GRENADA TO MARTINIQUE
OCTOBER 14, 2012 - JANUARY 1, 2013
Ahoy, Everyone,
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope that this blog finds all of you Happy and Healthy. We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas, too. It is hard to believe that it is 2013. In a month, we will have been cruising for 4 years.
Since we have written our last blog:
- We hauled out ULTRA in the shipyard
- Halloween,Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
- Fun Cruiser Events
- ULTRA was Net Controller for Grenada Cruisers' VHF Net
- and of course lots, lots of boat projects. We do not want to bore you with all of that so, we will leave it out of the blog. We will give you the positive stuff, but please know that not a day goes by that something does not break or not work right. It is part of the adventure of living at sea! : )
We love sharing our adventures with you, but we especially look forward to hearing from all of you and how you all are doing.
OCTOBER 17, 2012
WE HAULED OUT ULTRA IN GRENADA MARINE SHIPYARD.
After our trip to Peru, we were in Port Louis Marina for a couple of weeks doing boat projects and then we were ready for the shipyard. The Beauty Treatment for Ultra begins. We did all of the work ourselves. Grinding, Sanding, Filling, Painting and repeat 6 times (3 hulls = 6 sides) and sometimes more of the latter. We were in the shipyard 2 weeks on the hard and work long hours every day to finish the project. Forgot to take photos in the yard. It was lots and lots of hard work, but we were definitely happy to see the finished product and met lots of new cruiser friends in the yard. Unfortunately, we were so excited to get back in the water, that we forgot to take photos of Ultra being splashed, too.
OCTOBER 20, 2012
HASH AT LA SAGESSE
We were very lucky to have had the 750th HASH in our backyard of Grenada Marine in La Sagesse. Thank you DOUG and WENDY of NAHANNIE RIVER for always taking such good care of us and organizing our pick up and drop and making it happen. : ) Woo hoo!, We did not have to miss a HASH, due to being in the shipyard! Especially, since it was the 750th HASH PARTY!
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| HASHERS ON ON! THE BEACH WAS FANTASTIC AND THE HIKE WAS AMAZING WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS! |
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| THE HASHERS OF PORT LOUIS MARINA! |
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| HEY, WHERE'S MY COLD STAG BEER? : ) AFTER ALL, I DID THE IRONMAN! |
OCTOBER 20, 2012
JoAnne is asked to be a Net Controller for the Cruiser's Net. This was the first of several days that we did it. What fun, but early! 7:30 A.M. is normally like the middle of the night aboard ULTRA. : ) This took extra cups of coffee to be awake and actually functioning at this hour. : ) Thank you all for the great opportunity!
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| NET CONTROLLER SCRIPT |
OCTOBER 29, 2012
This is the wonderful GRENADA MARINE where we hauled out. The shipyard haulout experience is definitely not the most fun job out there, but here was a great experience. They had inexpensive ice cold drinks available. We even would show up in boatyard fashionware of a white paintsuit, hood, protective glasses, and rubber boots, and they would still serve us at the bar. Did not miss a beat, by having to strip down and get drinks from inside our boat after climbing the ladder to the boat, etc. Great staff, too! We highly recommend this place!
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| THIS IS THE RESTAURANT AND BAR THAT IS ULTRA'S MASTS STICKING UP JUST BEHIND THE BUILDING. GREAT LOCATION! |
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| THIS IS THE WELL THAT THE BOATS ARE HAULED FROM |
YEA! After two weeks in the shipyard, we are back home in Port Louis Marina. We are now tied up closer to Ocean Star. Steve and Alice made a fantastic dinner for us! Yummy!
OCTOBER 31, 2012
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Bill created and sewed JoAnne's Halloween Costume for the Port Louis Marina Halloween Party. It was an amazing mermaid costume. Great job, Bill! We won a bottle of rum for best female costume!
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| BILL CREATING AND SEWING JOANNE'S MERMAID COSTUME |
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| MARY KAY, RUSS, AND JOHN |
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| STEVE |
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| KENT AND MARILYN |
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| JOANNE AND ANA |
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| TIM, LINDA AND SAM |
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| JOHN AND KATHY |
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| JEFF WAS THE GANGA MAN |
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| JOANNE AND WENDY |
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| MO |
Ocean Star leaves the dock to begin making their trek north. We will meet up with them in St. Martin and cruise with them to Guatemala for Hurricane Season 2013!
