Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Another catch up

Well, stayed in St Lucia only day or so as all the places we wanted to go were shut on the weekend! Didn't want to hang around so left for Portsmouth at the north end of Dominica. Stopped overnight at S. Pierre on Martinique after a really good sail and repeated that the next day to get to Dominica.

Probably the most unspoilt of the islands we have seen so far but organising travel was difficult. Had a nice trip up the Indian River through rain forest and a really lovely explore around the Cabrits fort ruins. A long, long ramble with no one else around and ruined buildings with trees and roots snaking down them and cannon half buried in the earth. Looked a bit like an Indiana Jones film set!!

Made some new friends - Tim and Linda on Matsu. Went to a beach barbeque and drank just a little too much punch. Not sure what they put in it but we both felt a bit unwell the next 2 days!

Moved on from Dominica to Isle des Saintes south of Guadeloupe. Picture perfect place and great french bread and croissants. Managed to find some cheese and Brittany cider too but shops still a bit bare following the civil strike they had had for 8 - 10 weeks. Lovely walk around Terre d'en Bas, the southernmost island, and some great snorkeling when we anchored off Ilet a Cabrit.

Sailed on to Deshaies at the north of Guadeloupe for an overnight stop and caught a lovely 4lb black fin tuna. Quite a shock as I wasn't expecting anything! Beautiful fish and extremely tasty - beats anything from supermarkets!

On from there to Antigua, English Harbour. Quite the most expensive place we have been to so far and very touristy. We have had another bit of generator trouble with a bit of a fuel leak but I have managed to fix that (I hope)and change the oil as part of routine maintenance. Beautiful days here and very hot! Will be moving on around the coast of Antigua to Indian Creek and Nonsuch Bay before heading north to Barbuda.

Still no pics as haven't had the time to sort out yet. No promises but will try next time I have access but that will not be for a couple of weeks probably!