Back to Basics Cruising
Filed Under Cruising, Sailing | 1 Comment
Whenever the subject of taking a cruise comes up, there’s an instant dilemma for me. The majority, including my better half, seem to gravitate toward those large cruise ships that carry a gazillion passengers while I’m thinking tall ships, and windjammers.
No doubt one reason is that a sailing cruise hints at more excitement and perhaps tall sails adventure like ocean travel was a couple hundred years ago, whereas the floating hotels just don’t do it for me. I mean the big cruise ships are nice enough, but I want something I can feel working in sync with the ocean.
One of my all-time favorite movies is “Master and Commander” at the very beginning when it opens with a nighttime, below decks scene where all you hear is the water and the creaking of the wooden hull working against it. Makes you feel like you’re really there.
And no, my preference to participate in working the ship as part of the crew doesn’t help win anyone over to my side either. Some folks don’t think that sounds like much of a vacation, whereas I see it as a super way to clear my head and unwind.
Anyway, the dilemma will likely continue with the end result being the compromise of taking turns so each gets their preference. The good news is I do believe we’ve at least agreed on smaller ships as opposed to the mega-carriers.
Crew On a Sailing Yacht and Travel Free
Filed Under Budget Travel, Sailing | 1 Comment
If you’ve a taste for travel and for sailing but don’t have a boat, not to worry, there are still ways to get on one and sail almost any part of the world you fancy. And you don’t even have to be an old salt – several captains are just looking for another hand to help with basics.
If fact, as long as you’re in reasonably good shape and willing to learn, there are any number of boats you’ll be welcome on. And if you’ve got some good skills and experience, so much the better. That gives you even more choices.
My first experience joining a crew happened after talking with a friend and hearing he was heading off to race sailing yachts for a week in the Caribbean. Of course my immediate response was envy, followed quickly by a question – does the skipper need an extra hand?
Now the boat in question was a fairly new 42’ Dufour, and my experience up til that time was just small stuff like Hobie’s, plus it had been a while. Anyway my friend said he’d check to see if a grunt was needed and lucky for me, they were short one man.
All I had to do was get myself to the island and the rest was covered. During the week when not racing, was diving, sightseeing and fun. Most of the crew slept on board and I had one of the four cabins. Food was also provided and the only money I spent that week was the odd drink or meal ashore. Admittedly, not sharing in the cost of food is unusual, but there was a sponsor involved.
Anyway, that’s what got me hooked on sailing bigger boats. Point is, anyone can. Even if you don’t have friends that sail, there are ways to get on. If close to the marinas and anchorages you wish to sail from, post your availability. Otherwise, the internet can be useful – just do a search on “crew wanted for sailing” and start investigating. A couple useful sites are floatplan.com and cruiser.co.za.
You’re going to find boats and skippers looking for a willing crew for anywhere from a few days to several months. One key to getting chosen is being ready to go when the boat is. Often it’s a last minute need, because someone pulled out.
When making a decision on joining a crew, take the time to ensure you understand all arrangements and that you and the captain have the same understanding. The above sites also have info on what to expect in terms of “free cruising”.
The cost should be no more than your share of food and personal expenses. Anything beyond that like fuel, moorings, etc, means it’s a commercial enterprise. Also be aware that there are folks out there looking not so much for help on their boat as help supporting their cruising lifestyle. A good deal for them and maybe for others, but not what we’re looking for.
That being said, what’s stopping you?
Grenada Sailing Festival
– Pure Sail, Pure Spice
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Grenada is always a premier island vacation destination, but sailors find it even more compelling for its consistent winds. And for those enjoying the thrill of racing, the best time to visit is during the last week of January because that’s the time of the Grenada Sailing Festival.
Known as one of the islands most popular events, the festival, which was first held in January 1994, attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. It features several days of races and regattas, as well as a day-long craft market and street festival. Over the years, the event has helped put Grenada on the world map for international sailing in the Caribbean.
The Grenada Sailing Festival is run in association with the Grenada Board of Tourism and supported by many sponsors. It lasts for four days and each year organizers report seeing ever stronger and more competitive fleets and record numbers of yachts and participants.
The yachts race in several different classes including J24s, racing, cruising, charter and multihull, and the challenging ocean racing is overseen by a team of internationally accredited judges and officials. The sight is spectacular each morning as the yachts maneuver for positions at the starting line, and even more so during the races themselves.
