Tobago Cays
03 March 2017
We spent three days in Tobago Cays, with blues skies and the occasional squall, snorkeling, short hikes up Petit Bateau and Baradal islands, reading, watching movies. Not a bad life. Sunday night we were treated to one of Romeo's famous lobster barbaque dinner on the beach - delicious!! We had a little interruption with a squall going through which meant we all huddled under the limited shelter areas. On the way home, we got slightly wet with another squall but we're grateful we left when we did as the heavens opened as soon as we got back to the boat.
Tuesday morning, after looking at the weather, we decided it was not going to fun bashing our way to Bequia, 25 miles away, up wind. Also, the winds were due to pick up ( normally they are 15-20kts) the forecast was for 20-25kts with rain squalls ( this is the dry season Lol). We needed somewhere to hunker down for a few days, we choose Off Ashton on union island, behind Frigate Island. We have been here for 3 days, being entertained by the kite surfer hydrofoiling - amazing the amount of energy these people have and the speeds at which they go.
On the first day we walked into Clifton to get groceries, and took the bus back. On the second day, I hiked over hill to Chatham bay. According to tourist office I could get down to the bay but when I got to the end of the paved road, the only turn off washed out track with boulders, which had an incline of 1:10. I didn't want to risk life and limb to go hurt myself and then not be found. On the way back I past two guys sitting by the side of the road and we got into a conversation, and I discovered that was the way down. I would definitely need a four wheel drive if I had to go up and down that dirt track every day. Dirk thought it prudent to stay on the boat in case anchor dragged in the high winds.
We have been chatting to our friends on Certitude in Tyrell Bay and watching the weather. We have decided to move to Tyrell Bay and spend time with our friends who are waiting for a weather window to go north. So we walked into Clifton and checked out with customs and immigration, and walked back to the boat. We got the boat ready to leave and saw the grey clouds rolling in from the east and decided to wait until first light tomorrow morning when the weather is supposed to improve.
March 1st was the start of my exercise routine on the boat. The swimming has been good but not enough to stop the muscle mass melting away. So after consulting Rebecca - one of Dirk's boat friend who is an avid fitness person, I have added lunges, squats, push-ups and planks to swimming and or hiking routine. Today is day 3 and I'm feeling sore!!
Looking forward to being safely anchored in Tyrell Bay tomorrow. The picture is of Chatham Bay.