As we were preparing to leave Green Island and Antigua, we received an email from friends Judy and Ed on sv Judith Arlene. They had just arrived back to Jolly Harbour from Guadeloupe and wondered if we were still around as they were hoping to return to Nonsuch Bay. We contacted them and arranged to meet up in Jolly Harbour for a few days. This would give us another chance to get some fresh vegies on board and see our friends. Paul could play some guitar with Ed, and Charlie could get together with Nigel, their schnauzer.
As we sailed around we decided we’d see if we could extend our stay in Antigua in order to hang out with Judy and Ed. This was easily done with a quick visit to the Port Authority and $25 US. So now we have another month to enjoy this beautiful place.
Judy and Ed had never been to Deep Bay so we encouraged them to join us over there for a few days. We did the usual hike up to Fort Barrington and snorkelled the wreck that is sunken in the bay. There were a few rains while here, but it never lasts long and we simply enjoyed ourselves. We had a music night on board Blue Sky with Rob and Barb (Riff Raff), and Judy and Ed (Judith Arlene). Barb knew the words to every song by heart. Amazing singer too. Such and enjoyable evening.
Nigel is Judy and Ed’s dog. Charlie is a bit of a snarly guy when he’s around other dogs, but Nigel is one of the calmest dogs I’ve ever met. During our time together Charlie slowly came around and the two became doggie friends. This is good for Charlie. More time with Nigel, we hoped, would help Charlie get over his dog aggression. So the plan was to head back to Nonsuch Bay along with Judy and Ed.
So on April 4th (where does the time go), we headed back to Nonsuch Bay. The bay was very busy with boats it being Easter weekend. The locals had tents on Green Island and nearly every mooring ball was taken. We managed to get two moorings nearest the reef where there is nothing but Atlantic ocean beyond until Africa. Judy absolutely loves this side of Green Island in Nonsuch Bay, but we kept our eyes on the other side, dinghying or paddling over every day after Easter to see if a mooring was free.
Two days after Easter Monday we lucked out and got a mooring on the south west side of Green Island. Judy and Ed followed later in the day when the second mooring became free. There was a little excitement when they came over. Their engine quit while in the narrow cut that comes around Green Island. We were hanging on the mooring for them with the paddleboard and kayak when we saw their jib go out. We figured something was wrong. They disappeared back to where they came from, then showed up again. Meanwhile, I went to Blue Sky and radioed them. They needed our dinghy in the water to help guide them to the mooring as they had no engine. Paul went immediately while I held onto the ball with the paddleboard. I figured I could help with the lines when they got close. The adrenaline was running high when they arrived and rightly so.
Somewhere in here P got an email from his sister encouraging him to come visit his mom. She had a virus during the winter and was not recovering as well as usual. Decision was made that he would go visit now and I would stay on the boat in this safe harbour with Judy and Ed hanging in with me in case I needed anything while he was away. That’s what friends are for, and we are ever so grateful for them.
Meanwhile, I gave Judy, Ed, and Nigel some lessons on the SUP. Judy and I got into doing yoga together on the deck of Blue Sky. We’d walk the dogs together a few times each day and we spent many evenings together with Paul and Ed strumming their guitars while we all sang. We also did the usual snorkelling and swimming together a few times. I even tried out Judy and Ed’s Solaris chairs.
The day P departed for his visit to Burlington, we all rented a car together so the rest of us could get a few groceries and Judy and Ed could extend their stay at customs. It was a long day for the dogs to stay on their boats while we were away until dusk. They managed, but we heard from Q Queenie (a motor Lagoon anchored behind Blue Sky) that Charlie was very noisy and they were worried about him. He just doesn’t like to be left on the boat alone.
So here I am while Paul is away for a few more days. I’m keeping myself busy doing boat cleaning chores. Not a bad place to hang out awhile longer.