Along with Grenada’s own home-grown talent and local crews, the festival attracts some of the best names in Caribbean racing from neighbouring Trinidad, as well as Barbados and Antigua. You’ll also see a great mix of other nationalities, including skippers and crews from the UK, Ireland, USA, France, Netherlands, Holland, New Zealand, South Africa and more.
Hiking at Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains
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While there is certainly no shortage of trails and such for hiking & climbing, in and around the smoky mountains, there are some that stand out mostly because they combine so many of the features lots of us are looking for.
This is the case for “Chimney Tops” in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These nearly 5000 foot twin peaks are more or less in the center of the park, reachable by Newfound Gap Road, the one main road that crosses from Gatlinburg to Cherokee over on the North Carolina side.
The hike to the top and back is four miles, and requires about three to four hours. In terms of being strenuous, it would fall somewhere on the middle of the scale. The vertical rise is about 1700 feet, with the last 100 feet or so requiring a climb up a rock face of 60 plus degrees.
But that climb is worth the spectacular views from the top. Actually the last portion of the trail runs along the ridge line where you are looking down on both sides, and the views even on the lower part of the final ascent are great – so don’t worry if you choose not to make all of that last climb.
The trail itself runs along lots of cascading whitewater and falls – in fact there is often water running down the rocky trail. The vertical rise over only a couple miles make this hike a fair challenge, but one that can be done in just a half-day. At the lower end there are bridges crossing the rushing water, and also excellent swimming in the river below the falls.
The first half of the trail is the easiest. It’s the second half where the incline increases significantly, and more attention is required navigating the loose rocks that are quite slippery when wet. At the end of the trail are several yards of gnarled tree roots to clamber over to reach the last obstacle – the rock face itself.
To reach the very top, you need to be comfortable with heights as it’s a steep climb with nothing to break a fall. In fact there is a picture on a sign at the start of the trail pointing out that to get the full panoramic view, one needs to climb this rocky incline, which can be quite hazardous, especially when wet.
This is a popular trail, so if your visit is during the busy summer months, getting an early start is mandatory if you want a parking spot anywhere close to the trailhead. Another option that worked for us though was getting a late start – actually mid-afternoon when we got a close-in space vacated by earlier hikers.
The Best Eating On North Caicos Island
Filed Under Caribbean, Islands, Reviews | 1 Comment
Whenever traveling, I like to find those out-of-the-way places to eat. You know, the ones where the locals go to get a great meal for a fair price. Often these eateries don’t look like much, and usually take extra effort to get to, or even find, but man are they worth they effort.
The best way to locate one is to ask around. Check with the locals, make use of travel sites on the internet, and ask other visitors. Folks are usually not shy about telling what they think.
Also, keep your ears open. We learned about a place called Franks from overhearing the conversation between a couple folks who were annual visitors to these islands. They were happy to share their discovery, and provided details for finding it, without which we probably never would.
First you have to leave Provo and get over to North Caicos where the pace slows way down. Take the ferry and arrange to have a rental car waiting when you arrive. Note there is no office, over there – just the car and a friendly guy to take your money and answer questions. He may even need you to drop him off at his place on your way out.
While Franks is just off the main road, and has the remnant of a sign partially hidden by some trees, it is definitely easy to miss if you don’t know when to start looking. We passed it a few times each way. The turn off is more of a wash than a road, where the car bottoms out in the potholes.
But once you drive up it a couple hundred yards, you’ll see the house. Yep, it’s a house with the restaurant in front, and a small bar off the main room. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the kids playing outside just reinforced the slower pace here. We later learned they were actually Franks grandkids.
We arrived around lunch time, and aside from a couple guys coming in for to go orders, we were the only sit-down customers. At that time Frank wasn’t there, but his daughter was. Friendly and gracious, she took our order and prepared a great meal of fish, conch fritters, and veggies. We also got a chance to visit briefly with her afterwards.
Bottom line is that our meal at Franks was our favorite during our trip to these islands. It takes some effort to find, but the search is worth it because the food is great and the prices extremely reasonable – which is saying a lot, since most everything tends be pricey in these islands.
Experience a Taste of Cuba
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Cuba is a tropical paradise, rich in history and culture. Famous for its cigars and traditional foods, the top five tours in Cuba center around its greatest assets.
A tour of Cuba’s best dive sites will include Maria la Gorda. This dive features 18th century shipwrecks, black coral walls and several cave dives. Cayo Levisa is located about one hour north of Havana and it is famous for its sponges and large tropical fish. East of the Bay of Pigs is the Playa Giron dive site, excellent for beginners but sought after by experts for its sheer drop off and deep caves.
