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Jan. 18: Tobago Cays
Dan and I went into shore early to drop off the rubbish and pick up a few things we were lacking, I was going to get another saltfish and bake but decided to try a slice of cold pizza instead, not bad at all. We headed off under light and fluky winds, but once we cleared the headland they picked up and became steady although more south of east then is usually experienced in this area.

We made good time and had lunch on the way; we tried our luck at fishing but to no avail. Once anchored in the Cays I took a dip, the water was cool and refreshing; it was Mike, Sarah, and Charles first time to the Cays and they found it to be stunning, it really is one of the jewels of the Caribbean.

Approaching the Cays

We took the dingy over to "Turtle Island" for some snorkeling, right off I spotted the biggest turtle I had ever seen in the water and spent the whole time just following him around watching as he ate mouthfuls of Turtle Grass and occasionally coming up for a quick breath of air. I spotted Charles and Arvil nearby and called them over, they joined me in watching this majestic creature and also a large ray that happened by a few times. Our enjoyment was cut short however when some other people came by and tried to dive down on the turtle causing him to become annoyed and swim off. I was disappointed because I had hoped Dan would come and get an underwater photo of it with me swimming nearby. Once everyone had finished snorkeling and hiking up the hill we headed back to Skyelark for afternoon tea and Dan’s legendary homemade Key Lime pie. Our dinner plans that night were as usual when in the Cays, lobster on the beach prepared by Jean Claude, AKA Mr. Fabulous. Dan dropped us off on the near side of the island and we took the short walk on the trail through the bush to the area where the picnic tables are set up.

The master at work

I went over to exchange greatings with Jean Claude and as always he asked if we had my rum punch with us. His assistant was just cutting the live beauties in half lengthwise when we arrived, just taken from the sea you can’t get any fresher than that; even if they keep them in a lobster pen in the sea as I suspect it has to be better than the ones restaurants keep in fish tanks stewing in their own waste. Dan and Em use him exclusively when they stop here, usually three times a season, and he appreciates the loyalty; he not only had an extra whole lobster for us but also made some stewed conch to accompany our meal.

The crew ready for dinner

As usual the perfectly grilled crustaceans were accompanied by stuffed potatoes, mixed veg, rice and peas, and fresh bread with homemade garlic butter, the meal was rounded out by a fresh fruit tray, it was absolutely fabulous! Jean Claude paid me a great compliment when he said he usually doesn’t drink alcohol but my punch is comparable to his lobsters, the best you’ll ever get.

Another jug of rum punch bits the dust

Once back at the boat most of the crew watched a movie, Charles and I sat out on deck listening to some CD’s I had brought with me. Once the film was over the rest of the gang came on deck and we put a serious hurting on a couple bottles of Captain Bligh. I slept in the cockpit again, under a sky filled with stars; I am really loving life right now.