Grenada
This morning we docked alongside in St. George’s, capital of Grenada. Known as ‘The Spice Island,’ Grenada produces one third of the world’s nutmeg, as well as mace, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and turmeric. The volcanic soil is extremely rich, and the green landscape is rugged, and quite steep.
Our excursion started at the Dougaldston Spice Estate, where we had an introduction to nutmeg, mace, and the many other spices of the island. The tour continued along very narrow, curving roads to Grand Etang Lake and Annandale Falls. Cocoa trees, mango trees and banana plants cling to the hillsides, and every surface of the island seems covered in green. In 2004, category 5 Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada; most buildings on the island lost their roofs, and many large trees were snapped. Still, though, the soil remains rich, and one gets the impression that anything might be able to grow on the hillsides.
The afternoon was devoted to sailing. After departing St. George’s, crew went aloft to loosen gaskets and sails were set. In the lee of Grenada, we boarded Zodiacs for a fantastic photo opportunity. Finally we could see just how beautiful Sea Cloud II is under sail!
Dinner tonight was a ‘Pirate’s Barbecue’ on the Lido Deck, but the chefs, bartenders, servers and even our Maitre d’Hotel were not to be seen. Instead, a crew of crusty and colorful, long-haired pirates had replaced them. They served roasted pig, calamari and other pirate favorites, and then the motley crew sang shanties by the bar. We had a fun and raucous party with the pirates!
This morning we docked alongside in St. George’s, capital of Grenada. Known as ‘The Spice Island,’ Grenada produces one third of the world’s nutmeg, as well as mace, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and turmeric. The volcanic soil is extremely rich, and the green landscape is rugged, and quite steep.
Our excursion started at the Dougaldston Spice Estate, where we had an introduction to nutmeg, mace, and the many other spices of the island. The tour continued along very narrow, curving roads to Grand Etang Lake and Annandale Falls. Cocoa trees, mango trees and banana plants cling to the hillsides, and every surface of the island seems covered in green. In 2004, category 5 Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada; most buildings on the island lost their roofs, and many large trees were snapped. Still, though, the soil remains rich, and one gets the impression that anything might be able to grow on the hillsides.
The afternoon was devoted to sailing. After departing St. George’s, crew went aloft to loosen gaskets and sails were set. In the lee of Grenada, we boarded Zodiacs for a fantastic photo opportunity. Finally we could see just how beautiful Sea Cloud II is under sail!
Dinner tonight was a ‘Pirate’s Barbecue’ on the Lido Deck, but the chefs, bartenders, servers and even our Maitre d’Hotel were not to be seen. Instead, a crew of crusty and colorful, long-haired pirates had replaced them. They served roasted pig, calamari and other pirate favorites, and then the motley crew sang shanties by the bar. We had a fun and raucous party with the pirates!
