The Adventures of ... - itsirie

8/14/2008 3:41:50 PM - 000093958852
For stories and articles about our adventures, go to www.itsirie.com

Isla Pinos
Well kept hut in the village.

Isla Pinos
The congreso, the biggest hut in the village, is where the sahila (chief) spends his days.

Isla Pinos
Kuna woman visiting the town's shop.

Isla Pinos
Entrance into the village.

Ustupu
Bigger town.

Ustupu
Kuna flags on a shop's outer walls.

Ustupu
The huts are pretty close together.

Ustupu
Scenic, indigenous area.

Ustupu
Posing kids.

Ustupu
Pigs live above ground.

Ustupu
Rickety bridge (we didn't trust it) and ulus (dugout canoes).

Ustupu
Stored ulus, when not in use.

Ustupu
Cemetery on the island across from town.

Mamitupu
Basketball court. Guys love basketball! Girls like to play volleyball.

Mamitupu
Hut in the most traditional Kuna village.

Mamitupu
These girls followed us around everywhere...

Mamitupu
Kuna woman and man walking the streets.

Mamitupu
On the way back to the dinghy.

Mamitupu
New Year's Day breakfast on Irie.

Mamitupu
Unoccupied part of the island (where the evil spirits live).

Mamitupu
Leaving the anchorage through the river flow.

Playon Chico
Developed town near Snug Harbor.

Playon Chico
Village scene.

Snug Harbor
Pretty island in the area.

Snug Harbor
Loads of palm trees.

Snug Harbor
Kuna family going back home under sail.

Snug Harbor
Visit from Kuna kids in an ulu, and their dog.

Snug Harbor
Kids leaving Irie to hang out on an island.

Snug Harbor
Irie at anchor.

Nargana
Public phone booth on the square.

Nargana
24 hour generator.

Nargana
Sailing ulu.

Rio Diablo
Locals getting water up river.

Rio Diablo
Ulu returning to Nargana.

Rio Diablo
Pretty scenery.

Rio Diablo
The barrier to get clean water.

Rio Diablo
Jungle walk to a place on the river where we had lunch.

Rio Diablo
Walk back to the dinghy. Saw one toucan underway.

Rio Diablo
Ready to head back, under engine for us, peddling for many Kunas. It's three miles back to Nargana.

Rio Diablo
Wading egret.

Rio Diablo
Massive mangrove trees.

Green Island
Peaceful.

Waisaladup
Having our good friends Axel and Liz over for a meal on Irie.

Waisaladup
Fishermen sailing home.

Waisaladup
Irie at anchor. Photo by Axel Busch.

Waisaladup
Homemade pizza on Gudrun. Photo by Axel Busch.

Waisaladup
Since our batteries are full, Axel can charge all his gadgets on Irie!

Waisaladup
Nice picture of Irie by Axel Busch.

Waisaladup
Axel put his dive gear on to find our favorite knife on the bottom of the deep anchorage!

Waisaladup
Starfish by Axel.

Waisaladup
Irie under sail. Photo by Axel Busch.

Rio Azucar
Village to get drinking water for our tanks. The only one with running water!

Rio Azucar
Town's church.

Rio Azucar
Colombian trading boat.

Rio Azucar
Filling many jerrycans to fill our freshwater tank

Coco Bandero
Two palm island. Good for happy hour!

Coco Bandero
Mark and Liesbet on Two Palm island.

Coco Bandero
One of the picturesque islands.

Coco Bandero
Our dinghy on the beach. Photo by Axel Busch.

Coco Bandero
Irie at anchor.

Coco Bandero
Scenic scene.

Coco Bandero
Liz, Mark and Liesbet by Axel.

Coco Bandero
Liz buying molas as a souvenir from a Kuna woman.

Coco Bandero
Oooops. Even the strongest knives can break, especially on a lobster shell!

Coco Bandero
Caribbean BBQ's lobster for dinner on Irie.

Coco Bandero
Dinner on Mojomo with Matt and Hilary.

Coco Bandero
Special visit from somebody important, hence the helicopter and police boat, in the middle of nowhere...

Coco Bandero
Western islands.

Banedup
Fishermen.

Cambombia
Family compound.

Banedup
A Kuna family left their two dogs behind on this island. We feed them, and give them water, but have to leave. Will they still be there when we return months later?

Lemmon Cays
Portuguese Man-o-War jellyfish.

Lemmon Cays
Playing kids in their ulu.

Lemmon Cays
Internet Cafe - $3 an hour.

Lemmon Cays
Many sandy islands, many palm trees.

Chichimi Cays
Kuna vendors flood new arrivals.

Chichimi Cays
There is a campground on one of the islands.

Chichimi Cays
Kuna compound.

Chichimi Cays
Idyllic islands.

Portobelo
View over the bay.

Portobelo
One of the fort ruins.

Portobelo
Old fortifications.

Portobelo
The "Black Christ" is showcased in the main church.

Portobelo
One of the colorful and characteristic "chicken buses", old US school buses.

Portobelo
Main church and transport.

Linton
Interesting cut and canal through the mangroves to go to Panamarina.

Linton
Mangrove scenery.

Linton
Isla Linton sports a few curious wild monkeys.

Linton
Isla Linton monkeys.

Portobelo
Fort ruins on the other side of the bay.

Portobelo
Fort on the other side.

Shelter Bay Marina
Attaching tires before the Panama Canal crossing.

Panama Canal
Approaching the entrance channel.

Panama Canal
Arrival of the advisor.

Panama Canal
Getting passed by a Chilean war ship.

Panama Canal
Rafted up to two other cruising boats.

Panama Canal
Entering Gatun Locks.

Panama Canal
Panamanian line handlers on shore in Gatun Locks.

Panama Canal
Closing of the first chamber in Gatun.

Panama Canal
Sunset in Gatun Lake.

Panama Canal
Breakfast on Gudrun, day 2, in Gatun Lake. Awaiting the arrival of the new advisor, who was six hours late!

Panama Canal
Surrounded by anchoring giants in the lake.

Panama Canal
Finally on the move again towards Pedro Miguel.

Panama Canal
Sailing Gatun Lake.

Panama Canal
Racing a Panamax container ship towards Gaillard Cut.

Panama Canal
Panamax ship being pushed by a tug.

Panama Canal
Gaillard Cut and the Centennial Bridge.

Panama Canal
Part of the Centennial Bridge.

Panama Canal
Another giant.

Panama Canal
Entering Pedro Miguel lock.

Panama Canal
Wall tied and going down again in Pedro Miguel.

Panama Canal
Gudrun V was here!

Panama Canal
It's a long way down!

Panama Canal
Miraflores locks.

Panama Canal
Letting out line for the last time.

Panama Canal
Night in the Miraflores locks. The Pacific lies on the other side.

Balboa
Mark needs some shade after another breakfast on Gudrun.

Panama City
Albrook Bus Terminal.

Portobelo
Old Aduana building.

Portobelo
Cruisers' and backpackers' hangout Captain Jack's.

Portobelo
Visiting birds are trying to build a nest in our boom.

Portobelo
Busy and protected harbor

Portobelo
Dinghy trip up one of the scenic rivers.

Portobelo
It's that time again: big stock-up for three months in the San Blas islands.

Portobelo
Where we wait for the bus to Colon.

Panama City
Meeting Axel and Liz in Albrook mall for lunch.

Panama City
Church interior in the old town.

Panama City
Old town.

Panama City
Cathedral in old town.

Panama City
Random street in old town.

Panama City
Pharmacy building in old town.

Panama City
Street cats being taken care of.

Panama City
One of the rolly anchorages in front of the skyline.

Panama City
Tasty dinner near La Playita, on the causeway.

ABCs to Colombia
Big following seas.

ABCs to Colombia
And a lot of squalls (wind and rain = purple blotches).

ABCs to Colombia
Sailing into the sunset!

ABCs to Colombia
Morning light after a cold and wet night.

Cabo de la Vela
Caught a flying fish on deck. Poor thing!

Cabo de la Vela
Big bay.

Cabo de la Vela
Venus did the trip with us and passed us along the way. Local families are curious about the "intruders" = us.

Cabo de la Vela to Santa Marta
Pod of dolphins.

Santa Marta
It's good to see Axel and Liz again after all these months!

Santa Marta
Strolling the colonial streets at night.

Santa Marta
Laughing at and with Axel's biggest lens on SV Gudrun.

Santa Marta
By night.

Santa Marta
Christmas atmosphere.

Santa Marta
More Christmas lights on the squares.

Santa Marta
Delicious and affordable steak dinner.

Santa Marta
The man who saws romantic cut-outs.

Santa Marta
Irie in the marina: luxury!

Santa Marta
One of the many street vendors. It's great to be back in Latin America!

Santa Marta
The unattractive beach is popular with locals, especially in the weekend.

Santa Marta
Boardwalk.

Santa Marta
Colonial building.

Santa Marta
Picturesque church.

Santa Marta
Another church in old town.

Santa Marta
Narrow streets.

Santa Marta
Lulu's yummy juice bar.

Santa Marta
Romantic cut-out from the sawing marvel. Thank you, Axel and Liz!

Santa Marta
Money changer.

Santa Marta
Donkeys are used for work.

Santa Marta
Wonderful ceviches!

Santa Marta
Dinner and dessert on Irie.

Santa Marta
Boarding the bus to Tayrona National Park.

Tayrona National Park
Guides on horses.

Tayrona National Park
Muddy hike through rainforest.

Tayrona National Park
Leaf cutter ants.

Tayrona National Park
Hiking on two levels.

Tayrona National Park
A big river. Where is the bridge? Now what?

Tayrona National Park
Very muddy trails. And, I wore my brand new shoes for the first time!

Tayrona National Park
We don't cross, but decide to follow the river.

Tayrona National Park
One of the big (unattractive) beaches.

Tayrona National Park
Wading bird near the river.

Tayrona National Park
Hiking along the coast now.

Tayrona National Park
A break in one of the restaurants along the trails.

Tayrona National Park
Fresh orange juice is available along the trails.

