Antigua beckons us back!!

Tuesday morning was an absolutely calm and beautiful  – as usual Dale is awake right before dawn (therefore I am awake… and sometimes not by choice) anyway the water is crystal clear and not to deep – a little morning swim – Dale was snorkeling around and checked our anchor that we had so carefully “hooked in” – but apparently not so good.   The sea bottom – as hard as a rock and there was no way an anchor could penetrate it –and ours didn’t - so we pulled anchor and chain; motored into the little fishing village dock area – secured the boat – did a little housekeeping and decided to find a way to the airport to greet Laura and Brian – we were not so sure Laura and Brian would find us in Port Louis. It was a scramble – (French is the only spoken language!!)  but after charades and lots of smiling – to the "pharmacia" we went – ahhhhhhh English speaking pharmacist – got us connected to the bus line  - quite a ride thru all of the other little villages – at the end of the bus line we then took a taxi to the  airport – we had 15 minutes to spare before the Alonso’s arrived – what fun it was to see them right off the plane.  Rental car fiasco's and off and ready to explore Guadeloupe – LeMoule was our dinner spot – perfect little BBQ on the beach of chicken and ribs – back to Companion to settle in and rest.

Wednesday bright and early heading down to check out the “other side” of Guadeloupe – actually Laura and I kept looking at each other – wondering why we choose this island – not too pretty in our eyes – what were the travel books saying – couldn’t figure it out – stopped at the beach where Jacques Costeau’s underwater park is- a few dive boats – again, not so pretty – just kept going – did find a nice little outside cafe with “moules and frites”  - the rain forest was interesting – but we are use to tall waterfalls – spent the day touring – back to the boat again – still tied to the dock – which was a good thing!! 

Laura and Brian on the peninsula

Thursday off the “other side” of the island – this side was spectacular – the beaches of crystal white sand – tourist around – cool little café – a delicious bakery with chocolate croissants – a “special beach” for Brian’s entertainment – you can imagine that one!!  A hike up to one of the lookouts over the Atlantic Ocean/Caribbean Sea – and then off to a fun café – only there were to be no crepes till later in evening – schucks!!  This “side” redeemed the island!  Returned car and taxied back to Companion with Mr. Remy Gregory from Port Louis – a one man “taxi service!” – worked perfect for us.

on the pretty side of the island

Friday morning, left about 6 am (Dale’s preferred time) and set sail back to Antigua – oh my …. Dale and Laura had a really good sail – not so much for Brian and I – next time we will take the “drug” – 6 to 10 foot waves and up to 30 knot winds – so we had gusts and swells – I was really glad when Dale sailed into the Falmouth Harbor (So was Brian …. he did have one “exorcist” moment – but rallied!!)  Immigrations and customs no problem  - dinner on Companion...We were all pooped and ready for bed – but not till after a game of “Angry Birds”.

Saturday Laura treated us to fresh baked sconces ... we sailed up to Jolly Harbor - Carol and Steve Wallace were to arrive in the afternoon - so of course we made Companion sparkle.....and docked in the marina to wait for them.... 

Lots to celebrate!!

life is good with friends....

Oh by the way - we did have extremely exciting news - Emily and Kyle announced their engagement... what fun we will have planning - even long distance - this is gonna be good - date to be determined this week!!!!

toasting the good news - congrats Em and Kyle