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Larry's LogOnce we were at the mooring, Diane got her stuff together to go to shore and I stayed on the boat. I didn't trust the mooring and although it wasn't windy, if it dragged or let go, we would be in deep trouble. I also didn't like the fact that it was right next to a floating wreck, listing to one side. If the wreck's lines parted, we would also be in deep trouble. Since we planned to be there for just a short time, it wasn't a hardship for me to stay. Diane went to shore, cleared out with customs and immigration with no problem, did her shopping and came back to the boat. After eating a quick lunch she had bought on shore, we released the mooring and motored the 2 miles to Chatham Bay on the west side of Union Island. Once past the southern end of Union, we saw a large bay surrounded by a nice beach and steep hills. We then saw the other boats anchored in the northern corner of the bay and that's where we headed. As we got closer, we waved to Kristali and anchored. They told us that the anchorage was a bit tricky since the bottom was rock in many places and the wind tended to howl down the slopes. Boats also were moving all around their anchors. We would have to be careful and check the anchor. Once the anchor was set, Connie and Steve came over to let us know that there was a party on the beach at around 4:30. OK, we'll be there. They were going to try snorkeling to see the manta rays we had heard were here. We said we would join them shortly. When we travel short distances, we tow the dinghy but always raise the engine onto the stern rail. That way, if the dinghy does flip over from a wave, at least the engine doesn't get damaged. I keep 2 lines on the inflatable when we tow it, the normal painter line and a special towing bridle that takes the load. The painter is tied on also in case the bridle breaks. When we were ready to go snorkeling, I loosened the bridle and let it drop in the water. I then passed the painter around to the other side of the boat so we could enter the dinghy (it's towed on the other side so engine exhaust water doesn't get inside). Well, I suppose I shouldn't mention this, but I accidentally dropped the painter also and the dinghy started to float off. Fortunately, it wasn't to windy and since Diane was waiting to get in the boat, she jumped in to swim after it; she's a good swimmer luckily. She got it and swam back and handed me the painter. We then got in the dinghy, loaded on the engine and went snorkeling. When we got over to where Connie and Steve were, they were already coming back and said it was a disappointment, very few fish and mostly dead and broken coral. Oh well. We went back to the boat, went in the water to check the anchor (it was set well), I cleaned what I could of the anchor chain (it had gotten a lot of growth on it), washed up and went to the party. We met several new cruisers there and had a very nice time. We talked about future plans, both for tomorrow, whether we would go to Carriacou, and long term, like going to Venezuela or not. An enjoyable evening, and when we went back to the boat, we watched a video, "Wind", about a fictional campaign for the America's Cup. Any sailor would love it, just for the photography! The next morning, we actually did go to Carriacou. We left around 9:30 and got to Hillsborough on Carriacou at about 11am, since it was only 6 miles. Kristali was kind enough to pick me up and bring me into the dock so I could clear in. That way I wouldn't have to leave the dinghy there or bring Diane in to drop me off. After a painless clearing in process (they did want 4 copies of the crew list though) I went to get some necessities (rum) and Kristali dropped me off back at Destiny. Thanks again guys. Welcome to Grenada. |