Still Rockin’ on the Hard

Welcome to Trinidad!

Approaching the Dragon's Mouth (named by Colombus, 1498)

In sight of the coast, we threaded our way across visible ribbons of strong current. (If you should fall in, next stop Panama!..)  Heading into the Bocas del Dragón, we then braced ourselves for a wild ride in waters swirling through these legendary jaws.  To add to this eerie experience, steep Monos Island, flanking the mainland and named for howler monkeys inhabiting the area, gave us a landscape view straight out of the Jurassic period.  Our next Herculean Labour was facing an onslaught of day-trippers in pirogues (go-fast taxi boats) making an early assault on nearby Scotland Bay.  We made it out in the nick of time! 

We saw masses of Black Parrots but no Howler Monkeys
in those forested hills opposite the boatyard.

Chaguaramas, since 2008, has become more focused on commercial port operations and it appeared that the anchorage area has shrunk.  This uncomfortable area, exposed to strong currents and plenty of wash from pirogues at the busy Power Boats taxi rank, drove the Cap’n to request an early lift.  Without much ado, WJ3 was hauled, bottom cleaned and re-located to a choice spot just near the front fence, and more importantly, the Doubles lady.  She and her son offer an easy brekkie - starting about 4.30am each day!  GS’s first concern however, was for our resident Trigger fish.  We hoped this little guy, who had adopted WJ3 as its mother ship, had escaped in time.  I know, I know!  Usually, we have a boatyard spider join us for the season but Trigger took up early residence, and made an appearance at every stop.   

Power’s extensive boatyard is fairly quiet, staff as friendly as ever and services & facilities handy, so we set about mixing up our chores list with a few days of fun.  A helpful cruisers’ net operates each morning on VHF68 at 8am and each Thursday at 6pm, live-aboards meet for a BBQ dinner at the Roti Hut.  Of course, being out of the water meant we could only use our WAECO fridge (a small 12v car fridge) and as we had arrived in a “heat bubble” with temps up to 36C, ice (and very cold beer) became the essential ingredient to be housed there-in.  GS hung up the galley implements and sent the Cap’n, on most days, to select meals from the ladies at the front gate.  Daily under market tents, they set up a generous serving of local food for workers.  We ate very well indeed!  

Enjoying a night out on the town (the food was excellent)
The Wheel House Pub, Chaguaramas

& then celebrating with the Birthday Boy

When in need of supplements, like beer and chocolate (mmm!), we took Jesse James’ regular Saturday Market run into the Central Market, in Port of Spain.  It is a friendly local farmers market bustling with stalls selling the freshest of everything imaginable.  The Chicken Lady comes highly recommended!  (Enjoy this fun, local foodie vlog!) The market is a joy to wander, get chatty with vendors and very tempting to buy way too much.  We settle for a few basics, including some huge avocados, then retreat to the food hall for a breakfast selection of local specialities.  After the fresh food market, we stop briefly at a nearby supermarket to pick up any other essentials (beer, wine, cheese slices), then are delivered with our goodies, back to our boats by 10am.  

In all, much better than rocking about on the anchorage, wouldn’t you say?

Central Market, Port of Spain, Trinidad - vegetable & fruit stalls