Feb 15-16

Cap’t Col took care of our check out procedures in Tyrell Bay at the crack of 8am when the Immigration office opened. I guess he forgot to change the hours on the sign, as Mr Customs didn’t show up until 9am. Caribbean time. We got our Zarpe for the Tobago Cays, and he let us know where to go to check into the next Island.
Northward we go!

So after a fast, albeit brief sail northward, with a reef in the main, travelling at an average of 7.5 knots, we arrived at Union Island.
The island itself stands out from afar with its dramatically mountainous outline, and is protected by reefs that show its brilliant, almost kaleidoscopic green-turquoise waters.

Needing to check into the country, we all went ashore, (yes we know we were suppose to stay on the boat) and checked out the town of Clifton with its funky artistry, charming colorful, albeit EXPENSIVE shops.

We will not be doing extensive provisioning here. We did spend $70 EC ( $35 Canadian/ Aussie Dollars) in the vibrant vegetable market, with its excellent selection of produce and eggs. After all this is the center of bareboat chartering in the southern Grenadines.

Getting back to the boat after shopping, we enjoyed the sights of the many kite surfers here taking advantage of the excellent wind conditions, shallow warm protected water. Darren’s feeling a new hobby coming on.

We left Union Island for a short sail up to the Tobago Cays, and landed in a beautiful turquoise shallow patch near the beach at a little anchorage right behind Horseshoe reef and the tiny island of Baradal. We got the snorkel gear and the spears ready and set off to find our dinner. The water was clear and warm.

We successfully snorkeled around the reef in a few different spots, but came up empty handed. Chicken it would be again for diner.

Leaving the reef, we chose an anchorage not far away, only a short 1 mile motor thru the channels and reefs to the Island of Mayreau and its sheltered anchorage named Salt Whistle Bay. This small island is rimmed with spectacular beaches, and the beach within Salt Whistle Bay is a stunning white sand half moon shaped piece of paradise.

Waiting for you at the entrance of the bay are the locals with the fish, lobsters and offers to assist the charter boats with the mooring balls.

We entertained ourselves with one particular charter skipper using his two engines on his rented CAT as if they were airplane jets. First forward, then full reverse, then full forward.. I’m not sure he knows there is a slow forward gear. He drove thru the anchorage at a full 3-4 knots of boat speed while everyone on their own boats wondered if they would become the causality of this terrible display of seamanship. We sat in horror at thinking what he was doing to the engines.

Curry Chicken was delicious for supper, even though it was not fish. Maybe tomorrow.

Wednesday Morning we set sail for Bequia.