Some of you will remember a caribbean newsletter from some cruising friends who have been on the go for almost 2 years in their 95 P42. Here's there latest update. Dear Friends and Family, Sorry it's been such a long time between updates!! The good news is that we are doing great and everything is better than ever. We have just completed our second lap of the Caribbean islands--are presently back in Grenada in route to Trinidad for part of the hurricaine season. On our trip down we skipped a lot of islands, so this past winter we went back and visited islands we had not yet seen. It's kind of interesting because each island seems to have a unique history and slightly different culture than the others due to its geographic location or its European inflluence. Our goal this season was to go as far north as St. Marten which we heard was the most civilized and modern Caribbean island --turned out to be everything we hoped. In route to St. Marten we made a stop at Monserratt which is the island that has a extremely active volcano. Supposedly there is always a risk that it could go off anytime--the latest news this week is that it could have a major eruption any day--daredevil Ken decided we needed to get a good look at it, which we did--the devastation was unbelieveable--the entire capital, Portsmouth was covered with ash and mud--all has been evacuated since the last eruption--it was very eeire to see an entire city standing, yet not a single person about. We had a little ash blown on us as we sailed by, but very minor--really only irritated the eyes and a little soot on the deck. We anchored at the north end which is the only habited part of the island now--left the next day for Nevis which reminded us of Hawaii with one large, beautifully shaped extinct volcano. Most of the beach resorts had been devestated by hurricaine Lenny last year, but the beautiful beaches remain--mostly deserted --no tourists--very nice for us. Matter of fact, Lenny did more destructive damage in the Caribbean than any hurricaine in the hundred years. From Nevis we tried to go to Saba which is a very unique Dutch island ---looks like a giant alkatraz in the middle of the ocean--no beaches, no ports. All of the population lives on the top of the rock. Unfortunately, the seas were too big to anchor so we could not go ashore to visit the very unique community at the top, which the Sabans call "the bottom". On to St. Marten. St. Marten became our home for the next 2 months--it was like old home week--many of the cruisers we have gotten to know all seemed to be there for an extended stay. I guess what made St Marten so appealing was the international flavor of the island--it's half Dutch, half French--very European. The stores were full of wonderful food stuffs from all over the world at excellent prices--even asparagus--fresh--from Peru. Great night life, and a $6 steak dinner at the St. Marten yacht club every Friday night. The yacht club was very laid back--constructed from 2 ship containers with holes cut in it due to the fact that the original yacht club was blown away as a result of Lenny. Another reason that many boats stay at St. Marten is because of the quality and quantity of availabe parts and repair facilities. We took our mast down and did some modifications and a new forestay--very pleased with the workmanship--it was better than the U.S.--the riggers were from New Zealand and South Africa--great to work with. While in St. Marten, we had Joe and Paula Bonney join us from Dallas. We made an excursion with them to St. Barts--had a wonderful time --St. Barts would be similar to the riviera of the Caribbean--wonderful shops, beautiful beaches, superb resturants. It was great to have friends to share the experience--we did things with them that we probably wouldn't have done by ourselves. Returned to St Marten for a rondezvous with one of Ken's friends from his Junior High days --a 40 year friendship. Norm came from San Fransisco and spent a week with us exploring St. Marten and Anguilla. It was the best quality visit Ken and Norm has had in 30 some years--very special. After Norm's departure,we made one last big trip to those fabulous grocery stores --(more fresh asparagus!!) before we made the trip to Antigua for sailing week. Seems that we can't miss Antigua race week--the biggest party in the Caribbean--this year, we got there early enough to see the classic yacht race--turned out to be one of the neatest sailing experiences we have had. We sailed out and amongst the middle of these classic old yachts, square riggers, etc. It was like going back in time 50 to 100 years--beautiful, beautiful boats. We hooked up with 2 veteran hell-raisers of Antigua race week from the Boston area (Dr. Bill and Adventure Boy Bob)--we missed you, Fred. They entertained all our friends with serenades on every arrival and every departure --too bad they decided to choose medicine for a carreer--they could both have made it as entertainers-- What an event--250 raceboats from every county in the world--not an exaggeration--what an international atmosphere. Bill and Bob treated us to an unforgetable meal at the infamous Harmony Hall--the best restaurant in the Caribbean--as always, the highlight of Wendy's Antigua race week experience. Unfortunately, we don't have any entertaining dumb events to report--normally, something wild or crazy has happened, but for the last 4 months, it has been uneventful and wonderful sailing. Due to the high winds this season, we have had some very exhilerating sails. The boat turns out to be faster than we need to go, but it is fun to clip along at 8 knots for several hours at a time!! We normally reduce the sails for a comfortable ride rather than a fast ride, however, when conditions are right it sure is a hoot to "let her go". The boat and all of its equipment is holding up well. Upon our arrival in Trinidad, we have plane reservations back to Canada and the states leaving Trinidad July 5th--spending 2 wks in Canada and 2 wks in the U.S. We are really looking forward to getting together with as many family and friends as possible. After our visit to the States, the plan is getting the boat ready for the Pacific. Ten to fifteen of our sailing friends are planning a rondezvous at the Panama Canal Feb. 1st, 2001. If everything is in order, the next major destination will be New Zealand with numerous stops in the South Pacific. Everything is great with us and our two kitties, Bob and Marley. Marley finally fell overboard while at anchor in Grenada at 4 A.M. Fortunately, Ken heard her in the water trying to get back on the boat. We are presently designing a Kitty Ladder so they can go swimming and get back on by themselves. That's all for now. Looking forward to seeing many of you this summer. Fair winds, God Bless, Ken and Wendy.