Ash Wednesday..........Literally
Last Wednesday night, we sailed the 80 miles from Nevis to Guadeloupe. Because it's important (to us) to arrive in a new anchorage in daylight, and averaging 5 knots can be difficult in unpredictable conditions, we chose to leave on Wednesday night. We looked at Passageweather.com, which called for ENE wind at about 10-15 knots.........perfect sailing conditions.
If it were only correct. We had planned to sail on the eastern side of Monserrat to get here. Why ? Seems half the island blew up in a volcanic eruption about 15 years ago and there have been frequent rumblings. Ash and various noxious gasses still spew forth, which is why you want to sail east of the island. Problem was, the wind didn't allow us to go there. We sailed west of it and smelled rotten eggs for about 10 miles. Very spooky at night. We were also shadowed by some rat bastards on the Baltic Star (freighter) which didn't seem to mind getting rather close to us. Vengeance will be mine, Baltic Star. I know where you live.
The entire trip we faced winds from directly east at 25-30 knots, a northern swell of 5-7 feet, and frequent squalls. We took several waves which broke over our heads against the dodger and bimini. The boat handled it fine...........times like this that make you understand how insignificant the shrieking wind and immense ocean really are...............and how awesome Tom and Kirstin are (just kidding, Neptune).
Anyway, we are now in Guadeloupe. I have an idea to boost the French economy by 25%...........have businesses remain open from 1-4 PM. Everything shuts down for some odd reason. Also, if every clerk and worker stopped acting as though my wanting to buy something was a completely unforeseen even when I'm standing in their store. I've even learned enough French to order things and express my general wants and desires. More to come
If it were only correct. We had planned to sail on the eastern side of Monserrat to get here. Why ? Seems half the island blew up in a volcanic eruption about 15 years ago and there have been frequent rumblings. Ash and various noxious gasses still spew forth, which is why you want to sail east of the island. Problem was, the wind didn't allow us to go there. We sailed west of it and smelled rotten eggs for about 10 miles. Very spooky at night. We were also shadowed by some rat bastards on the Baltic Star (freighter) which didn't seem to mind getting rather close to us. Vengeance will be mine, Baltic Star. I know where you live.
The entire trip we faced winds from directly east at 25-30 knots, a northern swell of 5-7 feet, and frequent squalls. We took several waves which broke over our heads against the dodger and bimini. The boat handled it fine...........times like this that make you understand how insignificant the shrieking wind and immense ocean really are...............and how awesome Tom and Kirstin are (just kidding, Neptune).
Anyway, we are now in Guadeloupe. I have an idea to boost the French economy by 25%...........have businesses remain open from 1-4 PM. Everything shuts down for some odd reason. Also, if every clerk and worker stopped acting as though my wanting to buy something was a completely unforeseen even when I'm standing in their store. I've even learned enough French to order things and express my general wants and desires. More to come