Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Pigeon Island and Martinique

Pigeon Island and Martinique

December 1st and 2nd, 2024


On Sunday morning, we went to shore.  First on our agenda, was to visit customs and immigration to check out before our planned departure.  After some time, we were finished with our official business.  We found a taxi to take us out to Pigeon Island.  


We paid our entry fees and set off to walk to Fort Rodney.  The path is pretty steep and the last section is really a ladder.  The view from the top looks back over the Bay toward the south.  We spent some time watching the sailing race that was taking place below.  Toward the north, one looks out over the sea.  The day was not exceptionally clear but we could see faint outlines of Martinique.  After descending from the fort we set off toward the “Signal Hill”.  Once atop the grassy slope there was a breezy area with shade from a tree.  I sat on a lovely bench while the others moved on to conquer the path up the hill.  The adventurers were much delayed by an overly co-operative butterfly.  Finally, they all returned and we walked back down to the gate.


Then began the real slog—walking back to the marina through the heat of the day.  We arrived at the marina hot, parched and weary.  It was imperative to revive ourselves with an absolutely massive lunch … caesar or Santa Fe salad and pizza! Once the food coma over came us, we headed back to the boat.  Mike heroically took the dinghy over to the fuel dock and filled all our water jerry cans and then topped up the main water tank.  We made a few more preparations for departure and ate a “light supper”.


Everyone was up early this morning.  We made coffee and breakfast.  The Dainty Dog was hoisted onto the foredeck and tied down.  The sail cover came off and we discussed our sail plan.  Our anchor came up with a large rock wedged between the flukes and the shaft.  Eventually the rock plopped back into the water and we were able to bring the anchor aboard.  Once the main sail was up (with one reef) we got on course for Martinique.  The seas were causing quite a roll, coming from the starboard quarter with a short period.  We were all glad to have taken some seasick medication.  


For the early part of the journey, we were amused by masked and brown boobies fishing around the boat.  Even a few terns showed up to participate in the feast.  All the birds seemed to be chasing the flying fish that were disturbed by the hull going through the water. (Sadly we did wind up with “booby prizes” over the cockpit and the foredeck.) We were glad to see the coast of Martinique approach.  Just as we came into Anse Chaudier to anchor, the heavens opened.  We were soon anchored and happy to shelter below.


Gloria


14 28.769 N, 61 04.876 W



The view from Fort Rodney looking eastwards towards Signal Hill (actually higher)


Mike working on butterfly shots (photo: Pete Leeming)


The result of my efforts - created from a hand-held set of 6 shots with progressive focussing - stacked using Helicon Focus software


A Masked Booby as it circled Cotinga during our rolly passage to Martinique


1 comment:

  1. Working on butterfly shots? That's Mike taking a nap!
    That view from Fort Rodney is awesome!

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