Berbudaful vacation
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Mon 10 Mar 2008 22:03
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17:33N 61:45W Antigua - Berbuda
We skip ski vacation this year:) Yet, the kids
(and teachers) also deserve a break and we had saved up to vacation
for Maria and the girls' visit.
Einar especially needed both the break and
friends...even if he was a little nervous playing with 'just
girls'. Immediately forgotten once the playful Amanda and Oliva
arrived who was just as much into climbing, swimming and pirates...and
adored him. Magnus followed happily the gang whatever they were up to for
the week.
The new Swedish pirates got first hand
introduction to Kaptein Sabeltann songs all over Deep Bay & met up
with Langeman.
We had a better show than the Pirates of
Antigua next door. A wreck is barely visible in the bay and the
wind up to 30 knots.
  Great Bird Island on Atingua's NE
coast. More rocky archipelargo like home and even the same windy rainy
afternoon.... ..here it changes faster!
  The heavy wind persists, but we have set our
sights on Berbuda. The girls' anticipation easily overwins the
big Atlantic waves that have buildt up - in 9 knots.
Berbudia belongs to Antigua and must be Caribbean's
best kept secret. This flat coral island luckily does not yet get many
vistors and only has a population of 1600 plus goats and horses. Our windy
passage gave a huge reward....we were alone almost off Coco Point, SW
coast.
  The 12 mile beach.....deserted, turquoise,
and long........
The sand was 'white and soft like a pillow*, says Einar's
diary.
  'Better than Trondheim........!
  We did get off the beach to explore Berbuda to
caves of the arawaks indians and the unique fregate bird colony in the
lagoon, but our camera battery ran out.
Fisherman Henry took us out in his boat in the
lagoon and we felt we were in the middle of Hitchcocks's
Birds.
Last stop: Shirley Heights on top of
English Harbour is THE thing on Sunday evenings....too
many tourists (a cruise ship was in) yet a wonderful view.
Both Nelson and modern cruisers enjoy these natural
safe anchorages. Regina is happy in front to the right.
Mangrove hurricane hole in the middle and Falmouth Harbour also 'old' safe
haven in the back.
 Caribbean night here also with BBQ
chicken ......
 and steel band.....a little loud for Einar!
Great music from the height continued all night, but our guest sadly was
off...
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