We sailed 70 miles from Portsmouth, Dominica to Grand Anse D'Arlet, Martinique. It is so fun to actually sail as opposed to motoring. Upon arriving in Martinique, we took the guide mentioned "footpath" over the hill to clear customs. A recommended twenty minute walk. It was a hike of over an hour and said footpath was not meant for flip flops. After clearing customs and having lunch at a little beach restaurant (first place that would not take either credit cards or US cash) we took the road route back to our anchorage and it was a pleasant 20 minute walk suitable for flip flops.
We enjoyed dining at the local French restaurants. The most fun was swimming with leatherback sea turtles who were grazing on the sea grass nearby our boat.
After a few days we headed to St. Anne where we met up with friends on Alpenglow, Tim and Susan. We enjoyed a delicious dinner ashore with them one evening. We spent a few days in St. Anne, taking a bus to Marin for some shopping (boat stores) before heading south.
We decided to spend 2 nights at Rodney Bay Marina, St. Lucia before heading to Bequia. We haven't been to a marina since November. The marina is first class with floating docks, water, and A/C power for less than $100 US for two nights. This has been a real treat. We aren't planning on doing any sightseeing in St. Lucia as we have been here many times chartering. As a matter of fact, we went by the Moorings office to see Lena and Alex. Alex wasn't around but Lena remembered us well. It was nice seeing her again.