The change in weather came as predicted with the first drops echoing on the Bimini around 5am this morning. It will stay on over the next few days embracing the scenery into a different atmosphere. Good for a boat wash, some office work, a nap in the afternoon, food prep and Me Time!
Have a great weekend ahead.
Fair winds…
I had new neighbors over the last two days. Biggi and Jan moored up with catamaran Rare Breed just next to us. What a pleasant surprise! We have met first time for a sundowner in Brunsbüttel at the time this adventure started. Unfortunately we only made it for a coffee as their stopover on the way South was short but that‘s how sailor‘s life works.
Wishing them both fair winds and hope our wake lines will cross again!
Fair winds…
Smiley arrived sharp on time but without any smile. He does not seem to be an early bird. 10 minutes later I was in the saddle heading towards the east coast of Dominica.
The island was slowly waking up with the sun still behind the mountains. First traffic, about 25 cars on the 20km ride to put it in perspective. Considered nothing and all approaching safely. Good tarmac.
Red Rocks and Batibou Beach were my target destinations besides passing through the village of Calibishie. Some nice encounters with locals, all very open, curious and friendly. Huge interest in the bike!
After almost five hours I was back at the dinghy dock. Smiley was already waiting for me but I could not rush on this ride and loose maximum effect on today’s biking retreat. I need to find another tour on this island.
Fair winds…
4 month and 1 week ago we left Puerto Calero/Lanzarote. No regrets we started this adventure.
Brenda – WhatsApp – instant reply, handover time & location fixed. With a smile she takes my laundry on time. Like Singapore, except the smile!
24 hours later, reverse procedure. Laundry is clean, dry, nicely folded with a pleasant smell! Top notch! Thank you Brenda. Another impressive example for the fantastic service level on this island.
My own duty of the day was more directed towards the engine room. Filters to be replaced or cleaned, pressure on regulator tank adjusted. etc., small jobs but now and then required.
Tomorrow will start with a smile. I have booked Smiley, one of the boat boys, to pick me and the bike up at 6am sharp for another ride on Nature Island!
Fair winds…
The yachting scene on Dominica is still in its infant stages compared to other islands like Martinique for example. No doubt the island has a lot to offer for sailors and great potential.
Next week, the PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival starts and the program is comprehensive and covers not only a bit of sailing but also a lot of social and environmental aspects. I am planning to stay on for that.
Poverty is visible as much as people are motivated to deal with their destiny trying to offer any kind of service for the tourists to create a win-win situation. I am convinced that this attitude will bring growth and prospects over the years.
Fair winds…
The Golden Globe Race started 4th September last year and is in its final phase. More than half of the participants dropped out and the leading group is currently fighting for glory in adverse winds down in the South Atlantic.
The girl – Kirsten Neuschäfer – is still leading but under the gun from close competitors. To me, she is the winner already, having rescued one fellow sailor’s live and helped one while hitting the shores of Fuerteventura.
Lennie Gallant has dedicated a very nice song to Kirstin and her boat – Minnehaha. Very nice and inspiring.
Soon, we will also be on serious ocean sailing again and I look forward to the days out at sea, although nothing comparable to the GGR. Nevertheless, we have more than 3500nm ahead of us within this year.
For now, cross fingers, Kirstin brings the victory home to Les Sables D’Olonne and writes sailing history along the same lines Ellen Mac Author did in 2005.
Courtesy to the producers of this fantastic video. Enjoy!
Fair winds…
Daniel arrived spot on at 6am alongside our boat and picked us up (me and the bike!). Talkative, friendly, sympathetic. Service oriented and open minded!
After five weeks finally back in the saddle, the up & down to Cana Heritage Park was just the right dose for me.
It left energy to absorb the beautiful nature around me. Overall a very pleasant morning ride on good roads with little traffic in lush green scenery.
Need to plan for another ride to discover more of “The Nature Island” by bike.
Fair winds…
After I finished my minor boat work tasks in the morning I discovered the nearby famous Cabrits National Park, which conveniently lies just next to the anchorage in walking distance.
Besides the historical aspects of this park it gave some good shade against the sun but also spectacular views, which you can enjoy under the Komoot link below.
One aspect bothered me the whole track. It felt a bit like hiking in autumn through our forests at home. Foliage on 80% of the track crunching under my hiking boots. Still feels familiar but irritating the same time as we are in the tropics!
Overall a very peaceful National Park after all the years Fort Shirley dominated this peninsula and still forms an integral part of the scene.
Tomorrow, at 6am Daniel from the PAYS Association will pick me up for another adventure. Better get to sleep now.
Fair winds…
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