Since I am no longer traveling with zenith I will not be posting much here. Although I will bring it back once I make my way back down to Brazil. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and read a story.
You are the ones who really made this possible.
Cheers,
Oli
A brief insight into my life...unedited and raw! Enjoy
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Gwada Waddle, biddies and some good ol' surfin'!!!
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| your average sight at a Gwada wada beach |
After a long set up and prep for the trip, it was on!
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| I grabbed a taxi who spoke almost no english and made my way over to the airport to pick up homie Matt Sexton. I arrived at the airport to find him inside the baggage collection area sitting on his camera case. |
Yellling out "der go matty boy" he smiled and the shinanigans began. Although he arrived at 11 pm we both knew we wouldn't call it a night and pass out we would have to go out and check out the scene in town.
After a quick stroll around the marina we found a bar rightfully called the Zoo Rock Cafe & Bar, and decided to grab a few pints.
Kicking back a few brews we got to catching up and telling stories from the past few months we have been both away doing our things. We got to talking to the bartender who ended up being a kiter himself and he gave us some insight on where the best spots to ride would be here on the island and he stressed the fact that we should get up early tomorrow and catch the wind at a spot not too far from where we were. The bartenders name was Dume and he was in fact the owner of this fine establishment. So we kicked back a few more took a few shots and called it a night. Heading back to the boat I was stoked to have a good forecast for wind for the next two days.
I awoke to the sound of wind passing through the mast...dope!
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| Yes thats overproof rum and Yes the GoPro caught on fire!.... and Yes we have the footage |
Grabbing a bite to eat Matt and I loaded up the dingy for the day to come filled with the camera gear, kites, boards, and our fat selfs we were ready to jam out in style.
As we left Meercat, we saw that Dume was getting some fuel at the fuel dock and stopped over to see what was good.
He told us to throw our gear in his boat since it was much more sea worthy than our dingy and we did. I drove the dingy up to the island about 2 miles from where we were docked. As I got closer to the island I could see that the spot and the conditions were just right for a good photo sesh.
We pumped up and got out for a warm up ride. Matt was on his 11m Slingshot Fuel and I was on my 12m Naish Torch. The power in the Torch is exactly what I needed. After having a great warm up sesh I grabbed the camera and started shooting, producing some great shots, with a sick background. Matt was throwing down reppin our St. Pete and Fl. Crew!
Since we are here in St. Francis right now I will be back a little later with to fill you all in with the rest of the trip this was just the beginning and first day, as well as post some pics.
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| Yeah you should be here and you CAN!!! |
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Arrival at Guadeloupe
Aight so less than an hour ago we arrived here in Guadeloupe. After a long 24 hour trek up the Caribbean island chain I am happy to be on land.
Taking watch shifts between Susy, Ged and myself we managed to make relatively good time. We took off from St. Lucia around 11 am... as planned, and headed north luckily for us the wind was at a perfect direction giving us a strong beam reach to the leeward side of Martinique. During this time sailing we made our best time at a rate of 9+ knots we were cruising. After reaching the Martinique we put the sails away and in turn motored the rest of the way here.
In between Martinique and Dominica we had some rough seas and sure enough this was my chance to sleep... Dank.
As we reached the middle of Dominica Susi woke my up and I took her place at the helm, with the 3-6am shift. Which in all honesty is one of my favorite times of the evenings...SUNRISE.
The stars out in the ocean with only a few little islands there to create light pollution are magnificent. I saw a few shooting stars and one that went from the southern tip of the sky all the way to the northern, encompassing the entire night sky. The sea at night is a dark reflecting pool that glistens with insight from the lights ahead.
As I approached the northern tip of Dominica the sea began to come alive with rolling waves and the sun began to rise from its daily kip. I sat in contemplation of the trip thus far.
Ged awoke giving me the go ahead to chill out and go back to my bed. Werd, much needed since I barely slept before with some lucid ass dreams.
Laying down the boat began to slap harder and harder on the surface of the ocean i knew we were in some big surf. It was some of the biggest seas I've seen since I started voyage back in sept. big oll rollers with us getting clobbered from our stern. but in the end we made it with some good footage ill nput up in our next flick.
Since Matt Sexton and Will Bennet are comin here to join us for some wave shinnanigans it is certainly going to be a great week here in Guadeloupe, the land of Merci!!!
Jah Bless!
Taking watch shifts between Susy, Ged and myself we managed to make relatively good time. We took off from St. Lucia around 11 am... as planned, and headed north luckily for us the wind was at a perfect direction giving us a strong beam reach to the leeward side of Martinique. During this time sailing we made our best time at a rate of 9+ knots we were cruising. After reaching the Martinique we put the sails away and in turn motored the rest of the way here.
In between Martinique and Dominica we had some rough seas and sure enough this was my chance to sleep... Dank.
As we reached the middle of Dominica Susi woke my up and I took her place at the helm, with the 3-6am shift. Which in all honesty is one of my favorite times of the evenings...SUNRISE.
The stars out in the ocean with only a few little islands there to create light pollution are magnificent. I saw a few shooting stars and one that went from the southern tip of the sky all the way to the northern, encompassing the entire night sky. The sea at night is a dark reflecting pool that glistens with insight from the lights ahead.
As I approached the northern tip of Dominica the sea began to come alive with rolling waves and the sun began to rise from its daily kip. I sat in contemplation of the trip thus far.
Ged awoke giving me the go ahead to chill out and go back to my bed. Werd, much needed since I barely slept before with some lucid ass dreams.
Laying down the boat began to slap harder and harder on the surface of the ocean i knew we were in some big surf. It was some of the biggest seas I've seen since I started voyage back in sept. big oll rollers with us getting clobbered from our stern. but in the end we made it with some good footage ill nput up in our next flick.
Since Matt Sexton and Will Bennet are comin here to join us for some wave shinnanigans it is certainly going to be a great week here in Guadeloupe, the land of Merci!!!
Jah Bless!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Off to Guadeloup
After a long and arduous stay in the boat yard Meercat is back in the water!
We are setting sail at 11am today bound for the French Island of Guadeloup. I'll be trollin' some new lures that some locals and I believe will be a great success.. we'll see.
We have been on St. Lucia for over a month now and it is going to be a great journey to our next destination. The forecast looks good with some steady trades and a small ground swell approaching. With Meercat back in her element.
I cant wait to be back in Mine!
and shall the Epic Journey truly begin.
We are setting sail at 11am today bound for the French Island of Guadeloup. I'll be trollin' some new lures that some locals and I believe will be a great success.. we'll see.
We have been on St. Lucia for over a month now and it is going to be a great journey to our next destination. The forecast looks good with some steady trades and a small ground swell approaching. With Meercat back in her element.
I cant wait to be back in Mine!
and shall the Epic Journey truly begin.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Meercat gets a facelift
So we are / have been on the hard(boat out of the water in the marina) for over a week and a half and it is honestly...
Not cool.
We are out of our element and we haven't been able to explore the endless swells and wind that have been coming our way during this time. Although we are slowly upgrading Meercat it is never an easy task getting things done in the Islands. The new teak deck had some setbacks and is now in the process of being re caulked due to the inefficient manner it was caulked the first time.
All in all she is looking pretty tight though, we have completely fitted this boat for kiting with board racks in places you would never guess. Currently housing 11 complete kites, 2 surfboards, 1 skim and 5 twin tips. Yeah you heard me right we gots da gear!!
Were lookin' at setting sail early monday morning and sailing through the night to reach Guadeloupe to pick up the boys and shred the nar. Right now a decent swell of 2.8m is hitting Guadeloupe so I'm hoping it builds for our arrival. I would love to get barreled in some of the Caribbeans finest!
The 2011 Naish Torch 12m I've been flying has been keeping me pretty stoked throughout our stay here and I'm really lookin forward to seeing her true potential in Guadeloupe, along with the 6'0" custom fish we got!!!
In the end as long as Meercat is ready to bounce out of St. Lucia for monday I will be a happy bro.
Cheers and stay tuned for more to come!
I'll be posting pics notes and videos of the Guadeloupe extraviganzah!
Not cool.
We are out of our element and we haven't been able to explore the endless swells and wind that have been coming our way during this time. Although we are slowly upgrading Meercat it is never an easy task getting things done in the Islands. The new teak deck had some setbacks and is now in the process of being re caulked due to the inefficient manner it was caulked the first time.
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| Our glorious surf rack |
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| View from the pit |
The 2011 Naish Torch 12m I've been flying has been keeping me pretty stoked throughout our stay here and I'm really lookin forward to seeing her true potential in Guadeloupe, along with the 6'0" custom fish we got!!!
