Sunset, Bequia
At the latter end of last week, we found ourselves making the 70 mile trip southbound returning to the island of Bequia. We had planned to leave two days earlier but decided to wait for a more appropriate weather window - and it seems we were right to do so. We lifted anchor at 05:00 and arrived in Admiralty Bay just after lunch. Our passage took us across the 26 mile gap between St Lucia and St Vincent. Here we first came across a large pod of dolphins we were sadly, more intent on fishing than entertaining us! But their presence alerted us to keep a watchful eye and soon there was another cry of "dolphins"! As we got closer we realised these were not in fact dolphin, but a pod of about 20 pilot whales that appeared to be intent on making their way out to the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea. They crossed just in front of our bows and all too soon were gone - hence the lack of photo! We continued our sail down the west coast of ST Vincent which unfortunately is off limits due to frequent thefts from anchored yachts. As we passed the southern tip, the island of Bequia was just 10 in the distance and with a good breeze and a gentle sea, we averaged 8 knots on this final sector. It is good to be back in Admiralty Bay. We're anchored in just 2 metres of water and within just a short dinghy ride to town.
Oceans Dream, Admiralty Bay
As we went ashore and began recognising faces from our previous visit, we truly felt part of the 'live-aboard' crowd as we were welcomed back by our veggie lady, the lady in the laundrette, 'African Pride' (a local Mr Fix-It!) and the girls at the Gingerbread cafe.
On our second day we were taken aback by the cry of "Ahoy Oceans Dream" and moments later we were inviting Bob, Captain of Lady Liv on board. He and M had charter guests who were spending the day ashore and so an al-fresco lunch followed aboard Oceans Dream. This took us through to mid-afternoon. The really good news was that Lady Liv's guests had decided to eat ashore that evening so we also got together in the evening (aboard Lady Liv this time) for a very enjoyable supper.
On Sunday we stretched our legs and walked across the island to Friendship Bay which overlooks the Atlantic and the island of Mustique. A very enjoyable walk but at times, hard work in the heat.
Friendship Bay, Bequia
Yesterday was a day of chores and eventually we managed to secure a spot in the laundry. Whilst we were waiting for the washing to complete, we were enjoying a shandy in 'De Bistro' next door and low-and-behold, we saw friends from Trini walking by. Keith and Marcy own Mimi, a Lagoon 38 and we'd met them whilst on the leatherback turtle trip in May of last year.
Tomorrow we continue our journey south via the Tobago Cays.