The sail from Antigua to the north west corner of Guadeloupe was as good as it gets. The wind carried us to Deshaies where once again we could feast on French cheeses and wine. Going to a French marche for me is like entering Toys R Us for one of my grandkids. Fresh baguettes, brie and Bordeaux - the perfect accompaniment for a luscious sunset. In the morning we climbed up one mile of steep incline that they call a road to see the botanical gardens that would not open for another hour. Good excersise anyway.

We moved on to Pigeon Island, this area is a Cousteau Marine Park and surely some of the best snorkeling and diving in the eastern Caribbean. A stern anchor helped us face the swell while boats around us swung in all directions due to the light wind and many swaying from side to side like pendulums. On Friday we took a bus to Baie Mahault to the big mall there. They have a smaller version of a Home Depot and a large Carrefour Marche as well as many other stores. We were hunting for SodaStream syrup but did not find any. I cannot say however, that we came away empty handed!

Today was calm and still, we sprayed water proofing on our canvas and then rolled out the jib to tighten the halyard. Both of these need a windless day. Snorkeling before the hordes of people arrive sounded like a good treat and we saw a vast array of sea life. The highlight was seeing a lion fish in all his splendor as though he was wearing a magnificent costume for Carnival. Back on our boat we noticed the seas and wind building and while I was concerned and thought we should move on and find a better protected anchorage, Steve thought it would die back down soon. I need to mention that we do not have internet access here and did not listen to weather on the single side band because it was so calm earlier. By midday we were both on motion sickness meds. The wind is out of the south as well as the seas with this bay exposed in that direction, we will move on in the morning and hopefully the wind will return easterly so we are not beating to windward.

We moved on to Les Saintes and spent 3 more days in paradise. Here fresh bakery is delivered to your boat in the morning, it is just a sweet place. Very French and very small and quaint. We met another wonderful cruising couple and had them over for cocktails and are leaving with them in the morning for Dominica.