10:40.55N  61:38.10W

Trinidad -  August 2011

We motored into Trinidad at 08h00 in the morning. We were able to tie up to customs dock and within half an hour were checked in at all the authorities.

We decided to take 2 nights on the Crews Inn marina to find our way around. Crews in is very smart with excellent security. We spent the rest of the day in maxi-taxies (mini busses like the SA  ones driven about the same J ) doing the rounds of all the marinas to decide where we wanted to be lifted out. We finally decided on Peake Yacht Services. They were very professional and super efficient.

In the evening we took advantage of the Crews Inn swimming pool and chilled as the sun set. Our timing was perfect in that our gas onboard ran out as we were making morning coffee on the day we arrived. So it was forced dinner out evening and we made our way across to Coral Cove marina to the coffee shop, they had free wifi and good food. The internet here is not great, at Peake, where we are now, the speed often goes down to only 1mb per second. L

On Saturday the 14^th we moved the boat across to Peake and moored stern to on their walk-on. Its pleasant and clean and the staff are very helpful. The chore list was reduced in time for lift out on Tuesday morning. We decided not to put her in the extra high security area as friends who have used them for 5 years and had no problems.

The lift was uneventful, what professionalism shown by all staff. We continue to be amazed. They arrive on time do what they promised and then still more if required.

We had found a nice spot the day before next to a huge tree, so we get morning sun and still can watch and hear the birds in the evening and morning. I will be comfortable being here alone while waiting for Andre to get back.

We fly to Canada on Monday and are there together for 8 weeks (he is working, I will keep myself busy) Then I fly back mid October and he follows me mid November. A few jobs we have scheduled on the boat for when he gets back then back into the water and continue on our way. Most likely to Tobago first! But we will see.

Trinidad is so easy having no language problem. It defiantly has a touch of Africa, we feel very at home. J One thing I have found here that I certainly didn’t miss in Brazil; every second monkey that drives, walks, rides by has to khiss-khiss or smacking lips or whistle or make suggestive comments. In those cases I don’t speak English and am deaf and dumb lol. In Brazil I could greet and chat to anyone without them acting like I was propositioning them. I am finding I have to go back to being careful instead of my “normal” self, greeting and chatting to everyone.

We fly out to Canada in a few days as Andre has to go and work. More news from there till we return.

Arriving in Trinidad hoisting the courtesy flags:

The channel towards Chagauramas

Immigration house.

Crews Inn Marina

Brown Pelican

My sexy Captain.

Customs House and Lighthouse restaurant.

The Lift out

Up she goes

Scrubbed clean

Onto the trailor

Into her new home for 3 months