My first night in Bequia is quite uncomfortable. The spot I chose to anchor, turns out to be exposed to a swell rolling in from the open sea. Unfortunately, the wind is perpendicular to the swell, so the latter hits us squarely from the side, making JACE roll fairly wildly side to side. At first I don’t take it too seriously but as the evening and then the night wear on, it becomes quite annoying. Like when out sailing, I have to lock down everything on board to stop things from flying around. And still you hear things rattling in the cupboards, the boom squeaking as it swings a little back-and-forth, and the whole boat seems to be alive. Sleeping is also difficult – I have to lie diagonally in my bunk to stop myself from rolling sideways. I am awake on and off and eagerly await the morning light so I can find a better spot. I take a video in the morning, but it doesn’t really do justice to the level of rolling and ruckus onboard. You can hear it a little bit, but not nearly as much as when you’re right here and trying to sleep.
After this rocky start, pun intended, I do find a wonderful spot on the other side of the bay and anchor there at 7 AM. Ah, it is so calm over here and peace and quiet on JACE are restored. It is Sunday and the stores are closed, so I decide to take it easy and chill today.
One of my long ignored todos is to go through the fishing gear that is onboard. I read up a little in the big offshore fishing book and soon realize what a world onto itself that is, wow! Plus, I am not sure how much I will be able to focus on trolling a line and potentially bringing in a big and fighting fish while also single handing JACE. Maybe I try that once Matt is on board next week.
I also find someone to do laundry for me and in the afternoon take a wonderful stroll along Admiral’s Bay, crowned by a beer in a very lively bar on the beach. And the sunset is magnificent!
After a calm and restful night, Monday starts with rain showers, followed by sun and then more showers and sun. I go shore to buy some fresh veggies and fruit, but have to rush back, surprise by another rain squall. After my experience with a wet boat in the Tobago Cays, I don’t want to relive that again. I make it back in time, but not a moment too soon.
I discover some wetness in some of the cabinets in the forward cabin, where some of my clothes are stored. Unfortunately, they have already started to take on mold, stains, so I drop off another load of laundry. Hopefully those stains will come out. Not entirely sure, but my suspicion is that when JACE heels over hard, some water must be coming in along the lee rail and seeping into the forward cabin. I guess I won’t be using those cabinets anymore!
In the afternoon, I need activity. I had heard of the highest peak, called Peggy’s Rock, and a trail that leads up there. So after the next rain shower, I put on my running gear, dinghy over to the other side, and exercise. It starts as a run, then turns into a hike to the top.
After taking some beautiful pictures there, the trail back is really more of a jungle exploration and I’m glad that I find a way down and back to my dinghy. Back at the boat I need to clean my shoes and myself. But it’s been a wonderful workout and I am glad I went.
After two days of chilling, tomorrow, I will set sail to head back south towards Grenada where I will meet with Matt on Thursday. More to come.