Tayrona National Park
Descent to another beach.

Tayrona National Park
Another bay along the trails.

Tayrona National Park
Walk through the palm groves; nice green color!

Tayrona National Park
Cabo San Juan, the end point of our walk.

Tayrona National Park
Iguana.

Tayrona National Park


Tayrona National Park
Heading back towards the entrance.

Tayrona National Park
Serious rain storm!

Tayrona National Park
Everything was soaking wet...

Santa Marta - Cartagena
Big ship overtaking us, pretty close by!

Santa Marta - Cartagena
Crossing the Rio Magdalena with very brown and debris-filled water.

Cartagena
Approaching Cartagena in first light.

Cartagena
Skyline of the modern part of the city.

Cartagena
Our favorite lime drinks on Irie for happy hour.

Cartagena
Walk towards old town.

Cartagena
Walk towards old town.

Cartagena
Very old chapel on the walk to Cartagena.

Cartagena
Entrance to old town.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Very new, unfinished sky scraper near the anchorage of Club Nautico.

Cartagena Bay
Local boat ran into a backpackers boat and nearly sinks.

Cartagena
Visit from our friends on Indian Summer in old town.

Cartagena
Entertaining salsa dancer.

Cartagena
Torre de Reloje at night.

Cartagena
Near marina de Pesca.

Cartagena
Castillo San Felipe.

Cartagena
Castillo San Felipe.

Cartagena
Castillo San Felipe.

Cartagena
Castillo San Felipe.

Cartagena
Club Nautico marina entrance...

Cartagena
Indian statue.

Cartagena
Part of the extensive city wall.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Graffiti that lasted a whole five minutes before being removed in the historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Simon Bolivar statue.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Historic center.

Cartagena
Shopping for decent sun glasses.

Cartagena
Taxis drive on gas instead of fuel.

Cartagena
Fishing in Cartagena Bay.

Cartagena
The bimini is in for re-stitching. Note the industrial bay.

Bonaire
Shoreline in the capital Kralendijk.

Bonaire
The crystal clear waters are popular with cruise ship passengers.

Bonaire
Small church in Kralendijk.

Bonaire
The flamingo, a national symbol, is part of the sidewalks in Kralendijk.

Bonaire
"1000 steps", one of the plenty, marked, dive sites.

Bonaire
Distinctive rock formations during our island tour.

Bonaire
The ubiquitous oil depot.

Bonaire
Gotomeer (Goto Lake).

Bonaire
Church in Rincon.

Bonaire
One of the many and effective cactus fences.

Bonaire
Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Bonaire
Salt pond with flamingos in Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Bonaire
Cactus in the rocky bottom, Washington Slagbaai National Park. Careful where you walk!

Bonaire
Nice, but rough bay in Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Bonaire
Blowhole in Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Bonaire
Desert landscape, Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Bonaire
Wild donkeys.

Curacao
Approaching Spanish Waters anchorage.

Curacao
Floating market in Willemstad.

Curacao
Back side of the floating market.

Curacao
Historical building turned into a restaurant, Willemstad.

Curacao
Synagogue, Willemstad.

Curacao
Church, Willemstad.

Curacao
Colorful shop fronts, Willemstad.

Curacao
Historical building, Willemstad.

Curacao
Government House, Willemstad.

Curacao
Waterfront, Willemstad.

Curacao
Pretty discovery - sculpture in a tree, Willemstad.

Curacao
Floating Bridge "opens" again for pedestrians.

Curacao
Waterfront of Willemstad.

Curacao
Another, popular, angle of the waterfront in Willemstad.

Curacao
Inland.

Curacao
One of the many preserved "landhuizen" (land houses).

Curacao
Our tiny car to run errands and see the countryside one day.

Curacao
Natural bridge in Shete Boka National Park.

Curacao
Wild goats in Shete Boka National Park.

Curacao
Blowhole in Shete Boka National Park.

Curacao
Another landhuis.

Curacao
Grote Knip Bay.

Curacao
Playa Lagun.

Curacao
Slave monument near a salt pond with flamingos.

Curacao
Big project on the davits in the anchorage of Spanish Waters.

Curacao
Boat work in Spanish Waters.

Curacao
Completing the davit work.

Curacao
Back in Willemstad for my birthday.

Curacao
View towards Otrobanda in Willemstad.

Curacao
Crashing into the pool area of a fancy hotel.

Curacao
The amazing hotel grounds of Kura Hulanda.

Curacao
Cocktail spoil in Otrobanda, Willemstad.

Curacao
Happy hour in the old town of Willemstad.

Curacao
And the tasty birthday dinner.

Curacao
Spanish Waters: time for a new dinghy. Thank you ma and pa!

Curacao
Passing the busy port of Willemstad.

Curacao
Last night in Santa Cruz Bay, before heading to Aruba.

Curacao
Santa Cruz Bay.

Curacao - Aruba
Tuna for dinner! :-)

Aruba
What we saw from the country was very unattractive and industrial.

Grenada - Venezuela
Following seas and wind for every trip west! It's a new concept that involves relaxation in the cockpit...

Grenada - Venezuela
Following the sunset.

Grenada - Venezuela
Mark and I caught a big wahoo that fed us for a week.

Blanquilla
Anchorage off white beach with two palm trees.

Blanquilla
Pile of fresh, tasty fish!

Blanquilla
One of the delicious fish meals Mark cooked.

Blanquilla
The unpopulated island has pretty, quiet beaches.

Blanquilla
Landmark on the main beach.

Blanquilla
Walk around part of the island.

Blanquilla
Salt pond.

Blanquilla
Continuing our explorations inland over donkey trails, trying to dodge cacti along the way.

Blanquilla
Natural bridge.

Blanquilla
Americano Bay.

Blanquilla
It had to happen. Auwch!

Blanquilla
View from Americano Beach.

Blanquilla
Rocky shoreline.

Blanquilla
One of the thousands of black lizards on the island.

Blanquilla
Venezuelan fishing boat.

Blanquilla - Los Roques
Little wind, slow progress with just the jib out. We put an extra line in place to keep the sail from collapsing.

Blanquilla - Los Roques
Irie caught a fish trap in the prop. I dove in the ocean to cut it loose.

Los Roques
Gran Roque from our anchorage in Francesquis.

Los Roques
Sandspit in Francesquis.

Los Roques
The underwater world of Los Roques.

Los Roques
Navigating is tricky, because there are no good charts and even our electronic charts are "off". The purple zones should overlay the land.

Los Roques
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Prickly Bay
Many dinghies at the dinghy dock, the day of the 700th hash!

Prickly Bay
Cruisers gathering to go to the 700th hash.

Prickly Bay
Taking the cruiser's bus towards St. George's for the 700th hash.

North of St. George's
Our circle of friends ready for the work-out.

North of St. George's
Hash 700 attracted a lot of participants.

North of St. George's
Whoever shows up with new shoes, has to break them in by drinking beer out of them.

North of St. George's
Crowded start of hash 700.

North of St. George's
Locals encouraging us on.

North of St. George's
Along the river. When the trail was laid out (before the rain), there was no river!

North of St. George's
One of the spectators.

North of St. George's
One of the views of Grenada's west coast.

North of St. George's
Basketball ring.

North of St. George's
Another view along the steep hike.

North of St. George's
Bananas.

North of St. George's
Crazy local guy, drinking too much rum.

North of St. George's
Pit stop with Sim and Rosie at a local rum shop.

North of St. George's
Rum shop along the way. Almost there!

North of St. George's
Sunset after the 700th hash.

St. George's
Vegetable market.

St. George's
One of the many small clothes store.

St. George's
Spice and souvenir market.

St. George's
Nut man at the market place.

St. George's
Fresh coconuts, anybody?

St. George's
Chinnups (or something like that), a local's favorite sucking fruit.

St. George's
One of the city's churches.

St. George's
Bus station.

St. George's
Weighing a fishing net to calculate its price.

St. George's
Fish market.

St. George's
The run down meat market.

St. George's
More local stores.

St. George's
Along young Street.

St. George's
The agricultural fruit and vegetable store.

St. George's
Along the Carenage.

St. George's
Cops going for a stroll along the Carenage.

St. George's
The Carenage; St. George's pretty harbor.

St. George's
Time for a roti after the shopping is done!

St. George's
Roti for lunch.

St. George's
Statue along the Carenage.

St. George's
British influence...

Clarke's Court Bay
Testing the mosquito netting. Summer = hot = no wind = lots of mosquitoes!

Hog Island
Trying to find a good place to maybe do a pig roast.

Clarke's Court Bay
Homemade hamburgers with homemade onion rings! Yummy!

Clarke's Court Bay
The mosquito netting is in place by dusk.

Clarke's Court Bay
A typical English "Titanic" breakfast on Alianna: deviled kidneys, pig jawls, blood sausage (black pudding), pork sausage, hot tomato, eggs, fried bread and fresh bread.

Clarke's Court Bay
Breakfast on Alianna.

Clarke's Court Bay
Preparing Sean's pasta sauce...

Clarke's Court Bay
Full Italian sausages ...

Clarke's Court Bay
... and giant meat balls are part of this delicious pasta dish!

Clarke's Court Bay
Washing up after a scrumptious dinner!

Mt. Hartman Bay
Playing volleyball for the first time, two bays away from Irie. Soon, an unexpected, giant storm would arrive!

Clarke's Court Bay
Back home during the enormous storm, we start the engines to be ready just in case we drag...

Clarke's Court Bay
The wind went above 40 knots at times!

Prickly Bay
Happy Hour with friends at De Big Fish.

Prickly Bay
Barracuda at De Big Fish, with guest musician Tony.

Prickly Bay
Mark made wonderful samosas.

Prickly Bay
Ready to leave Prickly Bay for Carriacou... The depth sounder casing came off! We'll stay another day...

Morne Rouge Bay
Irie in the anchorage.

Morne Rouge Bay
We dinghied around to Magazine Beach for the afternoon.

Magazine Beach
The perfect palm tree!

Magazine Beach
I couldn't get enough of the tropical view!

