After an exciting day of sailing, we have dropped the anchor a bit later than planned just one hour before sunset. The anchorage is peaceful but busy. We are both tired and will have an early night. Fair winds…
We have left Port Louis Marina just before 9am. Wind was forecasted 15kn, gusting 23kn, from NE quadrant, typical trade wind conditions. Waves around 2m with 8s period. Overall, nothing you would put on the wish-list for heading north but not a surprise at all. We are in the trade wind belt.
After some rain showers in the early morning hours and a lost credit card shortly after that…the sun came out and made the rest of the day very bright!
Fair winds…
Our days in Porto Louis, one of the three Camper & Nicholsons Marinas worldwide, are coming to an end. It was not only the pool but the whole set-up and atmosphere, which made it a perfect place for us to relax.
Saint George’s itself, the capital of Grenada, is nice but not overwhelming.
Tomorrow we will head out for some anchorage further north of Grenada.
Fair winds…
Today’s ride was a challenge and probably the hardest one I have done in the 50-60km range. It started off as ususal at the break of the day with a straight climb to get out of town. My legs were not strong and my mind was struggling. Close to turning around and going back, I pushed not only myself hard but also the bike as some of the ascents showed 22% and walking the bike was required. No way I cycle that. Filling in Coke helped a bit but I kept struggling on the uphills.
However, finally I got to the centre of the island seeing some great nature before getting my bike bottle filled with fresh Coconut alongside the road in Gouyave downtown, a very interesting spot.
The ride along the coastline was less impressive but still nice and less mountainous and I was happy to arrive back at the boat after almost 4.5h in the saddle.
Fair winds…
Despite some rain in the very early morning hours my mind was programmed for another bike ride accepting wet roads and potentially additional showers on the way. It is warm rain anyway and showers hardly take longer than ten to fifteen minutes besides being very local. Playing likelihoods!
I enjoyed the ride ending with a downhill back into Saint George’s town center and popping by its fish market, which did not impress me at all.
Will need to get the bike cleaned & greased before hitting the road again.
Fair winds…
My first bike ride on Grenada took me to the southern lighthouse of the island located at Prickly Bay, which is a popular anchorage as well.
With highest care and respect on the conditions to be expected, I left at the time of sunrise, 6:30am. It is also the time where roads start to get alive and first traffic kicks in. Apart from the speedy mini-busses, people are getting on the road to reach work or get to school. General noise levels increase accompanied by horns being blown often and regularly to claim right of way. Left side driving/riding had to be refreshed mentally, which happens quickly.
I decided for a short ride to start with and test the scene. Once you accept the conditions and play with it, the fun part starts. Having been in the saddle in more chaotic conditions (e.g. Manila) biking Grenada will continue.
Fair winds…
We took bus line #1 to get to one of the best beaches on Grenada just 4km from the marina. The bus system seems to be a very efficient and effective system, where you hardly wait longer than 5 minutes to get on a ride. They are clean and tariffs are rather low.
The busses not only stop at dedicated locations but also collect you along the road not to lose any potential business.
Although the beach presents itself with white sands and clean blue water, we got a bit irritated by the fact that apart from first class resorts there are also backstage areas, which need further development or at least some clean up.
We decided to take our splash in the marina’s own swimming pool after returning back in an overcrowded bus ride with the conductor sitting on my lap.
Fair winds…
We have been into town today, a buzzling city with great charm. We feel, that we have now arrived in the Caribbean and look forward to explore this promising island over the next few days while utilising local busses.
Fair winds…
We checked in at the Port Louis Marina today, located in Saint George’s, the capital of Grenada. Similar to the photos taken, the character of the approach and the lagoon itself is very diverse and charming.
The marina itself is operated by Camper & Nicholsons, a company with its roots in boat building since 1782. It appears to be a resort type of marina including a swimming pool but also hosting some of the bigger racing and boating events within the yachting scene.
We will enjoy this special atmosphere for a week or so.
Fair winds…