Among the hundreds of bird species that visit Cuba, there are twenty-one that are endemic to Cuba. During the breeding and migration seasons, the avian population of Cuba swells and the bird watching is excellent. Tours led by experienced naturalists make for a truly memorable experience. Wildlife is diverse and abundant in the forests and wetlands of the area, and the stunning landscape is unspoiled.
Cuba is famous for its cigars, and tours are available of tobacco farms and cigar manufacturing facilities. Enjoy a locally grown and rolled Habano on your tour.
Cuban food is spicy and delicious. Drawing on Spanish, Caribbean and African spices and techniques, a true Cuban tour would not be complete without experiencing the authentic cuisines of the island.
The history of Cuba is colorful and rich. Havana, the main city on the island as well as the capital, is home to many historic buildings and museums. Music, food and walking tours highlight the “old city” tours.
Tourism in Cuba continues to grow. Beautiful, historic and culturally exciting, Cuba is an excellent destination for travelers.
Finding a Touch of Tuscany in Texas
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When most folks think of Texas, they picture wide flat plains and a dry desert-like climate. But there’s much more when looking to the east and southern part of the Lone Star State.
A New York Times article makes the following observation:
“Who needs Europe? The Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, might be the next best thing to crossing the Atlantic. The region is lush, colorful and, unlike much of the pancake-flat state, dotted with beautiful green hills that are evocative of Tuscany or the south of France. Moreover, the region is speckled with 22 wineries (www.texaswinetrail.com) that buzz with food and music festivals year round. And towns like Fredericksburg offer a taste of the Old World, with German-style biergartens and schnitzelhäuser.”
Wine? Yes, wine! The area is also home to serious wine country and wineries that produce award-winning bottles on a par with the best in the world. According to Orbitz, the Texas Hill Country is the “2nd fastest-growing destination for wine and culinary enthusiasts”.
Lush, green hills & valleys with vibrant wild flowers, along with abundant water in the form of “white-water” rivers & relaxing lakes, combined with “no crowds” make the Texas Hill Country a “must see” place to visit, or maybe even to settle down.
Location, Location, Location – The Mayan’s Had It All Figured Out
Filed Under Adventure, Beaches, Central America | 1 Comment
Known as the three most important things in real estate, location, location, location, was obviously something the Mayan Indians had taken to heart hundreds of years ago.
I mean just look at some of the gorgeous locations they chose to build at. White sand beaches, incredible turquoise water, cliff-side locations to enjoy the tropical breezes – I mean these guys definitely knew what they were doing in picking out some prime beachfront locations.
If you don’t believe it, just check out a few of the pictures below that depict some of the Mayan ruins at Tulum in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Now imagine standing on the bluffs, enjoying a spectacular view looking out over an emerald Caribbean Sea.
It just doesn’t get much better than that!
Around 1000 A.D. Chichen Itza in Yucatan was the center of the Mayan civilization, which was spread throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, through Belize and Guatamala, and on to the edges of Honduras and El Salvador.
Today the Maya number around five million and live mostly in the Yucatan Peninsula and the highlands of Guatemala. As they did over a thousand years ago, most live in villages and make their living from the land.
Our modern cities are primarily centers for commerce which is completely different from the purpose of the Mayan stone city remains we see today. For the ancient Maya, these were principally ceremonial sites and gathering places where they came for spiritual reasons.
During the early 1500’s the Spanish were determined to systematically destroy the Mayan civilization. One of the world’s greatest cultural crimes was their destruction of all the wriitten records they came across.
As for the people themselves, those not killed in battle, were mostly decimated by diseases carried to the “New World” from the “old”. Today the magnificent stone cities lie abandoned and in ruins once more.
Tulum or the “Walled City” was built by the ancient Maya on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. One of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, it was occupied for over 300 years, from around 1200 A.D. until after the Spanish conquest.
Located at a convergence of both land and sea trade routes, Tulum was a major link in an extensive trade network. Artifacts found in or near the site indicate Mayan commerce ranged from Central Mexico to Central America and all points between.
The Castillo, sometimes referred to as the lighthouse, is the tallest building at Tulum and the most famous. It stands on the bluff, commanding a view of the ocean and coast for several miles in both directions.
Until the late 20th century when tourists became too numerous, the local Maya continued visiting the temples to burn incense and pray.
There is no way to gain a real appreciation of the Mayan culture without visiting some of these ruins that have been abandoned to the elements. There are hotels to be found in the area, plus the Tulum ruins are only a two hour drive south of the popular beach resort of Cancun, which makes for a pleasant day trip.
