Rescue in Rodney Bay

Before we get too settled into Rodney Bay, St. Lucia – because it would be very easy to stay here – we’ll be moving to the south end of the island. Michael is “clearing out,” getting fuel (at duty free prices after you clear out – about a 45 cent difference per imperial gallon); a bakery stop and getting more EC’s (Eastern Caribbean dollars). EC come..EC go. As Jimmy Buffett said, “It’s more fun to spend money with pictures of flowers and palm trees on it than money with pictures of green old men.”

The last few days were fun – some hiking up hills and seeing beautiful sights; some walking around town for parts (glue, oil, and hydraulic hose spare); a bit of re-provisioning and enjoying some local cuisine. We’ve had people over to Astarte and were invited out to Imagine. Last night we were quite international – having Carl and Gertrude from the Netherlands aboard as well as the Brits Sam and John. We “sundowned” until the sun was way down and the moon way up! It was a very fun evening.

There was a big rescue in the anchorage yesterday. A 10 foot by 10 foot, rusty, half-sinking barge was just drifting through the anchorage. Michael spotted it and did an announcement to the anchorage. Though that didn't seem to get any into action - he then flagged down a boat that the rust bucket was about to hit. So that guy jumped in his dinghy. We had just put our outboard and dinghy on deck or MIchael would have been out there leading the charge. Finally a few other boaters jumped in there dinghies and wrestled with it. It was a hoot to watch. One guy was a real knucklehead – pulling the barge the wrong way and into boats (this was after he wrapped his own dinghy prop with his own line). Finally Sam (female) from Imagine – politely said, “Sir, we’re trying to move it that way.” Then she untied his line. That made him mad and he scooted off hitting another dinghy along the way. But good thing Sam took charge. Girl power! After a lot of effort and three dinghies with varying powered outboards pushing the thing they got the rust heap to shore. They beached it and finally tied it to some rocks. Of course good ol' Sam had to then swim out to rescue one of the rescuers dinghy that was starting to drift away. (I think they wanted her to have a wet t-shirt - she is quite attractive). This morning, the barge was still there.

Those random floating things are scary – you think about sailing at night in the dark and there would be no way to spot this half sunk thing – but it could hole your boat if you were making good headway. Glad they tied it off. We provided some Pitons (the local brew) to the rescuers. Then ended up partying.

If all goes as planned – by late afternoon, we’ll be anchored (or mooring balled) near the bat caves in Soufriere Town. Hopefully in time to see the bats depart for the night and return in the morning.