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| SPIRITED LADY IS DEPARTING THE DOCK AND SAILING TO TRINIDAD TODAY. |
NOVEMBER 2, 2012
Mary Kay and Russ of S/V Once Around will be departing tomorrow and sailing to Martinique and loading their boat onto a ship that will transfer their boat to The Mediterranian where they will cruise there for several months.
NOVEMBER 3, 2012
Once Around is Martinique Bound! After our daily chores, we loaded up and headed to the Grenada Fitness Expo and Grenada Rum Festival.
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| FORMER GRENADA MR. OLYMPIA |
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| THE BIKINI FITNESS COMPETION |
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| GRENADA GOT TO THE HOST THE CARIBBEAN RUM FESTIVAL! GO GRENADA! |
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| BILL WITH THE CARNIVAL GIRLS |
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| OMG, JOANNE MISSES HER CARNIVAL COSTUME! SO FUN! |
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| MORE AND MORE AND MORE RUM SAMPLING. GOOD THING WE HAD A DESIGNATED DRIVER. AFTER THIS, WE WON ATHE GRAND PRIZE OF A HUGE BOTTLE OF MOUNT GAY BLACK LABEL RUM, 4 SHOT GLASSES, MOUNT GAY BACKPACK. YEA! |
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| OUR GOOD FRIEND, MARION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH CHILDREN'S HOME, THAT WE WORKED WITH IN GRENADA. WE PURCHASED RAFFLE TICKETS TO WIN A CASE OF EXOTIC BOTTLES OF RUM AND ALSO THIS BEAUTIFUL PAINTING WAS PART OF THE RAFFLE, TOO. |
NOVEMBER 4, 2012
Today a big group from Port Louis Marina and other cruisers and locals attended the Lobster BBQ Fundraiser for our good friend and lobsterman,Curt, that was seriously hurt in a diving accident and ended up with a terrible case of The Bends. He was transported to St. Lucia which had the closest functioning hyperbaric chamber for treatment, since the island of Grenada does not have one. After his treatments, he was later able to go back to Grenada, but he should never dive again.
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| WONDERFUL LOCAL BOATS |
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| WE TOOK A GREAT HIKE TO WHISPER COVE MARINA |
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| THE LAGOON VIEW FROM OUR BOAT TIED UP AT THE DOCK IN PORT LOUIS MARINA |
NOVEMBER 6, 2012
Today was a fun day. We helped to promote the island of Grenada by being part of a photo and video shoot.
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| THIS IS A CALABASH TREE AND THIS IS ONE OF THE GOURDS THAT IT MAKES. THIS IS ONE OF THE MINI ONES THESE ARE USED TO MAKE BOWLS, ARTWORK, ETC. IN THESE ISLANDS. |
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| VIDEO SHOTS |
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| OUR FUN PHOTOGRAPHERS |
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| REVIEWING THE FOOTAGE |
NOVEMBER 7, 2012
HAPPY HOUR ABOARD IZZY R
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| DOUG, MO, AND RON |
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| POLLY'S SISTER IN LAW AND BROTHER KENT AND POLLY |
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| JEFF, JOANNE, AND BILL |
NOVEMBER 10, 2012
ANOTHER FUN HASH!
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| JOANNE AND RON |
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| FELLOW HASHERS |
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| WOO HOO, WE SEE A FREE BEER STOP AHEAD! PERFECT TIMING, IT FEELS LIKE IT IS 150 DEGREES OUTSIDE AFTER WE CLIMBED THAT STEEP HILL! : ) |
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| WE HAVE COMPLETED ANOTHER GREAT HASH! |
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| GRENADA'S NATIONAL DISH: OIL DOWN YUMMY! |
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
A STATUE WAS ONCE HERE. BILL ASKED JOANNE TO BE THE STATUE TEMPORARILY.
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| THE WALK TO THE BEAUTIFUL PORT LOUIS MARINA BEACH FOR SUNDOWNERS AND TO WATCH THE GREEN FLASH. |
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| GREAT HAPPY HOUR WITH GREAT FRIENDS! |
NOVEMBER 14, 2012
HAPPY HOUR AT PORT LOUIS MARINA VICTORY BAR AND PIZZA PARTY AFTER. WE ARE ALL SAYING OUR GOODBYES AS SOME OF US WILL NO LONGER BE CRUISING AND SOME WILL BE HEADED NORTH AND BEYOND.