Photo Credits: Aaron Logan, Hugo van Tilborg, Keith Walbolt.
Holidays In Corfu, Greece
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Gouvia, a small former fishing village has been developed throughout the last four decades into a modern holiday resort. Ideal for couples and families visiting the island of Corfu, it provides an up to date and secure place for vacation. The resort is located 7km north of Corfu town, on the east coast and has been popular since the 70s to people coming from most of the European countries. Gouvia is set on a bay and offers a pebble beach, a marina and large variety of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. The calmness of the day and the lively atmosphere of the night, both combined with a feeling of coziness are offered to its visitors. The local people are nice, friendly and eager to show to the foreign vacationists the way of the Greek hospitality.
Corfu has got two neighbor countries: the first one is Albania, from which it is separated by the Corfu channel. The closest town and port is Saranda (Aghii Saranda) which is linked to Corfu by a daily ferryboat all year round and daily cruises during the summer season.
The second neighbor is Italy. As Corfu is very close to the strait of Otranto, therefore Brindisi is 7 hours away sailing! Thanks to its position between Italy, Albania and Greece, Corfu is a strategic place and therefore it was always a point of interest for all the foreign powers since the Homeric times.
Corfu is also the greenest island in Greece thanks to the rain fall during autumn and winter (115cm of rain/year) and humidity which could reach 95%. The average temperature during winter is 12-13 degrees C. In the summer, it is 31 degrees C.
Longtime ago, before Corfu started off in tourism, the Corfiot butter and the goat cheese were very famous allover Greece. Wine is another of the products that Corfiots continue to produce. As they grow several varieties of grapes, they produce all kinds of wine, for a myriad of tastes.
The number one product on Corfu is for sure olive oil. The whole island is covered with olive trees. There are approximately 4 million olive trees from the same variety, a Venetian one: small olives, tasty and oily. The olive tree has always existed around the Mediterranean, but so intensively planted, we encounter it during the Venetian dominion which started in 1386 and ended in 1797. The Venitians decided to get the monopoly of the olive oil trade in the Mediterranean from the hands of the Genovese. They then thought of transforming Corfu into a large olive grove by offering subsidies to the inhabitants of the island to encourage them to plant olive trees.
One of the most unusual products of Corfu is the KUM KUAT, a little orange originally from China (Golden fruit). The first plant was brought to Corfu by a British gentleman in the year 1860. Since then a sweet liqueur, candied and glaced fruit have been produced. Today it is a real local product of Corfu.
Finding Value In Grenada Property
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Real estate in Grenada currently offers excellent value for money compared to many other Caribbean islands. It has great infrastructure and strong government targets outlining a clear path to generate an upmarket tourism destination with top quality resorts for residential and tourist guests.
To ensure Grenada remains a high quality destination, the government have learnt by previous experience lessons learnt by other islands and employ careful planning restrictions to ensure the properties are low rise, low density but not over-supplied.
Capital appreciation is currently said to be at least ten percent a year, due mainly to the limited supply of high quality accommodation ensuring high levels of demand for both holiday home buyers and property investors.
Bacolet Bay Beach & Spa Resort
Bacolet Bay is a quality new resort development being built in a tropical oasis surrounded by fantastic views of the sea, sand and rainforest. It will offer 5 star lifestyle and state-of-the-art facilities in a stunning location, as well as an a very attractive investment opportunity. The luxury low density resort offers a mix of apartments, villas and hotel cottages situated across 41 acres of tropical gardens.
Features:
- World class management
- Private beach
- The restaurants will offer top quality cuisine from local Creole cooking to international 5-star A La Carte menus and wine
- Gym & Spa – providing a haven to all guests during their stay
- Wedding Chapel – nestled in the perfect setting with spectacular views over the ocean creating a perfect location for the most important day of your life
- The beach club area has a couple of superb swimming pools
- Tennis Courts
- Conference Facilities
Location
Not many places around the world that can surpass the setting and views offered by Bacolet Bay. It’s outside the hurricane belt and has fantastic views of the warm seas with prefect white powder sandy beaches on a green lush tropical background and mountains.
The airport offers many regular flights and is only 20 mins away from the resort.
Bacolot Bay is situated on one of the less developed islands in the Caribbean with a shortage of good quality accommodation in the region therefore the development is well positioned to benefit from good capital appreciation and rental income.
Wherever you travel, take along a shockproof, waterproof camera to be sure you capture the memories.
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