The trip from Blanquilla was uneventful but annoyingly there was very little wind and we had to motor most of the way.

We decided to enter the Roques from the South. “Not so easy but much more thrilling” was Joanneke’s comment, who did the same trip 8 weeks ago. “Make sure you arrive after 11 am so the sun is high and you can navigate your way through the corals” was her next advice.  As well we tried we arrived by 9am. After an hour meandering between the coral reefs we eventually reached our anchorage. At least we felt as if we had entered the picture paradise we had aimed for.

Exciting to be moored behind a              We keep hoping for the green flash

A reef, in calm waters, watching the

Pounding of the ocean

Skeleton coast. No room for error          5pm Pelicans’ fishing time at the

                                                                 Water’s edge

The only flies in the ointment (literally) were the mosquitoes!

We were awakened at 1 am in morning by raindrops. Having left cushions outside Chris went to put them away and was promptly attacked by ferocious mosquitoes. He had numerous bites that came up in seconds. Sadly for Chris, he is fair game for them and they love his blood. Lucky for me I hold no interest to them and therefore, although feeling for his pain and discomfort, therefore I don't quite react in the same way.

It is an extraordinary sight to see a well balanced, rational 6’2" man, in his birthday suit, hopping on one foot, anointing cream to relieve the intense burning and itching, quivering at the sound of an approaching buzz: demanding immediate sympathy and vowing to leave the Roques ASAP. Suddenly the bat (high voltage wire, a present from friends) came to the rescue Chris did get comfort and satisfaction every time he caught a little blighter and fried it. Fortunately the bites, although very painful at the time never, progress to anything sinister.

Eventually calmer we lay in bed. Chris bat in hand, murmured "we must write to Mike and Jeannette to tell them how good the bat is and thank them".

I have heard of a Dutch widow in bed but a killer bat is novel............