February 2016

Doesn't time fly when you are enjoying life? Yes 'Piano' seems very happy too! We did spend a few days restocking in Martinique St Anne 

Quite a few yachts here!

and for a change took the bus to Carrefour, all went well until the return bus home, which was late and so seriously oversubscribed. We waited another 1 ½ hours for the next bus arrived - to go all round the houses, so we got another Island tour! Well even that wasn't too bad. 8^th February we sailed to Anse Mitan for a change of view.

Malcolm also cleaned the hull and we managed to get the dive tanks filled on the beach. I took advantage of the rainwater and cleaned the cockpit teak.   All set then we departed for Dominica. This being the 12^th Feb. It was an early start which turned out to be unnecessary since we flew along and made the anchorage by 5 o'clock. There was no sign of Titus but Raymond greeted us just as warmly, and there was a BBQ that evening so no cooking necessary. 

and did a town trail in Portsmouth on the Monday.

The guy who lives here was a cyclist when he worked in the UK

 We managed to sign up far a hike in the National Park on the Tuesday.

This is Winston our Tour guide

and hike leader, he was a real star!

Since it was Customer Appreciation week we were treated to a cracking good dinner at the recently converted Shirley Fort. 

  Here we met the Minister of Tourism for Dominica. The whole week was amazing as we met lots of new people, some who may even visit us in the U.K.!

Malcolm also did a fair bit of hiking up various hills so I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Trail from Fort Shirley

Malcolms' hike to Toucari 

This was on a path through the swamp but also had a hill to climb!

Cabrit Park entrance

In fact Cabrit means Goat so no wonder that many hills and paths have this name!

Nets hanging to dry

A very pleasant bus stop.

This is the jetty close to the PAYS Office.

'PAYS' Stand for Portsmouth Association of Yachting Services. All the members work their hardest to make our stay such a memorable one.

22^nd Feb sailed to Isles de Saintes and picked up a buoy at Islet Cabrit

23^rd Feb did a morning sail to Malendure, Pigeon Island (Saints)and anchored.

A Caribbean Cray fish (AKA Spiny Lobster)

25^th Feb moved to Deshaies to check out.

26^th February Deshaies to Jolly Harbour another early start and faster than lately clocking 8 knots! Our usual warm welcome from the Customs, Immigration and Port Authority teams.

27^th Feb motored round to 5 Island Harbour and anchored in Hermitage Bay.

View over 5 Island Harbour

Next time I write will be in March and by then it will be time for the Barths Bucket.....