16:18.50N 61:48.00W  Deschaies, Guadeloupe

 

24/25 March - An early start from Pointe du Bout, Martinique was easy and we made good progress over the 43 miles north to Roseau the main town of Dominica. Dominica a mountainous country full of rain forests water falls hot springs. No beach resorts to mention, but lots for walkers and twitchers. After a walk around Roseau Pat and I went off with a taxi driver for a look around the Pitons National Park. Luxurious countryside and place to really loose yourself in.

 

It was a marlin steak in the evening at the hotel near to our mooring.

 

Dog Water Skiing, as they Do

 

Mooring at Roseau

 

Entrance to Marina Office!

 

Old Whale

 

Sunset at our Mooring in Roseau

 

Don’t Park Under Trees in a Hurricane

 

26 March – An another early start as we move further north the 17 miles to Portsmouth at the tip of Dominica. Indian River adventures await us here a la Pirates of the Caribbean. Supposedly you can take your own dinghy up the river which is navigable for about half mile long if you use oars but just try it. The boat boys have sewn it up and get you into their boats. To be fair they are very knowledgeable and the experience was very good. Its a tropical river full of creepers, hanging vines, buttressed rooted trees and bird life.The bar and disco music at the far end of the creek is a little incongruous though.

 

Our Guide on the Indian River Trip

 

 

Indian River

 

Typical Boat ‘Boy’ in his flash outboard

 

Pat has her UK flight to catch in Antigua on Saturday so we intend to make it  to English Harbour over the next two days. That means a one night anchorage in Guadeloupe on the way. Sorry Guadeloupe, maybe we stay longer next time.

 

27 March – Early start for the 50 miles to the north of Guadeloupe, to Deshaies, the jumping off point for Antigua, 42 miles to the north. We reached across the channel at 6/7 knots then a run and a fetch as the wind bends around Guadeloupe plus a bit of motoring to get us here. Anchored at 16.30, looks a nice place. Very French. I think we will be avoiding customs and immigration again as we hope to get away early again tomorrow.

 

Deshaies