04/26/2009, Leeward Islands
We finally left St Barts. They had to kick us out. LOL
We sailed 30 miles SW to the island of Saba. We have seen and sailed past this island for years and had never visited. Saba is 5 square miles of nothing but volcano. Nothing but rock reaching 2800 feet which is the tallest point in the eastern Caribbean. What a nice surprise we found visiting the island. There are 1400 residents and 300 yes medical students that reside on the island. Not one beach to sit on but it is one of the best cared islands in the chain. Their are two small towns and all, and I mean all the homes are very well cared for set in narrow European streets. Very pretty, and being up almost 3000 feet the views are incredible. The best part is the people. Very, very friendly and they really make you feel welcome.
We visited a glass bead store and Linda was in heaven. As you can see they creat their own glass beads and other pieces of art work right there on the spot. They made Linda's year buy asking her if she would like to try. Hence the picture. What a blast.
Saba is known for it's diving and now I know why. I did two dives and so far this is the best, healty coral that I have ever seen. Right off shore you can explore the lava flow off the island. I think that one reason for the beautiful sea life is the fact that out among the lava flow their is thermal water flowing out of the ground. Down on the bottom when you see the sand and it is yellow you can put your hand in the sand and it is very warm. The island is working on capturing the thermal flow to provide the power for the island. About 100 yards off shore the sea drops straight down creating shear walls full of coral.
So if you like quiet and or diving, Saba is a great find.
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Comments [1]
04/11/2009, St Barts
Hea, this is MAX the Rasta Dog. I haven't written in a long time. I've been so busy traveling that I didn't have the time. I am in St. Barts parked off Shell Beach. I've been pretty lucky because the Admiral and Captain have been taking me to the beach almost every day. That might sound great to some but let me tell you that it does come with risks.
Every time we go to the shore I'm faced with others of my kind. I still haven't figured out how to play with them and they scare the poop out of me. Two days ago I met three long haired dogs of my type. What did they think they were hippies. When they tried to come over and talk I told them in no uncertain terms that I didn't like their type and they should move to another part of the beach. Yesterday this mammoth black dog was hanging around and when he walked by I lost my mind. I don't know what made me do it but I ran after him giving him a piece of my mind. Now that I think of it, that mongrel could have shut me up with just one bite.
I don't mind the dingy ride into shore but now the Admiral and Captain think I should swim from the boat to shore. Man that's a long way for a guy that has three inch legs. At least the Captain lets me rest riding on his chest from time to time. Then the worst part when we get back to the boat he makes me take a cold shower out back. What that about. I just got out of the water then you pour water all over me. These humans have a mean streak in them. I'll teach them, some day I'll just pee in their bed.
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The winds are changing.
We are currently in St. Barts and are planning our next move. Linda and I have decided to head back to Florida for the summer. It's time to spend some time with family and especially Linda's mother. Age is catching up with her and it would be a shame to miss this valuable time. So, we are going to amble back to the states over the next two months. After the Easter holiday we are headed to the island nation of SABA for a few days then a nonstop sail to St Croix. Even after all the time we have spent in the Virgin island we have never been to St Croix which is about 45 miles south of the main Virgin islands. After that stop we will sail to Colebra in the Spanish Virgins.
Soon we will have lived on the boat for 2 years and believe it or not neither one of us is ready to give it up. Sometimes you have to make allowances for other things then your dreams. Right now our only plan is to be in Florida till then end of the hurricane season. At that time we will take stock of life and decide when to head out again. We both know that there will be another trip but the exact date escapes us.
I know it has been hard for people to travel to the Caribbean to meat us. Hope fully when we are in Florida you will all come and visit us. We will still be living on the boat and taking small trips to the keys and the Bahamas. Hope to see you soon.
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