Hiding behind Joséphine's Skirts

Arriving in Les Saintes

Early next morning and to re-establish our sea legs, the Cap’n set us up for a short sail across to the small but beautiful islands of Les Saintes.  The plan was to snuggle into a very popular anchorage off the pretty & popular village on Terre-de-Haut.  Of course, the wind and swell followed us in, so on we moved to the quieter Îlet à Cabrit.  This was where we’d last anchored with BW in 2008.  As the waters are rather deep, the authorities have now installed several moorings, allowing room for more boats.  Although at times it was just a wee bit too cosy, the upside was however, swinging over 53 feet of beautiful clean, clear water.  The rush was on to change into bathers and jump in!!  We’d had our last real swim back in Virgin Gorda, BVI.

Those chores never stop.  Finally using the Hookah unit.

Planning ahead for a slow upcoming leg, three nights at Îlet à Cabrit seemed a decent beginning.  Our kindly mooring supervisor assisted us to lift the mooring ball so it didn’t bang against the boat during the night.  Safely tucked in, we had minimum swell but the katabatics sure pumped over Fort Joséphine high above us, during the night.  Our fancy planning however, did not allow for a National Public Holiday.  We'd totally missed the fact that we had arrived for the 14^th July (Bastille Day).  Oh dear!  Loads of day trippers descended on on our quiet Îlet à Cabrit, some of whom must have also forgotten about the holiday too and neglected to bring their bathers!  

A very nearly wet dinghy ride across to Terre-de-Haut (careful driving by the Cap'n) meant we were able to walk the pretty village.  We briefly thought about taking the trail up to Fort Napoleon to admire the view but sitting in the shade was a better mid-day option.  Well, maybe next time!  

Terre-de-Haut has a very pretty village

If indeed there is one…some locals were not especially friendly.  Perhaps it was in the spirit of the holiday – “Vive la France!”  A group, clustered in shady spot and partaking of a drink or two, loudly advised GS to “Go back where you came from” (in English) and she wasn’t even eating cake.  Nice bit of PR work for an island dependent upon tourism, guys!