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| WOW! LOOK AT THIS PAINTING A LITTLE CLOSER........HMMMM..... |
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| PIZZA, PIZZA |
NOVEMBER 15, 2012
TODAY MOTIVATOR IS HEADING NORTH.
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| INTERVIEW ABOARD ULTRA TO PROMOTE GRENADA FOR CRUISERS |
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| VISIT WITH FRIENDS ABOARD ULTRA WITH S/V PENELOPE AND JAMAR |
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| JAMAR HELPING US WITH OUR NEW ANCHOR CHAIN |
NOVEMBER 16, 2012
GOOD FRIEND, DIANNE AND HER SON, DRESSED UP FOR HALLOWEEN. THEY WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PARTY, SO WE BROUGHT OUR COSTUMES TO THEM TO TRY ON.
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| DIANNE'S SON AND HUSBAND, JUST BEFORE HE IS ON DUTY AT THE HOSPITAL |
NOVEMBER 17, 2012
WE WOKE UP THIS MORNING, TO A SPECTACULAR RAINBOW OVER ST. GEORGE'S. TODAY IS ONE OF OUR MOST FAVORITES HIKES IN GRENADA. GRAND ETANG! IT IS ALSO A SAD DAY, IN THAT ONE OF OUR FELLOW HASHERS, KIM, PASSED AWAY AND THIS HASH IS DEDICATED TO HER WONDERFUL LIFE ON THIS EARTH.
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| THE MONKEYS HERE ARE FANTASTIC! |
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| THE LOVELY LADY BROUGHT FRUITS FOR HIM. BANANAS AND MANGOS, HIS FAVORITES! |
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| THE GRENADA FLAG, NOTICE THE NUTMEG ON THE FLAG, IN THE MIDDLE LEFT HAND SIDE. THIS IS ONE OF THEIR MAIN EXPORTS. |
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| ON ON |
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| AND THEN WE GO DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, SLIPPING AND SLIDING. SO FUN! |
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| ANDERS AND KATHERINE BOUGHT EVERYONE RUM PUNCHES! CHEERS TO GOOD FRIENDS! |
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| KATHY'S SHIRT |
NOVEMBER 18, 2012
THIS MORNING IT WAS OUR TURN TO LEAVE THE DOCK AT PORT LOUIS MARINA AND BEGIN OUR WAY NORTH. WE ARRIVED AT ONE OF OUR FAVORITES PLACES. ILE RONDE. THIS ISLAND HAS FANTASTIC DIVING AND SNORKELING.
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| ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL SUNSET! |
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| SUNDOWNER IN THE NETS! |
NOVEMBER 19, 2012
TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY. OUR FISHERMEN FRIENDS WE SEE HERE EVERY TIME WE COME HERE, CAME BY TO SAY HELLO AND THEN ALSO BROUGHT US FANTASTIC LOBSTERS AT A GREAT PRICE! THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, SO WE ARE STOCKING UP.
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| WE CALL THIS SECLUDED BEACH, ROBINSON CRUSOE BEACH. IT IS LINED WITH AZILLION COCONUT PALMS, WHITE SAND BEACH, AND AZURE WATER. |
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| ON THE WAY BACK, WE SNORKELED AND FOUND THIS GUY. IT IS A SLIPPER LOBSTER. WE HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE BEFORE, BUT THIS GUY LOOKED EVEN MORE UNUSUAL. |
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| WE WANTED TO SHOW YOU A BETTER PHOTO OF HIM, BEFORE WE RETURNED HIM TO THE SEA! LOOKS LIKE AN ALIEN. |
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| SLIPPER LOBSTER |
TODAY WE SAILED ONTO CARRIACOU AND SANDY ISLAND.
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| CHECK OUT THE HELICOPTER. THIS BOAT IS CALLED : "PLAN B" WE GUESS THAT "PLAN A" MUST HAVE A VERY GENEROUS PAYING JOB. |
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| SANDY ISLAND |
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| LOTS AND LOTS OF SQUID. THERE WERE AT LEAST 50! |
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| EEL IS OUT AND ABOUT. |
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| YES, THESE ARE ALL FISH! HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS! |
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| THIS IS A LETTUCE SEA SLUG |
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| THE PHOTO DOES NOT DO IT JUSTICE, BUT THE SAND IT BRIGHT PINK! |
WE SAILED TO TOBAGO CAYS TODAY. THIS WAS A GREAT PLACE TO DO SCURFING.
