15:52.070N 061:35.111W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Sat 2 Feb 2013 01:27
"Isles des Saintes - 1st February"
Our last day at Marie Galante did not
materialise as we had planned as we found that we were getting low on
water. We have plenty of bottled water so it is not to much of an issue,
but naturally it is more pleasant to have it on tap. According to the
guide a known supply could be found at the Red Whale Restaurant just across the
bay from our mooring. We needed bread so a trip ashore and a short walk
for coffee and free WIFI would allow us to enquire how to replenish our tanks
and then we would take our planned trip to the mangroves. Unfortunately we
failed in our mission discovering that they did not have any water as they were
waiting for the ship to arrive! Knowing that we can get water in
Isles des Saintes it is not such a problem. We decided to have lunch
on board and then catch the bus outside the church to go to the
mangroves. The Church had a lovely square outside it with a shelter and
picnic table and benches and a lovely cool sea breeze, an ideal place
to shelter from the sun whilst we waited for the bus. One hour later, we
decided that we had waited long enough and did not want to find ourselves
unable to get back if the buses were so infrequent, besides the idea of an
ice-cream and a swim in the turquoise waters seemed a very pleasant
alternative.
Yesterday we sailed to Isles des Saintes,
leaving our lovely peaceful anchorage at Marie Galante. The weather
forecast was warning of a force 5-7 gale and the
thought of a safe maintained mooring in the lee of Terre
Haut was certainly more attractive than worrying about a possible
dragging anchor overnight. The wind this time was behind us, so with
headsail alone we had a fun sail. I say fun, as keeping the wind in the
sail when it is right behind you with a following sea to push the stern of the
boat to one side, keeps ones mind focused on the task, especially when one
is standing and trying to remain balanced. We were lucky to pick up a
mooring buoy as others had obviously felt the need for a secure mooring for the
night. The French forecast was certainly accurate, the wind got up and we
were very pleased to spend a safe and not too uncomfortable night here.
We spent today, exploring a little of the
island. We walked up to Fort Napoleon built in 1867, it has been restored
and has superb views over the surrounding islands. The top half has
gardens of cactus and succulents and the fort houses a delightful museum,
showing local early furnishings, examples of the old Saintoise fishing boats, a
marine life section and a section on the famous battle of the Saintes.
In 1782 England's Admiral Rodney defeated the French fleet by sailing
through their line of ships in two places and surrounded the middle
section. The remaining French fleet disobeyed orders from De Grasse to
return to his aide and cowardly sailed away leaving them to be
defeated.
Photo: "View from Fort Napoleon"
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