We are having some kind of connection problem when we try to post our blog using the Iridium Go and Airmail. The header posts but the text of the blog does not. We are now in SInt Maarten and have Internet access. I will repost those blogs that did not post correctly. I apologize for the inconvenience.
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Early yesterday morning I dropped the dinghy and drove about a mile to the south, looking for a small cut into the shoreline. I almost passed it as it was so small and narrow. It was a little entrance into a small creek that was protected by large blocks of rock, acting as rip rap to protect the little course that one could enter. Once inside the opening, the creek opened into a little fishing boat marina. Marina is too fancy of a work to describe this but it was filled with small boats that were tied to trees and rocks. I carefully edge the dinghy to nuzzle up to the last little boat and tied up to a rusting lump of steel. I scampered up the blocks of rock to shore. Once high and dry, I walked passed some little buildings until I found what I was searching for... the boulangerie! I was on a mission to buy some croissants, baguettes and pastries. Since we are anchored in front of a French island, we just had to get some French pastries and breads. Once armed with such delights, I next walked a bit further to the Marche. Who could pass up buying yummy French cheeses, sausages and a couple of bottles of French wines to wash it all down. Yum, yum, yum!

I returned to Leu Cat and was greeted by a big smile on Mary Margaret's face. She is the only one I know who loves French goodies more than me! The croissants were to die for! Only the French know the magic to turn dough and butter into something that simply melts in your mouth and brings such delight to one's tummy. Later in the day we dove into the baguettes, making salami and cheese sandwiches which were outstanding. One can get croissants and baguettes throughout the West Indies but, unless you are visiting one of the French islands, don't waste your money. Nothing, I repeat nothing compares to the wonderful breads that the French make!

We were still a bit tired by our overnight sail to get here so we decided to just rest and take it easy today. Diving would have to wait until tomorrow. However, since we were now well stocked with a smorgasbord for French goodies, we could not resist in inviting Wayne and Alli of SV Blue Heeler over for sundowners.

They arrived around 1600 and over a selection of cheeses (some I have never heard of), sausages, crackers, beer and a French Rose, we talked and talked only being interrupted by stuffing the goodies into our mouths or slurping down the beer or wine. It was great! I will post of picture of Wayne and Alli that I took during our sundowners as soon as we get Internet again.

We awoke this morning a bit groggy after staying up later than usually and after imbibing a bit more than usual. Once up Mary Margaret did a load of laundry (or second load actually, as she did the first one yesterday). Once it was done and the clothes were hung on our clothes line that runs through our stern cockpit, we grabbed our snorkeling gear and ran over to Pigeon Island which is the home of the Cousteau Marine Reserve. We tied up to a buoy that a monohull by the name of SV Nahanni V was tied to. Nahanni V is home to a Canadian family that sailed down here from Toronto. We spent about a half hour chatting away with John and Kathryn and their two delightful kids, Simon and Wavey. Kathryn's sister from Halifax was with them but I am afraid that I cannot remember her name (Carol?). It is always so much fun to meet new people and get to share stories. Cruisers are just a bit different from most people as it takes a special breed to strike out and sail across the bounding main... especially with young children.

The kids are being home schooled on the boat and are getting a very special and unique education. Today, even though it was Sunday, was a biology study day given the very unique environment they were in. What a great way to learn about sea life and the various stages of development they go through.

Once Mary Margaret and I got into the water we were able to take in the wonderful reefs full of various types of coral and fish. Since it is a protected reserve, the fish were not scared at all and would let you get very close before diving into a crevasse in the coral for protection. This is certainly the best reef system we have seen since leaving the Indian Ocean and it is the best one that is left in the Antilles. After being so disappointed last year in the destruction of the reef systems throughout the West Indies, it was a real treat to take this reef system in. I am anxious to share the various photos with you and will do so once we arrive in Sint Maarten and get Internet again.

While we were so excited to swim on a reef that was full of various types of coral, soft and hard, and teaming with fish, we both did note that even this reef system was stressed. There were blotches of bleached coral interspersed among the healthy coral. Nevertheless, it was a treat to swim on this reef system. It will most likely be the last good reef we will see for a few years. We are not expecting to see much in the US Virgin and British Virgin Islands in April and then in May we are off to the Med. The Med is pretty bleak regarding underwater life. Thus, today was a very, very special day for us.

We were going to leaving tomorrow for our passage to Sint Maarten. However, the weather files I am getting and interrupting are showing that a storm system will be moving into our area tomorrow and Tuesday. Thus, we have decided to just stay put in this French food paradise until the weather clears. However, I will brave the weather in our little dinghy tomorrow morning to stock up with more croissants and baguettes. They are just soooo good!