Day 4: St. John’s Antigua

Dennis on Ham Radio

Happy Thanksgiving! It seems strange celebrating this day of gratitude without friends and family. Though our gathering this year is small, we each have many reasons to give thanks.

We docked at 8 am. From a distance, we could see the white baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral. Instead of admiring the city’s skyline, Dennis sat on the balcony and listened to amateur radio. We each celebrate in our own way.

White baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral.

St John’s is very poor. The items in the local stores are of inferior quality to the items we find in the discount stores at home. Of course, the tourists’ stores are the same wherever we go.

Dennis is not feeling well enough to take excursions. It seems odd coming to the Caribbean and not going snorkeling a least once. I think we will have to return when we all feel better.

Wednesday, December 8: St. Thomas

Wake-up call at 6 A.M. At breakfast I asked for a bran muffin. Our server asked why I would order that. Apparently she dislikes these so much that she does not serve them; instead, she brought be a pastry basket, which I did not want.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABy 8:15 we were cued up on the pier in St. Thomas for the Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel to St. John. Even though it was raining, the trip was not canceled. The all-female crew on the Adventuress was strictly business as we set sail. They explained how to use the on-board toilet: “If it doesn’t go through your system, if won’t go through ours.” Once everyone was geared up and trained, we jumped into the blue-green water to see sea turtles, sergeant majors, gar, other tropical fish, sea urchins and a little coral. Dennis and I agree that the fish are more plentiful and varied in Cozumel, Mexico. I think the waters are warmer there too.

On our return trip, the crew served cheese, fruit, and French bread and drinks. They made a great rum punch with pineapple, orange, and guava juices. There were also beer and champagne for those who preferred. With the music cranked up, the booze, the sun, and the sails billowing, it was a short, but happy, ride back to port. To date, this has been the highlight of our week as sea.