Author Archives: Theresa

Thatched hut on sand bar entering cut between Petit St. Vincent & Petite Martinique

PETIT ST. VINCENT & PETITE MARTINIQUE – by Theresa

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Petit St. Vincent

Petit St. Vincent

Petit St. Vincent

Our next Grenadines island destination, after departing the Tobago Cays, was the exclusive private island resort Petit St. Vincent (PSV). Petit St. Vincent is the southern most island in the Grenadines and is home to Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Diving Caribbean. We dropped the anchor in the bay between Petit St. Vincent (the Grenadines) and Petite Martinique (Grenada) and dinghied ashore with our friends John and Paulette off M/V Seamantha for a “toes in the sand” lunch.

Lunch at Petit St. Vincent Resort

Lunch at Petit St. Vincent Resort

Thatched hut on sand bar entering cut between Petit St. Vincent & Petite Martinique

Thatched hut on sand bar entering cut between Petit St. Vincent & Petite Martinique

M/V Seamantha anchored off Petit St. Vincent

M/V Seamantha anchored off Petit St. Vincent

The 115 acre island, and the surrounding waters were beautiful and we are already planning our return visit to go diving!

Petite Martinique

Petite Martinique

Petite Martinique

Petite Martinique is a bit of a misnomer, in that it is not part of Martinique, rather, it is the northern most island of Grenada. Anchoring in the bay between these two islands (PSV and Petite Martinique) grants quick dinghy access to both islands. After lunch on PSV, we decided to walk off the calories by hiking Petite Martinique. While we have seen A LOT of goats throughout the Caribbean, we were a little surprised to see so many goats roaming freely throughout the island (they are often fenced off or tied up).

Goats roaming free on Petite Martinique, Grenada
Goats roaming free on Petite Martinique, Grenada
Goats in Petite Martinique

Goats in Petite Martinique

Like many of the islands, Petite Martinique seemed to be all uphill, but after reaching highest peak the views presented were well worth the climb!

Paulette, Ryan, John & Ronan, view from atop Petite Martinique, Grenada (looking towards Petit St. Vincent)

Paulette, Ryan, John & Ronan, view from atop Petite Martinique, Grenada (looking towards Petit St. Vincent)

View from atop Petite Martinique, Grenada (looking towards Petite St. Vincent (spot Pilots' Discretion)

View from atop Petite Martinique, Grenada (looking towards Petite St. Vincent — spot Pilots’ Discretion!)

We hiked Petite Martinique on a Sunday and learned that all the shops are closed until 5pm. Fortunately for us, one of the local shopkeepers spotted us in our quest for water and juice and opened up his shop.

The boys were getting thirsty
Open for service, Ryan, Ronan, and John, Petite Martinique Grenada

Then, in a Jimmy Buffet Caribbean moment, Ronan literally blew out his flip flop! The good news is Paulette has an Eagle Scout friend (Ed) that gave her some advice on what to carry in her hiking pack. Duct tape wrapped around two popsicle sticks and a Swiss army knife and within a few minutes, Ronan was up and running again!

With good weather on the immediate horizon, we next cruised over to Union Island where we cleared out of St. Vincent before setting our course south towards our home for the hurricane season, Grenada.

PD1 heading ashore, Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

TOBAGO CAYS – by Theresa

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Tobago Cays

Tobago Cays

At long last, we arrived in the beautiful Tobago Cays in the Grenadines, West Indies! Just a short cruise (2 nautical miles) from Mayreau, the Tobago Cays Marine Park consists of five (5) uninhabited islands (Baradal, Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Petit Tabac and Jamesby) surrounded by a horseshoe reef. Our first night in the park we picked up a mooring ball directly in front of the turtle sanctuary just off Baradal.

Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Randy and Ronan diving the mooring ball, Baradol Island, Tobago Cays
Ronan jumping in to dive the mooring
Ronan giving the 'OK' on the mooring ball, Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Ronan giving the ‘OK’ on the mooring ball, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

After receiving the all clear on the mooring, we snorkeled ashore, through, and around, the turtle sanctuary where green and hawksbill turtles feed off the sea grass.

