The Saintes

Our plan today was to snorkel and dive in the Jacques Cousteau National Marine Park, which was only 8 miles away from our anchorage. As it was only a little distance to travel we towed our Dingy behind and did not even bother to put up our swimming platform. However as we came closer to the Park the weather changed and the wind had picked up and actually turned terrible on us. By the time we arrived the Park it was nearly impossible to find neither a safe anchorage nor a mooring. Looking at the anchorage nearby we could see the other yachts rolling forwards and backwards. We had to make a decision to stay there, go back or try to fight our way against the wind towards The Saintes. Once we made the decision to motor against the wind towards the Saintes, we hid behind the rocks to lift our swimming platform up and to we just managed to lift our Dinghy out of the water. We learned one thing out of this situation; whatever distance we have to travel we will always lift the swimming platform and our Dinghy out of the water. An hour later the weather front had passed by and the weather and sea had calmed down again and we did enjoy a pleasant ride to the Saintes. The Saintes Islands are a cluster of eight Islands, considered among the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Their isolation from the plantation system distinguishes them from sister islands and enables them to maintain a way of life in which fishing is still the main occupation and source of income. We made our way to Terre-de-Haut and find a free mooring in front of a little beautiful picturesque fishing village with the name Bourg. Wow….. this is beautiful and if you ever want to experience the Caribbean you have to come here. Terre-de-Haut is French and is just beautiful with its little expensive shops, boulangeries (bakery) and other exciting shops and facilities. The chocolate croissants are to die for and the peace and quietness is just adorable. We have totally fallen in love with this little Island……this is how I had imagine the Caribbean.