In the end as long as Meercat is ready to bounce out of St. Lucia for monday I will be a happy bro.
 |
| When are we leaving? |
On another note heres a little jam my boy Evol threw up in São Paulo Brazil reppin our crew DVES!
DVES(De Vagar E Sempre) (slow and steady always)
Cheers and stay tuned for more to come!
I'll be posting pics notes and videos of the Guadeloupe extraviganzah!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
09 Trip to Jeri Revisited...Gaff Krew What What!
Yesterday I got the opportunity to to fly the new 2011 Naish Torch 12 m2 and the new 134 Momentum.
Chezarinos buggy Yamming down the coast.
The Gaff Krew 09 was an eclectic bunch of individuals all with an idea, have a good time no matter what trails ahead.
Dave, Lev, Josephine, James, Kirk, Leo, Kelly, Astrid, Joe, Dudu, Alex and Myself certainly all enjoyed this trip and the many more times we shared together.
If your thinking of planning a trip to Brazil make sure you do it in style with the Gaff Krew!!!!!
Check them at http://www.endless-wind.com/
Let the good times Roll!
Cheers,
Honestly I was caught by surprise. I had been flying a 08 Torch in NE Brazil for two years while living there and I was all about my kite C kites.
After I returned stat side, I decided to give the Helix a try in the waves and was impressed. They as well are wonderful kites but don't have the sheer grunt the Torch has. So in this revelation I figure the best way to show what I mean is to post some photos of the glorious trip we, the Gaff Crew took to Jericuacuara Brazil. This was certainly a trip for the books!
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| Day one at Jeri Kirk getting ready for a Shweet cutback |
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| Yeah Kirk! |
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| Backsideee |
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| My "How are we fitting everything in here" face |
 |
| Levs strapless raily |
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| Speed Racer |
Chezarinos buggy Yamming down the coast.
Dave, Lev, Josephine, James, Kirk, Leo, Kelly, Astrid, Joe, Dudu, Alex and Myself certainly all enjoyed this trip and the many more times we shared together.
If your thinking of planning a trip to Brazil make sure you do it in style with the Gaff Krew!!!!!
Check them at http://www.endless-wind.com/
Let the good times Roll!
Cheers,
Friday, November 19, 2010
Whats next for Meercat...
We are finishing up work here in St. Lucia and will hopefully be setting sail by mid next week. Our destination, Guadalupe. I've spoken to some local surfers and it seems we will be in for a treat, if we get some swell and wind. I've got my fingers crossed and always, feel like the wind will be in our favor.
This is going to be a special trip since Billy Parker, Matt Sexton and Alex Fox are all going to be coming on board to take part in this maiden Pro rider trip. Since we all came from the same area kiteboarding in St. Petersburg Florida there's no doubt about the good times that lie ahead of us.
One of the reasons I even got into this sport was watching Bill go bigger, faster and passing the bar higher than anyone I have, still to this day seen kiting. Matt and I were roommates our first year at Eckerd College and we got into the sport at relatively the same time. Matt was a Freshman and I, a transfer sophmore from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Fox on the other hand was killing it when we got into the sport. At that time he was a young grom, throwin' down on the water & chillin' out at the beach with the crew.
One thing that must be said about St. Pete is that it certainly is a Kiteboarders paradise. Although the season is mostly during the winter months as long as you have a 4.3 or 5.3 wetsuit your good to go. You can kite in any wind direction due to the nature of the St. Pete peninsula and its surrounding barrier islands. From waves to flat water whatever your vice in the sport you can thoroughly enjoy in St. Pete.
So my natural inclination when I was thinking of who to bring on this trip was simple.
St. Petes Finest...
We have got a lot of enthusiasm for this trip and some pretty wild ideas to play with kites and the boat. I'll be posting updates less frequently since we will not always have internet connections while sailing.
One things for sure I'm sure no one has ever tried the sort of things we will be doing meshing kiting and sailing to another level.
Be stoked for the footage to come.
We will also have Will Bennet on-board representing Kite Surf Magazine UK. He was just Champion in the BKSA Wave Masters Sessions, Ireland. I'm pumped to see what he'll be bringing to the table style-wise and hopefully learn a trick or two from a master.
Here's a video of Bill and Matt doing their thing out in Hood River
Here's a oldie but goodie from Fox tearin up the St. Pete scene
Stay tuned for more!!
Cheers,
This is going to be a special trip since Billy Parker, Matt Sexton and Alex Fox are all going to be coming on board to take part in this maiden Pro rider trip. Since we all came from the same area kiteboarding in St. Petersburg Florida there's no doubt about the good times that lie ahead of us.
One of the reasons I even got into this sport was watching Bill go bigger, faster and passing the bar higher than anyone I have, still to this day seen kiting. Matt and I were roommates our first year at Eckerd College and we got into the sport at relatively the same time. Matt was a Freshman and I, a transfer sophmore from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Fox on the other hand was killing it when we got into the sport. At that time he was a young grom, throwin' down on the water & chillin' out at the beach with the crew.
One thing that must be said about St. Pete is that it certainly is a Kiteboarders paradise. Although the season is mostly during the winter months as long as you have a 4.3 or 5.3 wetsuit your good to go. You can kite in any wind direction due to the nature of the St. Pete peninsula and its surrounding barrier islands. From waves to flat water whatever your vice in the sport you can thoroughly enjoy in St. Pete.
So my natural inclination when I was thinking of who to bring on this trip was simple.
St. Petes Finest...
We have got a lot of enthusiasm for this trip and some pretty wild ideas to play with kites and the boat. I'll be posting updates less frequently since we will not always have internet connections while sailing.
One things for sure I'm sure no one has ever tried the sort of things we will be doing meshing kiting and sailing to another level.
Be stoked for the footage to come.
We will also have Will Bennet on-board representing Kite Surf Magazine UK. He was just Champion in the BKSA Wave Masters Sessions, Ireland. I'm pumped to see what he'll be bringing to the table style-wise and hopefully learn a trick or two from a master.
Here's a video of Bill and Matt doing their thing out in Hood River
the fantastic NA blend crew from Benoit Paillard on Vimeo.
Here's a oldie but goodie from Fox tearin up the St. Pete scene
Stay tuned for more!!
Cheers,
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Help me help you and in turn help my sisters art project!
Aight so heres the dilly.
My sister is currently in France doing a simester/term studying the french language and art. So shes doing a term project and whould love a bit of the help you all and I can provide.
In a not too distant past, legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway once wrote a full story in six words: "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn." and I would like to ask all of you: what is your six-word memoir?
Mine would be: "Seek truth, never lie, love life."
Thouse of you who know me understand the importance of art and culture in life. Lets help Stephi make this a very succesful project with a great deal of feed back.
If you were not aware, the flicker stream on the side bar is some work I did while I was living in São Paulo Brazil. I was privlaged to paint with some of the most influencial artists in the Brazilian graffiti scene, this has greatly influenced my artistic style and appreciation. Stay tuned for some up and coming works I will be putting up as time progresses.
For me graffiti and street art show that the concreat jungles we inhabit are "alive" with colors and personalities who wouod not have been there otherwise. Whether you like it or not this is the largest world wide art movement of all time!
So help my sister and I make her project one to remember.
Cheers, and I look forward to hearing your 6 word memoir.
My sister is currently in France doing a simester/term studying the french language and art. So shes doing a term project and whould love a bit of the help you all and I can provide.
In a not too distant past, legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway once wrote a full story in six words: "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn." and I would like to ask all of you: what is your six-word memoir?
Mine would be: "Seek truth, never lie, love life."
Thouse of you who know me understand the importance of art and culture in life. Lets help Stephi make this a very succesful project with a great deal of feed back.
If you were not aware, the flicker stream on the side bar is some work I did while I was living in São Paulo Brazil. I was privlaged to paint with some of the most influencial artists in the Brazilian graffiti scene, this has greatly influenced my artistic style and appreciation. Stay tuned for some up and coming works I will be putting up as time progresses.
For me graffiti and street art show that the concreat jungles we inhabit are "alive" with colors and personalities who wouod not have been there otherwise. Whether you like it or not this is the largest world wide art movement of all time!
So help my sister and I make her project one to remember.
Cheers, and I look forward to hearing your 6 word memoir.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
A great day in St. lucia...
So today I got to catch a bit of the swell thats comin through these parts. Although I have a small board its still great fun just getting out in the water and play in the waves.
