We didn't know we'd run into Walter taking a break in taking care of us cruisers while sitting in this beautiful cut working on his boat, Free Spirt.

We've pretty much hiked all possibilities here at the Marine Park. There are five islands that make up the "Cays" here in the Grenedines, none of which are inhabited, developed or ruined in any way. Petite Bateau has paths, very precarious the higher you go (we know first hand), with astonishingly magnificent views, a pristine beach on the western coast, even in light of the 'beach barbecues historically hosted here. The only other island you can hike, with sandy paths and not very strenuous , is Baradel, which hosts the turtle sanctuary. Petite Rameau is not writtten up in the guide for much of anything except the diving around it. Jamesby island to the South looks rocky, too high to climb and is basically a waypoint in our GPS. Petite Tabac, looks very interesting, is east of the big horseshoe reef and we don't know much about that one.

Today we decided to explore in our itty, bitty inflatable, not by foot or fin, and we found Walter anchored between Petite Rameau and Bateau, one of the most beautiful spots on our journey, working on his work boat, Free Spirit. These guys, many of whom work really hard to please cruisers as well as make a living, come from the surrounding inhabited islands of Mayreu, Union and Canouan to sell their wares, fish, t-shirts, fruit and veggies and occasionally are available for boat work.

Walter, our favorite 'boat boy' (a man of 50 years if we were to guess, not a boy at all) has a wife named Lorna that we met after looking her up on one occasion at Union Island. She makes the most incredible banana bread and before we became the size of a manatee, we started asking if we could buy half a loaf! Walter, being ever eager to please agreed and saved us from sure obesity!

We really admire Walter's work ethic, his manners, personality and sense of humor. He's a really good guy! Thanks for you do!

Dudley and Bec