July 14, 2009

Hurricane Season

We arrived in Grenada 10 days ago and have been in a fast paced race to get ready for our haul out on July 16th and our flight to WA state the following day. In reality we gave ourselves plenty of time, we just did not realize how cool and fun Grenada was going to be. The island is beautiful, with mountainous country, white sand beaches and clear water. Friendly open people abound, ready to help as well as form friendships. We have saved all of our touring for when we return as we will have another 30 days or so before we can safely go north in the Caribbean again.

Many many cruisers, particularly those like us that are going to be on their boats either part or all of hurricane season, have chosen Grenada. As a result the cruising community is large and active. This has consumed much time, albeit with much fun had by all, with BBQ's, impromto beach parties, card games etc. It is also a cross roads as several cruisers currently here will move south and west thus we will not see them again. So .... many farewell parties.

Grenada has everything a cruiser needs with marine services abundant, many very protected anchorages and most importantly for this time of year is just enough south (12 degrees) to qualify as out of the box for most insurers during hurricane season and as well have a good track record of not being hit. Though when Grenada has been hit it has tended towards devastating. So we all cross our fingers.

We have also spent much time thinking about the new cruising season. The early part is easy, back up the Caribbean to pick off those islands we missed on the way down. Then what? Right now the South Pacific is tugging hard... will the Nikita crew have "deh Belle" to make the jump?

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