We have just spent the last three days in Bequia anchored off Princess Margaret beach with in swimming distance which was lovely.  On our first night the Elite Steel Band was playing at Frangipani, This time Frangipani was packed.  The following morning we did a long hike along Princess Margaret beach, Lower Bay and then up the hill past some lovely houses.  Including the one some friends rented, which looked divine.  We carried on until the cement road ran out and went through bush up the path where we got some amazing views.  The hike did us all good.  Messed around in the afternoon, swimming, then went to the Blues festival which is held there for one night, got to bed very late.  Joe Walker, Ian Siegal, Zac Hamton, Dino Baptiste, Gregg Jackson, Murali Coryell,  were playing.   The following morning we  sailed up the west coast of Bequia and around the top into quite disturbed water as the current was against the waves, we then had a good sail down to Mustique, where the rest of the Basil’s Bar Blues Festival is on until the 1st February.  

WELL!!! what a crazy last three nights we have had.  Rocking and rolling, dancing until 1.30 each morning, not sure the body can keep up with it.  The atmosphere was great despite it being a tad like a private party for all the Villa owners/guests. Mick Jagger wes there on the first night in a dark area hidden away, he was watching but not taking part.   Because the guys recognised us we got good tables which was wonderful.  Basil of course was there introducing all the singers and players.  Last night, sadly our last night, we stayed until it finished, many people left earlier as it was a Monday night.  It ended up more like a private party, with Greg Jackson getting the last of us on the floor and doing a conga around the floor with Basil and his entourage joining in as well as the rest of the singers and players. I got called up on stage to dance with Gregg Jackson whilst he sang to me, slightly embarrassing……   Jonathan and I were rocking on the floor along with one other couple who were way better than us, but more jerky and faster, they decided to swap partners so I danced with him and Jonathan with her, I have never seen J so exhausted!!  It was fun dancing with him (sorry don’t know his name) as he was a very good leader, but as I got flung around with lots of jumping I wasn’t too sure my knees would take it anymore.  We got a huge ovation at the end from everybody watching, including a very young and sophisticated table of people.

During the day we swam, walked, snorkelled and paddleboarded.  I saw a couple of turtles near us, one was getting under the chain of the cement block holding the mooring bout and giving its shell a jolly good rub, coming up for air and going down again for another go.  It was unaware that I was watching as I floated keeping very still.

Yesterday we prepared a picnic of the remains of the cold lobster, salad and new potatoes to take across to one of my favourite beaches, Macaroni Beach.  We had a lovely time, swimming in the waves and going for a walk along the paths.  The taxi driver told us the island was in partial lock down due to the Middletons along with the the Prince William, Catherine and family staying in a villa there, they usually stay in the one belonging to the owners of ‘Jigsaw’ at the top of one of the hills, great views and hopefully great security.  Mustique security are getting quite strict and are saying they are going to stop yachties renting makes/mules to explore the island as a French lot from a charter yacht decided to go down somebodies private drive and use the swimming pool.  The owner was in residence and was quite naturally furious.  So a few bad lot have spoilt it for the rest of us who keep to the rules.  They could lock down the whole island to yachties if they wish leaving only the area around Britannia Bay as accessible.  I am sure these people would not want strangers in their front garden so why do they feel they have a right to go and trespass on other people’s property.

Today we head up to Bequia where we are meeting old friends of Donald’s for dinner at Jack’s.  They are coming on board for drinks first. 

 Below are photos of Bequia walk, Frangipani and the Blues in Bequia Plantation Hotel.  The character in white, is totally out of his tree, was in the front by the stage, smoking his joint, wearing pure white from head to toe.  He is a local character well tolerated by all around.

I will down load photos on the next blog, as there are too many here, of Mustique.