Ava's Tropical Dreams- Moving on up!

 Moving on up!

 This week we have done so many amazing things! I will tell you everything...

 Union Island:

After Carriacou, we went to Union island. We arrived in turquoise blue water and looked in amazement at the small, sandy neighbouring islands. Unlike most people, as we had entered a new country (St Vincent and the Grenadines) I got really excited as we were going to get to go to customs and immigrations. When we took the dinghy to shore, we found out that it was closed for a little while. We took this as an opportunity to explore some of the island. Making our way into the colourful village square, we met many friendly locals who welcomed us onto their island. We looked at a few markets selling fruit, clothes and souvenirs. We bought some fruit and then walked down the roads to see what else this cute island had to offer. We were met by devastation caused by hurricane Beryl. Houses had been torn apart and piles of rubble were everywhere! It was very sad. While on a hunt for fuel, we saw tents set up in a grassy area with laundry, pots and pans and beds. These were for those whose houses were destroyed in the hurricane. Many of the tents even had tears in so people had put tarpolines on top to keep them dry when it rains. When customs and immigrations finally opened we had to wait for a few others before entering the cool, air-conditioned office. We sat patiently while my dad showed the people some documents and then gave them our passports to be stamped.  My dad also went kite boarding around our boat. It was really cool. After being in one bay, we went to another where we did a big hike to get to a view point (it was worth it) and went to a floating bar, which had a part see-through floor (called a glass bottomed boat).

Fun fact!- When entering a country that you have not checked into yet, you put a yellow flag (called a q flag) up the mast.

 

 Tobago Cays!

We went from Union Island to Tobago Cays. When we arrived, there was turtles popping up everywhere. We were desperate to jump in! As soon as we anchored, me and my sister jumped in and went swimming with the turtles. I even managed to touch one when it came to the surface to breathe. We realised when we jumped in, that if you scare a turtle they will swim so quick and will completely disappear within 2 seconds! After swimming with turtles for lots of the day, we went to a beach bbq for dinner. There were so many people there but no kids as it was just charter boats (adults on holiday)! It was really windy so we moved from the front of a big bay to the back of a smaller one next to it. The next morning, we swam with the turtles again before heading to Mayreau. 

 Fun fact!- Tobago Cays was filmed in part of the movie: Pirates of the Caribbean- The black pearl

Mayreau!

As you know, after Tobago Cays, we went to Mayreau. The first bay we went to in Mayreau was called Saline Bay. It was very nice and not rough or windy at all. We walked into the village which was full of locals and there were local kids playing on the roads. We walked through the village and played at a small park that we saw. We then went to look at the church. It was very sad as the roof had blown off and one of the main walls had fallen down exposing the pews and the altar which were untouched. Next to the park we had heard the singing of hymns coming from a building so we assume that is their replacement of the church until it gets rebuilt. Next to and in the church local children were pushing their younger siblings around in mop buckets. After being in Saline Bay, we went to Saltwhistle bay. It was full of charter boats but we managed to get to the front and drop anchor right off of the beach. The beach was stunning and there were lots of mini stalls, restaurants and bars along it. We swam to the beach and played on a swing made from a piece of driftwood that was tied to two palm trees. To be honest, I do not think it was supposed to go as high as we got it as with every push, I felt like the ropes were going to slip down the trees! My dad went kite boarding and we watched him for a bit. When he finished he packed all his things up and came to play with us without realising that he had forgotten his lines! That night he went back but could not find them. The next day, me and my dad had to dinghy to Union island, which was 2 miles away to get him some new ones. However, the next day (before we left) a local man found the lost ones in the sea! 😂 When in Saltwhistle bay, we had not seen kids for ages so it was a joy when we saw that there was a family with 2 kids also in the bay. We hung out with them for a day swimming and having fun. The next day we were off to Canouan to then go to Bequia.

 Fun fact!- Myreau is the smallest inhabited island of the Grenadines!

 

 Canouan!

While on our way to Bequia, we stopped at Canouan to fill up with water. As we pulled in, we were amazed at the beauty of this island! The docks were beautifully stone built. My sister and I walked to the nearest town square on the road, a local in a golf cart stopped and offered to give us a ride so we rode the rest of the way in a golf cart! It was so fun! When he dropped us off at the town square, it was like being in a book... there was a row of coloured buildings which were shops, bakeries and restaurants. In the middle of the street there was even a fountain made of coral! We got a lift back to our boat with the same guy. Then our mum walked with us on the docks back into town and our dad met us there. We bought a croissant and a muffin from the bakery and then got some things from the shop. After around an hour there, we left to continue our journey to Bequia. 

Fun fact!- Canouan is known for its red-footed tortoises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived at Bequia 3 hours later. We were very excited when we saw some of our friends from Grenada. We have already done quite a few things in Bequia like walking around town and buying Christmas hats but I will tell you about that next week. Thank you for reading this blog. Speak soon, Ava 😄