Magazine Beach
The Aquarium Restaurant. where we would spoil for dinner.

Magazine Beach
Nice stretch of sand.

Magazine Beach
Rest (and lots of bugs) in the shade.

Magazine Beach
Puffer fish while snorkeling.

Magazine Beach
Snorkeling amongst the boulders.

Magazine Beach
Cocktail time!

Grenada - Carriacou
After making a whole bunch of new lures, we finally caught an edible fish (tuna) again! Yummy...

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Mark and I returned to Carriacou again for some peace and quiet. It rained a lot and that was fine with us. Our water tanks were full and relaxation (indoors) was had.

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
When we got a bit stir crazy, we went for a wet and muddy walk in the mangroves.

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Very muddy! I'm knee deep in it (literally)!

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Denise in her fruit stand.

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
The lobster we bought hardly fit in our biggest pot!

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Lobster is in season in October... For EC$ 10 (US$4) a pound, we had a scrumptious meal and considered to make lobster fajitas (chicken costs the same).

Clifton, Union Island
We made a little side sail to Union to buy diesel and gas.

Clifton, Union Island
We always filter the diesel that goes in our tank.

Port Egmont, Grenada
On the way back to Prickly Bay, we stopped in this calm hurricane hole to fix a serious boat problem...

Port Egmont, Grenada
Mark and I took one of the emergency hatches out and rebedded it, while in the water!

Port Egmont, Grenada
Not much room under Irie's bridge deck (the dinghy is totally deflated to accomplish me being there to help).

Port Egmont, Grenada
We messed up the first time, so had to do it all a second time... at night!

Prickly Bay, Grenada
Back in Prickly, we took the outboard apart and fixed a whole bunch of problems.

Trip Carriacou - Grenada
London Bridge north of Grenada.

Trip Carriacou - Grenada
Northwest coast of Grenada.

Prickly Bay
Live music at De Big Fish.

Prickly Bay
Social and fun evening with Susanne, Jan (Peter Pan) and Mark (Sea Life).

Prickly Bay
Walk along the peninsula.

Prickly Bay
The University Club.

Prickly Bay
View of the bay.

Prickly Bay
Tip of the peninsula.

Clarke's Court Bay
Meager barbecue at Island View in Woburn.

Clarke's Court Bay
Bar at Island View with good happy hour for beer.

Clarke's Court Bay
Notice in the Island View Bar.

Clarke's Court Bay
Having a drink with owner Sep in Nimrod's Bar in Woburn.

Clarke's Court Bay
Nimrod's Bar.

Grand Anse Shopping Mall
Taking the "shopping bus" with other cruisers.

Clarke's Court Bay
Irie in the marina for battery maintenance.

Clarke's Court Bay
Clarke's Court Bay Marina bar.

Clarke's Court Bay
Trying to fix one of the emergency hatches for the fourth time. Unsuccessfully.

Clarke's Court Bay
Calm part of the bay to deal with the emergency hatch, which is very close to the water surface.

Clarke's Court Bay
Emptying the dinghy in saga Bay after a heavy rainstorm.

Clarke's Court Bay
Free oil down at Nimrod's!

Clarke's Court Bay
Party at Nimrod's.

Clarke's Court Bay
We convinced our good friends Sim and Rosie to join us to this local party with free food.

Clarke's Court Bay
Nicolas, the manager of Budget Marine and good friend of Sep, was also present.

Clarke's Court Bay
Sharing the local food with our new friends Sheldon and Renny.

Clarke's Court Bay
Sheldon entertains while Sim enjoys pig tails.

Clarke's Court Bay
Of course we have to drink rum in a rum shop!

Clarke's Court Bay
The second course was fish broth...

Clarke's Court Bay
Breakfast on Irie with friends Sim, Rosie, Susanne, Jan and Bjorn.

Clarke's Court Bay
Going for a swim in Saga Bay. What's with the noodles, guys?

Clarke's Court Bay
Our favorite anchorage Saga Bay.

Hog Island
Going for a walk on Hog Island with Susanne and Rosie.

Hog Island
Shed at the windward beach.

Hog Island
We walk and the boys take the dinghy to Roger's Beach Bar.

Hog Island
The last part of the "trail" goes through swamp.

Hog Island
Sunday BBQ and party at Roger's Beach Bar.

Hog Island
Many cruisers attend the Sunday event.

Hog Island
Roger's Beach Bar.

Hog Island
Our friends from SV Alianna and SV Peter Pan are present for a fun afternoon.

Hog Island
Roger behind his bar.

Hog Island
Mark, meeting new people and a new dog, Nico.

Hog Island
Roger's Beach Bar party.

Hog Island
Sim and Rosie, the love birds...

Hog Island
Mark and Liesbet, also in love!

Hog Island
Susanne and Sheldon. He's here too!

Hog Island
And, he entertains again!

Hog Island
Hog Island anchorage.

Clarke's Court Bay
Saga Bay anchorage.

Prickly Bay
Plane going overhead, just like in the lagoon of St. Martin!

Prickly Bay
Jan helps us with our fridge door problem.

First hash
Rosie and I join Susanne for our first hash (= aggressive walk or run through forest and rivers, over hills).

First hash
Group of hashers before the start of the hike.

First hash
Into the jungle we go!

First hash
Paper trail marker.

First hash
Finally less busy. They all passed us!

First hash
Local scen(ery).

First hash
Grenada's interior.

First hash
Exotic, even along the trail.

First hash
Rosie crosses a river.

First hash
Don't touch this tree as I did!

First hash
Deposited cars in the jungle...

First hash
The last stretch uphill.

First hash
Certificate of Loss of Virginity!

First hash
Our fridge door now has a wooden frame. hopefully it helps to keep the cold and energy inside! (Need to make more changes)

Prickly Bay
Sunday afternoon setting on the Calabash beach.

Prickly Bay
Relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Grenada Marine
Not again! We have to get hauled in St. David's for saildrive problems.

Grenada Marine
Irie hauled out again.

Grenada Marine
Putting Irie on blocks.

Grenada Marine
Sanding spots where the paint came off.

Grenada Marine
Scraping and sanding the parts of the hull we want to repaint. We just did the whole thing less than 10 months ago, so we're not doing it all again.

Grenada Marine
Sim helps us to take the saildrives apart.

Grenada Marine
At night, we "live in luxury" with the AC hooked up.

Grenada Marine
What to do with the saildrives?

Grenada Marine
This is how Irie's interior looks like when we are in a boatyard: tools everywhere!

Grenada Marine
Mark in one of the engine rooms.

Grenada Marine
Trying to fix the emergency hatch AGAIN. (Failed)

Grenada Marine
Our "workshop" under the catamaran.

Grenada Marine
My turn to paint and my job to take care of all the bottom work.

Grenada Marine
Visitor "Big Ears".

Grenada Marine
The Yamaha dealer on island.

Grenada Marine
Taking the tape off. Satisfying job!

Grenada Marine
There she goes again, back in the water. Cross our fingers nothing leaks! (Success!)

Grenada Marine
Waiting in the bar for Irie's "splashing".

Tyrrel Bay
Our friends Maegus tacking into the bay.

Tyrrel Bay
Nice sunset.

Tyrrel Bay
Having drinks at the Lambi Queen with our friends Jon, Sam and Suzy.

Tyrrel Bay
Listening to the loud Friday Night steel band.

Tyrrel Bay
Locals playing dominoes near the Lambi Queen.

Saline Island
Around the corner from Tyrrel Bay lay a few pretty islands.

Saline Island
Approaching our anchorage at Saline Island.

Saline Island
Nice background pulling into the shallow bay.

Saline Island
The anchorage of Saline Island.

Saline Island
Chrystal clear water.

Saline Island
View towards shore.

Saline Island
Underwater scenery while snorkeling.

Saline Island
Underwater scenery.

Saline Island
Drop off towards the channel.

Saline Island
Thousands of tiny fish around us.

Saline Island
Ruins of a kiln ashore.

Saline Island
View towards Grenada from the top of the kiln.

Saline Island
Posing in front of the bay.

Saline Island
Our new baggywrinkles during sunset.

Saline Island
Seagulls sitting on pelicans' heads. Annoying!

Saline Island
Funky sunset.

Saline Island
Sunset facing east.

Saline Island
And a rainbow. We've got it all!

Tyrrel Bay
Bumping into friends from Maegus and Buena Vista during the BBQ-potluck in support of the Carriacou Children's Education Fund (CCEF).

Tyrrel Bay
Having dinner potluck with Jani and Chris from Maegus.

Tyrrel Bay
Susanne and Jan filling their plates.

Tyrrel Bay
Some of the cruisers supporting the event enjoy their dinner.

Tyrrel Bay
Party on Irie with new and old friends.

Tyrrel Bay
Annual CCEF auction where we donated a Wirie.

Tyrrel Bay
Table with boat "goodies" to buy.

Tyrrel Bay
Auction table.

Tyrrel Bay
Organizers John and Melodye from SV Second Millennium pose with the former and current principals of one of the supported schools.

Hillsborough
Start of one of the work boat races during the Carriacou Regatta.

Hillsborough
There they go on this rainy day...

Hillsborough
Alleyway while having a drink in a local bar.

Hillsborough
Walking along the beach and staring up during the regatta activities.

Hillsborough
Scene in front of the main regatta bar.

Hillsborough
Another race is about to start.

Hillsborough
Susanne and me in front of the sloops to be launched (this race did get cancelled later because of the bad weather).

Hillsborough
Balloon shaving contest. That's right!

Tyrrel Bay
View of the bay on a walk.

Carriacou
Saline Island and White Island seen from Carriacou on a walk south.

Tyrrel Bay
Cute house in town. We like the size and looks of it.

Tyrrel Bay
Our usual drink order in the Old Rum Shop.

Tyrrel Bay
The Old Rum Shop.

Tyrrel Bay
Awesome African drumming at the Lambi Queen.

Tyrrel Bay
The kids juggle with sticks during the drumming.