Here are my good friends Big Gigantic. If you've never heard of them you chould check it and get wi it. They kill live shows and are often crushin the scene with STS9 or Lotus.
This is one of my favorite tracks to get me pumped up for a sesh I hope you enjoy!
Here are another two bangerz...
I Need A Dollar (Big Gigantic Remix) by Big Gigantic
Wide Awake by Big Gigantic
Make sure you check their mayspace page where you can get all their albums for free or you can be a G and make a greatly appriciated donation to the band.
www.myspace.com/biggigantic/music
Cheers,
Here are my good friends Big Gigantic. If you've never heard of them you chould check it and get wi it. They kill live shows and are often crushin the scene with STS9 or Lotus.
This is one of my favorite tracks to get me pumped up for a sesh I hope you enjoy!
Find more artists like Big Gigantic at Myspace Music
Here are another two bangerz...
I Need A Dollar (Big Gigantic Remix) by Big Gigantic
Wide Awake by Big Gigantic
Make sure you check their mayspace page where you can get all their albums for free or you can be a G and make a greatly appriciated donation to the band.
www.myspace.com/biggigantic/music
Cheers,
Friday, November 12, 2010
Fresh Cuts by my boy Jay-O
Bringin back the good ol' sounds of my boy Jay-O. Hes been mixing up a fresh new batch of goodies and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share it with the crew.
This be that L.R.M album, L Ride Music.
Keep a lookout cuz Jay-O's on the rise!!!
Hope you enjoy...
For more peep his site here:
http://jayopro.bandcamp.com/
This be that L.R.M album, L Ride Music.
Keep a lookout cuz Jay-O's on the rise!!!
Hope you enjoy...
For more peep his site here:
http://jayopro.bandcamp.com/
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
An Epic swell hits St. Lucia
Today I got to see just how epic St. Lucia could get. We work up at dawn to get out of the marina and make some water. Since the hurricane the entire island has been without tap water and since we were under the impression we were going to be hauled out after the storm we finished up our water supply...bad move.
Thus we have been like wooks at a music festival since the storm hit a week and a half ago, minus the good tunes. We were in desperate need of water so we grabbed the bull by the horns and made our way out about a mile offshore to make some good ol' fresh water.
While we were going out I figured it was a perfect time to do a little fishing. Having been marina locked for the past few weeks it was certainly nice to be out at sea again and in Meercats element.
Although it was prime time, the sun was rising, the water was clear the fish were not biting...
Figures.
I was stoked to try out the hammock my sister ever so kindly lent to me on the bow of the boat. I attached the ENO hammock to the genoa and mast. A perfect location since if you flip around cacoon style your looking through the trampoline and into the crystalline waters below.
As the boat rocked back and forth so did I in my hammock. At times I though I was going to do a complete 360 with the momentum the hammock was generating, or break the slap strap and come face down on either the deck or the trampoline both would not be of ideal preference.
Good thing nit her of the possibilities actually occurred and I was left enjoying the rocking of the boat.
We knew we would be in the dock for a while having work done so we filled up the water tank until she overflowed and made our way back to the dock. Coming in I knew it would be a good day to surf even though I wouldn't be able to kite, since we were in the leeward side of the island.
Jammin' out to some 90's underground hip-hop, Mos Def, Common, Kweli and Gang Starr I got pumped up for the surf session that was to follow our arrival. While reading "A Long Strange Trip" by Dennis Mcanally...conflicting styles No Way!
The Dead are the shiznit and reading about them to hip-hop really worked. Don't believe me give it a try.
Hopping into the dinghy I made my way out of rodent bay and scoped out the conditions.
It was going to be a special session.
Prepping the dingy I got my Vibram Fivefinger shoes, 5'8" Naish fish and hit the channel. So stoked I was practically shaking with yammage. I made my way over to Sandals an all inclusive resort where I should have gotten a cocktail but decided to hit the waves first.
Sitting on the rocks puttin' on my Vibrams I realized this was a legit swell with over head+ waves and a serious riptide, not to mention the fact that I was jumpin' in on jagged rocks... I was solo.
Dope!
Swimming out I instantly came to terms that I need to do more surfing without the kite. It is not an easy task just making it out past the break and this took me a good ten minutes having not surfed in quite a long time and especially in good waves. The waves that I had caught thus far were chest high with the occasional head high.
Alright, so here she comes, nothing but mother nature, my board and me. Let's do this! As the wave approached I began paddling my ass off with each stroke I could feel myself gaining momentum for the drop. And as I looked back to see if I was in the right place, nope I was in too deep. The feeling of having your feet come up behind you and become the wave is priceless. I became the wave and entered the washing machine.
Gaining my breath I began the arduous paddle back into the line up. The feeling of being alone in the epic force of mother nature is a glorious feeling. Aight, so now that I'm in the right spot... I guess. I knew this was show time and I had better bring my A game cuz as of now the score was:
mother nature 1 Oli 0
I had to change this game. And with the next wave I scored it was clear I was gonna have a good day. Paddling in I catch the drop zone and plant my feet in for a ride. The rush from the initial drop in makes me look around my shoulder and realize yeah this is over my head. With a smooth bottom turn I approach the face a bit off balance I didn't manage to pull off the cutback but I knew it could be done. Making the score:
Mother nature 1 Oli 1/2
Not too legit and to make it worse I was beat. I decided to come in and get some grub, n a brew. I paddled back to the rocks I had jumped in from and tried to think of the best way to approach the mess that was before me.
After a few attempts and a few cuts and scrapes I managed to get myself onto the jagged edges and up to a safe place. I sat there admiring the sheer beauty of the rough sea and headed back to the meercat.
Sitting on her stern Susy asked how the waves were and I told her "Epic" with that Ged came out of his slumber and asked the same question and I replied the same and when he asked if I would want to take the dingy straight to the break, my reply was simple...
"Hell yeah!!"
And off I went on round two. This session would prove to be much more beneficial to my game. And a bit bigger.
Susy decided to join me in the water and get a close up view of the breaking waves. It's funny I was literally there maybe an hour before alone and now the break was packed with local surfers.
Killin' it!
I got into the line up and prepped myself mentally for a win. Watching the swell approach I decided I would go for the second one in the set. Good choice, I paddled again with all my might and looking down the face stood up on my board and rode out, bottom turn, Bam! Cutback steez into the next bottom turn where the wave lost it's force and mushed out.
Making my way back I found Susy and she was all good so I proceeded to wait for the next opportunity to crush. That I did, this next wave was big I paddled in and hopped up on zi board flying down a perfect Caribbean wave this time it closed out but I got a sweet ride nonetheless. At this point I could feel my arms turning into green eggs and yams and decided to make my way back to the dinghy where Ged was waiting patiently. I was so stoked I'm pretty sure the stoke was seeping out of my ears.
Looking at Susy and Ged I asked them if they were down for a happy hour celebration at Sandals, damb right they were. But being a all inclusive resort we were quickly spotted by the forces that be and the man came down asking us to please leave their precious establishment.
Oh well. I'm here now at IGY marina at The Boardwalk enjoying my happy hour pre paid Pitons.
Hope you all enjoyed this epic session and this will certainly not be the last.
Cheers!
Thus we have been like wooks at a music festival since the storm hit a week and a half ago, minus the good tunes. We were in desperate need of water so we grabbed the bull by the horns and made our way out about a mile offshore to make some good ol' fresh water.
While we were going out I figured it was a perfect time to do a little fishing. Having been marina locked for the past few weeks it was certainly nice to be out at sea again and in Meercats element.
Although it was prime time, the sun was rising, the water was clear the fish were not biting...
Figures.
I was stoked to try out the hammock my sister ever so kindly lent to me on the bow of the boat. I attached the ENO hammock to the genoa and mast. A perfect location since if you flip around cacoon style your looking through the trampoline and into the crystalline waters below.
As the boat rocked back and forth so did I in my hammock. At times I though I was going to do a complete 360 with the momentum the hammock was generating, or break the slap strap and come face down on either the deck or the trampoline both would not be of ideal preference.
Good thing nit her of the possibilities actually occurred and I was left enjoying the rocking of the boat.
We knew we would be in the dock for a while having work done so we filled up the water tank until she overflowed and made our way back to the dock. Coming in I knew it would be a good day to surf even though I wouldn't be able to kite, since we were in the leeward side of the island.
Jammin' out to some 90's underground hip-hop, Mos Def, Common, Kweli and Gang Starr I got pumped up for the surf session that was to follow our arrival. While reading "A Long Strange Trip" by Dennis Mcanally...conflicting styles No Way!