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| CARDEA ARRIVED AND KENT SET UP 4 GREAT DRINKS! WE HAD HAPPY HOUR VIA FLOATING IN THE SEA BEHIND CARDEA! |
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| KENT AND MARILYN |
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| WOW! WOW! WOW! THIS IS NOT A TOUCHED UP PHOTO! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL! DOESN'T IT MAKE YOU JUST SMILE! : ) |
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| INTERESTING GRAPHIC WE SAW GOING BY |
NOVEMBER 21, 2012
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| S/V PICTON CASTLE |
NOVEMBER 22, 2012
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE TOBAGO CAYS
TURTLES, TURTLES AND MORE TURTLES!
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| BILL PREPARING THE LOBSTERS FOR THE BBQ |
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| BILL AND KENT MANNING THE BBQ |
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| THANKSGIVING DINNER ABOARD ULTRA WITH KENT AND MARILYN |
NOVEMBER 23, 2012
MORE SPECTACULAR SNORKELING IN THE TOBAGO CAYS
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| BRAIN CORAL |
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| BIG PORCUPINE FISH |
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| SNOWFLAKE LOBSTERS |
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| REALLY LARGE STING RAY! THIS IS THE VIEW OF IT FROM 30 FT. |
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| BILL MADE JOANNE A NEW MANTA BOARD FOR SNORKELING IT CAN DIVE 30 FT. IT IS TOWED BEHIND THE DINK AND YOU HOLD ONTO IT, AND IN AN INSTANT WITH JUST A GENTLE PRESS FORWARD TO SEE THE FISH EVEN CLOSER.IT IS LIKE YOU ARE FLYING UNDER THE WATER. FANTASTIC! |
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| ILE TOBAC THIS IS THE ISLAND WHERE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN WAS FILMED THE SCENE WAS: THE RUM SCENE WHEN SHE BURNS ALL OF JACK'S RUM! |
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| WE WALKED AROUND THE ISLAND |
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| KENT AND MARILYN |
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| WE ARE GETTING READY FOR A PICNIC ON THE BEACH WITH KENT AND MARILYN INSIDE THIS STATIONWAGON STYLE DINGHY, IS THE BUFFET |
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| MARILYN BEING TOWED ON THE MANTA BOARD |
NOVEMBER 25, 2012
WE SAILED TO BEQUIA YESTERDAY. WE DECIDED TO TAKE THE BIKES ASHORE TO RIDE AROUND THE ISLAND.
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| ADORABLE HUMMINGBIRD NESTING IN THE WINDOW |
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| AFTER A GREAT BIKE RIDE AROUND THE ISLAND, UP AND DOWN ALL OF THOSE HILLS, IT WAS TIME FOR A COLD BEER! |
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| VIEW OF ADMIRALTY BAY FROM THE FORT |
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| THESE SAILORS ARE RIGGING THIS MOST FAMOUS OF SAILBOATS THIS IS THE FAMOUS "IRON DUKE" WHALING BOAT. YES, THEY USED THESE SMALL BOATS TO CATCH WHALES IT IS BEQIA'S TRADITION AND HERITAGE TO HAVE RIGHTS TO HUNTING WHALES |
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| IRON DUKE |
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| AFTER OUR BIKE RIDE, WE DECIDED TO GET THE GANG TOGETHER TO GO SNORKELING WITH US AT THE WRECK GLEN AND DALYNN, DOUG, JOHN, AND MARILYN |
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| DOUG |
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| BILL |
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| DOUG |
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| HUGE GREEN MORAY EEL AT LEAST 8 FT. IN LENGTH |
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| FUN HAPPY HOUR ABOARD NAHANNIE RIVER |
NOVEMBER 28, 2012
TODAY WAS FULL OF BOAT PROJECTS. HAPPY HOUR AND DINNER ABOARD ULTRA.
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| LINDA'S KEY LIME PIE! AMAZING! A WORK OF ART! CHECK OUT THOSE PEAKS! |
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| TIM AND LINDA HAVING A RUM TASTING |
NOVEMBER 29, 2012
LAST TIME WE SAW THIS BOAT, M/V "LOVE DIVINE" WAS IN DOMINICA. SINCE THEN, IT HAS MET ITS' DEMISE. THE CAPTAIN DECIDED TO TAKE THE VESSEL BETWEEN THE TWO SMALL ISLANDS. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH OUR DINK THROUGH HERE, MUCH LESS A HUGE DELIVERY VESSEL LIKE THIS. IT IS HARD AGROUND ON THE ROCKS!
