Antigua
February 3 – Anse Deshaies, Guadeloupe to Falmouth Harbor, Antigua
Even before breakfast was had by all, Carl was on the SSB tuned in to Dennis the Weatherman. Once our captain was up to speed with the daily forecast and Caribbean scuttlebutt, we were off for our crossing to Antigua. And what a day it was- we caught our first fish! With only a few miles to go to our anchoring spot in Falmouth Harbor, Carl hollered “FISH! We’ve got a fish on the line here! It’s a TUNA!” So we reeled it, stuck it, bagged, and tossed the whole darned thing in the freezer. Fileting would come after anchoring! (*According to Barb’s expertise we have concluded it was it was skipjack tuna and a very bloody one at that.)
Tuna at the ready
We did make multiple attempts at setting anchor in the soft sand. Thankfully, we spotted some empty mooring balls on the other side of the harbor and were able to snag one. After the tuna was fileted, Canaan marinated some in fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and turmeric with brown rice and spiced vegetables.
February 4 – Falmouth Harbor to Jolly Harbor
Captain Carl had a full day for his crew today. Bright and early, we all loaded up in Miss Piggy – as our loyal dinghy has been deemed– and headed to shore. The agenda included checking into Customs for Antigua in addition to touring Nelson’s Dockyard.
Original pillars from the Boat House and Sail Loft
Now a National Park and tourist destination, the dockyard was built in the early 1700’s for the British Royal Navy as a shipbuilding complex and hurricane haven.
Where’s the power wench when you need it?
After our morning fieldtrip it was a relatively short 18 NM sail up to Jolly Harbor, where HoG had a warm welcome, AND her fill of diesel before tucking into a cozy dock slip. Finally- a reprieve from mooring balls!
February 5 – Layover in Jolly Harbor, Antigua
Though the original intention was to spend only one night at Jolly Harbor, we had a few slight delays. Laundry had become a serious issue (you can only air out that pair of pants so many times before your crew begins to notice), and HoG needed propane refilled. Each of these would require an additional day in the harbor- Blessings in disguise? A day at port is a chance to catch up on all the things that cannot be done while underway, or while at anchor. That translate to a LOT when Captain Bligh has the list: polishing chrome, cleaning the heads, reprovisioning, sanding uneven edges, and – yes – swabbing the deck.
A Scottish gent stopped by our slip to make conversation and ended up lending several helpful tips on anchoring. With some new things in mind, Carl and Em went to the Customs & Immigration Office to clear out of Antigua. Of course, they didn’t make it back to the boat without stopping by the chandlery. A light rainshower cooled us all off after a day of boat maintenance, and then we walked up the dock to the Greek restaurant for a well-deserved dinner. Baklava? You betcha.
Travel Log 