Time spent in Grenada

Time in Grenada

Sept 16th to November 30th

Where does all the time go? I can’t believe it’s December!

For the majority of the last three months, we have been anchored in Woburn Bay, on the south-western point of Grenada, within a 5-minute dinghy ride to Le Phare Bleu, a small, family-friendly marina with a bar, pool, beach, and a community of cruisers, many of whom are families.

It’s been great to make friends, share stories and for the kids to hang out with other children. Many of these people have already headed north again. Our overall mood has become more positive and relaxed now that life on the boat feels completely normal. Homeschooling is becoming easier for all of us.

We spent a week hauled out in a boatyard for some repairs. This time, we got expert help with fixing the drive train and rudder. Everything about this repair ran like clockwork compared to our last experience. We both have more confidence in the boat and are no longer stressed about engine alignment, which makes future sailing a more enjoyable experience.

We had a chance to resume much-needed exercise. An informal strengthening class was organized 3 times a week on the dock, first thing in the morning. We joined the ‘Hash Harriers’ for more than one fun/ hike event. This involved travelling in a bus across the island to a random small village, meeting all the racers in a field with a loud sound system, then hiking a marked trail with other locals, cruisers, and expats, which would lead back to the start. The event concludes with beer and refreshments. (Provisions are a local dish made up of starchy root vegetables with delicious stewed meat.) The Hash Harriers describe themselves as a drinking club with a running problem. It was definitely a social event, and we appreciated the chance to experience such a random mix of people and places. Travelling by bus was an interesting way of seeing the island.

Much of Grenada is rural, with winding, hilly roads passing rolling jungle with communities spread throughout. Owen attended a sailing school with a local instructor, Noah, allowing him to sail solo and build his confidence. He also spent time with a group of older boys who took him under their wing, taught him how to fish, and helped him catch his first— a jackfish.

Our First Hash

Aliya made some good connections with children. One in particular that she will miss, as we said farewell to her family last week. They had reached the end of their sabbatical year. They will be missed.

We also explored the island—swimming under waterfalls and visiting the main town, St. George’s, with its bustling market and the much-loved Chocolate Factory. Keeping with the chocolate theme, Michelle organized a tour for homeschooling families at Belmont Estate, a historic, still-operational chocolate factory. The visit ended with a sit-down meal at the estate’s restaurant alongside other cruisers. Very nice!

Annandale Falls

At present, we are travelling north, exploring the Grenadines, still in Grenada with a new crew member, Michelle’s dad, Rob. He joined us at St George’s. We sailed to Ronde Island for a very rolly time at anchor. Not wanting any more rolling, we sailed to Carriacou. Rob was curious about what it would be like to sail in the open ocean with all the motion of a small sailing vessel. Now he knows, and he really enjoyed it! 

Quality Opa time

Returning to the boat

Sandy Island - Carriacou

Tim, attempting to Wing Foil

Campfire, good company and music

Our current anchorage is beside the beautiful Sandy Island off the west side of Carriacou. Here, we connected with another family, enjoyed a beach fire with music, and went searching for turtles, without success, though we did find some impressively large hermit crabs. Rob enjoyed some sandy beach time with the grandkids, and Michelle and I had our first proper session learning to wing foil, which ended with an attempt to lift onto the foil during a dinghy tow. There were some impressive face-plants! 

Rob stays with us for a few days, where we will explore a few last spots in Carriacou. From Carriacou, Rob will fly back to the main island and home.  Our journey from there will be to head north, retracing steps, but with more care to explore all the places we missed on our rushed journey south. We aim to pass the BVI’s where we begin, and continue to Porto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas finally finish in the USA, where we plan to sell the boat and buy a vehicle to drive West to our home in BC.  It is quite a long way, so that should keep us busy for another 6 months.