We used the last of our fresh produce for breakfast bar cabbages, onions and a squash still good from Las Palmas! We only finished the last of the well travelled apples and carrots this week too. I have given Si orders to buy fresh produce for himself while I’m away adding that hops, limes in gin and cocoa beans don’t count! There was heavy rain and wind in the night and I wondered if we would actually be able to get ashore today with the present conditions. Luckily while Si was off in the dinghy helping a neighbour with a fouled anchor, conditions calmed considerably but we decided to move Brindabella nearer to the shore anyway. There was just time for CJ and I to have one last swim while Si took the rubbish ashore then lowering my holdall into the dinghy with the outboard hoist we piled a mountain of bags (and crew) on top. We carefully motored ashore.

   The taxi ride to the airport was brief but entertaining passing through the bustling town of Vieux Fort its weekend pavements lined with locals selling their wares. In contrast on the windward side of the island wild waves crashed onto white sand and rocks. The whole of St Lucia airport was about the size of a Heathrow departure lounge. Bags all checked in we grabbed some lunch together before the dreaded goodbyes. I couldn’t imagine how Si and CJ were feeling. CJ and I talked about how easy it will now be to talk to us (almost) face to face now he has his fab new laptop and I was glad of short queues to security checks where removing shoes and emptying bags distracted our thoughts.

   By the time we had reclaimed our bags in Miami then checked them in again as requested there was little time for CJ to attend to essential updates using the free airport wifi. He was extremely excited to use his laptop in a public place. It certainly got a good airing as in addition to normal security checks we also had to empty our bags just before boarding as there had been a security issue. It was the first time I’ve ever had to fire up my laptop. CJ was so grown up and insisted on carrying his own passport and seeing to his own belongings. A good flight followed where CJ even managed four hours sleep after a sizable feast of in-flight entertainment. I wish I had managed even one.