After our first week away we were due to transfer to a second villa for the next fortnight. Between the six of us, we had spent many hours surfing the internet looking for that perfect property. The right location, the right accommodation, the right view and the right price! We also used the help of a local managing agent. And we still got it wrong!
Whilst we were there the Bequia Music festival took place, most enjoyable.
Janet, Karen and Simon enjoying themselves.
What was unnerving at the time was we suddenly became homeless, we had vacated the first villa, stocked up on 'provisions', had the important wine and beer delivered only to find the property totally unsuitable for 6 people. One of the bedrooms was , well not a bedroom, and the beach access had been closed off.
The beach at Friendship Bay where our hotel was located.
So an urgent meeting was held to decide a plan of action. We managed to take refuge at a nearby hotel and with the help of the villa agency and internet sourced another property which we hoped would tick all the right boxes!
Our new pool , perfect for sun sets!!
And it did, we could walk to the town, watch the boats come and go, enjoy the pool and the services of the owner who lives next door, this even includes the option of a day sailing in his Yacht! I think we came up trumps!
A great view from our home 'Octopussy'
Jack's bar on Princess Margaret's beach where we enjoyed many lunches
During our time here we enjoyed strolling around the local produce shops and food market, swimming and snorkeling from some gorgeous beaches including Princess Margaret's Beach, some memorable food especially the Lobster Pizza and the basic but cheap food served on the former set of the Film 'Pirates of the Caribbean' in St Vincent.
From here we had a rather 'turbulent' week! Our sea crossing from Bequia to Union Island was in rough seas, and then from Union to Palm in even rougher seas in what I can only describe as a a tin bath or the staff Ferry. I really thought my time had come!
The staff boat, note the central motor and water protection.
Palm is a private island of just 35 acres and when the sunshines it is truly magical.
Our home for four nights on Palm.
One of the local residents
Having just got over the bad weather and crossing we boarded our yacht which at the last minute was switched from a Catamaran to a mono-hull with skipper and chief. It had been due to take us to Grenada over four days.
This is the smallest habited island in the world! just one person lives there and it is a bar!
With stunning views and sunsets
Instead we were blessed with an unqualified skipper who preferred smoking something strange and drinking rum punches! as a result of which when Karen got into difficulties snorkeling in the Tobago Cays there was nobody keeping an eye out and able to help her, thank goodness for the skipper of another boat who picked her up.
The Tobago Cays with turquoise waters.
On the penultimate day as we left Chatham Bay, off Union Island our boat hit either rocks or a reef and came to a shuddering halt . We ended the charter there and then, and subsequently received all our money back, small consolation in the scheme of what might have happened.
Windsong II our yacht in Chatham harbour before disaster struck!
We were now once again faced with re routing and working out how to get to Grenada from Union and our best option was to take a private boat. We found the skipper - 'Tiger'! and thought we found his boat, but as we went to board it was rather smaller than we anticipated. Moral of that story, check exactly which boat the skipper owns! And so we headed off across the sea getting completely soaked to Carriacou where we finally took a sensible ferry to Grenada!
Tiger preparing our water taxi!
Crossing the water
Grenada is a lovely island and from our hotel we had a great view of the beach and ocean. It is also a rain forest which means when it rains, it does, for almost five days!
Arriving in Grenada. Happy to be on dry land!
The beach outside our hotel and view out to sea.
Perfect for sunsets!
And our final destination, Barbados where we happily installed ourselves in some friends apartment to get over all the excitement and prepare for the return to home!
A nice out look from our apartment in Sugar Hill.
And great beaches, this is Mullins on the West Coast
Our impressions of the Caribbean - wonderful in winter, never to hot, typically 28 degrees and low 20's at night. Great beeches and sea for snorkeling, swimming etc. reasonable value, prices much in line with Europe, cheapest meal was under ten pounds ahead, dearest sixty. Everyone was relaxed and friendly, but some folks took a little warming up to get the best from them.
Duty Free shop could do with up dating!
Welcome!
Don't look at the words behind!
Happier times on the boat.
Fun times.
No comment!
And we missed - the view from our home, our cats, friends, French bread and decent coffee.
