Trinidad

Arriving in Trinidad marks a pivotal point in our journey. In general, the sailing aspect is complete since there are no more ocean crossings. Up the chain of islands, the longest sails can be done in a weekend. It remains nothing to underestimate, but fewer people “disappear” at sea as most find themselves getting lost on the islands.

The Caribbean is the endgame for the Broken Compass. Following one last season touring the islands, she will be auctioned to the highest bidder. The transition to life on land has already commenced. The world traveling dog completed her circumnavigation and arrived back in the United States escorted by Bret via American Airlines. Prior to their departure, we celebrated with friends at a beach house on a more remote island of Trinidad. The human folk engaged in an activity called liming. Liming is an international pass-time in Trinidad. When I say pass-time that is pretty much all it is. This activity simply requires good people and is typically accompanied by alcoholic beverages. Makai enjoyed the land time chasing ponies and procuring the neighbor's pet rooster for dinner. I am a little worried she will never properly adjust to a civilized world back in the states. Fresh snow may be the only substitute she will tolerate after island life.

Broken Compass was hauled out of the water and gently placed on land. She looks a little awkward there however she demands some love before her Caribbean leg. The wear and tear of 3 years and just as many major ocean crossings roughed her up around the edges. She is showing signs of age that may accompany any adventurous soul who survived life into her late 30’s.

Current life in Trinidad consists of epoxy, sand paper and paint. Dodging local workers who are looking for work a full-time job in itself. The average worker begins his day with a beer in place of a coffee. Most of the guys in the yard smoke cigarettes. These are not the normal ones you may find in the store. They extend each cigarette with rolling papers and a local plant that has a strange calming effect on them. Theft insurance is purchased with an occasional coffee and a few minutes of conversation.

The eclectic group of yachties are simply enjoyable. Everyone carries an interesting and unique story hidden somewhere below deck. I will spend the next couple weeks continuing to beautify Broken Compass and make the necessary provisions for our finale: An Epic Caribbean Bash. The rum run begins in October and lasts through March. At that point, Broken Compass is on the Market and a new life begins. Bret is already attempting to acclimate in real world and will help my father at the family business. He will be back for the party, but wish him and Makai luck acclimating back into society in the meantime.