Martinique

We're watching the sunset from Grand Anse D'Arlet, after a nice sail back from Fort De France.

We've been in Martinique since Monday, when we sailed over with the best sail of the season, and anchored in a little cove near St. Anne, outside of Le Marin. We had a quiet night, then went into Le Marin to look at the chandleries and to do the Customs work. After that, John bought us the first of three fabulous lunches. We investigated some new chain before returning to the boat, and after some quick checking for size and price, it was purchased for pickup the next morning. I, Laurie, did just that, dinghying in and loading a hundred feet of chain into the dinghy. Ten minutes later, Cat Tales sucked the chain out of the dinghy, while at anchor. We then left and sailed downwind, around Diamond Rock, and into Grand Anse D'Arlet. John had some quiet time on the boat, while Dawn and I enjoyed some snorkelling. Sadly, the number of fish traps along the south wall of the bay were up, and the number of fish were down sharply. Nothing really to see besides some spotted snake-eels.

Thursday, we enjoyed a slow day on the waterfront of the Bay, then John bought us a nice lunch. We finished the day aboard Cat Tales, trying different rums in 'ti punch. All worked!

John bought us our third lunch today when we ran over to Fort de France, and visited the main market. The girl, "Dudu", at Chez Hector, remembered John, and was sad to hear that John Sinclair (Speed) was not well. (For those of you who know Speed, he had a mild stroke in December, but is now much better, we understand). Speed, if you're reading this, John says it is good you're up (and out of the tub). As well, Speed, Dudu gave John a hug for you, but John says he'll be damned if you'll get it.

We have a good weather window for a sail back to Rodney Bay, tomorrow, and will very likely check out first thing in the morning, and make the 4 hour trip.

We're also happy to report that our friends Sue and Maurice, aboard the monohull Strider, are going to make landfall in Los Roques, to the west of the island chain.

Hopefully, there'll be pics for you folks soon.