Daggers Down, Ben and Cuz John arrived in Grenada June 13, 2023. They had a marvelous 3-week sail from St. Lucia through the Grenadines to Grenada. I, on the other hand, had a two-month land hiatus while I recuperated from arthroscopic knee surgery. Boo Hiss!
I finally arrived in Grenada shortly after July 4! Yay, I was back on the boat with hubby. He used the length of his facial hair to judge how long I had been gone!
Although Ben expanded his limited cooking skills while I was away, he was happy to turn the kitchen back over to me. He learned to make sausage sheet pan meals and cherry cheesecake. He even took a cheesecake over to some friends when they cooked him dinner. Way to go Ben!
Back in Grenada for 6 months—Hurricane Season
Some people may wonder why in the world we would want to hang out another 6 months in Grenada where we had spent so much time last hurricane season. However, for me it was no different than people going home every night to a set location. We liked Grenada. The people were welcoming and friendly; the island was safe; and we knew our way around. It was extremely comfortable. Our boat was our home, and we enjoyed living wherever we land! We currently wake up every morning to this beautiful sight. What more can you ask for?
Boat Projects
We quickly started this season getting some boat projects done. We had a shade cover made for the bow of the boat to keep the boat cooler. Since electricity was expensive on the islands, we only ran the AC a few hours a day. Thus, anything that helped to beat the heat and humidity was welcomed.
We also had a nice new insulated cover made for our Whynter Portable Refrigerator/Freezer. It looked super nice and assisted with the condensation created by the freezer and humidity.
Now on to the Fun!!
This year has been loads of fun as we have become acquainted with new cruisers and reacquainted with old friends from last year!
Exercise
Upon arrival, we quickly returned to our morning walks up the hill. As it was extremely hot here this year, our walks were earlier at 7:30, much to my chagrin. I am not a morning person but making myself arise for this social/exercise hour was worth it on so many levels. First of all the hike was beautiful!
Secondly, the walk was somewhat challenging as we traversed three switchbacks to arrive at the top. So it was a good cardio, weight bearing exercise among the lush beauty of the island.
In addition, the scenery at the top of the hill afforded views of which I never tire.
Once we reached the pavilion at the top, it was social time. We sat and planned our next excursion, and of course tried to wear out Black River’s dog, Crew by throwing the ball or frisbee.
The return trip down the hill was just as gorgeous. At times I even felt like I was in a Mary Poppins movie, because butterflies flitted around with every step I took. It was magical.
Exploring
Our fun continued as we gathered friends and went exploring. No matter which direction we traveled, the scenery was spectacular. Since Katie and Joe from SV Inca Cross were new to Grenada this year, we took them to our favorite waterfall, Concord. The drive to the falls was mesmerizing with beach views on one side and verdant vegetation on the other. The lower waterfall was right by the road affording easy access to the cool refreshing swimming hole under the waterfall. It was a wonderful place to hang out with friends and have a picnic.
On another day, Ben and I decided to check out the French butcher shop, Le Boucher. We bought a baguette, cheese and salami. Then Ben found the perfect lunch spot for a spur of the moment picnic. Beauty was everywhere!
We also explored the north side of island with three other couples. We drove up to beautiful Bathway Beach, Lavera National Park and finally stopped for lunch and a swim at Petite Anse Hotel and Restaurant. The dip in the pool felt wonderful after walking on the beaches in the sweltering heat!
Socializing with Fellow Cruisers
We were bummed this year to learn that construction had started around the marina and the pool was removed. Previously, the pool was where the cruiser went in the afternoon to cool off and congregate. Thus, this year we were having to make our own fun, and find different ways to meet each other.
SV Unleashed with Rich and Tracy started us off with a happy hour on their boat. The food was wonderful, but the highlight was making new friends.
Then Karyn from SV Snoopin’ Around organized a weekly sunset dinghy drift out in the bay. It was another fun way to meet people while we snacked on homemade goodies and watched the sun set behind the clouds.
Then a group of us headed up into the mountains for some of the best pizza anywhere, Nat’s Pizza. This unique venue had a set menu of interesting pizza choices, but you had to bring your own drinks and plates. The setting was outdoors with various bench seating and homemade tables. The pizza was great, but the experience with friends was not to be missed.
SV Daggers Down set up a Taco Tuesday Happy Hour which turned out to be quite fun. The group of cruisers who attended enjoyed chatting with one another while snacking on tacos and other delectables that everyone had brought. The pina colados, strawberry margaritas and sangria added to the festivities.
In addition, we have experienced more intimate dinners with friends such as we had fish taco night with SV Black River, Amy, Doug and Crew and Puerto Rico night on SV Skoolz Out with Tony and Kathy as well as Karyn and Ken.
And of course, we try to get our puppy love fix by kidnapping Crew from SV Black River whenever possible.
Thus staying in Grenada is much like living at a land based home. We take care of mundane things like going to the grocery store, dentist and fixing things on the boat. Yet, our home setting is surrounded by beauty and our cruiser neighbors are helpful, fun and interesting people. We try to mingle whenever possible and create an environment where the fun never ends.
And Then….
There is Carnival….starts tomorrow morning early…we will be on the streets by 0500 playing Jab Jab with the rest of the Carnival goers. Stay tuned!!
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Omg! No more pool? I hope this is just temporary during construction? That was my favorite party of the marina🥹. Good job keeping cool!
I think Silver Sands is putting in a day spa that will have a pool, but it will probably not be in our budget for daily use. So yes, its been quite the bummer. I may start going to the little beach at the end of the walk instead. We have started having dinghy drifts and happy hours to meet people now, but boy do I miss the pool!