Dominica

December 29 - January 4
After a week in Iles Des Saints, we decided to sail to Dominca. As each boat arrives in the harbor, they are greeted with about 3 skiffs of islanders and "Welcome to our beautiful island!" These guys are more than happy to escort you to their mooring, get fresh fruit and ice for you and even fill up the dingy gas tank which is what we did. Of course, they overcharge when doing so but as one said, " We all have to eat."


On the first day we met a lively couple from Canada who have been doing this for 3 years. Actually, we are such newcomers at cruising these islands that I have yet to find another. People have been doing this for 5,6,7 years! Some sold their houses, businesses and belongings to pursue this dream. I don't know. Seems too long for me.


Anyway, we had this couple, Al and Michelle, aboard for drinks ( I was starved for conversation with others!) and learned quite a few things about the cruising lifestyle, security and the islands. We attended a beach party for cruisers organized by locals for New Year's Eve. It was great fun! The rum punches really packed a punch and we danced to the DJ music after having a BBQ. I can tell you this, EVERYONE suffered the next morning with hangovers.


On New Year's Day, Al and Michelle invited us over to their boat with another couple for a ham dinner that was out of this world. They bought it in Canada and smuggled it in. It was a good time.


Right now we are at a beach bar having drinks and using their wifi. The place is owned by this huge guy named Big Pappa who keeps calling me Little Girl! Maybe he needs glasses. The Christmas winds are here and it has been blowing hard all day. Tomorrow we rent a car to see the rest of the island. More later....