April 28
We stayed in Isles des Saints a couple days longer than anticipated because I was really sick for a week. Thanks to my great doctor back home we had antibiotics on board that helped knock the germs. Even so I’m still coughing like crazy which makes it difficult to get in the water, forget snorkeling or diving. But the winds finally died down and I felt well enough so a few days ago we crossed down to Martinique, bypassing Dominica completely.
Checked in with customs and immigration at Fort de France with the intention of anchoring there for a few days. Unfortunately the ferry traffic is non stop and made for a very rolly stay. After one night we moved south to St Anne. Good choice.
St Anne is a good sized harbor just south of Marin with room for lots of boats. We were surprised to see two other trawlers when we pulled in as we are usually the only one amid all the sailboats. Sparkling, clear water, cute restaurants and shops, a small grocery and a big cruiser presence. 8:30 each morning, MWF on channel 8 we have an interactive discussion on everything from weather to local rules and customs, welcoming new arrivals, saying goodby to departing friends, social announcements and even a swap and sell. Friday night at 5pm everyone meets on shore for happy hour so you know where we were.
We’ve caught up with friends we met in Isle des Saints and made new friends we’ll see in a few days at St Lucia.
Martinique is the last of the french islands and although we’ve enjoyed the food, markets and “bodies by croissants” Gary is looking forward to english being the primary language again so tomorrow we’ll move on.