The weather forecast for the next couple of days is looking better, so I plan on heading to Anse la Roche soon. Frst I need to go do some grocery shopping in Hillsborough. I used a break in my morning work schedule and relocated Zanshin from Sandy Island to the Hillsborough anchorage. Once my work day is finished the trip ashore will be easier (and much shorter).
The anchorage here is rollier than at Sandy Island despite being a bit more protected. But I think it is the waves rolling around the northern end of the island and curving inwards in a diffraction pattern. Out at Sandy Island the water is further away from the real ocean swells and also much shallower. It isn’t bad here, just noticeably more movement to the boat.
Morning
Marjorie and Mark on Sea Life just motored by, they have already done morning shopping and are now headed up to Anse la Roche. They’ll be my spotters. Mark has said it can get rolly up there, so I’ll let them settle down and give me an update so that I can decide whether to stay or go.
Lunch and early afternoon
I went ashore to what ranks in my “Bottom 10 dinghy docks” that I’ve ever had the misfortune to use. I did a bit of shopping, and left one of the 2 bags I’d purchased at the counter. This, of course, escaped my attention until I was unpacking things aboard Zanshin after my return. The items were small (nuts, passata, etc.) and I’d gotten a message from Mark that the anchorage at Anse la Roche still had space. So I opted to forfeit those purchases and skip the nasty dinghy ride back ashore.
The wind was still clocking in at 15-20kts as I motored straight into it. I was a bit worried about the anchorage as it looks wide open on the chart. But once there I realized how pretty and picturesque it is. Relocating Zanshin was definitely worth it. Mark was there in the dinghy and indicated where he thought I should anchor and since I concurred with his assessment I dropped anchor there. Afterwards I snorkelled it and what had looked like a sandy patch in coral was a sandy patch in sea grass – so I’m not going anywhere if the winds should pick up overnight.
Afternoon
I swam ashore, camera and some money in a waterproof bag. As I entered the water, I realized that I hadn’t tested the bag and it was at least 5 years old. So I swam ashore with the bag on top of my head.
The bar/restaurant ashore looked great, but I was a bit disappointed to find that they only had mixed drinks and no wine or beer. Marjorie and Mark were on the beach as well and we spoke for a bit before we returned to our respective boats.
I got about halfway back when I was hit with a cramp in my calf. It was painful and wouldn’t uncramp! I found myself in the middle of a triangle between shore, Sea Life’s dinghy or going back to my boat.
Before I could choose, Mark got in his dinghy and came over. He took my camera and I held on to his dinghy for a couple of minutes. After my leg un-cramped, I swam back, unencumbered by the camera but at least unassisted.
I’ve relocated Zanshin to this wonderful anchorage (although it is getting a bit rolly now) and it reminds me of how magical the Caribbean can be.