The Dead are the shiznit and reading about them to hip-hop really worked. Don't believe me give it a try.
Hopping into the dinghy I made my way out of rodent bay and scoped out the conditions.
It was going to be a special session.
Prepping the dingy I got my Vibram Fivefinger shoes, 5'8" Naish fish and hit the channel. So stoked I was practically shaking with yammage. I made my way over to Sandals an all inclusive resort where I should have gotten a cocktail but decided to hit the waves first.
Sitting on the rocks puttin' on my Vibrams I realized this was a legit swell with over head+ waves and a serious riptide, not to mention the fact that I was jumpin' in on jagged rocks... I was solo.
Dope!
Swimming out I instantly came to terms that I need to do more surfing without the kite. It is not an easy task just making it out past the break and this took me a good ten minutes having not surfed in quite a long time and especially in good waves. The waves that I had caught thus far were chest high with the occasional head high.
Alright, so here she comes, nothing but mother nature, my board and me. Let's do this! As the wave approached I began paddling my ass off with each stroke I could feel myself gaining momentum for the drop. And as I looked back to see if I was in the right place, nope I was in too deep. The feeling of having your feet come up behind you and become the wave is priceless. I became the wave and entered the washing machine.
Gaining my breath I began the arduous paddle back into the line up. The feeling of being alone in the epic force of mother nature is a glorious feeling. Aight, so now that I'm in the right spot... I guess. I knew this was show time and I had better bring my A game cuz as of now the score was:
mother nature 1 Oli 0
I had to change this game. And with the next wave I scored it was clear I was gonna have a good day. Paddling in I catch the drop zone and plant my feet in for a ride. The rush from the initial drop in makes me look around my shoulder and realize yeah this is over my head. With a smooth bottom turn I approach the face a bit off balance I didn't manage to pull off the cutback but I knew it could be done. Making the score:
Mother nature 1 Oli 1/2
Not too legit and to make it worse I was beat. I decided to come in and get some grub, n a brew. I paddled back to the rocks I had jumped in from and tried to think of the best way to approach the mess that was before me.
After a few attempts and a few cuts and scrapes I managed to get myself onto the jagged edges and up to a safe place. I sat there admiring the sheer beauty of the rough sea and headed back to the meercat.
Sitting on her stern Susy asked how the waves were and I told her "Epic" with that Ged came out of his slumber and asked the same question and I replied the same and when he asked if I would want to take the dingy straight to the break, my reply was simple...
"Hell yeah!!"
And off I went on round two. This session would prove to be much more beneficial to my game. And a bit bigger.
Susy decided to join me in the water and get a close up view of the breaking waves. It's funny I was literally there maybe an hour before alone and now the break was packed with local surfers.
Killin' it!
I got into the line up and prepped myself mentally for a win. Watching the swell approach I decided I would go for the second one in the set. Good choice, I paddled again with all my might and looking down the face stood up on my board and rode out, bottom turn, Bam! Cutback steez into the next bottom turn where the wave lost it's force and mushed out.
Making my way back I found Susy and she was all good so I proceeded to wait for the next opportunity to crush. That I did, this next wave was big I paddled in and hopped up on zi board flying down a perfect Caribbean wave this time it closed out but I got a sweet ride nonetheless. At this point I could feel my arms turning into green eggs and yams and decided to make my way back to the dinghy where Ged was waiting patiently. I was so stoked I'm pretty sure the stoke was seeping out of my ears.
Looking at Susy and Ged I asked them if they were down for a happy hour celebration at Sandals, damb right they were. But being a all inclusive resort we were quickly spotted by the forces that be and the man came down asking us to please leave their precious establishment.
Oh well. I'm here now at IGY marina at The Boardwalk enjoying my happy hour pre paid Pitons.
Hope you all enjoyed this epic session and this will certainly not be the last.
Cheers!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Green Flashes and The Clementines
The other day Susy, Ged and I decided to do a little dinghy wakeboarding so we shot out of Rodney Bay planning to yam out in front of Reduit Beach. as we were approaching the end of the channel I turned on the GoPro Camera and was filming some locals playing on a monohull sailboat. They were hanging off the side while they jibbed and havin' a good time.
I was looking at the sailboat and the scenery of St. Lucia. While I was looking at the darker backdrop in front of me Ged exclaimed that the sunset looked like it was ripe for a green flash.
Yeah Right, how many times in my life have I sat out on 2003 Gulf Way telling someone to look close and just maybe they will see a green flash... many.
I honestly have always thought it was a beach legend. I mean I thought I had seen it before but I was never really sure.
I looked over to the sunset I pointed the Gopro in the same direction seeing if it could capture the fleeting sunset as it immersed itself beneath the horizon. As it had its last glimps that we all know very well this burst of green flashed before us...
It didn't just flash quickly either it sat there for a good second+ while I stared in disbelief. I was in shock I couldn't contain myself. Looking back at Ged and Susy they also saw it just as well as I did and we confirmed.
"Yes this was REAL"
I've seen a great number of sunsets and to see a G.F. here in St. Lucia was quite special. Now i looked back at the camera still buggin' out and checked that it was on.
Yup!
Dope so we should have footage of the green flash when we get back to Meercat. Something inside me was saying that even though I filmed it, it probably wouldn't look like a G.F. since cameras rarely capture the colors and brightness we see.
We rode for a bit until it was too dark to see and headed back to the boat. Talking about how cool it would be to see it when we got back we were all pretty anxiouse to see what came out.
Nothing...
Since I was looking at the dark backdrop that the sun was shinning on when I looked over to the sunset the camera was adjusting the exposure while the G.F. went down.
I knew it, the footage was priceless even though I'm buggin out cursing you can tell in all of our reactions we witnessed something wild.
My advice to anyone who is going to try and film a green flash... keep your camera still and pointed directly at the sunset. I should have known.
On another note, I'm going to start putting up some of my friends that are musicians who are doing some pretty amazing things musically. Music is an integral part of my life and even though I cant play anything I sure know good music when I hear it.
Andrew Marr is a good friend of mine who used to provide some of the best yams in high school with a group called "djehli" Now livin out in the Sunshine State he's rockin' out with his new group "The Clementines", here are a couple of tracks fresh out the studio.
I Would Die To Be by AndrewMarr
Up we Go by AndrewMarr
Stay tuned for more to come!!!
Peace!
I was looking at the sailboat and the scenery of St. Lucia. While I was looking at the darker backdrop in front of me Ged exclaimed that the sunset looked like it was ripe for a green flash.
Yeah Right, how many times in my life have I sat out on 2003 Gulf Way telling someone to look close and just maybe they will see a green flash... many.
I honestly have always thought it was a beach legend. I mean I thought I had seen it before but I was never really sure.
I looked over to the sunset I pointed the Gopro in the same direction seeing if it could capture the fleeting sunset as it immersed itself beneath the horizon. As it had its last glimps that we all know very well this burst of green flashed before us...
It didn't just flash quickly either it sat there for a good second+ while I stared in disbelief. I was in shock I couldn't contain myself. Looking back at Ged and Susy they also saw it just as well as I did and we confirmed.
"Yes this was REAL"
I've seen a great number of sunsets and to see a G.F. here in St. Lucia was quite special. Now i looked back at the camera still buggin' out and checked that it was on.
Yup!
Dope so we should have footage of the green flash when we get back to Meercat. Something inside me was saying that even though I filmed it, it probably wouldn't look like a G.F. since cameras rarely capture the colors and brightness we see.
We rode for a bit until it was too dark to see and headed back to the boat. Talking about how cool it would be to see it when we got back we were all pretty anxiouse to see what came out.
Nothing...
Since I was looking at the dark backdrop that the sun was shinning on when I looked over to the sunset the camera was adjusting the exposure while the G.F. went down.
I knew it, the footage was priceless even though I'm buggin out cursing you can tell in all of our reactions we witnessed something wild.
My advice to anyone who is going to try and film a green flash... keep your camera still and pointed directly at the sunset. I should have known.
On another note, I'm going to start putting up some of my friends that are musicians who are doing some pretty amazing things musically. Music is an integral part of my life and even though I cant play anything I sure know good music when I hear it.
Andrew Marr is a good friend of mine who used to provide some of the best yams in high school with a group called "djehli" Now livin out in the Sunshine State he's rockin' out with his new group "The Clementines", here are a couple of tracks fresh out the studio.
I Would Die To Be by AndrewMarr
Up we Go by AndrewMarr
Stay tuned for more to come!!!
