4:30 am –- the time designated by “Captain” Dale to leave Jolly Harbor, Antigua – the alarm goes off 4 am – wake and prepare to depart – anticipation of the journey that lies ahead - we have 42 nautical miles to go to get to Port. Louis, Guadeloupe to meet Laura and Brian Alonso - not sure where we are going but assuming that the winds and waves will take us there and of course with the help from our chart plotter and GPS – we are golden.
The “dark” is an amazing time to sail – the stars are your only light especially when there is only a sliver of a moon – Dale is ready, he pulls the line off the mooring ball – I am at the helm – just to make sure we are backing up in the proper direction – He resumes control of helm - me - stationed at the bow watching for mooring balls, buoys and odd ships that don’t have their anchor lights on.
We go slow as not to disturb anyone – out of the channel and into the sea … waves are rollers and the winds are “above average”- but ok. I then sit in my spot – outside salon table – and watch – the stars and sky – they evolve - it is a most powerful/meaningful time of the day - a new beginning - the time when the stars and darkness are in a distinct line as the dusk rises before the sun - no question about it – a daily miracle…. it doesn’t last long enough in my humble opinion!
We are in good spirits – Dale had the jib out first – till the dawn – and then hoists the main sail – off go the engines and we basically sail for 40 miles – non stop on one port tack. We sail from the southern edge of Antigua, zip past Monserrat (volcano island venting steam) and into Port Louis, Guadeloupe – we saw land at every point of sail – makes this girl happy!! Almost 9 hours of sailing – and we are glad to have our anchor secured – in a sheltered bay on the southern edge of Port Louis – only I wished for at least one more boat to be in the bay (I like to be with others in the dark.) Dale “dinghyed” into the marina (which is really a fishing village) – I stood anchor watch –he cleared immigration/customs and checked out the village – this is the place where we are to meet Laura and Brian tomorrow. Dale had great success with immigrations – always a challenge - always a commentary to share – returned after visiting with all of the “officials”… the immigrations, the postmaster, the grocer, the fisherman, and last but not the less, the wine guy! (He was my favorite)
Sunset at Port Louis
A fabulous sunset, a excellent (if I say so myself) green curry seafood rice dish and a delicious bottle of French Bordeaux - what more could a girl ask for after the anticipation of a long day’s sail – except to look forward to seeing our friends, Laura and Brian tomorrow – life is so good and oh so sweet!! Oh and by the way – another sailboat anchored near us – that makes it a really good evening, too!
Delicious Bordeaux - reading the vintage Cruising Guide
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