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| BEAUTIFUL CAVE |
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| FRIENDSHIP BAY IN THE BACKGROUND AND THE WHALING DOCK |
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| SPECTACULAR ADDITION TO MOON HOLE STYLE PROJECT. THIS IS THE BACKSIDE OF THE ISLAND THAT THEY HAVE ALSO DEVELOPED |
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| THESE POLES MARK THE RUNWAY. IT IS SUPER SHORT. REALLY, IT IS SUPER SHORT. LIKE YOU NEED TO BE BRAKING BEFORE YOU EVEN LAND. : ) |
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| THIS IS A WHALE BONE LOOKS LIKE THE WHALE BEAK |
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| THIS IS THE WHALE ISLAND IN FRIENDSHIP BAY |
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| THAT IS A WHALE BONE |
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| WE WENT ALL THE WAY FROM PRINCESS MARGARET BEACH TO FRIENDSHIP BAY TODAY AND THEN SNORKELED THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, TOO. |
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| THE ORIGINAL MOONHOLE HOME |
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| SNORKELING THE BAY IN FRONT OF MOONHOLE |
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| DINNER WITH KENT AND MARILYN ABOARD ULTRA |
NOVEMBER 30, 2012
TODAY WE DEPARTED BEQUIA FOR THE MAIN ISLAND OF ST. VINCENT. BEFORE WE LEFT, WE HAD AN EARLY VISITOR. HE SAW US YESTERDAY IN FRIENDSHIP BAY AND CAME TO SELL US LOBSTERS AT A REALLY GREAT PRICE THAT HE HAD OFFERED US. HE OWNS THE HOME BY THE WHALEBONE GOING UP THE STEPS.
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| ON THE WAY TO ST. VINCENT, WE CAUGHT A BARRACUDA. WE SHOULD HAVE KEPT HIM FOR WINSTON, BUT WE ARE SO USED TO THROWINGTHEM BACK, SINCE WERE TAUGHT IN THE USA NOT TO EAT THEM. |
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| BEAUTIFUL RESORT IN YOUNG ISLAND CUT/BLUE LAGOON AREA ST. VINCENT |
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| THERE IS A FORT AT THE TOP OF THE CRAGGY HILL |
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| WE ARRIVE IN WALLILABOU BAY, ST. VINCENT |
THE POLITE BOATMEN ARE SHOWING US THIER ITEMS TO SELL
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| ULTRA MOORED IN THIS BEAUTIFUL BAY |
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| OLD SET OF PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN :CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL MOVIE |
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| THIS IS HOW HOMEMADE CHARCOAL IS MADE |
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| WALLILABOU FALLS AND GARDENS |
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| WINSTON, OUR WONDERFUL GUIDE! |
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| MARILYN AND JOANNE |
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| THIS IS THE OLD DAM |
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| AMAZING TREE THAT GREW OVER THE DAM! |
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| AN AMAZING VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE MOUTAIN IN ST. VINCENT |
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| THIS TREE WAS ONCE USED TO MAKE TIPS FOR ARROWS. WE NICKNAMED IT SPIKE! |
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| THESE ARE MINI COCONUTS. THEY ARE DELICIOUS AND WE ACTUALLY ATE THESE FROM A TREE IN THE AMAZON ON OUR TRIP IN PERU |
DECEMBER 1, 2012
THIS MORNING WE DEPARTED ST. VINCENT. WE WISHED WE COULD HAVE STAYED LONGER, BUT WE MUST MOVE NORTH TO MEET UP WITH OCEAN STAR.
THIS ARCH WAS USED IN THE PIRATES MOVIE, IN THE SCENE THEY SHOWED MEN HUNG FROM IT.
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IN THE PASS BETWEEN ST. VINCENT AND ST. LUCIA, WE CAUGHT A
500+ POUND SAILFISH!
THANK GOODNESS IT BROKE THE LINE, BUT BEFORE THAT, IT WAS LEAPING OUT OF THE WATER LIKE SOMETHING FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC!
