The Great Grenadines

It seems like it’s been awhile, and I do think it has been . We are anchored in the lovely Bequia island in The Grenadines. We have been here since the 10th of January after visiting the Tobago Keys. This place called “The Grenadines” is in my opinion the gem of the Caribbean. Likes stones tossed from above, the islands are separated by 5-20 miles and are yours to discover. The Tobago Keys host crystal clear water that is protected from the pounding Atlantic ocean with a fetch built up all the way from Africa, by a horseshoe reef. When you’re anchored behind the reef you feel as though you’re looking out at the end of the earth. The surrounding islands are mostly uninhabited with beautiful white sand beaches lines with perfect palm trees. The difficulty of “getting there” makes this wonderful part of the world less busy, well other than charter boats that it. Aside for the above, the snorkelling is fantastic with numerous under water life to look at. We were fortunate enough to swim with a HUGE sea turtle whom I found feasting on some sea grass near our boat. Both Mike and I swam with her for what seemed like forever, and she couldn’t have cared less. Her motions under the water seemed effortless, which seemed amazing for her size and the weight of her shell.
The Tobago Keys are a protected national marine park, so no hunting or fishing aloud which makes the sea life very abundant.
From the Tobago Keys we headed north about 20 miles to one of our favourite islands of Bequia, where we now sit.By taking a long walk this island (like our other favourite island of Carriacou) has the most beautiful views of surrounding reefs and islands. The feeling of the town isn’t touristy or catered towards tourism, it just has a very relaxed island flare and the locals (like the Grenadians) are very kind and respectful.
We frequently visit a local artist Chris, who makes hand painted Calabash bowls and crafts beautiful jewellery. His Rastafarian religion reveals itself upon his art in the colors he chooses..
We’re enjoying Bequia while waiting for the Christmas winds to die down and move from the northeast to east, so we can continue our way north to Antigua.
This is only what we’ve been up to since I returned home after my Christmas/New Year charter, and Mike’s sailing charter through The Grenadines.
Both went well, but the time away from each other, family and friends over the holidays was a bit sad and disappointing, however we both made the best of it. My charter was very busy, having to cross the Gulf Stream twice and being delayed upon our return due to 16-18 foot seas in the Stream…yikes. But the family had a great time while we were in The Abacos, and even though I wasn’t with family, I was with a great crew.
Mike’s charter also went well and aside from missing me…he had a great time with the family he chartered for and with his first mate, Dwayne. They had some pretty windy weather and some rather rough passages between the islands, but they still managed to catch a HUGE sailfish.Everyone was very happy.
Right before Christmas, I received news that Cruising World would like to publish my second article. So as we speak (or as I write) the process is in the works. I again am very pleased that they have considered my writing.
We’ve met up with some old and new friends and the graciousness of the people out here continue to amaze us. Life is good in the Caribbean and although we’ve been working on Meggie prepping her for her debut in Antigua, we’re really enjoying being back on the boat and having some great sailing and getting back into a routine of being a cruiser.
We’re hoping to have some visitors, but we’ve had no bookings yet (aside from Paul and Leanne who so kindly agreed to “crew” with us on Meggie during the regatta), but other than that…no takers, yet.
Anyway that’s about if for now. I’ve just finished making guacamole with locally grown avocados, tomatoes, onions and coriander to take to a friends boat for sundowners. So I must go.
We wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope this year brings you all want you hope for.
Until next time,
Kylie and Mike
PS…Unfortunately Mike Shaw was not available to write this blog, however he will be back by popular demand.