Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Hurricane Emily

Tropical Storm Emily passed by Trinidad around 50 miles to the north, becoming a Hurricane as it did so. We've been watching Emily for several days now. The weather forecasters have been forecasting that she would turn to the northwest, but she has other ideas and has continued west; a rogue just like Ivan last year that whacked Grenada.

Ginger moved into the Coral Cove Hotel, as a precaution, after double tying all lines and removing the bimini and other windage.

There was a lot of rain and wind overnight but Dos Gatos came through it undamaged.

Monday, July 04, 2005

Martin leaves for California

Martin has flown out of Trinidad and Tobago, back to California. Surprisingly, the best flight deal was on July 4th. While in California he will get our dive and underwater photography gear serviced and catch up with his offspring.

Ginger is all alone with Tigger in Coral Cove Marina.

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Leatherback Turtles

Last night we went on a trip organized by Jesse James (Members Only taxi service) to see the leatherback turtles nesting.

The beach we visited (Matura Beach) is way over on the east side of Trinidad. The local volunteers (Nature Seekers) are very well organized in their turtle protection and research patrols. Access to the beach during nesting season is very closely controllled; we had to be accompanied by a guide.

We could not use lights or cameras until the turtle was actually laying - then they apparently go into a trance. She didn't notice being hoisted up for a weighing.

Leatherback turtles are wonderful creatures.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Chaguaramas

Dos Gatos is in Coral Cove Marina for the hurricane season. Coral Cove is in Chaguaramas Bay near the northwest point of Trinidad. We've chosen Trinidad and Tobago because it is south of the major hurricane belt, and more particularly, south out of the Caribbean 'Box' defined by our insurance company.

We don't usually stay in marinas, but in this case it allows us to get shore power to run air conditioning, and lets us fly home (by turns) leaving just one person to take care of the boat.