Green Turtle, Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Green Turtle, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Green Turtle, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays
Green Turtle, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays Marine Park

We saw hundreds of starfish, so many, that they appeared to form underwater constellations.

Cushion Starfish, just off Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Cushion Starfish, just off Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Cushion Starfish, just off Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Cushion Starfish, just off Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Needless to say, the snorkeling was amazing!

Southern Stingray & Trunkfish just off Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Southern Stingray & Trunkfish just off Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Palometa & Conch just off Baradol Island, Tobago Cays

Palometa & Conch just off Baradal Island, Tobago Cays

Once ashore, we explored the uninhabited island where tortoises, iguanas and birds roam freely.

Baradal Island beach looking out towards the reef, Tobago Cays
Baradal Island, Tobago Cays (spot Pilots’ Discretion)
Ronan setting out to explore Baradal Island, Tobago Cays Marine Park
Ryan setting out to explore Baradal Island, Tobago Cays Marine Park
Tortoise, were plentiful and freely roamed Baradal Island, Tobago Cays
The birds were eating the fruit off the cacti, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays
Iguanas also roamed freely on Baradal Island, Tobago Cays Marine Park
Nesting Birds, Baradal Island, Tobago Cays Marine Park

Our second night in the Marine Park, we picked up a mooring ball in the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau. We had considered snorkeling ashore, however, we saw multiple sharks and rays swimming just off the boat so we instead opted to take the dinghy ashore. Petit Rameau was inhabited by mostly goats. Petit Bateau has a nice trail that runs around the island and provides nice views of the surrounding islands.

Petit Bateau, Tobago Cays
Pilots’ Discretion moored between Petit Rameau and Petit Bataeu
Hiking Petit Bateau, looking towards Baradol Island

Hiking Petit Bateau, looking towards Baradal & Jamesby

We have been to multiple marine parks while cruising the Caribbean and have enjoyed the pristine beauty of them all. The Tobago Cays Marine Park was no exception and we highly recommend stopping here for anyone cruising on or around these waters. We would have stayed in the park longer, however, there was some weather moving in and so we opted to leave and continue our journey south towards Grenada. Our next stop, Petit St. Vincent and Petite Martinique . . .

Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

MAYREAU – by Theresa

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After departing Bequia, we continued our journey south to our next Grenadines island destination, Mayreau. From Bequia, the run to Mayreau is only 23 nautical miles. Our passage was smooth with 3-6 ft. seas.  When we arrived in Salt Whistle Bay, we picked up one of the newly installed Marine Park’s mooring balls.  After diving the mooring ball, the boys went kayaking and then swam ashore. There were several other “kid boats” in the bay, so there was plenty of “boat kid” activities over the next couple of days, including one boat kid birthday party on the beach.

Boat kid (Cole's) birthday party, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Boat kid birthday party, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Playing on the beach, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
Playing on the beach, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau
The kids getting pulled behind the dinghy, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

At 1.5 square miles, Mayreau is a much smaller island than Bequia. You can walk from one side of the island to the other in approximately fifteen (15) minutes. The hike is uphill in both directions, but well worth it in terms of both scenery and exercise. Behind the church at the top of the hill there is an excellent vantage point for looking out towards the Tobago Cays, Canouan, and Union Island.

Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

Mayreau looking towards the Tobago Cays

We continued down the only paved road on the island to Saline Bay, which is where cruise ships drop off their passengers during the busy cruise ship season. Since we were there in the “off” season, we had the entire beach and bay to ourselves.

Saline Bay, Mayreau

Saline Bay, Mayreau (with Union Island in the background)

Saline Bay, Mayreau

Saline Bay, Mayreau

There is a large Salt Pond located directly behind Saline Bay. Its pretty pink hues made up for the attendant sulfurous odor!

Saline Bay, & Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Saline Bay, & Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

Salt Ponds, Mayreau

After exploring the island we settled back onto the boat to enjoy the sunset from the bow.

Theresa & Randy enjoying sundowners and the sunset on the bow, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

Theresa & Randy enjoying sundowners and the sunset on the bow, Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau

After enjoying all that Mayreau  had to offer for a few days, we set off for our next Grenadine’s island destination, the Tobago Cays (pictures to follow in our next post).

