After a few days in Anse Mitan to see the fireworks, we headed back down to the south part of the coast of Martinique with Peace and Plenty. The water is very clear here although there aren't many fish to see.
...and another!
Snorkelling in Anse Chaudiere just off of Petit Anse d'Arlet.
In between hiking we take time for socializing. Here's Laurie demonstrating an ocean wine gimble.
We decided to do a hike starting from the next bay over, Petit Anse, and determined that we would need to take the bus from here in order to have enough steam to do the entire hike. Well, as usual, the bus schedule was obtained too late and we had missed the first bus. Because it said that the ride would be only 4 minutes, we decided to hike to the beginning of the trail head. We knew that it would be steep up and down to get to the next bay, however, we had no idea a that we would have to go all the way up and down four times to get to the other side. So...2 hours later, we obort our hike and settle instead for a short hike to see Source Chaude. This is a sulfur pool where many used to go to clean up at the end of the day!
We saw many beautiful flowers along our way on the paved road. This, I believe is a form of hibiscus. Isn't it a beauty?
Lorna and Brian still smiling after all the up and down to get to the next bay! What good sports!
Petit Anse, Martinique
Post card beautiful!
Our return trip actually included a bus ride. So many times we have waited in one of these bus stops, only to be disappointed and forced to make the trip on tired legs. The buses here are huge and air conditioned. It would seem, that whatever France has, these French islands have. It's a shame they didn't scale the size down a bit as the switchbacks and outrageous steepness of the roads doesn't make manoeuvring them that easy. At every turn, they blow their horns to warn walkers and drivers of their BIG BUS presence!
Yesterday also involved a wonderful lunch in the little town. We are always amazed at how cold they keep their beer! The French cuisine is a treat, for sure.
Lorna and Brian have decided to leave us here and head back to St Lucia for a few weeks. They have many sailor friends who arrive there after Christmas and they'd like to spend a little time with them. Laurie and I will stay in Martinique for a few more days and then will head north to Dominica and then on to Les Saintes.
Ha, I can hear a bus rumbling down the hills blasting the horn as I type!
Here's our newest solar panel. This one is in addition to the two panels over the davits. Lots of power for Cat Tales!
A little over a week ago, Laurie spent the better part of a day working on our 2006 Tohatsu dinghy engine in the hot sun in the lee of a small dock. It had been unable to accelerate in gear for some time. Although plugs were cleaned and regapped, needle valves were exercised, tank filter was cleaned and fuel filter was replaced; he attributes success to a debunking spray that was liberally sprayed throughout the carburetor assembly to remove the decade of mixed gas varnish. Tiny bolts, slipping gaskets, and blue air.
