaded eye of myself remains.
I have some pictures to upload and will do so when I get an internet connection for my laptop.
till later,
Simon
We had a good sail up here from Trinidad to Tortola with alll problems, such as engine and windvane stearing breakdowns, sorted and repaired on route.
We travelled approximately 500 miles in 4 days which is quite satisfying.
It only took as two days to recover from motion sickness and start eating properly again - which is usual for me and thankfully John too.
Unfortunately we were pushed too far west to stop at any of the other islands on the way but did sail within eyesight of Granada, Nevis and St Kitts.
Our list of "to do's" is now finished here in Road Town Tortola and we are just enjoying some land existence and waiting for improving weather patterns to set off for Cape Breton. A stop in at Bermuda is possible but unlikely given prevailing wind and currents. I expect the trip to take between 2 and 4 weeks giving us an arrival in Cape Breton and Charlottetown sometime mid-May.
John no longer wants to contribute to the blog. Not sure why. Perhaps a lack of "what's in it for me" appeal. But no worries. He hasn't totally cut himself off. He continues to correspond in private with his parents via email. (Or so he tells me).
So Grampa John, Emma, Tony, Jackie, Alan, and whomever else might have been following this blog so far I'm afraid to say that the youthful enthusiastic dimension of this blog has dissapated and only the weary jaded eye of myself remains.
I have some pictures to upload and will do so when I get an internet connection for my laptop.
till later,
Simon
Monday, April 14, 2008
Road Town, Tortola BVI
Landed in British Vigin Islands yeterday. Will post more when I get a reliable internet connection.
Simon
Simon
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Despite my best efforts John remains polite and civilized. Not even cheap beer nor curvy Caribbean girls seems to have an effect!
After solving a minor stuffing box crises (leaking propeller shaft) with superior logic we have settled on a departure tomorrow afternoon heading north.
Our first landfall will be largely dictated by prevailing winds - somewhere in the Caribbean between 4 and 8 days. Our next sojourn into cyberland is even less predictable.
Off now to the alter (galley) to sacrifice a chicken (soup) to the wind and sea gods.
till later,
Simon
After solving a minor stuffing box crises (leaking propeller shaft) with superior logic we have settled on a departure tomorrow afternoon heading north.
Our first landfall will be largely dictated by prevailing winds - somewhere in the Caribbean between 4 and 8 days. Our next sojourn into cyberland is even less predictable.
Off now to the alter (galley) to sacrifice a chicken (soup) to the wind and sea gods.
till later,
Simon
Sunday, April 6, 2008
T - One Day
The beginning of the final preparations were started today. The headsail repair was finished today and was put back on the boat, ready to go.
In an attempt to find some replacement bolts for the steering gear of the windvane I walked down to the Carribean equivalent of West Marine called Budget Marine. Unforetunetly just about everything seems to be closed in Trinidad on Sunday. Hopefully we will be able to find some tomorrow.
Later on today we brought the boat into dock again to fill our water tanks. All that is basically left to do is provision the boat on Monday and then we're ready to be on our way.
The TTSA (Trinidad & Tobago Sailing Association) held a regatta today. Now, the regattas that I'sailm familiar with starts at 1000 hrs on Saturday and goes until about 1700. Then on Sunday it continues from 0900 to 1500. In the Trinidad version the regatta is only on Sunday. It starts at about 1230 and goes until about 1430. They must only have time for one or two races unless they have very short courses. Its funny, every one seems to sail here but nobody seems very avid. Which is strange since they can sail in very pleasant weather all year round. Maybe there just burnt out.
Weather permitting, tomorrow will be our last full day here. It will nice to be underway and on our way.
John
In an attempt to find some replacement bolts for the steering gear of the windvane I walked down to the Carribean equivalent of West Marine called Budget Marine. Unforetunetly just about everything seems to be closed in Trinidad on Sunday. Hopefully we will be able to find some tomorrow.
Later on today we brought the boat into dock again to fill our water tanks. All that is basically left to do is provision the boat on Monday and then we're ready to be on our way.
The TTSA (Trinidad & Tobago Sailing Association) held a regatta today. Now, the regattas that I'sailm familiar with starts at 1000 hrs on Saturday and goes until about 1700. Then on Sunday it continues from 0900 to 1500. In the Trinidad version the regatta is only on Sunday. It starts at about 1230 and goes until about 1430. They must only have time for one or two races unless they have very short courses. Its funny, every one seems to sail here but nobody seems very avid. Which is strange since they can sail in very pleasant weather all year round. Maybe there just burnt out.
Weather permitting, tomorrow will be our last full day here. It will nice to be underway and on our way.
John
Saturday, April 5, 2008
An Adventure
Today was my 18th Birthday so as a birthday present Simon offered to be my tour guide for the afternoon. We had a great time.