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| THE MAGICAL PITONS OF ST. LUCIA! |
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| WOW! WHAT A SUNSET! |
DECEMBER 2, 2012
CARDEA IS MOORED NEXT TO US AT THE PITONS. WE HEADED TO CHECK IN AND THEN WORKED ON BOAT PROJECTS.
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| WHILE WE WERE WORKING ON BOAT PROJECTS, ALL OF THE PARTY BOATS SHOWED UP. ALL WITH COMPETING MUSIC. THIS SIRENE PLACE, BECAME QUITE NOISY FOR A FEW HOURS! |
DECEMBER 3, 2012
WE WERE OFF TO SNORKEL WHEN WE WERE GREETED BY OUR LOCAL FRIENDS. WE GAVE THEM A TOW TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR WHERE WE SNORKELED BY THE BAT CAVE.
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| THEY ARE HAVING SO MUCH FUN, FASTER PLEASE, FASTER THEY SAY! : ) |
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| SNORKELING THE NORTH SIDE OF SOUFRIERE BY THE BAT CAVE |
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| FLOUNDER |
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| BATS, BATS AND MORE BATS |
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| THE BAT CAVE |
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| WE VISITED THE CHOCOLATE HOTEL WITH CARDEA |
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| EVERYTHING ON THE HAS CHOCOLATE IN IT, THE FOOD AND THE DRINKS. THESE DRINKS ARE: CHOCOLATE MARTINI AND CHOCOLATE DAQUIRI |
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| "OF COURSE I LOVE CHOCOLATE!" |
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| THE SWIMMING POOL |
DECEMBER 4, 2012
TODAY WE SNORKELED THE PITONS. THIS IS JUST BEAUTIFUL! WE SCUBA DOVE THIS LAST TIME, AND THE SNORKELING WAS JUST AS WONDERFUL! AFTER SNORKELING, WE HEADED TO THE SUGAR BEACH HOTEL. THE SPA IS AMAZING. FREE TOUR AND GREAT RAINFOREST TRAIL. AFTER THE TOUR, WE HEADED BACK TO THE BOAT AND CARDEA ASKED US TO GO TO GO SEE THE JADE MOUNTAIN RESORT. WE HAVE BEEN WANTING TO SEE THIS VERY CONTEMPORARY HOTEL. ALL OF THE ROOMS ARE DESIGNED WITH ONE WALL MISSING TO CAPTURE THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF THE PITONS.
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| VIEWS FROM THE ROOF TOP OF JADE MOUNTAIN RESORT |
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| EACH ROOM HAS THEIR OWNN BRIDGE AND PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL |
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| THE VIEW FROM ONE OF THE ROOMS AND THEIR PRIVATE POOL |
DECEMBER 5, 2012
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| THE SIGNATURE BREAD LOAF OF SOUFRIERE |
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| OUR FUN FRIENDS ARE BACK FOR A VISIT. BILL FIXED THEM CHOCOLATE MILK. |
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| WE HEADED TO SNORKEL THE PITONS |
DECEMBER 6, 2012
WE SAILED TO MARIGOT BAY, ST. LUCIA TODAY.
THIS IS THE VIEW FROM THE BAY OF THE JADE MOUNTAIN RESORT. UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER. THE PROPERTY DOWN BELOW IS ALSO OWNED BY THE SAME ARCHITECT FOR OVER 40 YEARS.
DECEMBER 7, 2012
BEAUTIFUL MARIGOT BAY.
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| DRINKS WITH CARDEA AT THE MARIGOT BAY BEACH CLUB |
DECEMBER 8, 2012
WE SAILED TO RODNEY BAY, ST. LUCIA TODAY AND WERE IMMEDIATELY GREETED BY OUR GOOD FRIEND, GREGORY. HE IS OUR PRODUCE GUY. HE GAVE US SOME WONDERFUL MINT, THAT YOU SEE ON THE ROOF OF HIS BOAT. WE ARE SAVING IT TO MAKE A BIG BATCH OF MOJITOS. : )
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| WE SAW ANOTHER GREEN FLASH TONIGHT! |
DECEMBER 9, 2012
TODAY WE GREETED SOME FRIENDS OF CARDEA. THE BOAT NAME IS "S/Y SUNDOWNER". IT IS AN 82 OYSTER. THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE ARC, WHICH STANDS FOR, ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS. THEY SAIL FROM GRAN CANARIA TO ST. LUCIA AND HAS APPROX. 1200 BOATS THAT PARTICIPATE. IT TOOK THEM 14 DAYS, NO MOTORING, EVEN WITH A BLOWN OUT MAIN. VERY IMPRESSIVE! WE HAD A GREAT DINNER ABOARD CARDEA!
