As well as completing a few jobs on the jobs list, Simon is aiming to become a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Royal Navy Tot Club; details were in one of the Christmas blogs, but I’m sure he will write a further one about the process in the days to come. I am aiming to finish a book or two, continue with my knitting project and get the teak deck treatment painted on, as well as explore slightly further afield than the dinghy dock and the local shops.

Yesterday we took the bus into St John’s to visit the big supermarket and buy ourselves a few treats and other supplies for the fortnight, plus a bit of research to see what’s likely to be available for the trip back to Europe in May. We walked along past the street market and numerous touristy shops and, after filling our shopping bags at the Epicure, planned to return again by bus after a taxi back to the terminus in town. However, we were extremely fortunate to be offered a lift back all the way to Falmouth Harbour by Angel (his real name and a lovely local guy who happened to be ‘going our way’) who came to our rescue when there were no taxis to be found….. (4 cruise ships in at St John’s probably explains why they were in short supply). 

Visitor Tot number 3 (of 7 he has to do) for Simon in the evening, and I baked a couple of cakes and supper in the Ninja as battery power was high.

Today, after Isabelle's delicious croissants for breakfast, I started the teak treatment; Simon went ashore for a few maintenance/ cleaning materials at Budget Marine, and we worked in harmony in the sunshine together for a couple of hours. 

This afternoon we decided to follow the “Middle Trail”, a hilly scramble across rocks and paths, from Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, around the coast to Pigeons Bay and back to Falmouth harbour, with lovely views out towards Montserrat and Guadeloupe. The trail encompasses several remains of 19th century fortifications, protecting the anchorages at English and Falmouth harbours. It may only have been a mile or so, but it was a vigorous hike, and we rewarded ourselves with beer and chips at the Yacht club before returning to Cassini for a welcome shower and a sit down! 

Study time for Simon now to make sure he passes his Tot Club entry exam! 

Editor’s note: not sure I have revised for an exam like this for years; my naval history is coming up to speed though, so fingers crossed that by early next week... 

Sally