Tyrrel Bay
Making fishing lures, once again. Later we would take them all apart again, because the leaders are not strong enough.

Anse La Roche
Union Island in the Grenadines in the distance.

Anse La Roche
Facing the pretty, quiet beach in Anse La Roche.

Anse La Roche
Homemade plantain chips. Yummy!

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Since we had a few days to spare before the arrival of my family, Mark and I took Irie for a quick trip from Martinique to St. Lucia to see our cruising friends again.

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While in Rodney Bay, Mark serviced the winches.

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A Wirie customer in Marigot Bay. This where you do NOT put/leave your Wirie while moving and sailing!

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Fruit baskets made of banana leaves.

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Local fishermen in one of the western bays.

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Approaching the Pitons!

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Anchored near Grand Piton.

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Fruit stalls in Soufriere.

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Soufriere town.

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Church in Soufriere.

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Homeless man in a park in Soufriere.

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Locals selling wares on the sidewalk in Soufriere.

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Cocoa tree.

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On the way to the Botanical Gardens near Soufriere.

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Griet, Wim, Sam, Eva and I have a nice walk through a jungle setting to the gardens.

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The family Van Daele - Collaert in St. Lucia!

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Eva smells one of the many pretty flowers of the Botanical Gardens.

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Hot springs/baths in the garden. You pay extra for these and ... who wants to soak in hot water when it is very hot and humid outside?

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Pretty flowers.

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These green parts in the flower turn into bananas!

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Diamond Falls.

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Foliage in the Botanical Gardens.

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I have Griet, my dish washer back!!

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Mark plays cards with the kids.

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Marigot Bay in nicer weather than on our first stop.

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Going out for a drink in Marigot Bay, the family's favorite bay in St. Lucia.

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Back in Rodney Bay and in our favorite restaurant: Jambe de Bois. Eva likes the massive chairs.

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Tasty dinner at Jambe de Bois.

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Mark and Liesbet

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Griet, Wim, Sam and Eva visit us on Irie with kayaks from their resort.

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A pot of gold on this sailboat!

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Big and old tree in Castries, the capital of St. Lucia.

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Castries: historical building around the main square.

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View of Castries on our island tour with the family. They hired a van with guide for a nice day touring the island.

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St. Lucia interior.

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Visiting an art studio.

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Art studio with wooden sculptures.

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The artist.

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Banana plantation.

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On of the many western bays we sailed by before.

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The Roseau valley.

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The town and bay of Canaries.

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Vista over the water. There are many viewpoints along the St. Lucian main road.

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Drive through the rain and the rainforest.

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Soufriere and the Pitons.

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View of the town/"city" of Soufriere.

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Mark and Wim drink a Piton beer in front of one of the Pitons.

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The girls lounging in the fancy Dasheen Restaurant in Ladera Resort. This place has the best view in St. Lucia!

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Sulpher springs.

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Along the east coast.

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Arch along the drive back to Rodney Bay.

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Making new baggywrinkles to protect Irie's main sail.

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Walk on Reduit Beach to Griet and Wim's resort.

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A quick rest in the lounge chairs near the pool.

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This is life! The life of a tourist...

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Finally leaving St. Maarten/St. Martin!

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Our friend Angie left with Kibe at the same time we did.

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Captain Mark getting soaking wet with sea water during the rough trip to Martinique.

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Wind speeds up to 30 knots! Windy and bumpy conditions!

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Irie with two reefs in, takes a lot of waves over her bows.

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Ah! Peace and quiet in Grand Anse d'Arlet after 44 hours on the sea.

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Nice sunset from the anchorage in Grand Anse d'Arlet.

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We hadn't had time to scrub the bottom yet...

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Swimming with sea turtles in the anchorage of Grand Anse d'Arlet.

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Hello sweet turtle! (Seen from our trampoline)

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Sailing back north after shopping in Le Marin.

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A heavy rain storm gets us in trouble in the bay of Fort-de-France. All sails had to come down!

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Griet, Wim, Sam and Eva have arrived from Belgium, with a whole lot of goodies!

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Beach at Grand Anse d'Arlet. We are back, with the family this time.

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Starfish while snorkeling.

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Mark and Wim clean a nasty ink stain left by a jumping squid.

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Wim behind the helm. He loves sailing and wants to follow in our footsteps.

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Griet and the kids like the hanging out "up front" better...

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Wim, Griet and Eva on the way to shore in the dinghy in Ste. Anne.

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Waterfront of Ste. Anne.

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Local wedding taking place in the pretty church of Ste. Anne.

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Church at the square in Ste. Anne.

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Funky band playing music in Ste. Anne.

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Giant breadfruit tree on the way to a hiking path to several beaches near Ste. Anne..

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Hermit crab during the hike.

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It rained a lot and the trails were very muddy and annoying to walk on.

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Nice arch at Villa Steel Magnolias. We decided not to use it...

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Baie Rouge: the place of the wedding ceremony!

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Rosie, Liz and I scout the area of Baie Rouge.

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Rum Punch party on Irie...

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This is a rum punch contest with the best one to be the wedding rum punch. A wide array of ingredients is to be used.

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Axel, Lix, Jon and Matt ready to taste...

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Jon making his concoction. Everybody has to mix up a pitcher to distribute.

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The "table of contents".

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Denise and Sam trying to see who is strongest. Mike is the happy referee.

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The soon to be wed coupe.

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Dangling heads, part of the gift favors...

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Creating the favors for the guests.

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Bachelorette party...

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The girls treating me to fancy cocktails at happy hour.

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Rosie and us goofing off with balloons.

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Having drinks at Jimbo's with the girls.

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Jimbo personally came to say hello.

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Drinks and food at Jimbo's. with Rosie, Sam, Liz and Denise.

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Liz and Denise.

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Sim and Rosie.

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Sam and Rosie.

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Sam and boyfriend Jon.

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Matt and Denise at the bar during our bachelor(ette) party.

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Liz and Axel.

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My and Mark's family at the dinner table in the villa.

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Tim and Kristen help us with the food for the wedding.

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The living room of Villa Steel Magnolias with a big banner from Griet and her family on the wall.

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Ellie is preparing some food for the wedding dinner, the afternoon of...

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Sam, Rosie and Liz dressed up for the big event!

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Sim and Jon in their best clothes.

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Nicely decorated tables.

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Right before the wedding.

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Some cruising friends prepared/decorated the beach setting for the ceremony.

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Kristen created the wedding bouquet with flowers from the villa's garden.

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Liesbet and dad Jacques before the ceremony.

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Scrumptious desserts.

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The day after the wedding, it was time for relaxation at the pool with friends and yummy leftovers.

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Cocktails in the villa's pool.

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Mark and Liesbet seen through a glass.

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Our group of friends on the lazy and fun Sunday after the wedding.

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Mark grills some left over meat on the big grill, for us and our family.

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One of the many dinners at the villa.

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Rosy and Peter stayed with us in the villa after some family members had left.

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Nice attraction near the villa and Baie Rouge.

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Plane landing over Maho Beach.

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A great, but crazy tourist attraction.

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Hold onto the fence when a big plane takes off!

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Going for a walk nearby the villa with Peter and Rosy.

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Mark and my bedroom/suite in the villa. Wow! Good nights sleep!

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Part of our bedroom.

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The villa's courtyard.

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Back in St. Martin: back to "full time jobs". Mark works on the new product (The WirieAP) for five months, 8-12 hours a day. I take care of the rest and write.

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Many mega yachts are now entering the lagoon as well. See the helicopter?

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Nice sunset in Simpson Bay Lagoon.

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Dog watching: Marai and...

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... Sula, our new friend Patti's dogs.

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Going out for a spin. Every other Sunday or weekend, we took Irie out of the lagoon for a sail.

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Taking friends for a sail during the Heineken Regatta.

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I'm doing the hard work again... :-)

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Heineken Regatta in Marigot Bay: NO wind!

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Onwards to Friar's Bay for lunch. We didn't get any further because of the light winds.

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Irie under sail. Nice shot, Axel!

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Fish! And then we lost our newest (and handmade by Addie and Sabine) lure! Darn...

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Friar's Bay

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Addie, Sabine and Axel, the photographer.

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The world's largest sloop Mirabella V enters the lagoon through the "narrow" bridge.

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Fenders are very important when you barely fit!

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The island of Saba seen from the bus to Philipsburg on a clear day.

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Shrimpy's Laundry, net controller Mike's new venture.

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Coming back "home" (in the lagoon) after a weekend away.

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Fixing the leaking starboard hatch, for the fourth time!

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Taking Jake for a little dinghy ride in the lagoon.

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Mark hanging out in Irie's cockpit with his best friend Ryan.

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The Constable family on a visit to Irie: Ryan, Denise and Jake.

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Denise and Jake enjoy the sunshine on Irie's deck.

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Hoisting the main sail for a quick trip along St. Martin's north shore. Jake is learning...

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Captain Jake, the youngest person ever to take Irie's wheel!

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Having friends over means vacation for us as well...

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Jake loves the beach (here: wonderful Tintamarre)

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We even have time to snorkel on this short vacation.

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And, we have somebody to take pictures of us!

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The last night of our friends' visit, we ate out at Toppers. Yummy!

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Barbuda-St. Barth
Long and slow trip with deep water all around us.

Barbuda-St. Barth
Approaching St. Barth, still a few hours away.

Barbuda-St. Barth
Full sails, blue sky.

Barbuda-St. Barth
Ready to grab the fish, if we would ever catch one...

Gustavia, St. Barth
Being chased by a French sailboat.

Gustavia, St. Barth
This fancy island attracts many mega yachts.

Gustavia, St. Barth
One of the funkiest mega yachts in Gustavia. We shoot to pass his stern in this race/chase.

Gustavia, St. Barth
A cruise ship/ferry/whatever it is on his way into the harbor. We managed to quickly cut in front of him. Our pursuer didn't.

Ile Forchue, St. Barth
We decided to skip Anse de Columbier and head a bit further to the next island, out of reach of our pursuer.