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| ANOTHER GREEN FLASH! |
DECEMBER 10, 2012
FOR THE LAST 10 DAYS, WE HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE HEADLINER OF OUR MAIN SALON. OMG, WHAT A HUGE JOB. CUTTING, FITTING, GLUEING, AND THEN REPEAT SEVERAL TIMES. WE ARE ALMOST DONE. ALWAYS BOAT PROJECTS AND OTHER THINGS BREAKING IN THE MIX!
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| WE TOOK A BREAK AND HAD HAPPY HOUR ABOARD IZZY R |
DECEMBER 11, 2012
BEAUTIFUL .TALL SHIP STYLE CRUISE SHIP, WINDJAMMER, IN RODNEY BAY, ST. LUCIA.
DECEMBER 12, 2012
MORE HEADLINER REPLACEMENT. WE COOKED DINNER ABOARD CARDEA FOR KENT.
DECEMBER 13, 2012
THE ARC VILLAGE HAS OPENED UP AND THE PARTIES HAVE BEGUN!
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| CHEF BOBO COOKING DEMONSTRATION |
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HIS DAUGHTER, MATILDA, HARD AT WORK HELPING DAD
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| JEFF AND IZZY |
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| THE LOCAL TV STATION INTERVIEWS US ALL FOR THE NIGHTLY NEWS AND FOR TOURISM PROMOTION |
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| LET THE DANCING BEGIN |
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| WE ARE ALL RECRUITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUN DANCE |
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| THIS MAN IS REINACTING THE TRADITION OF BEING DRESSED IN A TRADITIONAL COSTUME OF BANANA LEAVES, SINCE THE SLAVES DID NOT HAVE COSTUMES FOR CARNIVAL OR MASQUERADE. |
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| WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE, MARTIN IS HERE ALL THE WAY FROM DOMINICA! HE IS HERE FOR THEARC TO PROMOTE HIS PROVIDENCE BUSINESS! |
DECEMBER 14, 2013
TODAY WE WORKED ON THE HEADLINER AND JOANNE WENT AROUND THE ANCHORAGE AND THE MARINA HELPING MARTIN TO MARKET HIS BUSINESS OF MOORINGS AND TOURS IN DOMINICA. AFTER THIS, WE HEADED TO CHEF BOBO'S RESTAURANT, THE EDGE. KENT RECOMMENDED IT. DUE TO THE COOKING CLASS ATTENDENCE THE OTHER DAY, WE WERE OFFERED VERY GENEROUS PRICES FOR OUR MEALS.
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| KENT WANTS US EACH TO HAVE A GOURMET DINING EXPERIENCE |
DECEMBER 15, 2012
MARTIN IS IN NEED OF SOME PARTS, SO WE SET OFF TO SHOP WITH HIM. WE THEN HAVE TEA AND A GREAT VISIT ABOARD CHRIS DOYLE, THE AUTHOR'S, BOAT. ANOTHER GREEN FLASH AND FREE JAZZ MUSIC PERFORMANCE IN ARC VILLAGE.
DECEMBER 16, 2012
TODAY SEVERAL GOMMIER SAILBOATS RACED PASSED US WHILE WE WERE STILL WORKING ON THE HEADLINER. THEY SAIL FROM MARTINIQUE TO ST. LUCIA. ANOTHER GREEN FLASH AND DINNER ABOARD IZZY R.
DECEMBER 17, 2012
WE FINALLY COMPLETED THE CEILING AND THEN HAD A GREAT DINNER ABOARD ULTRA WITH MARTIN AND CHRIS DOYLE.
DECEMBER 18, 2012
WE SEE US COMPETING IN THE GRENADA CRUISER OLYMPICS AT CLARK'S COURT BAY. WHAT A FUN TIME! HERE WE ARE WINNING THE SILVER MEDAL FOR WHEEL BARROW RACES. FAR RIGHT HAND SIDE, BILL IS BEING HELD BY JOANNE.