Touring Bequia's beautiful bays - Industry Bay

BEQUIA – by Theresa

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Ryan and Randy getting ready to dive the mooring ball in Bequia

Ryan and Randy getting ready to dive the mooring ball in Bequia

It has been a while since our last post about Learning to Scuba in St. Lucia, by Ryan, June 05, 2016. Opportunely, we have put those newly acquired scuba skills to good use diving mooring balls and the bottom of our boat! After departing St. Lucia, we set a course south for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Having spent time on the main island of St. Vincent on previous visits (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, January 05, 2016) we decided to explore some of the smaller islands in the Grenadines. Our first stop was Bequia, a beautiful small island with pristine palm tree lined beaches and well protected deep water bays. We had heard that some of the mooring balls in Bequia might not be well maintained so when we arrived in Admiralty Bay our newly certified scuba gurus immediately went to work making sure our vessel was secure.

Ryan stepping in to dive the boat with Randy, Bequia

Ryan stepping in to dive the boat with Randy, Bequia

On a friend’s recommendation, we secured a mooring ball just off the Frangipanni restaurant dock. After diving the mooring ball 40 feet below, the men confirmed that our vessel was firmly secured. Since they were in the water and all suited up, appropriate boat cleaning tools were dispensed and they got busy diving and cleaning the bottom of the boat!

Ryan diving the boat in Bequia!
Randy putting those scuba lessons to work, diving the boat in Bequia

Once we felt comfortable that the boat was secured, we scheduled an island tour with “Gideon” on his open air safari bus (784-458-3760 or gideontaxi@vincysurf.com). While the island of Bequia is only 7 square miles, and can be toured in a couple of hours, there are plenty of magnificent sites to see. Gideon is very knowledgeable about the island’s history, present affairs, and future works in progress.

Ryan on Gideon's open air bus tour, Bequia

Ryan on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia

Touring Bequia's beautiful bays - Industry Bay

Touring Bequia’s beautiful bays – Industry Bay

Randy and Patton on Gideon's open air bus tour, Bequia

Randy and Patton on Gideon’s open air safari bus tour, Bequia

Touring Bequia with Gideon, Fort Alexander

Touring Bequia with Gideon, Fort Alexander

Looking north over Admiralty Bay, Bequia, north (Spot Pilots' Discretion)

Looking north over Admiralty Bay, Bequia, (Spot Pilots’ Discretion)

Admiralty Bay looking south from Fort Hamilton, Bequia (Spot Pilots’ Discretion)
Rum factory ruins, Bequia
Industry Bay, Bequia

OLD HEGG TURTLE SANCTUARY

One of our favorite stops was at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary where they are raising and then releasing endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles. We got to observe, learn about, feed, and hold the turtles.

Baby Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia
Baby Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary in Bequia

The sanctuary is also home to older, as well as other species of turtles, including Green Turtles.

Ronan and Ryan learning about the endangered Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

Ronan and Ryan learning about the endangered Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

 

Ryan and Ronan holding a baby Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Ronan holding a baby Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia
Ronan touching a Hawksbill Turtle shell, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ronan touching a Hawksbill Turtle shell, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan admiring a 17 year old Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan admiring a 17 year old Hawksbill Turtle at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan feeling a Hawksbill Turtle shell at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Ryan feeling a Hawksbill Turtle shell at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Theresa holding a Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

Theresa holding a young Hawksbill turtle at the turtle sanctuary in Bequia

HawksbillTurtle, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Hawksbill Turtle, Turtle Sanctuary, Bequia

Patton also enjoyed visiting the turtle sanctuary!

Patton watching the Hawksbill turtles in Bequia
Baby Hawksbill turtles in Bequia
Patton watching the Hawksbill turtles in Bequia

After the turtle sanctuary Gideon drove us to Mt. Pleasant, the highest point on the island, where we looked out upon the neighboring islands that we would soon be visiting.

Bequia, looking out over Mustique, Petit Mustique and Cariacou Island
Bequia, looking south towards Cariacou

The vibrant colors of the flora we passed along the way was as spectacular as the views of the sea.

Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia
Colorful flora, Bequia

As we descended from Mt. Pleasant, we saw friends of ours, M/V Seamantha, entering Admiralty Bay. When we got back to our boat we took our dinghy over for a quick hello.

