We picked up Sister-Suzanne today in the bustling town of Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. After a quick hike to a fort perched way up on the hillside, we headed south for Marigot Bay. "Another of the Caribbean's spectacularly beautiful anchorages", our cruiser's guidebook exclaims. We entered the deep, narrow bay and it was crammed full with over 100 yachts of various shapes and sizes. It may be spectacular, but we can't tell because of all the people and boats in the way!

Immediately the boat boys are on us, aggressively zooming around in their motorboats trying to lead us to a mooring for some unknown fee. "No thanks, we've got it" we tell them. But they don't give up easily and basically plant themselves in our intended path, forcing me to play chicken with them. I tensely steer Scappatella toward our intended mooring, weaving through a mass of boats in the tight little bay. They're shouting at us all the while, trying to convince us we're in need of their "service". "Nope, don't need any help, thanks", Louis again asserts...a bit more forcefully this time.

No sooner had we picked up our mooring and settled down when another boat boy is on us, telling us we owe $80EC for the mooring - about $30. He claims to be part of the Rodney Bay Park Association, but he has no official-looking anything. We're skeptical and ask for a bit of time. I get on the VHF trying to get the scoop from other cruisers. Meanwhile, more boat boys are on us! I apparently upset one guy by waving hi, but not talking to him. (Kind of hard to converse while you're on the radio.) Anyway, the guy starts shouting at us, thinking I'm being rude and just "waving him off". Louis is great - he's got my back, but doesn't get all agro with the guy. We're unable to get any info but decide that the park guy is legit. We agree on a more "reasonable fee "of $50 EC and settle down to "relax". By this point, all three of us are a bit agitated and more than ready for a drink! We decide a "Lime-In-Da-Coconut" is in order and toast to our "Hurry Up and Relax" anchorage at Marigot Bay.