In 24 hours, and with improved weather, this place has really grown on us.

We had set our sights on having dinner ashore last night so go ashore we did - despite the monsoon conditions. Surprisingly we were the only people in the little restaurant. The meal was really good - felt like we were back in Normandy.

Today, as we went ashore (in the sunshine), we realised that there was a massive swimming event under way. There was a 6k swim just starting with great fanfare and a lot of really fit people getting ready to swim down the coast, escorted by kayaks and fishing boats. Most of the town seemed to have turned out to watch and the band was playing - it was great. And we managed to stock up with local produce at the Sunday market.

It is a very friendly place and the locals are very helpful. Lots of people out ahead of Sunday lunch all dressed up. In the supermarket they were determined that we should take away some 'Galette des Rois' for Epiphany (it was delicious).

This has to be the best customs/immigration check out around - you do it on-line in a Alsatian bistro-café where the food and beer are great. The barman stamps your form, and you put a donation in the pink plastic piggy-bank. That beats some of the other islands, where they view people movement as a major form of local cash-flow.

Shopping now done, gas bottles replenished, dinghy petrol topped up and customs cleared, so we're all ready to head north tomorrow for Dominica, about 35 miles away.

Today's picture of part of the waterfront here right opposite our anchorage - think we will row ashore there for sundowners tonight. Mmmmmartinique rum, here we come!