Ile Forchue, St. Barth
The quiet anchorage of Ile Forchue after a long, tiring and exciting day of over 11 hours.

St. Barth-St. Martin
After a very gusty night of no sleep, we left (too) early for St. Maarten and had to keep furling our jib more and more to slow down and waste time before the bridge opening.

Simpson Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Back to our old spot near Explorer Island and ready to start (?) working again...

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Budget Marine, one of the chandleries in the lagoon.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Lagoonies, the bar I used to work and the place to hang-out on Friday nights, where Open Mic is a great time.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Meeting up with our friends Jon and Sam from Imagine.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Mark and our friend Elle, who runs Lagoonies.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Our friend Charlie and his son Keenan, more old friends.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Going out for Chinese with a whole gang of cruisers.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Finally catching up with Karmen (and her boyfriend Tom) from Ellida, whom we hadn't seen for almost a year.

Simpon Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Conch fritters on Irie. (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Simpon Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Our friend Matt from Mojomo dropped this cuty off as a gift. His name is Clarke. (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Simpon Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Making a healthy salad for dinner on Irie (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Simpon Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Mark and Liesbet in Irie's cockpit. (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Maho Beach, St. Maarten
Time for a haircut by another cruiser. (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Maho Beach, St. Maarten
I am going for the short look! (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Near Mullet Beach
A little bit of country side/golf course.

Near Mullet Beach
License plate on the Dutch side.

Maho Beach, St. Maarten
Pretty beach with a special attraction...

Maho Beach, St. Maarten
... the landing of (big) planes, right above your head.

Maho Beach, St. Maarten
Literally right above your head! That's me underneath it. (Photo by Karmen Chow)

Simpson Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Irie is the white catamaran with the blue canvas in the middle.

Marigot, St. Martin
Fort Louis on the hill in the background, is our destination this afternoon.

Marigot, St. Martin
Karmen puts make-up on my face for our first photo shoot. She will practice her wedding photography and Mark and I will practice our wedding poses.

Marigot, St. Martin
Karmen in action!

Marigot, St. Martin
Fort Louis ruins.

Marigot, St. Martin
Photographer Karmen and assistant Tom.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Open Mic at Lagoonies with our good friend Dave on the guitar. His last night out with us, before taking a job again on a mega yacht.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Karmen and Tom.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Old salt and friend Mike from Quinn. He invented (and sells) the chart plotting system Nimble Navigator

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Matt and Tony on violins/fiddles.

Cole Bay, St. Maarten
Liesbet reading her emotional poem about Darwin (published in Caribbean Compass, February 2011 issue).

Simpson Bay Lagoon, St. Martin
Finally, laundry day!

Mullet Beach, St. Maarten
Photo shoot 2 at the beach.

Mullet Beach, St. Maarten
Pretty beach in the late afternoon sun.

Mullet Beach, St. Maarten
Having some snacks and drinks while waiting for the sunset.

Mullet Beach, St. Maarten
Karmen's silhouette during the sunset.

Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Approaching the pretty western coastline of Antigua.

Jolly Harbour, Antigua
Islands outside of Jolly Harbour.

St. John's Habour, Antigua
Sure, you can tie your boat to a channel marker!

St. John's Habour, Antigua
St. John's, the capital of Antigua.

St. John's, Antigua
One of the quays where tourists can go shopping.

St. John's, Antigua
A lot of rules here!

St. John's, Antigua
Impressive church.

St. John's, Antigua
The capital is not very attractive or wealthy.

St. John's, Antigua
Another funny sign.

St. John's, Antigua
Our dinghy is considerably smaller than the other boat in the harbor.

Deep Bay, Antigua
A nice and protected anchorage on the west coast.

Deep Bay, Antigua
In the middle of the bay lies a wreck where you can snorkel. Unfortunately, the heavy winds made the water very cloudy. We barely saw anything.

Deep Bay, Antigua
Walk up to the fort ruins.

Deep Bay, Antigua
View of St. John's Harbour from the fort.

Deep Bay, Antigua
View of lagoon and Deep Bay.

Deep Bay, Antigua
The lagoon and the sea are connected by a river. A bridge is in place to get to the other side.

Deep Bay, Antigua
Beach and palm tree. Very exotic!

Deep Bay, Antigua
The fort at sunset, seen from Irie.

Deep Bay, Antigua
A local boat ran aground and is being pulled off by another one.

Long Island, Antigua
Jumby Beach is pretty, but very developed because of the resort. A storm is approaching.

Parham, Antigua
The bay is very calm, making it a good anchorage. The surroundings are less pretty: mangroves and wrecks.

Parham, Antigua
Exploration of a (short) mangrove river by dinghy.

Parham, Antigua
Fishing port.

Parham, Antigua
Church.

Parham, Antigua
Stand selling local BBQ food.

Parham, Antigua
The corner store: a favorite hangout.

Parham, Antigua
Being creative with the gutters and water collection. Parham is a small and relatively poor fishing village.

Parham, Antigua
Dinner at a cheap and good local restaurant. Mark didn't like the yellow tray. It reminded him of an American cafeteria. When we put them aside, the food tasted even better!

Parham, Antigua
The bar/restaurant with not much going on on a Friday night.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Hole in the rock.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
View from the island over the some of the other ones.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Tropicbirds

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Funny plant.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
One of the two remote beaches. They do get busy with day trippers from 10am-4pm.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Hell's Gate.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
The second, smaller beach of the island.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Surrounded by little islands.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
A hike to the top reveals wonderful views.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Irie is one of the two boats at anchor.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Walking back down the hill.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
There's Mark!

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Small lizard near the beach.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
Trying the self-timer on my new camera.

Great Bird Island, Antigua
My new obsession is taking pictures into Mark;s sunglasses. I love the tropical reflections.

Deep Bay, Antigua
Back in our pretty and comfortable bay. The beach isn't bad, either.

Deep Bay, Antigua
Towards the lagoon.

Deep Bay, Antigua
I made a typical Caribbean dish one night, involving macaroni & cheese, beans and rice and "holiday" slaw.

Towards Barbuda
Full sails, albeit reefed a bit.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Approaching our favorite spot in the Eastern Caribbean.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Ready for a snorkel on the reef.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Mark stays in the dinghy, bopping in the sunshine.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Buried ray near the reef.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Another stingray, ready for a swim.

Low Bay, Barbuda
We found conch! Many of them, just when we were out of food...

Low Bay, Barbuda
Deep and pink sand.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Funny creature that came out of a conch shell.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Catch of the day.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Conch up close. The claw that's poking out makes them move over the grassy seabed.

Low Bay, Barbuda
The prettiest office of them all!

Low Bay, Barbuda
Long, white, sandy beaches.

Low Bay, Barbuda
The sand has a pinkish tint to it.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Sun disappearing behind the clouds. No green flash today!

Low Bay, Barbuda
Two playful frigate birds.

Low Bay, Barbuda
Time to get The Wirie factory going again!

The Pitons, St. Lucia
We stayed a little bit further away from shore this time. No dolphins, unfortunately.

St. Lucia
Liesbet behind the helm.

St. Lucia to Martinique
Chase the rainbow!

St. Lucia to Martinique
Little whale pretty close by!

Fort-de-France, Martinique
Quick stop in the capital to check in (and out) and go shopping for French goodies at Leader Price!

West Coast of Martinique
Fishing boat.

West Coast of Martinique
Mark at the helm, autopilot does the work.

Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica
Made it into port right in time, when the sun set...

Prince Rupert Bay, Dominica
The amazing sailing ship "Stad Amsterdam"

Dominica to Guadeloupe
Choppy seas and a wet ride!

Dominica to Guadeloupe
Our lure (even with a swivel) messed the fishing line up. We had to replace it. The coming months, we would lose all our lures one by one. No luck fishing this season/year!

St. Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
View to shore from Irie.

St. Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
The water is clear, but green instead of the expected blue.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
The doctor's office in the village.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
Little drink shack.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
Beach in town.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
Active lighthouse on land, in the middle of the bay.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
St. Louis is a small fishing village.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
Once out of town, farmland begins. Cow and cattle egret.

St. Louis, Marie-Galante
Traps to catch fish.

St. Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
The anchor is dug in. I had to try my underwater camera!

St. Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
Sunset over The Saintes.

St. Louis Bay, Marie-Galante
Home made samosas on Irie!

Island Tour Marie-Galante
One of the many pretty beaches along the way.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
La Gueulle Grand Gouffre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
The cliffs of Caye Plate.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Goats are everywhere.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
The rural countryside.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Most of the roads are in good shape (thanks to EU investments), but this one not so much.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Dilapidated windmill, one of the 60 left.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Driver Liesbet.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Moulin de Bezard, a nicely restored windmill.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Countryside.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Impressive solar panel field.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
The mill and distillery of Bellevue.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Bellevue rum distillery, famous for the 59 degree white "rhum agricole"

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Church in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Main road in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Plage de la Feuillère in Capesterre, a pretty beach!

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Lunch in Capesterre: the salami in my sandwich has the same color as my shirt!

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Company of a dog on Plage de la Feuillère in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Plage de la Feuillère in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
In Mark's sunglasses: Plage de la Feuillère in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Another friendly dog on the beach in Capesterre.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Habitation Murat, an old slave plantation.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Rolls Royce, seen from one of the ruined buildings of the plantation.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
View from the parking lot of Ste. Marie hospital.

Island Tour Marie-Galante
Ox cart along the way; still an important transportation device on the island.

Along the islands
Trying to catch fish. Unsuccessfully.

Bequia
Upon arrival, a photographer captured Irie flying towards the bay.

Admiralty Bay
A big NW swell was rolling in.

Admiralty Bay
Dinghy dock in Port Elizabeth town.

Admiralty Bay
The swell was becoming very dangerous. We had to move.

Admiralty Bay
The calmer, but more crowded (not more busy) anchorage on the north end of the bay.

