I am grateful to John and Stephen for their efforts on the cruise, particularly John who joined while the boat was still being prepared prior to relaunch and has been both an unstinting source of practical help and an excellent chef.  Yesterday they left to return to the UK, where persistent and extensive flooding has afflicted the south of the country, while Chris, Sue and Mick Portch arrived safely in Antigua despite Chris and Sue having an enforced extra day in New York when thousands of flights were cancelled due to heavy snow. 

 

The tranquil anchorage just off the beach outside Jolly Harbour should be a good antidote.  As I write, a lone dolphin has just passed by on a hunting foray, as it did yesterday morning.  The water here is very shallow (barely 3 metres) and quite turbid, but obviously has fish hidden in its opacity; shoals of them occasionally leap from the water, apparently being pursued by something larger.  Yesterday a ray jumped clear of the water off the beach and pelicans maintain a languid bombardment of small fish from the air.  A Frigate Bird is sitting on top of the mast of an adjacent boat patiently awaiting an opportunity to dispossess a more energetic bird of its prey.  These attractive bandits are well known for their rapacious habits.

 

The anchorage outside Jolly Harbour.

 

Frigate Bird waiting for a raiding opportunity

 

Brown Pelican