Sunday 5 Feb 2017
We struggled to raise anchor this morning. That Rocna anchor digs in too well and the wind and current were against us but we got there in the end. We motorsailed to Mayreau Island and had a look at Saltwhistle Bay but it looked a bit windy and rolly so backtracked to Saline Bay. We were met by Boat Boy, Jonas, who had some crayfish for sale, but at $150 EC they were too expensive. Instead he convinced us to have lunch at his beach side BBQ restaurant which we agreed to. Saline Bay is lovely with a nice beach and a little town perched up on the hill. We motored ashore for our lunch and were served Creole style red snapper and conch, with garlic potatoes, fried plantain and salad. A bottle of French red wine and reggae style music completed the meal and it was all very delicious and interesting. Back on the boat for a swim and rest while the local people practiced on their little wooden dinghies all around us.
Monday 6 Feb 2017
A very windy night and morning. We took the dinghy ashore and walked up the steep hill to the little village. A cruise ship occasionally stops here so the village had numerous restaurants to cater for the tourists but all were empty today. One of them was decorated Rastafarian style and was blaring reggae music as we passed. On the top of the hill was a quaint pretty little Catholic Church and behind it the most incredible view of Tobago Cays. It looked very windy and blustery down there. On our way back to the beach we stopped at the little supermarket and bought a few provisions.
The afternoon was spent searching for a metal corner piece from our Bimini which fell in the water while Neil was attempting to replace a pin. Gave it up as a bad job when Neil ran out of puff.
The crew from Persephone and Enu Vigo joined us for sundowners and a good time was held by all!
Tuesday 7 Feb 2017
A productive day. I did all the washing - first in sea water then fresh to conserve water. Nearly lost the sheet in the water as it remains very windy! Neil used the bathyscope to locate the bimini metal piece and we marked the spot with his weight belt tied to rope. Using this as a guide, Neil was able to dive in the area to retrieve the piece. Pretty hard work as it is 7m deep here, so this system made it a lot easier for him.
Friday 10 Feb 2017
Where did all the days go? After some good social activity with Persephone and Enu Vigo and some strong winds at anchor, we bit the bullet and headed for Tobago Cays. A short and very windy motor around the island and we anchored near the turtle reserve. We took the dinghy onto the little beach and snorkelled in swelly conditions. So many turtles, and they weren't shy at all! I hovered over a little one for ages who was chomping on the weed below and coming up every now and then for a breath of air. Today we plan to explore another island nearby and to do a bit more snorkelling and tomorrow our plan is to head to Bequia island to clear out of the Grenadines.