Peace!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Hurricane Tomas hits the Meercat
There is never a dull moment onboard Meercat. We watched NOAA diligently as the tropical depression organised into a tropical storm and with the ferocity of a metro train flyin through a subway station, it then formed into a category 1 hurricane as it approached St. Lucia.
We prepared ourselves for the perfect storm...
It was a stroke of good luck that we had not been hauled out when we were intended to be, since this would have been a much more dangerous position to be in. At first we were confused that they pushed our haul out date back a week, as we watched the storm form in the atlantic it all became very clear. The best place to be in a bad storm is tied up to the dock. Even though if a storm serge of more than 3 feet came through we would have been floating attached to the entire dock... no good.
The serge never came through and we were spared on that aspect.
We secured the Meercat using close to 15 independent anchors. We did this while the front closed in during the early hours of the morning. It was crazy to see the marina fill up with boats and yachts taking shelter. We had been on this dock for a few days and were one of the only boats there and when I awoke on sat morning the entire dock was full. Not to mention almost all the slips in the super yacht dock.
Securing the boat "properly" was quite the task. The difficult task in this is making sure that all the lines have tension at the same time so when the boat gets pushed away from the dock the lines all pull together. We managed to do this relatively quickly making sure it was done right.
My pops always used to say "son, never forget the six p's"
I haven't and this is something we took very seriously while preparing for the storm.
For those that don't know about the six p's heres your moment of enlightenment...
Proper
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance
Wise word of wisdom passed on through generations.
the marina was a mad house boats comin, noone leaving and the Island Waterworld shop no longer had any more mooring lines. Honestly if they were smart they would have seen this opportunity to make a killing with extra lines...but they didn't so we made do with what we had.
The system started with strong winds and rains and let me tell you if you've never experienced anything like this.
Its fuckin' scary.
The amount of energy was incredible I watched massive palm trees sway with a good 6 feet of movement, starring out the back of the boat was like looking at a snow covered mountain with a strong breeze. It seemed as if the rain never actually touched down, it just flew across in a floating manner. The sky was a dark grey that the suns rays could not penetrate through, only the deafening howl of the wind passing through the masts and lines echoed through my head.
I felt a sheer sense of just how small we are in the larger scheme of things. Mother natures wrath is certainly not to be taken lightly.
Even though we were in the middle of a hurricane there was still work to be done and a good time to be had.
We saluted Tomas and cracked open a round of Beers. What a better way to ease the tension than with a cold brew and a good laugh.
Thats when I decided this would be a great time to sit down and edit the footage we have been working on since we got to St. Lucia. Since we were practically boat locked...no more landlocked bullshit, it was the perfect desision.
It got my mind off the impending danger and I was making a great deal of progress with the film...even though final cut is a bitch. Its a good feeling to put time into something and see it materialise into something great.
Being an artist is the same way. i love to look at a blank wall or canvas and see what I'm going to create within its constraints and when the task is complete there is no better feeling than seeing the work you've accomplished.
But I'm running on tangents here lets bet back to the real story...Tomas.
We drank, ate and watched as Tomas devastated the island. I know now that 12 people died since there were landslides and rivers that overflowed. My heart goes out to their families and the rest of the St. Lucian population that was on the windward side of the island that took the greatest part of the storms fury.
We were constantly watching the wind meter to see just how intense it would get. We registered sustained winds at 55 kph. doesn't sound like much but bare in mind that one we were in the leeward side of the island and two that there is a mountain that separates us from the windward coast. the island itself on the windward side registered winds speeds that exceeded 120 mph and a swell of 30 ft.
This shit was LEGIT!
I laid in my bed and didn't sleep due to the amount of movement we were experiencing due to the high winds. every time the lines wen taught i though one would snap. I kept telling myself to just chill out and let the storm pass but as the morning approached i soon fell into a deep slumber.
The storm itself raged the island for 20 hours just for you to get an idea of its tremendous size.
I'm happy I was able to experience the storm in a safe environment but I am truly saddened by the destruction she left behind.
Still right now we do not have any water and the southern and northern parts of the island are separated due to two bridges being destroyed.
This storm has changed my outlook on life and drastically altered the lives of many St. Lucians.
Again My heart goes out to the affected and I will continue to help in any way possible.
Cheers
We prepared ourselves for the perfect storm...
It was a stroke of good luck that we had not been hauled out when we were intended to be, since this would have been a much more dangerous position to be in. At first we were confused that they pushed our haul out date back a week, as we watched the storm form in the atlantic it all became very clear. The best place to be in a bad storm is tied up to the dock. Even though if a storm serge of more than 3 feet came through we would have been floating attached to the entire dock... no good.
The serge never came through and we were spared on that aspect.
We secured the Meercat using close to 15 independent anchors. We did this while the front closed in during the early hours of the morning. It was crazy to see the marina fill up with boats and yachts taking shelter. We had been on this dock for a few days and were one of the only boats there and when I awoke on sat morning the entire dock was full. Not to mention almost all the slips in the super yacht dock.
Securing the boat "properly" was quite the task. The difficult task in this is making sure that all the lines have tension at the same time so when the boat gets pushed away from the dock the lines all pull together. We managed to do this relatively quickly making sure it was done right.
My pops always used to say "son, never forget the six p's"
I haven't and this is something we took very seriously while preparing for the storm.
For those that don't know about the six p's heres your moment of enlightenment...
Proper
Planning
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance
Wise word of wisdom passed on through generations.
the marina was a mad house boats comin, noone leaving and the Island Waterworld shop no longer had any more mooring lines. Honestly if they were smart they would have seen this opportunity to make a killing with extra lines...but they didn't so we made do with what we had.
The system started with strong winds and rains and let me tell you if you've never experienced anything like this.
Its fuckin' scary.
The amount of energy was incredible I watched massive palm trees sway with a good 6 feet of movement, starring out the back of the boat was like looking at a snow covered mountain with a strong breeze. It seemed as if the rain never actually touched down, it just flew across in a floating manner. The sky was a dark grey that the suns rays could not penetrate through, only the deafening howl of the wind passing through the masts and lines echoed through my head.
I felt a sheer sense of just how small we are in the larger scheme of things. Mother natures wrath is certainly not to be taken lightly.
Even though we were in the middle of a hurricane there was still work to be done and a good time to be had.
We saluted Tomas and cracked open a round of Beers. What a better way to ease the tension than with a cold brew and a good laugh.
Thats when I decided this would be a great time to sit down and edit the footage we have been working on since we got to St. Lucia. Since we were practically boat locked...no more landlocked bullshit, it was the perfect desision.
It got my mind off the impending danger and I was making a great deal of progress with the film...even though final cut is a bitch. Its a good feeling to put time into something and see it materialise into something great.
Being an artist is the same way. i love to look at a blank wall or canvas and see what I'm going to create within its constraints and when the task is complete there is no better feeling than seeing the work you've accomplished.
But I'm running on tangents here lets bet back to the real story...Tomas.
We drank, ate and watched as Tomas devastated the island. I know now that 12 people died since there were landslides and rivers that overflowed. My heart goes out to their families and the rest of the St. Lucian population that was on the windward side of the island that took the greatest part of the storms fury.
We were constantly watching the wind meter to see just how intense it would get. We registered sustained winds at 55 kph. doesn't sound like much but bare in mind that one we were in the leeward side of the island and two that there is a mountain that separates us from the windward coast. the island itself on the windward side registered winds speeds that exceeded 120 mph and a swell of 30 ft.
This shit was LEGIT!
I laid in my bed and didn't sleep due to the amount of movement we were experiencing due to the high winds. every time the lines wen taught i though one would snap. I kept telling myself to just chill out and let the storm pass but as the morning approached i soon fell into a deep slumber.
The storm itself raged the island for 20 hours just for you to get an idea of its tremendous size.
I'm happy I was able to experience the storm in a safe environment but I am truly saddened by the destruction she left behind.
Still right now we do not have any water and the southern and northern parts of the island are separated due to two bridges being destroyed.
This storm has changed my outlook on life and drastically altered the lives of many St. Lucians.
Again My heart goes out to the affected and I will continue to help in any way possible.
Cheers
A Little sumting...
This video was shot on our way up from Grenada to St. Lucia.
Although we didn't have much footage to use we made the best of what we had.
I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think.
Cheers!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
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Hiking Greenada in di rain...
This was one of the most incredible hikes i have ever gone on.
So my buddy Michel kept telling me about how dope the mountains were in Grenada. So the best idea was for me to take him up on it and do a hike...
