Gary and Joy had a head start on the adventures in Antigua by arriving several days ahead of me. Lew has chronicled those adventures on his FB. Lew has sailed around the island of Antigua twice, and sailed to Barbuda twice, so he was our tour guide.

After I arrived in Jolly Harbor we visited a few bars with Gary and Joy. The next morning we sailed up to Deep Bay. We took a short hike around Deep Bay followed by swimming and snorkeling.

Early the next morning we had a superb sail to Barbuda! We found ourselves surrounded by large turtles. We spent two nights being astounded by the number of large turtle sightings at Cocoa Point. The four of us took a land and water tour led by Levi John. It was a fantastic island tour including a frigate sanctuary, scenic caves, and lobster lunch on Gary and Joys anniversary. We also purchased lobsters for dinner aboard Suzanne. We then moved around the island and spent two nights in Spanish Point for snorkeling with rays and walking the beach.

We left Barbuda early and had a very exciting motor sail back to Antigua with a birds eye view of a pod of whales breaching. Gary was at the helm did a great job of not running into the whales, backing up just in time. Lew and I have seen whales breaching before, but never this close to the boat!

Our next stop was anchoring in Nonsuch bay, Antigua. The Harmony restaurant was closed, but we found provisions at a convenience store at a lovely resort in Nonsuch Bay.

Needing serious provisions, we arose early and headed for Falmouth. After provisioning, We walked over to English Harbor and saw many amazing boats! We spent quite a while in the museum there. We learned about the interesting history of the island and the colorful life of Admiral Nelson. We took an exciting hike to breathtaking views. After two nights anchored in Falmouth, we headed back to Jolly Harbor.

We enjoyed a few happy hours and watched the sunset many times. It wasn't all sunsets and beverages. We played the card game of Golf several times, and Gary practiced his shuffling. There was also a rousing game of Mexican train, a cruisers favorite.

We also ran into friends Richard and Rowena, on s/v Galene and arranged happy hour at the Crow's Nest. We met their charming daughter and son in law and enjoyed the evening. We spent Christmas in Bequia a few years back, and it was great to catch up with my noodling coach, Rowena, and Rum connoisseur, Richard.

It was Gary and Joy's last night, so we finished the evening at another beach bar, the Castaways. We enjoyed a spectacular view of the gorgeous final sunset with great company. We miss you, Gary and Joy!