Landlubbers Again

The overnight passage from Grenada to Trinidad crosses shipping routes. After the close call last time, I was keeping a constant look out and calling on the VHF radio any ship that appeared too close. Jeremy was amused to hear a cruise ship respond that they would pass us with a clearance of 5 miles. Well, better safe than sorry, eh. It was reassuring to learn that Sal Darago could be seen on their radar. I correctly identified the oil rigs – no need to call them! About an hour later ship’s lights approached off the port bow. By the time the duty officer responded to my call the huge oil tanker passed my bows scarily close. The officer said, “I can’t see you on the radar!” We’re buying and fitting an AIS receiver as soon as we return to Trinidad. This will allow us to call ships by name and we’ll know how far away they are and the bearing they’re on.

We arrived safely in Chaguaramus, Trinidad and Sal Darago was hauled out the next day at Power Boats yard. She was taken to her old spot facing into the gentle breeze. It was very hot on the yard. We hired a large fan and plugged into mains electricity and attached ourselves to water. Showers, toilets and a laundry were nearby along with a shop and a roti hut. Civilisation indeed!

Kathy cleaning lockers in the front cabin

There followed 10 days of frantic activity:  cleaning, scrubbing, taking down sails and halyards, removing sheets and shackles, checking the engine, flushing the outboard and lots more. We arranged for Sean from Superb Canvas to make some additions to our bimini and replace the windscreen on the sprayhood.  Soca Sails measured up for a new main sail. We hope that both will be ready on our return to Trinidad next November.

Jeremy under the table again

We had booked our Virgin Atlantic flights when we arrived in Tobago. At the time there were few direct flights from Trinidad to the UK, but Virgin flew direct from Tobago. We’d have to catch the fast (two and a half hour) ferry, but at least we wouldn’t have to hang around all day, like last time – or so we thought. Guess what? Caribbean Airlines started direct flights from Trinidad to London. We had to hang around all day in Tobago, but it wasn’t too bad as we were able to book into a guest house for a few hours.

Emily outside the new garden room

Our heavily pregnant daughter met us at Gatwick Airport on 23^rd April and took us to her not quite finished house in Suffolk. Emily and Ben had only just moved back in two days earlier after spending 2 months with Ben’s mother, Beth. Thanks to superb cleaning efforts by Emily and Beth, we had a dust free bedroom to sleep in, a bathroom, a snug (living room) and a kitchen. After 4 years of living on a 36 ft boat, this was luxury indeed.

It was so cold in the UK, in spite of everyone saying they were having the warmest weather they’d had all year. Jeremy bought fleecy jogging bottoms in Tesco and I soon followed suit, adding warm socks and two fleeces to my wardrobe. In three weeks, I have been down to only one layer of clothing twice and I’ve had a cold…..No more complaints. It’s lovely to be here in the spring and to be able to help out in the last weeks before the baby arrives.

Jeremy painting the master bedroom

Ben is the only one who has had to go to work. However, there has been a lot to do directing tilers, plumbers and carpenters as well as painting rooms. Emily has chosen carpets and curtains and ordered baby items. Jeremy has been painting and decorating almost non-stop and I have been shopping, painting, gardening and dog walking.

The transformation of the new extension has been amazing to watch. Emily and Ben have moved into the master bedroom with its ensuite facilities and the downstairs loo is now operational. The dining area is finished and furnished. Emily’s study is finished. The last wall was plastered this week and the last skirting board and door catch fitted yesterday.. Beth has renovated an old door and rubbed down and painted a new one. Tess, the dog, has been brilliant in accepting all the changes to her environment.

We have wheels

Any other life changes – oh yes, we found time to buy a car. Hope you like our Ford Focus Estate from 2001.

Watch out for the next blog to find out if we are grandparents.