Right?
Yup and when to better see the island than in a monsoon.
I left Grenada marine where Meercat was moored and grabbed a Reggae bus to Prickly bay where Bravehart the boat with James, Jodie and Michel was docked. Grabbed Michel who had said he would be waiting at the side of the road for me to pass by and pick him up. He wasn't there obviously...
He was finishing up breakfast and getting his shit together. I was stoked to put my Vibram Fivefinger shoes to the test on the mountain.
I laughed at him when he came out with his fottie boots (soccer cleats) but i would soon see just what we were in for...
So we left the dock and grabbed another reggae bus to the town square where we could catch a bus up to the base of the mountain. We got in and waited. The buses here are vans and they don't leave the bus depot until it is completely packed im sayin four or five deep in each row of seats...yes its crammed but its what its all about.
As we made our way to the spot we would enter the trail we were flyin up these roads with a very steep cliff on the opposite side. I looked at the locals to judge their fear of the drive and they seemed cool so i decided to say f' it and just chill out. hey this guy does this every day...right?
We get to the little bar where most people end their trek and do a little warm up stretch for the hike/run.
And we were off.
Running at a steady jog or yog not really sure any more, we entered the trail. with a little drizzle.
The more we ran the stronger the rain became. With steep inclines and nice downhill bits I was really utilizing the versatility of these damn shoes. The floor itself was more of a swampy river than the floor of a trail. but nevertheless we ran on. Michel led the way but as I got some speed I went ahead.
The scenery was spectacular I could see the little lake that the Grenadians call a lagoon and...not much more. The rain was coming down hard but we kept at it. As we got higher up into the clouds the rain began to come down horizontally due to the strong wind at the top portion of the mountain. I was loving it.
Cool rain when your workin out sweating is like having ac on a hot day but more like the way mothernature intended it.
As we reached the peak there was an odd looking triangle at the top with some clothes hangin from it and a massive boulder that sat on the highest point of this mountain. I looked back to see the trail we had just come from and could barely see more than maybe 100 feet out.
The rain and wind was howling and it felt glorious!
Just then as im hanging off the ledge Michel turns and says
" aight now for the interesting bit"
"Alright!" I exclaimed with enthusiasm.
We headed back the way we came and turned left at the fork instead of making the right which took us to the top. Heading downward the trail began to get narrow. I mean relay narrow where I could not see my feet below me nor Michel who I was following. After a little bit I asked Michel half expecting not to get a response.
"you still there bro ...We goin the right way?"
"yeah mate keep up!"
"if i could see you I might."
We both chuckled and kept on.
We scaled down cliffs and stopped every once and a while as he checked to see weather we were going the right way and evey now and again he would turn to me and say i dont think this is it.
I looked at him puzzled and he would laugh and keep running.
The punk ass got me again.
I was stoked that i wore the shoes i had on since i could feel the ground below me and still have realy good grip. If you hike or jog or do anything outdoors you need yourself some of these Vibram Fivefinger shoes they are DOPE!
Thats when we got to a section where we were literally walking through a river. I thought about the chances of getting bit by a snake and brushed them off...they cant be too high, I thought.
As we got down farther we had to cross not one not two or three or four but something like 8 or 9 rageing rivers. and when i say rageing i mean like pulling a bender for 5 days straight rageing...
If you lost your footing while crossing you were going for a long swim to who knows where.
I nor Michel lost our footing.
We were heading for a waterfall that was suppose to be one of the best on the Island.
I figured with all this rain this waterfall was going to be epic.
It was.
We reached it and stood in aw of its majestic flow of sheer power and force. if i was to walk under this thing i would surly be crushed to bits. It was huge.
Michel and I contemplated about just how much water was flowing through it in a given minute.
A shit ton we both exclaimed.
From there we ended up walking the rest of the way as a cool down and as the sun set. We walked down the last bit of the trail to find a bus back to the depot.
Talking about how great the hike was and how funny it is that we two random blokes met up with some similar interests and decided to take on what mothernature could dish out.
Honestly Ive done a great deal of hiking and this far surpassed a large number of them.
I hope you enjoyed this here story and hopefully i was able to convey it in a coherent and interesting way.
Cheers and stay tuned till next time. Who knows whats up the Caribbean sea.
So my buddy Michel kept telling me about how dope the mountains were in Grenada. So the best idea was for me to take him up on it and do a hike...
Right?
Yup and when to better see the island than in a monsoon.
I left Grenada marine where Meercat was moored and grabbed a Reggae bus to Prickly bay where Bravehart the boat with James, Jodie and Michel was docked. Grabbed Michel who had said he would be waiting at the side of the road for me to pass by and pick him up. He wasn't there obviously...
He was finishing up breakfast and getting his shit together. I was stoked to put my Vibram Fivefinger shoes to the test on the mountain.
I laughed at him when he came out with his fottie boots (soccer cleats) but i would soon see just what we were in for...
So we left the dock and grabbed another reggae bus to the town square where we could catch a bus up to the base of the mountain. We got in and waited. The buses here are vans and they don't leave the bus depot until it is completely packed im sayin four or five deep in each row of seats...yes its crammed but its what its all about.
As we made our way to the spot we would enter the trail we were flyin up these roads with a very steep cliff on the opposite side. I looked at the locals to judge their fear of the drive and they seemed cool so i decided to say f' it and just chill out. hey this guy does this every day...right?
We get to the little bar where most people end their trek and do a little warm up stretch for the hike/run.
And we were off.
Running at a steady jog or yog not really sure any more, we entered the trail. with a little drizzle.
The more we ran the stronger the rain became. With steep inclines and nice downhill bits I was really utilizing the versatility of these damn shoes. The floor itself was more of a swampy river than the floor of a trail. but nevertheless we ran on. Michel led the way but as I got some speed I went ahead.
The scenery was spectacular I could see the little lake that the Grenadians call a lagoon and...not much more. The rain was coming down hard but we kept at it. As we got higher up into the clouds the rain began to come down horizontally due to the strong wind at the top portion of the mountain. I was loving it.
Cool rain when your workin out sweating is like having ac on a hot day but more like the way mothernature intended it.
As we reached the peak there was an odd looking triangle at the top with some clothes hangin from it and a massive boulder that sat on the highest point of this mountain. I looked back to see the trail we had just come from and could barely see more than maybe 100 feet out.
The rain and wind was howling and it felt glorious!
Just then as im hanging off the ledge Michel turns and says
" aight now for the interesting bit"
"Alright!" I exclaimed with enthusiasm.
We headed back the way we came and turned left at the fork instead of making the right which took us to the top. Heading downward the trail began to get narrow. I mean relay narrow where I could not see my feet below me nor Michel who I was following. After a little bit I asked Michel half expecting not to get a response.
"you still there bro ...We goin the right way?"
"yeah mate keep up!"
"if i could see you I might."
We both chuckled and kept on.
We scaled down cliffs and stopped every once and a while as he checked to see weather we were going the right way and evey now and again he would turn to me and say i dont think this is it.
I looked at him puzzled and he would laugh and keep running.
The punk ass got me again.
I was stoked that i wore the shoes i had on since i could feel the ground below me and still have realy good grip. If you hike or jog or do anything outdoors you need yourself some of these Vibram Fivefinger shoes they are DOPE!
Thats when we got to a section where we were literally walking through a river. I thought about the chances of getting bit by a snake and brushed them off...they cant be too high, I thought.
As we got down farther we had to cross not one not two or three or four but something like 8 or 9 rageing rivers. and when i say rageing i mean like pulling a bender for 5 days straight rageing...
If you lost your footing while crossing you were going for a long swim to who knows where.
I nor Michel lost our footing.
We were heading for a waterfall that was suppose to be one of the best on the Island.
I figured with all this rain this waterfall was going to be epic.
It was.
We reached it and stood in aw of its majestic flow of sheer power and force. if i was to walk under this thing i would surly be crushed to bits. It was huge.
Michel and I contemplated about just how much water was flowing through it in a given minute.
A shit ton we both exclaimed.
From there we ended up walking the rest of the way as a cool down and as the sun set. We walked down the last bit of the trail to find a bus back to the depot.
Talking about how great the hike was and how funny it is that we two random blokes met up with some similar interests and decided to take on what mothernature could dish out.
Honestly Ive done a great deal of hiking and this far surpassed a large number of them.
I hope you enjoyed this here story and hopefully i was able to convey it in a coherent and interesting way.
