Grenada: Island Life, It’s the Simple Things!

We have been living in Grenada for a little over a month after arriving on June 8, 2022. Today Ben mentioned that during this time he had learned his way around as he negotiated the roads and the many traffic circles much like a local.  In addition, we had become acquainted with where to shop for necessities and how to complete chores such as laundry. We were settling into a daily routine.

The Reveal!

Those of you who have been on this journey with us since the inception know that I have never liked the cushions on our boat, inside or out. However, there had been nothing I could do about it because there were so many other boat projects that took precedents on our limited budget. Finally, though we had reached a point where we needed to address the issue because our helms stations were falling apart. They were literally held on by a thread (and not very good thread, at that).

In addition, the cushion material was scratchy and a weird color!  At last it was time to at least replace/recover the cockpit cushions and helm stations.

While we had saved enough money to start the task, the few folks we had contacted in Florida about this job either didn’t have the time or the material. Thus, we had put the project on hold until we reached Grenada. We were hoping that since we would be on island for a few months, we could find someone who had both the time and the materials available.

Upon arrival in Grenada, we contacted Clarke’s Upholstery right away, and he was “johnny on the spot.” We learned that not only could he tackle the cockpit cushions, he also could recover the saloon cushions as well as make dinghy chaps! Plus, he would complete the job quickly and at half the price (or better) than we could have had it done in the states!! Wow so excited!

My friend in Houston, Deb, had made these wonderful slip covers for the saloon cushions before we left Texas, to help with the “ick factor” as she and I called it! They had worked beautifully, but we both knew that it was only a temporary solution because the stretch denim we used was not going to hold up for too long in the harsh boat environment of humidity, salt water and sun!

Clarke got to work right away on our outside projects while carting us around town to look for material for the interior cushions. Upholstery material was limited on the island so finding the right material was difficult. However, we finally found something that we thought would work!

He first completed our sharp looking dinghy chaps. We really loved the pop of red color with the navy. We should spot our dinghy quickly at the dinghy dock! Plus, the chaps would protect our dinghy from the sun so that it would last longer.

Then he installed our cockpit cushions along with the helm stations and we couldn’t be happier. The navy Sunbrella matched our sunshades and stack pack and would endure for many years to come! The cushions looked so nice and fresh, and we finally had back cushions all the way around which would be much more comfortable. We planned to use the foam we bought in Florida, but since we had cut it and it didn’t fit perfect, Clarke insisted on new foam so that everything would be just right! We were so glad he did!

After finally identifying a suitable upholstery material for the interior of the boat, Clarke went to work recovering the saloon cushions. I think he did a beautiful job—don’t you?

He even transformed the stool, that I almost forgot about!

Next, we persuaded him to replace the weathered, “butt splintering” princess chairs on the bow of the boat.

He had starboard cut to fit, and then made a super comfortable cushion to strap on top of it. It looked so much nicer and was definitely more comfy. It would be a perfect place to watch the dolphins play or look out for dreaded crab balls.

Now he was making a few adjustments on our stack pack as well as reinforcing some areas where the lines were causing some chafe. Wow what wonderful surprise to finally get these tasks completed all at once. I never dreamed it would happen this fast and at one time. I am ecstatic! Sometimes the simplest of changes could brighten the mood every time I stepped on the boat!

Daily Walks

Since we will be living on the island for several months, it was time to develop an exercise routine. What better way to do this than to hook up with some fellow cruisers who walk their dog everyday?

I now arise, don my tennis shoes, and hike up the hill by the marina each morning. It is a strenuous hike, and the humidity makes me a sweaty mess, but having someone to walk and visit with makes me forget the unpleasantness. In addition, playing with Crew, the cutest dog, adds joy to the workout.

As we reach the top of the hill, we are blasted with wonderful cool sea breezes while Crew chases his ball. Plus, the view is spectacular of the town of St. George, the Caribbean Sea, the marina, and the mountains with beautiful foliage surrounding us. What a wonderful way to start the day. A simple pleasure!

Other simple joys!

While we spend time working on the never-ending list of boat projects, all work and no play makes for grumpy sailors. So at least once or twice a week, we journey out to explore this island of splendor and to learn about the Grenadian culture.

We have checked out a few of the beaches. It is always joyous for me to watch the waves lap the shore as tourist and locals, alike, frolic on the beach.

We also are trying out some of the island eateries. Instead of a food truck park, there is a Container Park with multiple food options. On our first visit, we settled on hamburger and fries.

We are also learning about the island’s culture of Carnival, which is currently underway, and will culminate in Aug. We have a prime location to watch the many festivities as revelers will march up and down Lagoon Street which is adjacent to the marina. The other night we heard the band competition from across the harbor and were entertained by the fireworks show as a precursor to what is to come.

Continue to monitor the Daggers Down posts and emails to experience all that is Carnival in Grenada!

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Thanks again for following along with us as there is so much more to see and do here in Grenada like participating in a Hash on Saturday!