Rincon Waterfalls Hike Saturday 10th September

Saturday up at 0530 for a mini bus pick up at 0600 am— Jesse arrived at 0620 but I wasn’t watching my watch! We picked up 9 other people and journeyed to the North of the Island. Being given a tour talk by Jesse our Ace driver.  The Northerly range of Mountains is the highest of 3 and contains the Rincon Valley, this is where we began our hike to the Rincon Waterfalls.  On a scale of 1-10 it was billed as an 8 on the Hike-Seekers website.  There was a gentle fall of rain while we were kitting up but this soon stopped so we began in great spirits.  Our Guide was Lawrence (Snake) he repaired Robyns’ flip-flops and gave us a pep talk before we began.  Snake is an ex army Survival Instructor with years of experience and very knowledgeable too.
  On route we stopped frequently for rests and were ably helped by Jesses’ brother Dan over some parts which needed ropes. Needless to say we were very messy by the time we arrived and pleasantly amazed by the height of the fall when we reached our destination. After lunch and a swim we set off on another route to return. This was a more gentle mule track and led to another waterfall and swim in cool mountain water. Jesse loves the water and make various attempts to climb up the falls so that he could either jump or water-slide down.  In a cave off to one side of the pool the resident bats were only slightly disturbed by the loud belly flops of Jesse enjoying himself! Snake helpfully repaired some walking boots which had begun to come delaminated and were later to loose the soles completely!
We continued back to the minivan, stopping at a local bar known of by Snake, where some of us had a refreshing beer.  Back at the minibus we changed into dry clothes and set off for Maracas Bay.  Here just on teatime we ordered a Shark-n-Bake (yum yum)  This is a ‘batter’ fried roll (very light and crispy) filled with fried shark, lettuce leaves tomatoes and coleslaw, with a side order of fries.  (Truly delicious)
  Homeward bound we were the last to be dropped off and after thanking Jesse for all his hard work driving we set about some serious resting up, tea, shower and sleep...

Trinidad - some fun

After a most welcome break from the heat and humidity-plus visiting our cottage and many dear friends (A HUGE THANK-YOU to all those who gave us such splendid hospitality in the way of bed and board—John & Vi, Shirley & David, Adrienne and mum.)  We only missed a few other local friends and look forward to seeing some of you next year !
  We arrived back in Trinidad amidst some trepidation.  A nine o’clock curfew has been imposed in some areas so we were lucky to have arranged a taxi who had a curfew pass to get us home.  Even so the police stopped him to check his pass.  ‘Piano’ was cool and just as we had left her so we went straight to bed after nearly 24 hours travelling.
  Needless to say my body clock was still on BST so I was awake with the birds. We told the cruising net that we were back and found that there was a ‘Pot Luck’ night tonight at another yard. Most of the unpacking stowed and breakfast over we then cycled to immigration to sign in and purchase food for this evening.
Immigration went well and we extended our stay until mid November (the end of the hurricane season here)  This cost us $200TT which we had returned the next day as it had been taken in error!
  Even though the morning had been warm & showery the evening was dry and the ’Pot Luck’ at Coral Cove was a great success.  A whole bunch of new people, some of whom we have met on our travels.  We had an interesting talk with a couple from Brazil who have built and sailed a Viking Long boat all the way here from Rio De Janeiro!
  Friday we took the Maxi bus shopping and stocked up on all the essentials not available at the marina stores.
Saturday we got stuck into boat jobs. (Note to self I really get a fair amount of work done when I wake up so early) scrubbing the spray hood which we hadn’t packed away.  Being that mustard colour it does show the dirt...and began sanding the crustaceans from the propeller.
Sunday, (the hottest day yet!) we finished off polishing the propeller, and managed to get the boom fittings free.  Next plenty of hammering to remove the end of the boom.  Played Mexican train Dominoes in torrential rain at Coral Cove-and didn’t come last!
  Trinidad Independence Day and we secure tickets to the Starlift Pan Brunch.  This is held each year to raise money for the carnival and other worthy causes. Due to start at 11 am with the National Anthem things happened slowly.  By the time that proceedings began it was time for ‘Brunch’ which was traditional Trinidadian Cuisine.  The Steel Pan music was wonderful too all pictures are on Picasa

 Start of a new week and the jobs are being dealt with in succession. Graham came to remove the sea-cock for the engine which needed a new through the hull part and a good cleaning, Malcolm then had access to clean the generator sea-cock and the sink too.  It seems a quick job but took nearly 3 days on and off.  Meanwhile, with the new cleaning material the rope stripper has also been cleaned and awaits refitting.
  Monday evening we went to a Potluck at Trinidad and; Tobago Sailing Assoc. (TTSA from now!)  A pleasant evening meeting those who are at anchor round the corner from us.

 Wednesday the automatic bilge pump started again and after an investigation Malcolm found that the hot water tank is leaking from it’s valve, as a temporary answer he has turned it off so only look-warm foot pumped water until we get a replacement.  Next technician was Ian to have a look at the windlass (lifts & lowers the anchor)  He says it ought to be removed and serviced at least every 2 years ! Ooops—now we know! He has taken it away ‘til next Tuesday so I have my fingers crossed.
During all this fun & games plus I managed to bake a cake and 2 Quiches & a chicken pie for the social events this week.  So Thursday evening we went to the Sundowners/Hors d’oeuvres/book/DVD swap evening at Coral Cove.
Friday spent at the laundrette and preparing for the hike tomorrow.