It was all I could do to not glance at my phone when I got up during the night to check on the status of the Iowa Caucus, and I’m glad I didn’t, given the glitch with the App that has prevented any results until evening today. I am not completely happy with who it appears Iowans have selected, mostly because my primary worry is ensuring that the candidate can win in November. But, I tell myself, it’s early, and Iowa doesn’t represent the demographics of the US, and at the rate of the news cycle these days anything could happen between now and then. I hope.
Meanwhile, I’m in the Caribbean, and after a beautiful early morning, we set sail for Pigeon Island, which is the home to the Jacques Cousteau Marine Nature Preserve, and some excellent snorkeling. We arrived at there by 11:30 and boarded the dinghies for a long and lovely snorkel around what are really 2 islands. There is an excellent reef surrounding them, and the coral seems to have survived. And there were more beautiful and varied fish than I’ve ever seen in one place on a snorkel. Lots of large fish in rainbow colors, (I think they’re called Parrotfish), and some electric blue, and the ones with the black dot near their tail that look like an eye. It was shallowest near the shore where some kayaks had pulled up, and the sun was shining and the water was clear so it was simply amazing to be swimming with the fish and seeing so many different types swimming in and out of the rocks and coral and nibbling on sea grasses. One dinghy noticed a couple turtles on the way to the spot, but none of us encountered any of them. But I did run into two small barracuda, which I steered clear of. It was really a glorious view of underwater life.
Back on board we were treated to a filling and tasty lunch of lasagna and salad, which easily caused many of us to nap away the afternoon. We were waiting for two of our party who had left early this morning to take a tour up to the volcano and rainforest, which they said was quite wonderful. Given that it was cloudy and cold and misty up there, I was happier on the Florette. The couple returned by 4 and we set a few sails (but mostly motored) up to Deshairs at the northern end of Guadeloupe. Here is a quaint village, some good snorkeling, a good hike and a really beautiful botanical garden.
We were pleasantly surprised by a sundowner cocktail (Aperol Spritz — perfect for a French Island). Dinner was on board, and the harbor here is protected and not very windy, which means the ship is rolling less, which is a bit of a relief. While I’ve not had any issues with sea sickness, it can be challenging to walk and clear the table and even use the toilet when the ship is pitching 25 or 30 degrees left and right. So a gentle rolls is a nice break.
After dinner the crew noticed some largish fish swimming just below the surface so the fishing gear came out and two were quickly caught. After researching their type, it was unfortunate to learn that they are not good eating fish, and actually carry concentrations of toxins that aren’t good for humans. I had been uncomfortable seeing how they killed the two, after seeing the pretty fish up close this morning. It was further discouraging when they had to be thrown back overboard. Almost made me want to eschew eating fish, along with my rejection of beef and pork. Almost.
Tomorrow we explore the area; snorkel and perhaps the botanical garden. Our last day in Guadeloupe before moving on to the next (and final) island of this adventure.