Port Elizabeth
The butcher in town. Good sausages!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Mark is making pate!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Dave made decorations for Christmas!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Christmas smile.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Table setting with gifts from Dave.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Rosie and Sim arrive in Christmas spirit.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Christmas decorations in the cockpit.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Christmas breakfast: poached eggs and toast with salmon and mimosa's, of course.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Presents!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Decorated Sim.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
A kiss under the "mistletoe", after opening some Christmas crackers, a British tradition!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Mark and Liesbet, kind of Christmassy.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Dinner time. Dave is in charge of the canned cranberry sauce.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Rosie and Sim are ready for the home made dinner feast...

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Extensive and typical double Christmas dinner: the American and the British way!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Nice plate of (roasted) food!

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Rosie tries everybody's head. It is the end of the evening...

Admiralty Bay
A walk along shore.

Admiralty Bay
Cute puppy.

Admiralty Bay
Up to the "fort", or what's left of it.

Admiralty Bay
Seen from the hill and fort.

Admiralty Bay
Back to the beach area for a bit. Mark checks his emails on his ITouch.

Admiralty Bay
The Green Boley for drinks. Dave is waiting.

Admiralty Bay
Dinner out for Rosie's birthday.

Admiralty Bay
With the owner of the Fig Tree restaurant.

Admiralty Bay
Rainbow.

Port Elizabeth
Another walk, another cute doggy.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
New Year's Eve on Irie with friends Sim, Rosie, Dave, Angie and Tom.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Snacks and hot finger foods this time.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Home made pizza, the Irie way.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Sim dancing the night away during the fireworks and a break in the rain.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Back inside: time to make paper artwork! Dave is good with eyes...

Irie in Admiralty Bay
... and snow flakes.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Tom makes a boat.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
People get creative when it gets later and later.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Mark's boat turned out to be a hat.

Irie in Admiralty Bay
Launching the paper boats off Irie's trampoline.

Admiralty Bay
On the climb to Mt. Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant
View from our friends Sally and Tom's deck.

Mount Pleasant
Greeted by Molly.

Mount Pleasant
Molly and Bertha cooling off in a pond.

Mount Pleasant
Walk to Hope Beach.

Hope Beach
Approaching Hope Beach.

Hope Beach
Windward coast and off shore islands.

Hope Beach
Visiting a local artist. He makes baskets from washed up ropes and fishing equipment.

St. Vincent
Sailing north along the coast of St. Vincent.

Kearton Beach, St. Vincent
Nice and calm anchorage for the night.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
The toughest job: scraping the bottom.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
And, Irie has four hulls!

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Mark's turn.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Sanding afterwards is the nastiest job.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
After the taping comes the painting.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
It rained every day and Irie was stationed in a low spot, meaning it was wet underneath the boat at all times. Very uncomfortable to work in. Especially since the rain water is mixed up with all the yard chemicals... We asked them to move us before we arrived, but this didn't happen.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Our flat and damaged (three leaks) and old Irie, mon dinghy needed to be fixed as well.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Painting is the most rewarding part of the work.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Mark working in the wet.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
One of our other projects was to replace our water cooled fridge system with a keel cooler. This is it. We had to drill another hole in the hull!

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Installing the keel cooler inside.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
This is what a keel cooler looks on the outside. Soon, it will be green and full of barnacles.

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
The yard looks pleasant enough...

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
Irie is clean, pretty and ready!

Grenada Marine Boat Yard
The last step to get back into the water. Life can start again...

Prickly Bay
Mark checks the top of the mast. Sails are on already. Leaving the boat for three months requires a lot of work and preparations. Those have to be done in reverse when we get back.

Prickly Bay
Dinner invitation on Alianna with our good friends Sim and Rosie.

Prickly Bay
Getting in the Christmas spirit.

Prickly Bay
Anchored in the bay with the beach that Darwin liked in the distance.

Grand Mal Bay
Back on the west coast. It's nice to see the sun set in the ocean again.

Grand Mal Bay
After sunset.

West Coast
Burning garbage on shore; smelly at sea!

West Coast
Fisherman in flat seas.

West Coast
We try to fish as well, with no luck.

On the way to Carriacou.
Rhonde Island and Carriacou in the distance.

San Diego, CA
Walking the pups in sunny San Diego

Emeryville, CA
Ready for the sailing trip TAKE 1.

Baja California, Mexico
One of the many pretty beaches on our RV-trip through Central America.

Xpu-Ha, Yucatan, Mexico
Holding Darwin after a swim in the prettiest blue water. Photo by photographer Michael Boyny.

Samara, Costa Rica
Our family in front of our house in 2006.

Panama Canal, Panama
Posing with our pups in front of the canal.

Dallas, TX
Our first attempt to make balloon animals in the house of writers/travelers John and Harriet Halkyard. Darwin didn't like that too much.

Austin, Texas
Ready for a new adventure: the hunt for a catamaran.

Annapolis, MD
After we found Irie, we were ready for the sailing trip TAKE 2.

Double Breasted Cays, the Bahamas
Our happy family in front of Irie and in paradise. The good old days...

Bahamas
Family portrait, but the dogs want to keep an eye on us.

Irie
"Mommy and daddy are coming home!"

Irie
Always comfy, rope or not.

Irie
Cushions call for a head on it!

Irie
Resting on deck.

Tortola, BVI
The biggest stick is what he wants...

Virgin Gorda, BVI
With daddy on the rock.

Columbier, St. Barth
Darwin loved to swim, as long as we went with him!

Columbier, St. Barth
Digging a hole for some cold sand to lay on.

Irie, mon.
Darwin resting in the dinghy after a swim ashore.

BVI
Coming home in the dinghy after a potty break on shore.

Paradise Beach, Carriacou, Grenada
Playing with some local puppies.

Tobago Cays, SVG
Found a coconut on the beach. The husk has to be ripped up.

Irie
Chewing the new toy from Kristen and Tim.

Irie
Cockpit portrait. Darwin always needs to rest his head.

Guadeloupe
Glimpse of the journey ahead.

Barbuda
Looking out over the expanse of our favorite island.

Barbuda
Cooling off during a very hot winter.

Barbuda
Darwin loved long, empty beaches.

Irie
The bed, no, the pillow, one of Darwin's most favorite hang-outs.

Irie
The trampoline is quite comfortable as well.

Irie
Or the groceries...

Grand Anse d'Arlet, Martinique
Sunset on shore with friends.

Irie
"From the moment mommy gets up, I take her seat... It's not that she doesn't know this!"

Irie
Underway. Towel to be comfy, step to rest head and cushions to provide shade.

Irie
A pile of dirty laundry. Comfy!

Tobago Cays, SVG
Pretty place.

Irie
A flat cushion, even better!

Irie
In "the hole". Big cushions to rest on. Only when it is not too hot out.

Irie
A lap is also very comfortable, especially Sam's.

Irie
The bed.

Irie
Chewing my hamburger. Darwin loved to play on the bed. Comfy and fun!

Greenwich, CT
Cool climate and shore living. And grass!

Chocorua, NH
Long walk in the woods and on the mountain.

Chocorua, NH
Giving kisses. This is love!

Greenwich, CT
Sharing a big stick with Sophie.

Newburyport, MA
Going for a walk with grandma and grandpa.

Newburyport, MA
Our own room. This is where we found out Darwin was really sick.

Newbury, MA
With new made friend and cousin, Oliver.

Newbury, MA
Hanging out on the couch at Tim and Kristen's house.

Newbury, MA
Comfy couch in winter...

Newbury, MA
Darwin always liked car rides. Oliver, too?

Newburyport, MA
On my birthday. The day we saw something was really wrong with Darwin and the day before we heard the unbelievable and devastating diagnosis.

Newburyport, MA
We showered our boy with love those last days...

Newburyport, MA
I love you, sweet boy!

Newburyport, MA
Last family portrait.

Newburyport, MA
Goodbye, bestest boy!

Newburyport, MA
Last picture of Darwin, December 1st, 2010.

Bahamas
Our two wonderful and special "children".

Berlare, Belgium
Dad using his knowledge from carpenter classes to build a chair for his grand daughter Lena.

Berlare, Belgium
My parents' cats: grey Pixie and speckled Chop Choy (used to be mine).

Berlare, Belgium
Lena loves her "ballenbad".

Berlare, Belgium
Lena and tante (aunt) Liesbet.

Berlare, Belgium
Bread machines abound to buy fresh bread when the bakery is closed.

Brussels, Belgium
The Atomium.

Brussels, Belgium
Inside the Atomium with our friends Rosy and Peter.

Brussels, Belgium
Rainy view from one of the spheres.

Brussels, Belgium
Sheltering from rain and wind in a shopping galleria.

Antwerp, Belgium
Unique, wooden escalator to the tunnel under the river Schelde.

Antwerp, Belgium
Cousin Griet and family guide us around their town Antwerp. This is one of the hidden courtyards between cute, historic houses.

Antwerp, Belgium
Many Madonnas adorn corners of houses. They are easy to miss, because one has to look up to see them.

Antwerp, Belgium
Grote Markt (Market Square).

Antwerp, Belgium
View over the city from the KBC tower, conveniently, the place where Griet's husband Wim works.

Antwerp, Belgium
Historic building in the center of town.

Antwerp, Belgium
Walking through the picturesque downtown.

Antwerp, Belgium
Row houses along Market Square.

Antwerp, Belgium
The "Steen" along the waterfront.

Antwerp, Belgium
Interior of Central Station.

Antwerp, Belgium
Central Station is renewed and has four levels with trains now! Impressive...

Antwerp, Belgium
Wim bought an array of local beers for Mark to try.

Antwerp, Belgium
Griet, her family (Sam, Wim and Eva) and Mark.

Kontich, Belgium
A short visit to my other cousin Katrien and her family (Reiner, Kato and Wout) for more good food!

Aartselaar, Belgium.
The last delicious meal of the day at my cousins' parents' place.

Zele, Belgium
My oma turned 90 on November 15th, the reason for our fall visit to Belgium. This is her party at a wonderful and good restaurant.

Zele, Belgium
The family on my mother's side: my oma, her daughters and extended family.

Damme, Belgium
Windmill along the river.

Damme, Belgium
City Hall.

