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.
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.
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.
