Ships' News: Monday, March 11, 2013

Harvey Gamage is currently in Trinidad, having arrived on Saturday They’ll spend most of the week exploring the island. On Wednesday they’ll visit the small island of Chacachacare (900 acres) in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. At various times in its history, Chacachacare has served as a cotton plantation, a whaling station and a leper colony. Gamage will depart Trinidad bound for Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo de Guzmán) on Thursday. It is a 600-mile passage across the Caribbean Sea—the crew are allotting 10 days to make the trip.

Meanwhile, Virginia departed Grenada on Sunday bound for Trinidad. They are expected to arrive there tomorrow (Tuesday). Once in Trinidad, ship’s company will spend five days exploring on and around the island. They’ll visit Asa Wright Nature Center, will enjoy Bake and Shark, a very popular street food sold in Trinidad and Tobago. Bake & Shark is a must-try for island visitors and is a weekly treat for locals. While at the nature center, students will take in the diverse flora and fauna of the island. Due to their close proximity to South America, Trinidad & Tobago have an impressive species list which includes 97 native mammals, 400 birds, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians, 617 butterflies, as well as over 2,200 species of flowering plants. While on the island, they’ll also engage in a full-day island hike and will experience the rich multi-cultural diversity of the island communities.

Amistad has completed deck re-caulking. Crew is preparing to get underway toward the U.S.V.I. They are due in St. Thomas at the end of the week.

All are well.

Monday, March 11, 2013