Statia and St. Kitts
04 December 2010 | Port Zantee, Basseterre
December 1, 2010
Finally cleared out of St. Barths and were unable to fuel up due to high swells. It seems to me that a port the size of St. Barths would have a reasonable refueling facility. The present facility is very difficult with any sort of swell and impossible for medium size vessels ix 36' - 50'. Headed for Statia really unsure of our plans but anxious to move. Pleasant to somewhat rough conditions on the way to Statia. Arrived about 2:30 and had to thread through 7 or 8 super tankers that were queuing up to dispatch fuel at the transfer facility. The anchorage was empty so we dropped a hook for the evening but did not go a shore. Off the next morning around 10:00a.m. for St. Kitts which we were looking forward to.
December 2, 2010
Arrived St. Kitts around 2:00p.m. and went to customs for check in. For some reason we also must check in with immigration and that person was not available so we must return tomorrow. Basseterre Harbor (Port Zantee) seems to be oriented around the cruise ship tourist trade. This scene with the diamond and souvenir shops is very unappealing to us and we will probably try to avoid this type of port in the future. I guess we like a quieter less commercialized atmosphere.
December 3, 2010
Did our thing with immigration and started looking for an island bus or taxi tour. Ended up with two gentlemen from Quebec City who were on a cruise ship whose wive wanted to shop while they toured the island. Interesting trip around the island. At one point along the western shore the driver pointed out what he called low income housing. These were very neat, small (700-900sq. feet one story) cottage like structures that were situated on a hill with a beautiful unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea. Nice government housing! Another highlight was a stop at Caribelle Batiks home , Romney Manor. He apparently invented the process known as Batik for dying fabric a certain way. His home is now a tourist stop with demonstrations and a large selection of fabrics and products to be purchased that are Batik.The final stop on our taxi tour was a spectacular view of the southeaster and southwest end of the island from the top of a hill. Beautiful views of the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. Pictures included if we can figure out how to post them on this blog. Tomorrow night will have dinner at Fisherman's Warf a short dinghy ride from our boat and easy access for Sharon. Sunday morning we will head for Nevis to fuel up and wait for weather to Guadeloupe or Antigua.