M/V Seamantha arriving in Admiralty Bay, Bequia

M/V Seamantha arriving in Admiralty Bay, Bequia

In addition to beautiful land and seascapes, Bequia has great hiking and snorkeling. We spent the next couple of days catching up with our friends in Bequia and enjoying both!

Ryan and Ronan hiking along the waterfront in Bequia

Ryan and Ronan hiking along the waterfront in Bequia

Popcorn aboard M/V Seamantha

Popcorn aboard M/V Seamantha

Ryan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ryan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Ronan freediving, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Elkhorn coral, Admiralty Bay, Bequia
Hamming it up for the underwater camera, Bequia

Our next stop after Bequia was Mayreau. To be continued in another post . . .

Shirley Heights, Antigua

ST. KITTS & NEVIS, and ANTIGUA – by Theresa

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ST. KITTS & NEVIS

Quill volcano, Statia

Quill volcano, Statia

After departing St. Bart, we cruised past the Quill volcano on St. Eustatius and on to Majors Bay in St. Kitts. As the only boat in the harbor, we dropped our anchor in 10 feet of crystal clear water and enjoyed the view of Nuestra Señora del las Nieves (Our Lady of Snow), in Nevis, while enjoying our evening sun downers on our bow. Majors Bay is located just west of the narrows between St. Kitts & Nevis, and is a good place to stage before heading to Antigua. Another sunrise departure and we were on our way!

ANTIGUA

The day we cruised to Antigua was perhaps one of the calmest days in the Caribbean Sea that we have encountered to date with zero to one (0-1) foot seas. The clouds reflecting in the mirror-like water, as the Pilot’s Discretion cruised along slicing the sea like a hot knife through warm butter, was yet another one of those surreal moments that will remain forever etched in our minds.

NELSON’S DOCKYARD

After the calm day at sea, we cruised into English Harbor and tied up at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard Marina. The marina is  situated in the heart of a restored 18th century naval base and is named after Admiral Horatio Nelson who gained notoriety in the battle of Trafalgar. While the old naval vessels are long gone, replaced with private yachts, one cannot help but sense the immense history of this working maritime monument while strolling around the grounds.

The old Officer's Quarters now houses the marina office & other yacht service providers

The old Officer’s Quarters now houses the marina office & other yacht service providers

Ryan & Ronan pushing the replica capstans (used to careen British naval vessels), Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua

Ryan & Ronan pushing the replica capstans (used to careen British naval vessels), Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

Ryan & Ronan, Nelson’s Dockyard Museum, Antigua
18th Century Sundial, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
Customs & Immigration is Housed in the Ruins of Cordage and Clothing Store, Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua
Patton taking Mom for a hike around Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua 🙂
Admiral Nelson, Nelson’s Dockyard Museum, Antigua

FORT BERKELEY

The historical Fort Berkeley is just a short stroll from the restored naval base and is well worth the hike.

Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkely, Antigua

Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkely, Antigua

CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

We had the good fortune to have arrived at Nelson’s Dockyard just in time for the 2016 Classic Yacht Regatta. At the conclusion of the regatta, the classic yacht parade sailed right past our boat giving us front row seat viewing to the spectacular vessels from a different era.

Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua
Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua
Classic Yacht Parade, Antigua

ANTIGUA SAIL WEEK

The Classic Yacht Regatta was followed by Antigua Sail Week with week long festivities that rivalled the Classic Yacht Regatta.

SHIRLEY HEIGHTS

We had been told that no trip to Antigua would be complete without a journey to Shirley Heights. Cruisers and locals gather there every Sunday night to enjoy the the spectacular sunset views, complete with BBQ, and steel drum reggae and calypso. The night that we were there was no exception. Mother nature painted the sky in vibrant colors as we watched the sun set over the horizon with the Pilot’s Discretion in the harbor below.

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Sunday night BBQ, with steel band reggae & calypso, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Shirley Heights, Antigua

Our next adventures will have us continuing to cruise south, including stops in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. We will continue to post as both internet and time allow. In the meantime, wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to the most wonderful and inspirational woman I know, my Mom! We are looking forward to seeing you very soon.