Trinidad: August 29-September 10, 2007

Click on the above thumbnail for a map during this time period

We made it to our southern destination for 2007.  We were reluctant to come to Trinidad, but have been more impressed with the place than we expected.  There are so many boating stores and services available that we find it amazing after the short supply of either in the some of the other Caribbean islands.  We are staying at the Crews Inn Hotel and Marina which is a very nice place.  A newspaper is delivered to the boat each morning, we have the 60 cycle electric power so we can run our air conditioner, and the water is free (which is almost unheard of in the Caribbean), there is a pool, an exercise room and  room service is available to us while we are here.  We feel that we are in the lap of luxury.  The downside to being here is the nasty water.  We had heard it was "dirty" but it is worse than that.  There is an astounding amount of garbage floating in the water -- especially after a heavy rain and high tide.  There are two guys working at our marina whose job it is to spend the day fishing the trash out with nets.  I expect this part of the island is worse than others since it is so close to the big city of Port of Spain.  We were also warned that it is very hot in Trinidad since thisland is so large and the western part does not get the cooling easterly trade winds.  But after living in Savannah, GA for 30 years, we don't find Trinidad to be much different.  It doesn't seem to get above 90 degrees and there is a brief rain shower on most afternoons.

We are involved in numerous projects on the boat: replacing the relay on the bow thrusters, getting our spare propeller fixed, waxing the boat, getting a cover made for the dinghy, replacing a control for one of the air conditioners,  getting the bottom painted, etc.  We have not had time to explore the island or see much of anything, since we are shortly leaving to go back to the States to visit family.  When we return we hope to set aside time to see the sights. 

We are treated to the sight of  bright green parrots each evening, flying back and forth over the marina between the hills to the north and the hills to the south.  They are in large flocks, but are obviously paired.  They squawk loudly as they fly, perhaps to maintain their pairings. Or maybe the female is scolding the male about his many shortcomings.  They are incredibly raucous but fun to watch.

Below is a summary of our trip from Lake Worth, Florida to Trinidad:

Also, the route we took: