With the mostly pleasant passage from Bermuda receding into our memories, it’s time to settle into the serious business of enjoying some time in the Caribbean.

Beautiful Meads Bay on Anguilla
Rum punch, anyone?
Blanchard’s Beach Shack was recommended to us, and the drinks were delicious!

Anguilla is known for its low-key and friendly vibe, and that’s exactly what we found on a day trip to Meads Bay on the northwest end of the island. Our taxi driver doubles as a tour guide, pointing out the various churches, talking about the history of the now decommissioned salt-making operations, and even taking us on a detour so that we could snap some pictures of Oso at anchor.

Happy for some relaxing beach time
Oso waiting for us in Anguilla’s Road Bay anchorage

St Martin is only 15-20nm south of Anguilla, and it is one of the boating capitals of the Caribbean. Nearly any part or service is available, and we take full advantage of the well-stocked chandleries as we tick the last (hopefully) few items off the lightning -damage list.

French St Martin
Breakfast at a French bakery on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten – with dinghy parking!

Oso clears in and anchors on the French side of the island (St Martin), after which her crew is free to travel by land or by dinghy to the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten). It’s a pleasant commute through the Simpson Bay lagoon, zipping by anchored sailboats and past a huge array of superyachts.

Fort St Louis protects the town of Marigot on St Martin

Marigot Bay – Oso’s home for a few days