We took one of the local forms of taxis into Port of Spain with another current resident cruiser from Chaguaramas. I have never been so scared in a vehicle in my life! Barreling down small, windy, wet road. Zipping in an out of oncoming traffic with no functioning seat belts in the back, all at 100 km. I was glad to just make it to Port of Spain alive!
As this is my first time in a country outside of North America Simon took we through one of the local market places. It was amazing. At least for me anyway. Streets packed with people with cars trying to maneuver in between them. Kids no more than 14 or 15 hocking a myriad of goods. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
After that we went for a walk through the botanical gardens, which was also quite amazing. The range of the different types of foliage was quite astounding. One minute you are surrounded by what looks like giant ferns, and the next your by the tree that for the life of me looks like a giant arbutis with stripes of aqua green and orange spiraling around it.
Once we've had our fill of the gardens we went on over to the zoo. This was a real treat as I've never been to a zoo before. There were all sorts of animals but what was most interesting was that some of the wildest and bizarrest were native to only South America and Trinidad. Which means these animals could potentiality be found rate around where I'm sitting. Amazing.
We didn't get any work on the boat today other than for the fact that we re-launched her today after being on the hard for our allotted time of 24hrs. All went uneventfully well and we were back on our hook by 1030.
Tomorrow we are planning to finish up the last of the minor odd jobs that remain to be done. Then on Monday the plan is to re-provision, and then on Tuesday (weather permitting) be on our way to Monserat.
Up up and away as they,
John
We took one of the local forms of taxis into Port of Spain with another current resident cruiser from Chaguaramas. I have never been so scared in a vehicle in my life! Barreling down small, windy, wet road. Zipping in an out of oncoming traffic with no functioning seat belts in the back, all at 100 km. I was glad to just make it to Port of Spain alive!
As this is my first time in a country outside of North America Simon took we through one of the local market places. It was amazing. At least for me anyway. Streets packed with people with cars trying to maneuver in between them. Kids no more than 14 or 15 hocking a myriad of goods. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
After that we went for a walk through the botanical gardens, which was also quite amazing. The range of the different types of foliage was quite astounding. One minute you are surrounded by what looks like giant ferns, and the next your by the tree that for the life of me looks like a giant arbutis with stripes of aqua green and orange spiraling around it.
Once we've had our fill of the gardens we went on over to the zoo. This was a real treat as I've never been to a zoo before. There were all sorts of animals but what was most interesting was that some of the wildest and bizarrest were native to only South America and Trinidad. Which means these animals could potentiality be found rate around where I'm sitting. Amazing.
We didn't get any work on the boat today other than for the fact that we re-launched her today after being on the hard for our allotted time of 24hrs. All went uneventfully well and we were back on our hook by 1030.
Tomorrow we are planning to finish up the last of the minor odd jobs that remain to be done. Then on Monday the plan is to re-provision, and then on Tuesday (weather permitting) be on our way to Monserat.
Up up and away as they,
John
Friday, April 4, 2008
Busy Busy
Well, today was a very eventful day.
We were told yesterday that we were going to have access to the travel lift at 0800 today. When we arrived at the travel lift berth the tide was at the lowest point. Apparently this was a surprise to the travel lift operator, who suggested we wait till the tide raised a bit so that he could maneuver the straps underneath the boat. Two hours later at 1000 the travel lift operator finally decided to try it.
As soon as the hull was out of the water their was a collective gasp. The boat having only spent about 2 months in these high fouling waters of the Carribean was black with barnacles. An amount one would expect after a couple of years, not months!
Gladly though, the amount of barnacles was deceptive to how much work was involved as they were all lying in an outline of the hull in about an hour.
Then the rain started. And continued.....and continued......and continued. It rained for about 4 hours strait. At times it was stronger than any rain I had seen before. To stand in it for 10 full seconds was to be completely soaked to the bone.
We decided to call a refreshment break at this time as we were just waiting for it to stop raining so that we could paint the hull. At about 1700 the rain finally stopped, but it still remained rather cool. By far the coolest day I have experienced here since arriving. We let the hull dry for about an hour until we are now at our present state. Simon prepping the hull while I am writing this.
Time to go help,
John
We were told yesterday that we were going to have access to the travel lift at 0800 today. When we arrived at the travel lift berth the tide was at the lowest point. Apparently this was a surprise to the travel lift operator, who suggested we wait till the tide raised a bit so that he could maneuver the straps underneath the boat. Two hours later at 1000 the travel lift operator finally decided to try it.
As soon as the hull was out of the water their was a collective gasp. The boat having only spent about 2 months in these high fouling waters of the Carribean was black with barnacles. An amount one would expect after a couple of years, not months!
Gladly though, the amount of barnacles was deceptive to how much work was involved as they were all lying in an outline of the hull in about an hour.
