DINGHY FLOAT IN GRENADA

JULY 28, 2013

VIEW FROM THE DOCK
MT HARTMAN BAY



HEDGE OF BOUGAINVILLEA
 

Yesterday we took the opportunity to walk into town .  We are trying to walk a few miles every other day, we began soon after we arrived in Grenada & our first trip was exhausting.  While traveling through the Windward Islands our exercise was almost nil.  Before we left the US coastline our exercise was guaranteed by doing all our errands on our bikes.  Since arriving in the islands the bikes have not seen pavement.  All the roads are too narrow & there are almost no sidewalks.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOMES ON OUR WAY TO TOWN

 

With the exception of a snorkeling & our climb of the Gross Piton in St Lucia, we began to feel like Cockpit Potatoes.  After a couple of weeks hiking up, down & around all the hills & bays to get from It's Perfect to needed stores & services, we are finally getting into shape.  There are many mapped Hiking Trails in Grenada which we have not had a chance to try yet.  

Our walk yesterday took us into town to Spice Island Mall.  Not a mall in the American sense, but a small shopping center with a few stores & an IGA grocery.  The IGA is a Canadian chain found on the east coast of the US & is the first well stocked grocery we have found since St. Martin.  Although the prices are sometimes double what we find in the states, it is nice to have a selection of products that we recognize.

Cruisers are very inventive people, making up all kinds of activities to get to know each other.  A Dinghy Float is an activity that we have yet to try.  As the sun goes down a group of cruisers gather in separate dinghy's & raft together for sun downers.  With drink in hand, the conversation ensues & everyone learns what is new, strange or funny in the anchorage.  As the dinghy's  float around, the stars come out, drinks are refilled & the laughter can be heard throughout the anchorage.

Another activity is disguised as an exercise group.  Every weekday morning at  8:30am cruisers arrive on the beach at Hog Island to join a group for one hour of Noodling.  All that is required is your swimsuit, a noodle to float on & the ability to contribute to the news & gossip as the group floats & paddles around.  Now how much exercise is actually happening?  Not sure, but everyone participating seems to have great time & they make a point of not missing a session.

Today is the day for Boat Chores.  The Water Maker is running, laundry has been done, pasta is cooked for dinner & Rod is installing 12v pancake fans in ports to increase ventilation.  Sounds like we are very industrious.  This afternoon is very warm so it is about time for a break & maybe a little Noodling of our own.  The water is now about 88 degrees but is a welcome cool relief after checking off a few things on the list.

A LITTLE LAUNDRY HANGING ON THE LINE