Antigua
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17:00.5N
61:45.8W I hired a car for two
days to do the airport ‘taxi’ runs and fit in some sightseeing – not a cheap
option but solved the problem without too much hassle, as the airport is at the
opposite end of the island and the taxi fare ($30US) is not cheap. We had a fairly full 5 days here and I
think everyone enjoyed the area and a certain amount of relaxation. Antigua was pleasant enough, but as with
all the other islands, milking the tourists (including yachties) was their main
preoccupation. Ayesha from the
Yealm was also in the Dockyard after being dismasted during the transatlantic
crossing, and was fitted with her replacement mast during our stay. Ben & Charlie opted for a local
hotel for 3 nights which put a dent in their travel budget, but I suppose the
alternative was a boat load of snorers. On the 18th after we had
cleared out through customs and been relieved of more money (Robin & John
had to pay 50EC each for departure tax, and we had to pay 15 US for 150 gallons
of water even though we’d only used about 70 gallons) four of us set out for St.
John and then the airport by local bus.
This all went fairly smoothly and after some negotiating, the bus driver
ended up taking us all to the airport (rather swift farewells) and then me back
to English Harbour. Blimey – the
end of another leg of the voyage.
Now it was back to 3 old men in a boat. Off we went to Jolly Harbour on the west
side of Antigua (3 hours away) to do some more shopping (better supermarket) and
then went to anchor outside the harbour ready for an early getaway to
Nevis. I still have the problem of
getting to the BVIs for the end of April, at the moment without crew. Taking Robin and John onto Tortola is a
possibility – we will decide in St. Barts or St. Martin. Help, stop the world,
I want to get off! Although Harbour
Rot was frustrating, I could do with another break from the near continual
travel. Although I feel the whole
trip has gone well so far, with virtually every deadline being met, and lots of
friends and family helping along the way, a little more leisure time would have
made it easier. Two weeks out here
flies by, and it’s nice to cover as much ground as possible in the time
available. As many people have said
to me, it’s not possible to do it all in one season – now there’s food for
thought. Pics: Happy hour at the Mad Mongoose, BOGOF Rum Punches. The classic view of English and Falmouth Harbours from Shirley heights. Our anchoring position after 3 nights stern-to at the marina. Al fresco dining at Trappas, English harbour - a very nice meal thankyou Robin.
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