Damme, Belgium
Little square surrounded by cute, old houses.

Damme, Belgium
Town house dwarfed by the church.

Damme, Belgium
The back side of the church.

Damme, Belgium
Ordinary Belgian cemetery.

Damme, Belgium
Interesting three sided statue looking at the sky.

Bruges, Belgium
Walking towards the city center.

Bruges, Belgium
Market Square.

Bruges, Belgium
Statue of the poet Guido Gezelle.

Bruges, Belgium
Along the canals.

Bruges, Belgium
Along the canals.

Bruges, Belgium
Town center and Belfort.

Bruges, Belgium
On one of the bridges over the canals.

Bruges, Belgium
Narrow street with "overhang" in the center of Bruges.

Coutryside, the Netherlands
One of the many windmills we passed on our car trip.

Hulst, the Netherlands
Windmill in the center of town.

Hulst, the Netherlands
Part of the old wall. You leave town this way.

Hulst, the Netherlands
Another massive church.

Berlare, Belgium
My mum made Mark's favorite dish: mussels and fries! Yammie!

Temse, Belgium
Short visit with my friend Hilde, who just gave birth to her third child.

Lokeren, Belgium
Visit to my good friend Kim, who also "produced" her second son.

Lokeren, Belgium
Kim's first boy, Milo, sneaking up to a snack.

Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg
Mark and I drove to the small country of Luxembourg for the (grey, rainy and ice cold) weekend, visiting a couple of cute towns.

Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg
Historic downtown.

Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg
Fort ruins.

Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg
A big climb to the top of the tower, near the fort ruins offers a great view.

Esch Sur Sure, Luxembourg
View over town and the fort ruins (and almost the surrounding river) from the tower.

Vianden, Luxembourg
The pretty castle perched on a hill.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Castle view.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Interior: dining room.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Interior room.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Part of the castle.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Living area and old wall carpets.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Scary well.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Looking up.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Another perspective.

Vianden, Luxembourg
Picture perfect castle on the hill.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Center of town.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Abbey.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Border with Germany.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Germany across the river.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Old customs building.

Echternach, Luxembourg
Old and new combined as office space.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Center on the hill.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The guard at the Royal Palace.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The Royal Palace.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Seal of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
View down in the valley, surrounding the town.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Set of steps down into the valley.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Another interesting building in the center of town.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Walking along the old wall around the raised city.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
View down from the wall towards The Grund.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The area with this view is called "The most beautiful balcony of Europe".

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Going down through the town.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The river that separates Luxembourg and The Grund.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Some houses are built against the rocks. Impressive!

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Little church, part of the rocks, in the valley surrounding Luxembourg City.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The river that created this valley a long time ago!

Dinant, Belgium
On the way back home, we stopped in one other town in Belgium: Dinant. We had to drive through this narrow gap to get there.

Dinant, Belgium
View across the river. It was too cold to walk far. And, we were "citied out".

Dinant, Belgium
Big church in town, with the fort on high rocks behind it.

Dinant, Belgium
Interior of the massive church with many beautiful stained windows.

Dinant, Belgium
Liesbet and Adolph Sax, the inventor of the ... saxophone.

Plane Grenada - USA
Darwin, Mark's support animal, lays under the seats in front of us and keeps our feet warm.

San Juan Airport
Waiting for our connecting flight from Puerto Rico to Boston.

Newbury, MA
Wonderful cook Kristen prepared a delicious home made breakfast.

Newbury, MA
Shipping out Wiries.

Newbury, MA
Darwin and his newly acquainted friend and cousin Oliver.

Newbury, MA
Oliver: one blue and one brown eye.

Newbury, MA
Mark at work. He swapped the boat for a house. Much more convenient and reliable to work on our business.

Newbury, MA
One of the many tasty and freshly made dinners in company of the family. Thank you, Kristen!

Greenwich, CT
More friends for Darwin: lab Sophie and poodle Chloe.

Greenwich, CT
Walking the property that Mark's sister Dru and husband Brian maintain.

Greenwich, CT
Darwin loves grass!

Greenwich, CT
The cottage of Dru and Brian, where we stayed one week at a time.

Greenwich, CT
Part of the property, before the leaves turned...

Greenwich, CT
Sophie and Darwin swimming and playing in the pond.

Greenwich, CT
Darwin and Sophie sharing a big stick.

Greenwich, CT
Funny and happy Sophie.

Greenwich, CT
Mark cooking a healthy dinner for everyone in the kitchen.

Greenwich, CT
Chelsea, her mum Dru and her uncle Mark.

New York City
Visiting with cruising friends Mike and Karen (UK), who traveled along the east coast with their boat Chapter 2.

New York City
Little stroll on Time's Square.

New York City
Time's Square.

New York City
Famous TV station on Time's Square.

New York City
Time's Square: Happy with a little touristy distraction.

New York City
On the busy metro.

Newbury, MA
View from our bedroom window.

Newbury, MA
Beach in front of Tim and Kristen's house. Great place to give the dogs a daily walk.

Newbury, MA
Walking Darwin and Oliver in the neighborhood.

Trip to Newhampshire.
Darwin shares the back seat of Scott and Lisa's car with us, on our weekend away.

Mount Chocorua, NH
It has been a long time since we camped out!

Mount Chocorua, NH
Building our campsite.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Trying to keep warm in the evenings.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Comfy Darwin in our borrowed tent.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Ready for a hike of the mountain?

Mount Chocorua, NH
Darwin and Ueli drinking some water along the way.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Little break during the big climb up.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Waiting for "mommy".

Mount Chocorua, NH
Most of the hike happened in the forest.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Ueli waiting for the humans.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Almost on the top.

Mount Chocorua, NH
View of the surroundings.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Another view of New Hampshire's mountains and forests.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Lisa and Ueli on the top of the mountain.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Expansive view.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Posing on the way back down.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Overnight cabin. It is tied down with heavy chain, because it blew off the mountain before.

Mount Chocorua, NH
There she lays. We went all the way to the top!

Mount Chocorua, NH
View from our campsite.

Mount Chocorua, NH
From Saturday night, Denise, Ryan and son Jake joined us at the campsite. Holly, Kevin and the kids came by for dinner. The kids loved to play in the small tent.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Preparations for a BBQ dinner, by Scott and Kevin.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Ryan, Denise and Jake in a camping spirit.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Holly and her sleeping daughter.

Mount Chocorua, NH
Breakfast with the gang on Sunday.

Mount Chocorua, NH
We saw a lot of these signs...

Mount Chocorua, NH
Short walk in the forests on Sunday.

Mount Chocorua, NH
This is love!

Providence, RI
During a visit with our cruising friends Cindy and Grey, we visited the capital of Rhode Island, where they live.

Providence, RI
River, where a lot of fires burn during the annual Water Fire event.

Providence, RI
One of the colleges.

Providence, RI
Historic part of town.

Providence, RI
Another historic building.

Providence, RI
Darwin has his own liquor store.

Providence, RI
Cute houses along our city walk.

Providence, RI
Our tour guides Cindy and Grey.

Providence, RI
Unitarian Church.

Providence, RI
Squirrels are still special to me.

Boston.
On approach to the city.

Newburyport, MA
A special area for dog poop.

Newburyport, MA
View of the marina. We could never live here, because of the cold winters... (and the high prices).

Newburyport, MA
Walk in the neighborhood with Mark's parents Carol and Stan.

Newburyport, MA
Hiding in the train.

Newburyport, MA
Darwin is playing with his frisbee in our room.

Coast of Maine
Beautiful lighthouse in York.

Coast of Maine
Rocky coastline.

Coast of Maine
Cable "cart" from the mainland to the lighthouse.

Coast of Maine
York Beach.

Coast of Maine
Another stop at a beach along the coast.

Coast of Maine
Countryside in Kennebunkport.

Coast of Maine
Village of Kennebunkport.

Coast of Maine
Kennebunkport.

Coast of Maine
Across the bridge is Kennebunk.

Coast of Maine
Let's hope the Harleys read this sign.

Coast of Maine
Cute church on the way out of Kennebunkport.

Coast of Maine
The Bush mansion in Kennebunkport.

Newbury, MA
Going for a walk with the dogs and the kids.

Newbury, MA
Mark loves the Wii game of Lego Star wars, just like the (other) children!

Newbury, CA
Birthday party at Tim and Kristen's house.

Newbury, CA
Birthday boy Randall and his favorite cake.

Newbury, CA
Birthday "girl" Kristen and her cake.

Newbury, CA
With the whole family on the couch.

Newbury, CA
Oliver and Darwin love to snuggle on the couch at night (when they are finally tired).

Newbury, CA
Stan on his 80th birthday party, opening one of his gifts, while Oliver is being curious.

Newbury, CA
Jo, Suzy, Chelsea, Josh and grandma Carol, celebrating with grandpa Stan.

Newbury, CA
The flats of Newbury.

Newbury, CA
Darwin and Oliver driving the back seat on Halloween.

Darwin on Irie
Comfy as always.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Dinghy on the white beach.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
This island recently became a marine park. Anchoring is prohibited, mooring balls mandatory.

Darwin on Irie
In "the hole" buried under the pillows.

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Our friends Sam and Jon on SV Imagine take the lead in August's Carriacou Regatta for cruising yachts.

Imagine of Falmouth
The crew: Mark, Sim, Jon, Sam and Rosie (behind the camera).

Paradise Beach, Carriacou
Start of one of the local races in the Carriacou Regatta.

Paradise Beach, Carriacou
Start of one of the local races in the Carriacou Regatta.

Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Liesbet's new family. Oooops, did nobody tell you?

Breakfast on Irie
Darwin likes Sam's lap.

Breakfast on Irie
A smiley face pancake for Rosie!

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Irie went back to the island with some friends, to watch a day of local races during the Carriacou Regatta.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
One of the Carriacou sloops. Our friend Jim from SV Opus is part of the crew.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Cheering them on!

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Spectacular sight.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Another contestant.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
Time to cool off and see the race from another perspective.

Sandy Island, Carriacou
The local sailboats race through the anchorage to provide a first hand experience...

