Salt Whistle Bay was absolutely stunning. Crystal blue waters, white sands and great WiFi greeted us as we dropped anchor in one of the most beautiful bays we’d ever seen. Jumping from the back of the boat, swimming to shore and enjoying the local hospitality was a delight. I could have stayed here for a very long time. We jogged the length of the Island and walked the length of the beach. Enjoying a quiet beer in ‘The Last Pub Before The Jungle’ , which had the best, worst pool table in the Caribbean. Barry befriended some French Kite surfers and during our meanderings around the Island we experienced some colourful bars, nice Churches and got our Jungle Book on by eating prickly pears from a Cactus! So sad to leave.

Canouan could be a beautiful island but at least while we were, there there was a massive trash problem as well as a lot of development underway; meaning lots of trucks rushing back and forth on their way to some building site or other. We had a difficult anchoring on our arrival but all part of the adventure. Barry entertained us by procuring more items for his engineering projects, including a staff with a coconut mounted atop. We still have no idea why. We walked a lot, attempting to scale the highest peak of the island but having to give up after a few stalled attempts. The locals were very friendly as usual, particularly Jim Oil, who’s shop sold everything… Except everything we wanted. However he was a pleasant chap with a Scottish background and a few tales to tell. There wasn’t much going on at Canouan so we moved on.

On the 4th of January we dropped anchor at Mustique. The Island of the Rich and Famous was fun, yet a little ‘sanitised’. It was a beautiful Island with wonderful beaches and landscapes, beautifully maintained and full of interesting people. We took a taxi tour around the Island viewing the homes of the rich and famous, such as Daniel Craig, Tommy Hilfiger and Shania Twain… But that didn’t impress me much (geddit). We drank at the famous Basils Bar, hoping to bump into Daniel Craig or Mick Jagger but they obviously had better things to do. We consoled ourselves by partying with the locals at ‘The View’ where we met some LA based Scottish People. Small world. We were careful not to disturb the tortoises and enjoyed our time ‘Hasslehoffing’ at Macaroni beach… A beautiful beach complete with power points and fresh water taps, where the tables and chairs are reserved for the rich and famous. We limed with some locals and Barry was offered a job. But couldn’t afford the housing which started at a cool 17k a week. Ouch.

We arrived on Bequai on the 22nd of December and were instantly taken with the place (and especially the people). A completely different vibe from St.Vincent. Laid back and at the same time a really friendly and social island with a large ex-pat community. We attended a pre-Christmas party in a cargo boat which was a foam filled, madcap bash and a great introduction to the local social scene. We also bumped into some old friends in the shape our Norwegian allies from the ARC. We discussed at great length the etiquette around Soca dancing (an ongoing discussion) and partied until the wee hours before returning to Rose-Marie. The next day started with some yummy BLT’s at Dawns cafe and some sight seeing around the Island. A couple of lazy days ensued until Christmas Eve which was a great night out, meeting new friends and trying out the local pubs. We ended up playing music with the locals and Barry and I were invited to ‘caroling’ on Boxing day with our new friend Dion. Christmas day was full of adventure. After opening our Christmas presents (3 inflatable, floaty animals) we hit the water for some fun…. However Barry hadn’t anticipated the strength of the wind and speed of his Toucan. Soon we were forced to launch a rescue party to retrieve them both… Which resulted in a further rescue party to rescue the rescuers… and Barry and his Toucan due to Dinghy engine problems. Luckily some friendly (and rather amused) neighbours were on hand to assist. The rest of our day was relaxing and drama free and the evening was spent enjoying a wonderful Christmas dinner complete with Pina Coladas at Jack’s bar.

On Boxing day Barry and I arose early (no mean feat) and were picked up by our new friends Dion and co. However our ‘carolling’ was more than we bargained for and turned out to be a full 18 hours of playing, eating and drinking with our newfound friends as part of a band of ‘entertainers’ travelling from house to house and celebration to celebration experiencing some truly amazing hospitality into the wee hours. The next few days were spent ‘recovering’ and experiencing the island. Beach bonfires, sun-downers and all manner of ‘liming’ were the order of the day.

We really enjoyed Bequai, however finding a decent cup of coffee was nigh impossible. We decided to spend New Year on the Island and were treated to an amazing bonfire display and some great socialising with Des, the Norwegians, Dion, Ben, Asher, Rina, Nimrod and many others. We were sad to have to move on, but after saying some fond farewells at the floating bar we set sail for Islands new on the 4th of January. Vowing to return!