Cheers and stay tuned till next time. Who knows whats up the Caribbean sea.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A little more Happy Island
A few more from Happy Island Union Island.
 |
| We were flyin' through Union |
 |
| I love this place |
Enjoy!
Your either on the bus, or your off the bus...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Prickely Bay and Beyond'
Right now I'm in St. Lucia waiting for the boat to get some work done so I've got some extra time on my hands and am going through a recap of my trip so far. Just incase this wasn't makeing sence to you... Enjoy!
So after being in Prickly Bay for a few days I realised just how much of a community the bay consisted of. It was great, around 8am on the VHF radio channel 68 there would be the weather forecast(very important to us sailors) and a daily update of what was going on in the area and who was having happy hour on what yacht. I found this to be hilarious. It was like a open air craigslist where people could ask for things they needed or sell things they didn't need. It is called the NET.
I was ready to get out and see what Grenada had to offer. Getting in touch with Michal was easy he was on a boat near by and came for some drinks on Meercat. He told me about a few other boats in the area with some good young people to chill with so i did just that.
Braveheart a beautiful monohull sloop had a real good crew that consisted of James and Jodie both from the UK and both up for a good time. They became along with Michal, Georgan, and Oliver (British Oli) my contacts for a good time out. We got together on numerous occasions to hit up the local happy hour and make our way to the club called Bananas.
Now bananas was probably the most established bar/club on the island with four bars and a night club dance hall. Honestly it was more of a SGU bar than anything else. On Friday nights and weekends you could get in for 25 EC and see nothing but SGU students out raging since they have constant tests all week long.
It was nice to meet some heads from the states and it was funny because I met a large number of people from the tristate area and Florida who decided to come here for school. I let them know I thought they made the right decision since this is a perfect place for post grad studies.
But other than getting all pissed up it was fun to have some like minded people around to enjoy the night life.
I decided to do some fishing while I was there to occupy my time and maybe catch some dinner...
I caught a little fish maybe a jac not sure and cut him up for bait. Set a good hook into the slice of fish and threw it into the sea. I managed to get it right outside of a reef so I figured it was a good spot to try. I made myself a rum punch and sat back watching the reel. Out of nowhere i was a quarter done with my rum punch when I saw the reel start bending like a palm tree in high winds. I jumped up and yelled to Ged "Got One!!!" as I reeled it in I thought "whats it gonna beee mmmmmmm hopefully something good. that's when this small black tip reef shark came out of the depths from beneth the Meercat. I was so stoked I caught a frickin shark on my first cast in Grenada. Mind you I have been on a few shark fishing trips with no luck, normally getting drunk to make up for the absence of sharks. But on this day it was a totally different story. I got em good. I must say that they are truly majestic and stunning creatures of the sea. So perfectly built for their environment yet even I can catch them with a bit of meat on a hook. Sucks for them. This guy must have been shitting himself I could see it in his eyes. I managed to work the hook free and just like in the Natgeo shows I held him by his tail and rocked him back and forth in the water. He started trying to swim and I let him free. I'm not sure why I let him go since after telling a few people my catch of the day I was told they make for very good eating. Oh well it was the catch that mattered and maybe he'll (the shark) go back and tell his friends they are not all that bad. hahaha yeah right.
It was now time to sit back finish my rum punch and enjoy.
During our stay in Prickly we were fortunate enough to get some swell caused by the hurricane passing north of us and this brought in a 5-6 meter swell from the north east. Although I didn't get to go to where they were breaking the largest I did get out on my 5'8 Global Fish...much tooo small for these waves but all in all I was out amongst them. Michal and i met out at the break and caught some of the epicness that was flowing through the reef. I struggled with my board to stay in front of the waves but since I was getting up and riding even if it was short I was havin' a great time. But it wasn't until Michal let me use his 6'2 that I really caught a wave. Honestly I've had good rides in Brazil Surfing with Alex in front of Windtown, but this was one of the best rides I have ever gotten in my life...thus far.
I dropped into a substantial wave chest high (i know i know) and got speed, did a bottom turn and cut back up the lip "slap", turning back down the face I did a bottom turn once more before I cut back the face and lost speed. The entire time i was looking into perfectly clear water with reef less than a foot beneath me. I was completely taken back by the tremendous beauty below me as well as the fact that the sun was setting leaving the sky a brilliant shade of pinkpurplerednblue.
The next couple of days were quite amazing...
So after being in Prickly Bay for a few days I realised just how much of a community the bay consisted of. It was great, around 8am on the VHF radio channel 68 there would be the weather forecast(very important to us sailors) and a daily update of what was going on in the area and who was having happy hour on what yacht. I found this to be hilarious. It was like a open air craigslist where people could ask for things they needed or sell things they didn't need. It is called the NET.
I was ready to get out and see what Grenada had to offer. Getting in touch with Michal was easy he was on a boat near by and came for some drinks on Meercat. He told me about a few other boats in the area with some good young people to chill with so i did just that.
Braveheart a beautiful monohull sloop had a real good crew that consisted of James and Jodie both from the UK and both up for a good time. They became along with Michal, Georgan, and Oliver (British Oli) my contacts for a good time out. We got together on numerous occasions to hit up the local happy hour and make our way to the club called Bananas.
Now bananas was probably the most established bar/club on the island with four bars and a night club dance hall. Honestly it was more of a SGU bar than anything else. On Friday nights and weekends you could get in for 25 EC and see nothing but SGU students out raging since they have constant tests all week long.
It was nice to meet some heads from the states and it was funny because I met a large number of people from the tristate area and Florida who decided to come here for school. I let them know I thought they made the right decision since this is a perfect place for post grad studies.
But other than getting all pissed up it was fun to have some like minded people around to enjoy the night life.
I decided to do some fishing while I was there to occupy my time and maybe catch some dinner...
I caught a little fish maybe a jac not sure and cut him up for bait. Set a good hook into the slice of fish and threw it into the sea. I managed to get it right outside of a reef so I figured it was a good spot to try. I made myself a rum punch and sat back watching the reel. Out of nowhere i was a quarter done with my rum punch when I saw the reel start bending like a palm tree in high winds. I jumped up and yelled to Ged "Got One!!!" as I reeled it in I thought "whats it gonna beee mmmmmmm hopefully something good. that's when this small black tip reef shark came out of the depths from beneth the Meercat. I was so stoked I caught a frickin shark on my first cast in Grenada. Mind you I have been on a few shark fishing trips with no luck, normally getting drunk to make up for the absence of sharks. But on this day it was a totally different story. I got em good. I must say that they are truly majestic and stunning creatures of the sea. So perfectly built for their environment yet even I can catch them with a bit of meat on a hook. Sucks for them. This guy must have been shitting himself I could see it in his eyes. I managed to work the hook free and just like in the Natgeo shows I held him by his tail and rocked him back and forth in the water. He started trying to swim and I let him free. I'm not sure why I let him go since after telling a few people my catch of the day I was told they make for very good eating. Oh well it was the catch that mattered and maybe he'll (the shark) go back and tell his friends they are not all that bad. hahaha yeah right.
It was now time to sit back finish my rum punch and enjoy.
During our stay in Prickly we were fortunate enough to get some swell caused by the hurricane passing north of us and this brought in a 5-6 meter swell from the north east. Although I didn't get to go to where they were breaking the largest I did get out on my 5'8 Global Fish...much tooo small for these waves but all in all I was out amongst them. Michal and i met out at the break and caught some of the epicness that was flowing through the reef. I struggled with my board to stay in front of the waves but since I was getting up and riding even if it was short I was havin' a great time. But it wasn't until Michal let me use his 6'2 that I really caught a wave. Honestly I've had good rides in Brazil Surfing with Alex in front of Windtown, but this was one of the best rides I have ever gotten in my life...thus far.
I dropped into a substantial wave chest high (i know i know) and got speed, did a bottom turn and cut back up the lip "slap", turning back down the face I did a bottom turn once more before I cut back the face and lost speed. The entire time i was looking into perfectly clear water with reef less than a foot beneath me. I was completely taken back by the tremendous beauty below me as well as the fact that the sun was setting leaving the sky a brilliant shade of pinkpurplerednblue.
The next couple of days were quite amazing...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Happy Island 2 Prickely Bay
When we set off from Union Island I had a good feeling about Grenada since one of my friends Kiki from back home is from Grenada. He told me to link up with some of his fam and gave me some tips on some places to see. I also got in touch with a friend from Eckerd, Julie who is going to Vet School at SGU. I could sense that this island would be a bit younger than the last few I was at.
