Walkabout from Dominica to Grenada and back!

Sanctuary and I just got back from a 450 mile solo Walkabout from Picard Dominica to Prickly Bay in south Grenada (to have a jib halyard swivel installed), from Sept 15 to Oct 7.
Just about everywhere we went, we were the only boat there, which is good for prime anchoring and not paying for moorings, but many places were closed of course.
Highlights: Chaudiere, Martinique; Les Canaries and the Pitons (only boat there on the full moon at sunset eating lobster, wow!) St. Lucia; Bequia and Mayreau, (Black Boy and Debbies great bbq and hangin with Robert in the village), Grenadines.
Sailing was amazing down, 15kt winds, but had to motor sail into heavy winds from st. vincent to martinique.
Avoid: Wallilalou, SVD, u need to use a mooring stern to and there is a blinding light on shore piercing your cockpit all night...; St. Pierre, Martinique-very deep, boring town, rolly anchorage (but a good jumping off spot to get to Dominica.
Currently anchored in Picard, Dominica where I am doing day charters for the medical school students and faculty. Swing by if passing this way, my phone number is on a big banner on the boat, adorned with peace signs on each bow...of course!
Cheers,
Capt. Mark <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Mark: I am amazed that you found St. Pierre boring. I thought it was one of the more interesting stops on our down island trips... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Wow Mark, I found St. Pierre different last year.
Anchored 25’ of water with good holding south of the pier.
The market at the pier is a hoot and the people where very warm and friendly. A walk north from the main section of town was so full of history – although tragic.
I’m not into going to church but the one' there are amazing.
Sorry for your impressions and experience.

Same for me.

Thoroughly agree with the last 3 posters on St Pierre - it's a super little place and the anchorage is fine - you just need to be careful precisely where you drop the hook.

Lovely scenery, picturesque town, hassle-free Customs clearance, amazing museum with relics from the Mont Pelée eruption, and an incredible place for divers - the Martinique Government has recently designated a large protected dive area - I've dived on one of the shallow (but still damned deep!) wrecks that went to the bottom after the eruption - there are many wrecks from that eruption and you can still find things like melted glass bottles

One thing about Martinique in general is that it helps if you at least attempt to speak French. As I remember, the signs in the museum were all in French. I also loved the architecture in St Pierre- the mixture of the old walls and new. Cute cafes. And I believe there is a shallow shelf where anchoring was fairly easy.

ok, there was a great jazz band at sunset festivities arranged by the chamber, but i guess going in early Oct most stores, etc. were closed and i found one or two interesting buildings but mostly gray walls.
i checked out the museum, sorta interesting, small
i drove all around the anchorage and the only area under 25 feet was about 50 from shore.
Sorry all u guys got out of my post was the neg on st p, it was cool being about the only boat sailing across channels and into bays.
See you all in Dominica!

sounds like fun, what type/size boat do you sail?

Sanctuary is an Island Spirit 37 Cat from South Africa circa 2000. For more of my fun times, read my book, which i can't tell u the name cuz the moderators dont want me to advertise it here. Or check out the 15 articles i have in Caribbean Compass and All at Sea, see their archives from 2010-2012. Mark Denebeim
Cheers,

that's funny about not being able to mention your book. I was actually banned from a site regarding something that I am going to be selling soon. Please privately email me the name of your book and where I can get it. We are leaving for our first trip to St. Lucia in about 3 weeks and I love reading about Caribbean topics when I visit down there. Thank you.

also do you have any friends/company you can recommend for a day sail in St. Lucia (early december). We will be staying in 3 places (land based) soufreie, marigot bay and rodney bay. Marigot bay the longest so that would be best to leave from, thanks

In Marigot check with Bateau Mygo, their boats are tied to the resturant dock (Chateau Mygo), they offer daysails and a re a locally owned family run business. The restaurant has very good local dishes made with fresh local ingredients, they also have good pizzas. A lot of yachties and ex pats visit the bar, Doreen is a wonderful host and the staff are friendly and efficient, it's one of my favorite stops when we charter through there.

Mark, I've found interesting things to do and see in all the islands.
Sometimes you have to mix in a little imagination on the historical sites. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />