Just about 6 miles from the Tobago Cays – another gem of an island – Union Island, which is a little more mountainous and populated. Union Island is covered with rainforest growth and palm trees – almost like Kauai.
As we were passing by Palm Island, an exclusive resort island, Dale decided to check some systems since most everyone we have met recently their boats were tired and gear was breaking down. Sure enough the AutoPilot which has not been used in 4 weeks wasn’t working. Frustrating at first, but after 2 hours of looking at the manual and taking the door off the sink cabinet, donning headlamp and spreading out the tools a little Allan wrench was required to tighten the chain sprocket to the motor arm. Fixed!!!
Clifton the first village, on Union Island you sail into - a good place to provision, check internet, and relax – we anchored in the bay ….
After we spent a night there we were ready to leaves that bay, sailed around the corner – in view was Grenada– and before us was a half mile beach of white sand – four beach bar shacks – and only a handful of boats anchored – this must be paradise … again laid down the hook and spent two glorious days in Chatham Bay.
a perfect anchorage!
and two perfect nights - quite a "moonset"
about 5:00AM
Leaving is often bittersweet because we know that the next time we visit, progress will happen and most likely this special place with have a lot more visitors – hope the locals can preserve the pristine beach and tranquility.
Setting the GPS for Bequia – we had a beautiful sail to Admiralty Bay - having been there about three weeks ago ….. It was almost like coming home – we knew right where we would anchor, where to go to clear out of the Grenadine’s, where to get wifi, where to put garbage, and where to find a new pair of crocs for Dale – we felt like real cruisers. In our trip to the dock - we did have a treat – our buddies – you remember the oboe player and coast guard retiree from Dominica – they were in the bay – invited us over for happy hour (after we did customs and immigration – which is more a hassle than it needs to be) - we had great conversation and maybe – you just never know our paths may cross again.
The plan was to leave Bequia at 3:30 AM and head towards St. Lucia – about a 62 mile sail – 11 hours later – Dale declared that this was his favorite passage so far – just enough wind for about 8 hours motor free – waves gentle and a current aiding us at times – couldn’t get much better in that sailors humble opinion. We got as far as Marigot Bay – anchored in the bay and enjoyed a quiet night getting a good night’s rest – we both deserved it.
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