We have been acclimating to the boat (and each other aboard) as we arrived in the Southern Grenadines. The grenadines have some of the clearest waters and whitest beaches of the Caribbean and the group of islands that make up the Grenadines are a relatively close group stretching from St Vincent in the North towards Grenada in the South. These Islands, also known as the Windwards, have little protection from the Atlantic to the east, which stretches uninterrupted to the European Atlantic crossing departure points in the Azores and Canary Islands. In fact, this island group was an early point of “discovery” for ancient mariners exploring the world from Europe and remains the route of the annual ARC Atlantic crossing race (Canaries to St Lucia). The result is brisk daily winds (15knts to 25Knts) and active seas between islands (1’ to 10” wave heights). The islands proximity to each other also provides an opportunity for a wide range of short day sails and midday lunch/snorkel stops on the way to the next overnight anchorage.

Since clearing customs on Bequia we have enjoyed daily sails as we have hopped islands southward with overnight anchorages on Mayreau, Canouan, and Palm Island. We ventured as far south as the Island of Carrriacou (part of Grenada) for a day stop and snorkel at Sandy Island. Sandy Island is part of the Grenada Offshore Wildlife Protection Program and offers some of the best and most lively reefs and snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Every island has its own unique history, atmosphere, inhabitants and culture and that is felt as soon as one arrives. Venturing on shore for a meal or supplies at shops or beach tavernas that make up the protected (Leeward) harbors of each island provides an opportunity to engage locals and their history and culture. But this also reveals how small the world has become in these remote island outposts as many of the inhabitants spend time every year in major US and European cities and restaurants and pubs are filled nightly with an array of travelers that have pursued an UnTethered or offshore life. Typically one hears French, German, Scandinavian, American and English spoken simultaneously at establishments with as few as five tables, and on occasions all of this at one table or across 5 bar stools.

The UnTethered Journey is these destinations and the stories of those you find at each, some having cast off decades ago and landed on any one of these small islands and here they remain today. Friendly, engaging, always interesting and a reminder of simpler lives and choices………….

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself ”

Henry Miller