13:10.39N 61:16.10W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Mon 10 Dec 2012 00:28
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"Tobago Cays - 7th December"
A windy and slightly grey start to the day as we
headed off for Tobago Cays, a beautiful series of small tropical islands edged
by a horseshoe shaped coral reef. The numerous masts in the distance
visible to us as we approached was an indication of its beauty and hence
popularity. The entrance to this turquoise blue lagoon was narrow and
shallow marked by a cluster of local boats quietly watching as we
approached. We were watched but not hassled as we chose our spot to anchor
amongst the many catamarans in this paradise. Anchoring took a couple of
attempts, we used our small kedge initially but it slid off the ridge into the
deeper water, a second attempt also failed and we finally dropped our heavier
anchor which secured us safely. This was comforting during the night
when the squalls passed all too frequently over our heads.
Fortunately these islands are protected by
the Tobago Cays Marine Park, which has carefully laid buoys inside the
reef. Anchoring and water sports etc. are only permissible in designated
areas in order to protect the marine life, coral and eel grass beds. An
area cordoned off by a line of small marker buoys protects an eel grass bed and
beach frequented by turtles giving safety to people who want to snorkel and swim
with these magnificent creatures. We did this and saw three turtles
happily grazing in the eel grass below us, one swam up to the surface to take
and look at us before casually swimming off. We also saw a light coloured
flat fish swimming, when he saw us above him, he gently sank down onto the sand
where he was so beautifully camouflaged and became totally invisible.
We were invited onboard a neighbouring yacht for
'drinks and nibbles' and spent a very pleasant couple o hours exchanging yarns
before coming back on board to enjoy one of Tony's delicious chicken
curries.
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