Then the rain started. And continued.....and continued......and continued. It rained for about 4 hours strait. At times it was stronger than any rain I had seen before. To stand in it for 10 full seconds was to be completely soaked to the bone.
We decided to call a refreshment break at this time as we were just waiting for it to stop raining so that we could paint the hull. At about 1700 the rain finally stopped, but it still remained rather cool. By far the coolest day I have experienced here since arriving. We let the hull dry for about an hour until we are now at our present state. Simon prepping the hull while I am writing this.
Time to go help,
John
Thursday, April 3, 2008
a very naughty camera
Just posted two pictures (see below). Yes, the dates are wrong. They were taken today, 3 April, 2008, not 26/03/2008 as is displayed on the picture itself. I'll have a good talking to the camera tomorrow to see if it'll mend its ways.
Busy day tomorrow. We haul out the boat at 8 am to have all the barnacles and other sea lifeforms clinging to the bottom of Ara' Deg craped away, scrubbed clean, and repainted ready to be dunked back in the following day.
John remains polite and well-behaved despite my vulgar and crude influence. Hope it doesn't rub off on me.
till later,
Simon
Busy day tomorrow. We haul out the boat at 8 am to have all the barnacles and other sea lifeforms clinging to the bottom of Ara' Deg craped away, scrubbed clean, and repainted ready to be dunked back in the following day.
John remains polite and well-behaved despite my vulgar and crude influence. Hope it doesn't rub off on me.
till later,
Simon
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Preparations
Well another day down. Today was a day of preparation. Repairing parts that needed it, cleaning others. Doing all the little jobs that need to be done in preparation for a long ocean voyage.
We are still trying to pin down the times for the travel lift is free and available. Business here seems to follow the general theme of relaxed and paced. It takes a little getting used to coming from a place were speed is seen as a boon rather than a bane.
The wind continues to amaze. At home you can see a weather system coming a mile off, and will last for at least a day. Here the wind can go from 5 kts to 25 in the blink of an eye. And die just as fast.
The water is surprisingly full of life. Schools of fish the size of small salmons jump out of the water when ever you row past. Smaller fish about half the size swim around the shallows of the beach.
Although I have only been in Trinidad for 2 full days I have already seen so much, and will probably continue until the day I leave. At least I hope so.
For now good night,
John Foster
We are still trying to pin down the times for the travel lift is free and available. Business here seems to follow the general theme of relaxed and paced. It takes a little getting used to coming from a place were speed is seen as a boon rather than a bane.
The wind continues to amaze. At home you can see a weather system coming a mile off, and will last for at least a day. Here the wind can go from 5 kts to 25 in the blink of an eye. And die just as fast.
The water is surprisingly full of life. Schools of fish the size of small salmons jump out of the water when ever you row past. Smaller fish about half the size swim around the shallows of the beach.
Although I have only been in Trinidad for 2 full days I have already seen so much, and will probably continue until the day I leave. At least I hope so.
For now good night,
John Foster
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Arrival
I left Victoria at 0620 in the morning. Over 12 hrs later and I landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Upon arrival I encountered stiff opposition. Apparently, all though I had all the need documentation and information, I had some how landed illegaly. At first it seemed that they woud promptly put me back on a plain to Canada, but then in a complete 180 degree turn they said that I could stay, and would have to sign on tomorrow (the original understanding). Weird. But all's well that ends.
Today I was given a tour of Chagauramas. The weather is about 30 degrees. Quite a change coming oivut from thinking a high of 12 was a warm for this time of year. The marinas have no docks, instead all boats are attached to permanent mooring bouys, all laid out in perfect rows so that you couldn't tell they weren't docks until you look closely. Its quite beautiful to see all the boats pivote at the same time to a change in the wind.
The weather here is both brief and constant. You have sudden brief rain showers or increase in wind velocity, which lasts no more than 15 minutes, and then its back to the appresive heat.
Our plans are to get the boat pulled in the next couple of days to clean the bottom and put a fresh coat of anti-fouling paint on. Then provisioning and general readying for sea. We are looking to leave in 1-1 1/2 weeks.
Well thats all for now,
John Foster
Today I was given a tour of Chagauramas. The weather is about 30 degrees. Quite a change coming oivut from thinking a high of 12 was a warm for this time of year. The marinas have no docks, instead all boats are attached to permanent mooring bouys, all laid out in perfect rows so that you couldn't tell they weren't docks until you look closely. Its quite beautiful to see all the boats pivote at the same time to a change in the wind.
The weather here is both brief and constant. You have sudden brief rain showers or increase in wind velocity, which lasts no more than 15 minutes, and then its back to the appresive heat.
Our plans are to get the boat pulled in the next couple of days to clean the bottom and put a fresh coat of anti-fouling paint on. Then provisioning and general readying for sea. We are looking to leave in 1-1 1/2 weeks.
Well thats all for now,
John Foster
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