We're Back...

Current Location: Ebley, Gloucestershire, UK

Well, not exactly back in Grenada but this time next week Gill at least will be. With a bit of luck I will be too but before that I have a 24 hour trip from Gatwick via Toronto (yes, that really is Toronto in Canada) and Trinidad.

That all assumes though that the Windward Islands are still standing! At present there is a nasty low / tropical storm / hurricane developing off to the east of the southern Caribbean islands - just where we are...

Today's map from the National Hurricane Center

The internet is a-buzz with predictions as to how this thing is going to develop and where it might make landfall. Will it turn north, will it fizzle out or will it develop into a full blown hurricane like Hurricane Ivan that hit Grenada in 2004. The truth is that no-one really knows and even the experts can't make up their mind. The next three days are likely to provide the answer.

Aftermath of Hurricane Ivan 2004

Meanwhile, back on the islands our friends are making their way into the mangroves, laying additional anchors and removing the few things still outside that might increase windage. And they are looking at the neighbouring boats because more damage is done by other peoples' boats sweeping through the anchorage than by the wind itself. We are especially concerned for Jen up in Martinique with only her dog as crew. Stay safe guys.

Hopefully though this will just be another of those false alarms and forgotten in a week or two. Petronella is still on the hard and looks safe enough and well tied down according to Jack on Carpe Diem (thanks Jack). All people can do now is wait and see.


So, after a couple of months back here in the UK we're down to the final preparations for our return. Bits ordered. Bits arrived for delivery to friends in the islands. The last few jobs all squeezed into the remaining hours. It's going to be another bitty season I predict. We have promised to return to the UK for Christmas so we will try to get up to Martinique by then. My particular aim this season is to improve my fishing skills. To that end tackle shops around Europe are now devoid of lures, hooks and line. Watch this space.