Impeccable Timing

The Motley’s are back in town: 17 Apr 09

Here we go…..Round Two! The Motleys (minus Kid Wonder – could we be trusted alone??) arrived late in the evening of 7 Apr and fortunately, all formalities including customs & immigration went smoothly. So it was, we woke early to a typical Trini day - tropical heat, a bustling yard and the call of kiskadees in our rigging. The Cap’n had a list of chores as long as your arm and was keen to get them underway. So, some days later, here we sit in the boat yard, climbing a 10 foot ladder to our 2^nd level, 46 foot, cosy apartment.

Busy in the Yard this morning!

If you imagined us lazing about on perfect beaches, sipping refreshing drinks under shady palms and swimming in blue turquoise waters, then the news is not good. We do have electricity, so can happily plug in our microwave & toaster. We cannot however use our refrigerators, water heater or aircon – all are sea cooled. As for toilets, well it’s a hazardous climb down Rapunzel’s ladder and a swift walk to the “block”. Not being part of the “midnight bucket” brigade, I now know most late night security guards by name! Did I mention the showers were only cold water too?…hmmm! Of course it only takes a brief glance down towards the yachts on Chaguaramas Bay moorings to be MOST thankful. I had forgotten how incredibly strong the current was; a nice rolling boil, offset by wash from fishing pirogues travelling at the speed of light, sets the yachts a rockin’. Hey, don't worry, mon!

A little local colour

As always, the Motley’s timing is just perfect (not!!!). Here we are about to splash - but only when those new boyz toyz – oops, I mean essential works – are completed! Meanwhile all around us there is a daily and increasing cue for laying up as the months tick closer to June and hurricane season. Of course, our schedule was not helped by arriving 2 days before Easter. Hot on its heels was gab-fest, “Summit of the Americas”. Port of Spain was in a state of almost complete lockdown and many locals wisely used their time for a two week lime ( to par teee, mon!). Luckiest were those that managed to swing it on full pay!

Meanwhile, there's always the front stairs to contend with...

The Galley Slave is ever hopeful that we will manage to finalise our chores and even get to do a little sightseeing before weighing anchor and sliding (in fair winds) up island. Yes, I is dreamin’ girl…

Mermaid Pool: a never to be fogotten experience!