Back to Bequia

The Caribbean is much smaller than we expected. As we reached the beach at Tobago Cays, we saw some familiar faces – Red Hackle was already there along with Elizabeth’s new friend, Line. Elizabeth was overjoyed and the two girls spent a couple of hours snorkelling in the lagoon, watching the turtles. By morning, Red Hackle had departed before we were able to get Line’s address, but was waiting when we returned to Bequia. Elizabeth and Line spent another hour jumping off the boat and swimming back aboard and we now have her contact details.

I caught a slave!

As we were leaving Red Hackle, the crew of Gimcrack hailed us – they were on their way into Immigration with two charter guests aboard. They also gave us news that Cipango had recently left Barbados bound also for Bequia so it looks as if they have managed to get their engine running at last. We hope to see them later today.

We snorkelled Horseshoe Reef and Jamesby Island in Tobago Cays yesterday. The children decided to circumnavigate the small rocky outcrop and found lots of molluscs, crabs and a little blue heron. After lunch, we sailed off the anchor to return to Bequia. The wind had swung to the northeast so was not so favourable for a northerly passage, but the conditions were smooth. We knew it would be tight to arrive in Bequia in daylight, but the light faded as we approached the southernmost headland. We motored up into Admiralty Bay, hideously aware that most of the boats would be unlit and that the leading light was not working. We crept forward in the darkness until we spied the returning ferry. “This is Guapa’s favourite trick!” announced James as he threw Croix des Gardes into gear and thrust her forward in pursuit. We chased the ferry into the channel and up to the anchorage, following its powerful spotlight and so avoiding any collisions.

Juvenile turtle in Bequia

Today we visited the hawksbill turtle sanctuary at Industry Bay on the other side of the island. The distances are short but we caught a taxi for the children’s sake. The centre rears hatchlings until they are five years’ old before releasing them, but other than tanks of turtles, there was little else to see so we didn’t stay long. Now we shall climb the hill overlooking the anchorage to visit Hamilton Fort.

Hamilton Fort, Bequia