Union Island to Tobago Cays - 12:37N 61:21W
Neki
Mon 21 Mar 2011 22:57
We arrived in the Tobago Cays this morning after a short hop from Union
Island. We crossed inside the reef and found a nice anchorage on the NE side
of Baradal and Petit Rameau. We saw a number of turtles pulling in and
became very excited for the snorkelling that lay ahead. The Tobago Cays are
a Marine Sanctuary and are thereby protected from over fishing and other
actions that destroy the natural beauty that encompass them. We settled in
and loaded the dinghy with snorkelling gear. It is a short hop to the beach
where we landed and began getting our gear ready. This is always a challenge
for Dad as my services are in HIGH demand. I am adjusting masks, cleaning
the lenses, places snorkels, and putting on fins. Invariably, the first kid
ready is the first one that needs help re-fitting. This of course takes
place before kid number 2 is even half way ready. Mean while, poor Mom, who
used to get the star treatment before the kids, is left to fend for herself.
She struggled to find her mask and then realized.......we left our adult
masks on Neki! Anji and I fitted ourselves with kids masks and set out to
see marine life! My view was somewhat limited, no peripheral vision, but
there was so much to look at it didn't matter. We saw very cool turtles that
were unafraid of us, huge conchs, star fish, sea urchins, small reef fish,
and a barracuda. The turtles were very abundant and a great stop for all of
us. We then went on a barefoot hike up to the peak of the island. Very hot
underfoot but we saw iguanas and managed to get splinters in all our feet! I
loved it.
Eric arranged a beach BBQ via Captain Harris of Union Island. We took the
dinghy to Petit Bateau. Michael, our host, had the food ready when we
arrived and produced a fantastic spread. We had the largest lobsters I have
ever seen, twice baked potatoes, plantains, local vegetables, and BBQ
chicken. We brought the wine and the feast was on. The largest private
sailboat in the world was anchored offshore and looked beautiful all lit up.
The Eos is a modern 3 mast schooner that comes in at a whopping 305 feet.
The kids found a tree swing and had a blast while the adults enjoyed a great
time of Caribbean relaxation.
21 March
This morning we woke up and moved the boat to the SW side of Baradal. This
is the more popular anchorage but a number of boat pulled out early. We
found a good spot and now have another successful anchoring under our belts!
Eric set up a rope swing off the boom and we went for a morning swim. We
then took him ashore so he could kite board while the kids and I made a sand
castle. Eric had a ripping session as the wind was up in the high teens.
Eventually the sand castle was completed and we went to check out Mom aboard
Neki. We found her just completing a workout. We had a quick snack and then
took the kiddos tubing. All three went in the tube at the same time and Mom
drove the dinghy while I watched the action. We eventually landed the dinghy
on the beach of Jamesby Cay. Eric met us there and the family went for a
hike. This time we brought our shoes! Wow what a difference shoes make. We
all salute the inventor of the shoe! We hiked to the top of the island and
enjoyed an awesome view in all directions. The girls then headed back down
the way we came while the boys traversed the spine and down the other side.
Like life, our path was fraught with danger! Thorns, cactus, and sharp rocks
challenged us at every turn. We managed to follow a path and created our own
to pop out at the beach. We found the girls and then did a walk around the
outside of the island. We had a superb day and ate steaks on the boat el
fresco! Tomorrow we clear out and head back to Grenada.
