Tuesday – Saturday
Hired and car and went to see some of the island. Surprisingly enough we found a chandlers!!! Ah well we had to try and get a part or two for the generator which is on the blink.
We did however also manage to explore quite a few other areas as well as Pointe Pitre. We visited a waterfall which was full of school children. I didn’t want to get involved at all which I thought was ost healthy. Think I may be cured of teaching!
Next we found a viewpoint within the rainforest called the Mamelles.. There was a viewpoint much higher up with a well laid track. Nothing daunted we headed of as intrepid explorers!
Never mind explorers try just incredibly unfit oldies. We sweated buckets, felt some real pain in the old bones and were totally trashed by the time we got back down again. We did however do it in half the recommended time which was fine and there was no real pain next day so we are taking that as a good sign.
Saturday
After spending a lovely couple of days in Deshaise we headed down toward Cousteau Marine Park at Pigeon Island. We had to motor as the wind was pretty much on the nose but it was a short distance so not a problem.
We anchored just of the beach in a bay opposite the island. The island itself was very busy with lots of little glass bottomed boats and dive boats, dinghies, kayaks etc. We sailed right round it and decided that as the swell was quite big in the anchorage area we wouldn’t bother. The plan being to take our dinghy over later. However once we got anchored and had a bite of lunch the heavens opened. It poured down and after a couple of hours we felt like we were back in Scotland in some misty moisty anchorage like Ballachulish. Unfortunately this weather held right through till dark.
Next day it was brighter but lots of clouds threatening more rain around about.
Sunday
Before breakfast we got the snorkelling gear on and went exploring the shoreline. It was amazing and everything I always imagined a good dive would be. There were a huge variety of fish, lots of different corals and huge sponges. We had great fun. Back on board we could just look over the side and see all the way to the bottom and watch the fish go by. Also saw a few tiny turtles couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old.
Next stop was Isles de Saintes which is a gorgeous set of islands just of Guadelope.
The main bay is huge and there is no problem dropping the hook there. The sail down was pretty lumpy and at times quite fast. We ended up well reefed and went inshore to try and avoid the worst of the swell As we were crossing the channel towards the island John noticed that there was no water in the taps. He checked the aguge and it showed empty. Impossible as we had filled up in Antigua and had been running the water maker. Curious?
Not really the entire contents of the tank had been let out through the bilges as a hose pipe had become disconnected. We had to start pumping what was lying in the other areas asap. Shades of La Gomera all over again. By now however we are quite proficient at dealing with it, trouble is doing itin this heat is a killer.
So upon arrival in Ilses de Saintes we had no water. We have a really good guide book and it indicated that we could water from a local bar. It involved picking up a mooring bouy about 50 – 60 metres from the shore. Attached to it was a hose pipe which you had to bring onboard. Then you called Jerome up on 68 and told him to start the tap running. You called him up 30 minutes later to say that you were full. A quick trip ashore in the dinghy to part with 30 euros and that was us sorted.
John the plumber had done the business with the pipe and the tank and with any luck we will not lose another 640 litres!
.So after leaving lots of black clouds behind we ended the day with a sundowner and watched the world go by.
Tuesday: 30th March
We have had real big winds overnight and some very heavy rain again. Boat held well. This morning we went to do the tourist bit and visit Fort Napoleon. As usual we went for a bit of an explore and a couple of hours later, feet worn and weary we found our way back into town. The headland walk was stunning but this volcanic rock is tough on the tootsies. Another lot of peching and panting going up the hills with rivulets of sweat on the downhill. Is getting fit worth it I wonder?
Currently back on board being sprinkled on from a great height. Beginning to think that the wet season may have arrived a bit earlier than usual. Still it is warm rain and 40 degrees.
