Bequia, Caribbean
What better way to start the day than to set the sails and capture the wind through St. Vincent Channel? After a few hours of glorious morning sailing we drop the anchor in Admiralty Bay. It is time that we sample the Caribbean waters. We find a peaceful beach to refresh in the warm surf and test our snorkel equipment for the first time. We gaze at the ship in the distance and listen to the sound of the gentle lapping waves. There is little to distract our thoughts on this relaxing morning.
Bequia is part of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The island’s independence from Britain has made the maintenance of roads, hospitals and schools more challenging and the cost of living in this small island is quite high. Elson, one of the afternoon guides, shares that the 6000 inhabitants, including about 2,500 children and 1,500 foreigners, are all a big family. Violence and crime are virtually non-existent. Water supply is one of the biggest concerns, with most residents collecting all of their water from roof run-off.
During our afternoon explorations we visit the remains of one of the nine forts that once defended Port Elizabeth. The old canons are still here, looking out over the Sea Cloud II in the bay. We meander around the island to the Atlantic side. Along the way we see colorful flowers, coconuts, breadfruit, aloe plants and a number of citrus and tropical fruit trees.
At Brother King’s Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary we learn about the dangers for Hawksbill turtles hatchlings. Brother Orton King has spent more than a decade protecting these animals through their first years of life in an effort to increase their numbers. He educates the local children about this work and hopes that his efforts will also benefit the local tourism economy.
While some people hike back across the island for a slower look at the terrain, most continue on to Mount Pleasant and take in the view from the highest point on the island. The sun slowly gives way to the night. The local ‘King of Strings’ band come on board to entertain with local sounds, whaling songs and some old favorites.
What better way to start the day than to set the sails and capture the wind through St. Vincent Channel? After a few hours of glorious morning sailing we drop the anchor in Admiralty Bay. It is time that we sample the Caribbean waters. We find a peaceful beach to refresh in the warm surf and test our snorkel equipment for the first time. We gaze at the ship in the distance and listen to the sound of the gentle lapping waves. There is little to distract our thoughts on this relaxing morning.
Bequia is part of the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The island’s independence from Britain has made the maintenance of roads, hospitals and schools more challenging and the cost of living in this small island is quite high. Elson, one of the afternoon guides, shares that the 6000 inhabitants, including about 2,500 children and 1,500 foreigners, are all a big family. Violence and crime are virtually non-existent. Water supply is one of the biggest concerns, with most residents collecting all of their water from roof run-off.
During our afternoon explorations we visit the remains of one of the nine forts that once defended Port Elizabeth. The old canons are still here, looking out over the Sea Cloud II in the bay. We meander around the island to the Atlantic side. Along the way we see colorful flowers, coconuts, breadfruit, aloe plants and a number of citrus and tropical fruit trees.
At Brother King’s Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary we learn about the dangers for Hawksbill turtles hatchlings. Brother Orton King has spent more than a decade protecting these animals through their first years of life in an effort to increase their numbers. He educates the local children about this work and hopes that his efforts will also benefit the local tourism economy.
While some people hike back across the island for a slower look at the terrain, most continue on to Mount Pleasant and take in the view from the highest point on the island. The sun slowly gives way to the night. The local ‘King of Strings’ band come on board to entertain with local sounds, whaling songs and some old favorites.
