Monday finds us back in Dominica, but getting ready for a jump to Martinique in the morning.
We had two pleasant days in the Saintes, during which we got a good hike, some boat chores, and another trip to town for pizza. The hike, which we undertook with Myrl and Gary of Kokopelli, was a gruelling walk up a 1036 foot peak to explore a major lookout tower built to spy the terrible English before they might attack French territory. The pictures show the structure, and the great views.
Here it is...the fort that 'must be conquered'. A nice 45 degree slope all the way from the town to the top in baking heat and no shade.
A view of the main island in Les Saints. We often enjoy anchoring right in front of the town where we can go into town at night for dinner and get wifi.
Ilet Cabrit, a small uninhabited island among Les Saints. You can see Cat Tales to the far left.
The boat chores included hand stitching on the jib. Dawn and I divided that chore between us so we wouldn’t wear our fingers out pushing the needle through the dense fabric. It took us only a couple of hours, but as luck would have it, a great wind came up as we were finishing the job of reinstalling the jib. The heavy clew eyelet gave me a wondrous smack in the side of the face, cutting up the inside of my mouth, but leaving my teeth intact. No worries, it is almost healed now.
Our four hour sail from the Saintes to Dominica on Friday morning was wet and wild, but with no damage or injury. We were met by friends among the yacht services powerboats (formerly referred to as “boat boys”, and now usually referred to as river guides and tour management experts). We also met up with Debby and Jim of the boat Loonsong, whom we had met numerous times back in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. They and another couple took us on another hike up into an agricultural area that was quite interesting.
Jim from "Mirus" after we finally found the stream at the top of the mountain
After our hike, we felt we deserved a little refreshment, and then a little more...
We’re now resting up after a truly wild Beach BBQ party with the local River Guides in their new building on the beach. We actually stayed up until mid-night last night!
Unfortunately this is all I got of the BBQ last night before my battery died. And I don't even know these people. Oopsie...
Tomorrow’s trip will be 50 miles, which could take up to 10 hours if the wind is low or foul. We should also report that we could easily be out of contact for days, as there is little in the way of wifi in Martinique.
Here's an idea of what to do when your Hobie is no longer useful as a sailboat!
