Christmas and New Year in English Harbour
True Colours
James Scrimshaw
Thu 1 Jan 2015 18:14
After a couple of days on a buoy in Falmouth, we moved to a stern-to berth in English Harbour - in almost the identical spot to last year. A couple of hours later Ian and Gerry, who we befriended last trip, arrived and their Oyster (note the name dropping) is berthed next boat but one.
We have spent most afternoons at Pigeon Beach, alternating between sun, shade from the trees, and swimming to cool off.
Christmas morning we drove to Half Moon Bay, did some swimming and had a few beers. Then it was back to English Harbour for a late lunch at Hamilton's, sat on the balcony overlooking the bay. We (James, Rosemary and Sarah) were joined by Toby (resplendent in an elf's outfit and the centre of many photo sessions with his elf dance), Oli whose boat had returned from St Maarten the previous day, as well as Ian and Gerry. Good time had by all.
Not all play - Oli showed us how to clean the fibreglass professionally (so good that even the day workers patrolling the marina looking for work commented on the finish), and we have had some stainless work done on the anchor system (HW Welding, a local guy who really understood the forces involved, and what needed to be done and produced good workmanship very quickly but at a price!)
On Boxing Day we (J, R, S, Toby & Oli) ate at Catherine's by the beach. Great meal, great location and great company. The following day Toby left on Nahlin, planned return at the end of January.
And then New Years Eve we returned to Copper & Lumber for dinner. Oli was out with his crew from Rainbow, so just the five of us. Great meal, same band as last year. Female lead singer realised we were there last year also, so came and gave us all a kiss (james regrets no photo taken to relive the memorable moment). And then countdown to New Year, with music pulsating across the harbour. Might have been imagination, but there seemed less people than last year. Midnight, fireworks, and then off to bed.
Tomorrow we move back to Falmouth for a couple of days before going south to Guadaloupe. We had hoped to cross paths with Josh before we left, but that now seems unlikely as his boat will probably be staying in the south.
Happy new year to all our friends, family and followers.