Intrepid Travels

It was time to explore Bequia. We met Rick and Julie at the dinghy dock and together set off across the island to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, where Brother King tends the endangered Hawksbill turtles. Hundreds of babies are retrieved from the surrounding seas and raised until they are 5 years old, at which time they are returned to the ocean. His efforts have done much to increase the numbers of a species that was threatened by extinction in the recent past. The walk to the sanctuary was just wonderful: up and over the ridge of the island and then down through a valley and out to the beach on the other side. We were greeted by a young 'turtle carer' who clearly loved his job and was keen to share his knowledge and passion with us.
Our return journey took us past the Firefly Plantation, where we stopped for a coffee, before a tour of the magnificent grounds provided us with an opportunity to taste many different fruits, some of which we had never seen or eaten before. The plantation is now a showcase of a bygone era, and hosts tours, meals and functions, including the annual Christmas party which we were gently encouraged to attend.
To complete our day out in Bequia, we walked back to Port Elizabeth for lunch at Mac's pizzeria, famous for its lobster pizza! It certainly was delicious, washed down with ice cold beer/sorrel/ginger beer, and very welcome after our long walk.