Sandy Island, Carriacou
The spectator girls: Sam, Rosie and Liesbet.

Back to Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou
Our friends Jon, Sam, Rosie and Sim.

Towards Ronde Island
There is so little wind that Liesbet has to hold out the jib sail between the islands. Next to the islands the only option is motoring.

Ronde Island
Relocation of Darwin and the cushion. Drying off in the sun after a swim.

St. George's, Grenada's capital
Staying in a marina for the first time in three years. Good or bad? Hot! But, convenient and inexpensive during Carnival.

St. George's
View from the grassy field in the marina. You can see the old fort and picturesque waterfront of St. George's in the background.

St. George's
The little beach of the marina, with the busy anchorage (terrible holding) in the background.

St. George's
We saw a bit of the carnival parade on this steamy hot and humid day.

St. George's
Steel pan band.

St. George's
Colorful display.

St. George's
The "Purple Group".

St. George's
Pink outfit.

St. George's
Non-shaded, super hot pool. Looks nice, but is not very refreshing!

St. George's
Sunset from the marina's grassy field.

Jon's Birthday, Prickly Bay
Birthday breakfast on SV Imagine. Here: Mark, Jon, Rosie, Liesbet and Sim.

Jon's Birthday, Prickly Bay
Dinner at the Big Fish: birthday boy and his lovely girlfriend!

Jon's Birthday, Prickly Bay
Rosie and Liesbet after dinner. Dressed up for the occasion!

Jon's Birthday, Prickly Bay
60 years old, Jon!

Jon's Birthday, Prickly Bay
What a nice couple!

Breakfast on Irie, Prickly Bay
Another crowd this time: Dylan, Lori, Kashara and (hidden) David.

Southern Grenada
View from an old hotel in Clarke's Court Bay.

Prickly Bay
Darwin's beach, seen from the road to Clarke's Court Bay.

Classroom Irie
Helping Jennifer with some homeschooling: composition.

Daytrip with Frik
Annandale Falls

Daytrip with Frik
Swimming through Annandale Falls with Darwin.

Daytrip with Frik
Grenada's interior.

Daytrip with Frik
Grand Etang Lake.

Daytrip with Frik
South African lunch at Grand Etang.

Daytrip with Frik
The old airport.

Daytrip with Frik
Driving over the old airstrip, now used for drag races.

Daytrip with Frik
Belmont Estate.

Daytrip with Frik
Here's where they dry the cocoa beans in Belmont Estate (when it is open).

Daytrip with Frik
Part of Belmont Estate.

Daytrip with Frik
Part of Belmont Estate.

Daytrip with Frik
The Grenada Chocolate Factory is located in Belmont Estate.

Daytrip with Frik
Frik, Mark and Darwin are waiting for me.

Daytrip with Frik
The monument at Leaper's Hill, from where the last Carib Indians jumped to their deaths instead of being captured by the French.

Daytrip with Frik
View of Ronde Island from Leaper's Hill. The visibility was perfect!

Daytrip with Frik
Cemetery on Leaper's Hill.

Daytrip with Frik
Levera Beach on the north shore.

Daytrip with Frik
Bathway Beach on the northeast shore of Grenada.

Daytrip with Frik
The other side of Bathway Beach. The rocks create a safe pool to swim.

Daytrip with Frik
Comfy Darwin on the small backseat of Frik's car.

Daytrip with Frik
A beach along the west coast.

Daytrip with Frik
Sign along the west coast.

Daytrip with Frik
Papaya tree and Concord Falls.

Daytrip with Frik
The three of us in front of Concord Falls. The end of a wonderful day.

Prickly Bay
No wind. Super hot. Extremely humid.

On Irie
Playful Darwin and his hamburger (toy).

St. David's Habour
That's where Irie is/was hauled out of the water for three months!

St. David's Habour
Oooops. Stranded when the tide is going out!

On to Mayreau
Approaching Mayreau, with Union Island behind it.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
The quintessential beach with yellow sand and healthy palm trees with much needed shade.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Taking a little break from the sweltering sun.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Tropical beach.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Windward beach looking north.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Windward beach walking south.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Walking to the village along the one, quiet road, with a dog and a curious goat...

The village, Mayreau
Cute church on the top of the hill.

The village, Mayreau
The highest point of the island.

The village, Mayreau
Darwin and the little goats are attracted to each other on the top of the hill. Union Island lies in the background.

The village, Mayreau
Exploring the small, friendly town.

The village, Mayreau
Robert in his funky, popular (but expensive) reggae bar/restaurant "Robert and the Righteous".

The village, Mayreau
Another little local bar in town.

The village, Mayreau
View towards Saline Bay, our next stop. Our friends are already there.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
With the prettiness come the crowds, especially the power boats from Trinidad.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Darwin getting comfy in the cockpit on the way to Saline.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Getting together for a "potluck" on shore with our friends from SV Imagine, SV Alianna and SV Opus. Picnic tables courtesy of the cruise ship company that drops of heaps of passengers during the winter months. Not now. Luckily!

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Dave, aka Woody, needs a new Facebook picture. Let's get creative!

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Sam and Liesbet enjoying a snack.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Preparing the funky "arms move automatically" trick.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Removing the meat out of a fresh coconut. Coconuts are tasty and useful in many ways, but a lot of work!

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Whatever we put in the cockpit (here: dirty laundry) that is soft, Darwin will claim it with his head or body.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Evening gathering on Irie. Whoever has the conch is allowed to speak. Shhhht!

Saline Bay, Mayreau
On the beach.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Wide and quiet beach.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Daily ferry arrives at the town's dock with provisions.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
The beach from Irie.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
The village seen from Irie.

Saline Bay, Mayreau
Tobago Cays seen from the windward beach.

Clifton, Union Island
Approaching Union Island and its capital Clifton, where WiFi is available.

Clifton, Union Island
Walking through town.

Clifton, Union Island
Vegetable stand.

Clifton, Union Island
The anchorage is surrounded by reefs and small islands. The Tobago Cays are seen in the distance.

Clifton, Union Island
Happy Island, built by Janti on the reef with old conch shells.

Clifton, Union Island
Janti on his Happy Island. He runs a bar/restaurant here and also lives on his self contained/acclaimed piece of "land".

Clifton, Union Island
Shallow parts and reef make anchoring a bit tricky.

Tobago Cays
Jamesby, the island closest to Irie's anchoring spot.

Tobago Cays
The eastern beach of Petit Bateau.

Tobago Cays
The eastern beach of Petit Bateau, where a trail runs up the hill.

Tobago Cays
Cooling off at Petit Bateau with Irie in the background.

Tobago Cays
Darwin, the coconut fetcher of Petit Bateau.

Tobago Cays
View over the most popular anchorage in the cays from the hill on Petit Bateau.

Tobago Cays
View over Irie, all by herself, from the hill on Petit Bateau. The lighter blue is shallower water over sand and behind it is the horseshoe reef protecting these islands and all the anchored boats from the ocean swell.

Tobago Cays
The western beach of Petit Bateau.

Tobago Cays
Mark cools off and avoids the many bugs by swinging.

Tobago Cays
Walking over the western beach of Petit Bateau.

Tobago Cays
Ready to climb the hill on Jamesby.

Tobago Cays
On the hill. Darwin looks for lizards.

Tobago Cays
Petit Bateau seen from the hill on Jamesby.

Tobago Cays
View towards Carriacou.

Tobago Cays
On the top of Jamesby with Irie, the reef and Petit Tabac in the background.

Tobago Cays
On the Jamesby beach.

Tobago Cays
Petit Tabac, the fifth and least visited island of the Tobago Cays.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Back in Salt Whistle, where it is a bit quieter now. Preparing callaloo, a local vegetable (leaf), for dinner.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
One wonderful sunset!

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Playing with Darwin. Irie's bum towards the beach...

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
It's a bit shallow... but we can walk to the beach from our back step (while testing Darwin's life jacket)!

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Yep, Irie is a bit close to the beach, because of a very weird wind pattern (= lack of wind).

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Evening light with Canouan in the distance.

Petit Byahaut, St. Vincent
Irie as the only boat in this tropical, peaceful, "find" of an anchorage.

Petit Byahaut, St. Vincent
Going for a dinghy ride with a wet (it's very hot during the day, every day!) Darwin.

Petit Byahaut, St. Vincent
Just around the corner is a very picturesque spot.

Byahaut Bay, St. Vincent
Exploring by dinghy.

Young Island Cut, St. Vincent
A quick stop in this area (vet inspects and allows Darwin in) and we are on our way to The Grenadines!

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Local gathering place near the market.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Wandering through town with Darwin and Mark.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Bay in front of town (Port Elizabeth).

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Beach in front of Port Elizabeth.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Local folklore.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Fancy hotel/restaurant along the sidewalk near the water's edge.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Walking back towards our dinghy along the winding sidewalk.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Princess Margaret Beach (where we are anchored).

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Princess Margaret Beach.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Surprise rain shower during our picnic and cocktails on the beach.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Who has the longest tongue?

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Meeting Sally the interesting and friendly editor of Caribbean Compass, the Caribbean's best and most popular magazine.

Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Going out for drinks in the New York Bar in town.

Petit Nevis
This small island south of Bequia has ruins of an abandoned whaling station.

Petit Nevis
The windward beach with pretty surroundings.

Petit Nevis
Looking from one side of the island to the other.

Petit Nevis
Western shore.

Petit Nevis
Inland trail.

Petit Nevis
View from Irie in the anchorage.

Canouan
Fried plantains flambeed with coconut rum and then sprinkled with freshly grated coconut!

Canouan
Town.

Canouan
Grazing goats on the school's football field.

Canouan
View from the upper part of town.

Canouan
Tortoise along our morning walk to the windward side of the island.

Canouan
Twin Bay, southern side.

Canouan
Twin Bay, northern side.

Canouan
Bus in town.

Canouan
Police station.

Canouan
Hotel beach in the bay.

Canouan
A row of catamarans for charter. Irie is the last one, much smaller than most.