So we set sail from Union and made our way to Grenada. The norther coast of Grenada is gorgeous rocky rigelines with some pretty high peaks, a very breathtaking view from the sea. The ocean wasn't tooo choppy with some good rollers for meercat to surf down so we made good time. I must admit I'm pretty happy I dont get seasick since getting on this I have never felt sick at sea...Although a hangover does not feel good while in rough seas.
As we pulled into Prickely Bay I saw a relatively small but clean break in the entrance of the harbour.
I thought to myself this might have some potential...
Dropping anchor is one of the things i have learned is all about timing. Since we were coming in at sunset I knew we needed to drop the anchor relatively quick to make sure it was all good before it was dark. No one wants to be dropping anchor at night its as the British would put it a bolleg, Us translation( pain in the Ass). Luckily for us this time it was nice and simple the anchor held first attempt and we settled down in the outside cockpit for a beer and a perfect view of the setting sun.
Ged had told me about a member of the Meercats crew who sailed her from France across the Atlantic and that he was a person I should get a hold of while we are in Grenada.
So Ged hit up the radio and called out if anyone out there had seen or knew which boat a skinny Scottish bloak was on. With probably a second of lee time there was a voice on the radio that said he knew what boat Michel was on and told us he had just dropped him off at the Big Fish a bar and restaurant that is right on the water edge of the harbour. The funny thing is that this guy closed with "Magnum. out" the three of us had a laugh.
So this is a rough recollection of what happened on the way from Union Island to Grenada. Stay tuned for more as I dive deep into the mountainous terrain that Grenada has to offer and do some kiting in a little private beach only for guests...we were not.
Cheers!
So we set sail from Union and made our way to Grenada. The norther coast of Grenada is gorgeous rocky rigelines with some pretty high peaks, a very breathtaking view from the sea. The ocean wasn't tooo choppy with some good rollers for meercat to surf down so we made good time. I must admit I'm pretty happy I dont get seasick since getting on this I have never felt sick at sea...Although a hangover does not feel good while in rough seas.
As we pulled into Prickely Bay I saw a relatively small but clean break in the entrance of the harbour.
I thought to myself this might have some potential...
Dropping anchor is one of the things i have learned is all about timing. Since we were coming in at sunset I knew we needed to drop the anchor relatively quick to make sure it was all good before it was dark. No one wants to be dropping anchor at night its as the British would put it a bolleg, Us translation( pain in the Ass). Luckily for us this time it was nice and simple the anchor held first attempt and we settled down in the outside cockpit for a beer and a perfect view of the setting sun.
Ged had told me about a member of the Meercats crew who sailed her from France across the Atlantic and that he was a person I should get a hold of while we are in Grenada.
So Ged hit up the radio and called out if anyone out there had seen or knew which boat a skinny Scottish bloak was on. With probably a second of lee time there was a voice on the radio that said he knew what boat Michel was on and told us he had just dropped him off at the Big Fish a bar and restaurant that is right on the water edge of the harbour. The funny thing is that this guy closed with "Magnum. out" the three of us had a laugh.
So this is a rough recollection of what happened on the way from Union Island to Grenada. Stay tuned for more as I dive deep into the mountainous terrain that Grenada has to offer and do some kiting in a little private beach only for guests...we were not.
Cheers!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thus Far
So I have been on board for close to two months now island hopping in the Caribbean.
I flew in from JFK to St. Lucia, took a ferry/small boston wailer over to the French Isle of Martinique where i met up with Ged and Susy who then took me aboard my new home on Meercat. I had spent some time on boats but up until this point it was never more than a month. While I was living in Brazil I had the opportunity to stay aboard my aunts boat Top Gun in Ilhia Bella, state of Sao Paulo. This was a power yacht and we would kite from the beach onto the boat or go out on the dinghy and launch at sea. My time spent there was great Tia Ligia and Marechao are tremendous people.
Back to Meercat...
As we made our way from the dock in Martinique to the boat I was yamming out in anticipation. I could hardly wait to see the boat having been traveling for the last 10 hours. As we approached the Meercat the sun was setting behind her creating an incredible red orange glow on the hull. I knew this was going to be a great ride!
That night we went out for dinner at a dockside restaurant where Ged told me we would be sailing early the next morning. I was stoked, not only had i just arrived but I would be able to sail within the first 24 hours of being on Board...Dank.
Our destination Bequia. A very nice harbor with a great pirate burger joint that supposedly was the set for a scene in pirates of the Caribbean. The burger there was great, with a few pitons and hairouns i was feelin' real good vibes man.
From Bequia we sailed to Tobago Cays where i got to see a great deal of Sea Turtles and one of the nicest surf breaks i have seen in a while. Perfect reef break with some decent sized waves. It was a shame there was no wind while we were there but we made a vow to return when the wind would be better and also make this a destination for our trips.
Two days later we went to Union Island...
This place is legit the island is cool but in Clifton Harbor there is a horseshoe reef with a little bar made out of conch shells and reef. Janti the establishments owner and creator made the island and decided to call it Happy Island. Perfect.
During the 4 days we were there I spent a great deal of time there talking to him about life, tourism and where the best places to fish are... I'm always lookin'.
Alright this is a great deal of info on the trip and this was only the first week and a half on board. I will post later on the weeks that followed.
I want to give a big ups to Ulyburger who i was talking to on skype while I wrote this and thought about how sweet it is that hes out in the Colorado Rockies and I'm here in the sunny HOT Caribbean.
Jah Bless Up!
Till lataz...
I flew in from JFK to St. Lucia, took a ferry/small boston wailer over to the French Isle of Martinique where i met up with Ged and Susy who then took me aboard my new home on Meercat. I had spent some time on boats but up until this point it was never more than a month. While I was living in Brazil I had the opportunity to stay aboard my aunts boat Top Gun in Ilhia Bella, state of Sao Paulo. This was a power yacht and we would kite from the beach onto the boat or go out on the dinghy and launch at sea. My time spent there was great Tia Ligia and Marechao are tremendous people.
Back to Meercat...
As we made our way from the dock in Martinique to the boat I was yamming out in anticipation. I could hardly wait to see the boat having been traveling for the last 10 hours. As we approached the Meercat the sun was setting behind her creating an incredible red orange glow on the hull. I knew this was going to be a great ride!
That night we went out for dinner at a dockside restaurant where Ged told me we would be sailing early the next morning. I was stoked, not only had i just arrived but I would be able to sail within the first 24 hours of being on Board...Dank.
Our destination Bequia. A very nice harbor with a great pirate burger joint that supposedly was the set for a scene in pirates of the Caribbean. The burger there was great, with a few pitons and hairouns i was feelin' real good vibes man.
From Bequia we sailed to Tobago Cays where i got to see a great deal of Sea Turtles and one of the nicest surf breaks i have seen in a while. Perfect reef break with some decent sized waves. It was a shame there was no wind while we were there but we made a vow to return when the wind would be better and also make this a destination for our trips.
Two days later we went to Union Island...
This place is legit the island is cool but in Clifton Harbor there is a horseshoe reef with a little bar made out of conch shells and reef. Janti the establishments owner and creator made the island and decided to call it Happy Island. Perfect.
During the 4 days we were there I spent a great deal of time there talking to him about life, tourism and where the best places to fish are... I'm always lookin'.
Alright this is a great deal of info on the trip and this was only the first week and a half on board. I will post later on the weeks that followed.
I want to give a big ups to Ulyburger who i was talking to on skype while I wrote this and thought about how sweet it is that hes out in the Colorado Rockies and I'm here in the sunny HOT Caribbean.
Jah Bless Up!
Till lataz...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Beginning...
Alright guys and gals this is a way for me to show you and the world where the magnificent Meercat is taking me. The spots we will ride are some of the most pristine in the world with crystalline Caribbean water I know I will see a great deal of life beneath the sea as well and above.
I have always traveled and since graduating I have spent very little time back home in the states. I think this is due to the fact that once you start traveling its hard to stop like a great deal of other things in life this is a far better vice.
Right now I am in the island of St. Lucia in a place in the norther part of the island called Rodney Bay hopefully the wind will pick up soon so we can ride the spot known as Cas En Bas... Lets seeeee
Stay tuned for more to come!!!
I have always traveled and since graduating I have spent very little time back home in the states. I think this is due to the fact that once you start traveling its hard to stop like a great deal of other things in life this is a far better vice.
Right now I am in the island of St. Lucia in a place in the norther part of the island called Rodney Bay hopefully the wind will pick up soon so we can ride the spot known as Cas En Bas... Lets seeeee
Stay tuned for more to come!!!
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