TRINIDAD

Micheal, the trailer driver (center), paused to see just how
close ES was to those other yachts.  (It was too close for me to look!)

Funny- in nearly 39 years of marriage we never lived in a gated community until this month when we had Exit Strategy hauled out for some deep maintenance here in Trinidad. We spend 15 days living on the hard in Peake Marina right in front of our best cruising buddies on Tiger Lilly. The marina complex is not only gated, but also has 24-7 security patrols. We figured it would take a maximum of 7 days to complete the task, but once hauled, an initial inspection resulted in the recommendation for sand blasting some spots on the keel, followed by five (yes, 5) coats of epoxy, a coat of primer, and finally two coats of antifouling paint. While on the hard, we had the vessel washed, waxed, and polished. We also had our refrigerator box enlarged, refinished the head seats, laundered all the curtains, plus Dan hoisted me up the mast twice-first to retrieve the windex gauge and then to reinstall it. The sewing machine was pulled out to add length to a dinghy cover a fellow cruiser was recycling and, as long as the machine was set up, some mending was done for both Exit Strategy and Tiger Lilly.  Time passed quickly with most things we needed being easily accessible at reasonable prices from anyone of three chandleries within a short walk. There were many opportunities to also be distracted from our work here, as many other cruising acquaintances planned activities to fill our dance cards.






Captain Dan was transformed to BLUEBEARD as he sanded the bottom.

 




The new Micron 66 antifouling is a stunning shade of blue.

But the longer we were here, the more concerned we became about safety. Lilly and I walked many mornings at 6:30-8:00 to avoid the extreme heat and we felt safe unless we encountered the occasional pack of stray dogs. I carried pepper spray, but never had to use it as the mongrels stopped and retreated whenever we (Lilly mainly) turned to face them and sternly yelled, “NO!” We took one walk part way up a mountain road and intended to walk it all the way on another day, however a Trinidadian resident and  friend of Tiger Lilly’s strongly advised us against it.   






This area is rich with oil.

A Howler Monkey

Once ES was launched, the Captain and I high tailed it for calmer, cleaner waters among the nearby out islands of northwestern Trinidad. We spent two nights in Grand Fond Bay on Monos Island in the company of four other boats, followed by one night in Sanders Bay on Chacachacare Island. The solitude of Chacachacare was a pleasant surprise as we were the only vessel there. However, one can see Venezuela from the anchorage and we had read about incidents of “pirating” over the years. It was a peaceful piece of paradise there, but its history made me nervous, so Dan agreed to lock up the companionway for the first time since we began sailing. That night I had quite a vivid dream about a pirate attack that scared me awake in my dream, and then I really woke up and was about to shake Dan to man our self defense devices when I realized it was only a dream. 

        

 

We’re currently in the Trinidad & Tobago Sailing Association (TTSA) anchorage just south of Chaguaramas off the mainland. This morning the local news was laden with discussion that focused on the new travel advisory issued for American travelers by the USA for Trinidad! It is customary for a vessel to fly a flag astern to indicate one’s nationality. The Captain removed it this morning without prodding.



Lilly & I were high scorers in Mexican Train Dominoes,
i.e. BIGGEST LOSERS!

The Bamboo Cathedral on the way to Marguaripe Beach.

              
PS for MY FAMILY: PLEASE DO NOT TELL MOM THE DETAILS ABOUT TRINIDAD’S SAFETY STATUS.