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| THIS SHIP WAS USED IN THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN MOVIE |
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| ANOTHER GREEN FLASH |
DECEMBER 19, 2012
WE SAILED TO LE MARIN, MARTINIQUE TODAY. WE ANCHORED AT ST. ANNE.
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| THIS IS THE SAME COMPANY THAT ONCE AROUND LOADED THEIR BOAT TO TAKE THEM TO THE MED |
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| GREEN FLASH AT ST. ANNE |
DECEMBER 20, 2012
THEY ARE LOADING AND UNLOADING BOATS OFF OF THIS SHIP.
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| THIS IS A FANTASTIC FRENCH GROCERY STORE WHERE YOU CAN BUY GOOD FRENCH WINE FOR ABOUT $4.00 USD PER BOTTLE |
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| CRUISERS' HAPPY HOUR ON THE BEACH AT ST. ANNE |
DECEMBER 21, 2012
AFTER COMPLETING MORE BOAT PROJECTS, WE HIKED ST. ANNE
DECEMBER 22, 2012
MORE HIKING.
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| BILL WITH PAINTING OF MR. BEAN |
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| BILL WITH PAINTING OF EDDIE MURPHY |
DECEMBER 23, 2012
WE WENT TO LE MARIN TO GET SOME SKETCHY WIFI
DECEMBER 24, 2012
DINNER ABOARD ULTRA WITH IZZY R.
DECEMBER 25, 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND JOYEUX NOEL!
TODAY WE HAD A GREAT CRUISER'S POTLUCK, WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE, GAME DAY AT THE BEACH AND NIGHT SWIM.
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| BILL CARVING THE FIRST CHRISTMAS HAM WE HAVE EVER MADE |
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| SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN UNDER A FULL MOON |
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| THE WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS ARE UNDER THE PALM TREE |
DECEMBER 26, 2012
THE FRENCH CREOLE MARKET IS FANTASTIC, COMPLETE WITH BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY, HOMEMADE FLAVORED RUMS, FRESH SPICES, ART AND OF COURSE GREAT MUSIC! AFTER THIS, WE WENT FOR A GREAT LONG HIKE TO THE BEACH WITH IZZY R AND THEN HAPPY HOUR ABOARD S/V HAMEED.
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| JEFF, IZZY, BILL AND JOANNE GREAT HIKE AND BEACH DAY |
DECEMBER 27, 2012
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| FRIENDS, PHIL AND STEPHANIE THAT WE MET ON THE BEACH. THEY ARE FROM L.A. |
DECEMBER 29, 2012
WE TOOK PHIL AND STEPHANIE FOR A SAIL AND THEN DINNER ABOARD ULTRA WITH THEM AND IZZY R.
RAINBOW OVER IZZY R
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| WE ARE MASTERING THE ART MAKING FRENCH CREPES! |
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| AFTER THE PARTY, EVERY COUPLE SENT OUT A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE TO START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT! |
DECEMBER 30, 2012
ANOTHER GREEN FLASH. : )
HAPPY HOUR ABOARD ULTRA TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS. THE FRENCH CARIBBEAN CELEBRATES NEW YEAR'S EVE ALSO ON DECEMBER 30.
DECEMBER 31, 2012
TODAY WE DID ONE LAST PROVISION OF THE FRENCH ITEMS WE LOVE AND THEN READY FOR TONIGHT TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
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| 2013 IS HERE! |
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| RINGING THE NEW YEAR AT LA DUNETTE IN ST. ANNE, MARTINIQUE |
JANUARY 1, 2013
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
BONNE ANNEE!
TODAY WE SAILED TO GRAND ANSE D'ARLET, MARTINIQUE. THIS IS DIAMOND ROCK. IT WAS ONCE COMMISSIONED BY THE BRITISH AS HMS DIAMOND. THEY PUT CANNONS ON THIS CRAGGY ROCK AND FIRED UPON THE FRENCH.
AS SOON AS WE ARRIVED, WE WENT SNORKELING. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT SNORKELING AND DIVING SPOT.
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| YES, ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL GREEN FLASH IN THE SUNSET. : ) |
JANUARY 2, 2012
TODAY WE WENT FOR A SCUBA DIVE.
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| ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL GREEN FLASH IN THE SUNSET! : ) |
We hope that you enjoyed this blog entry. We look forward to hearing from all of you and how you are doing. We wish all of you a very Happy and Healthy2013!
Sincerely,
Bill and JoAnne : )
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