We have been anchored in a lovely harbor, Nonsuch Bay, on the most eastern end of Antigua for the last few days along with perhaps 15 other boats. At first glance, it looks very exposed as the view east, the direction of the prevailing winds and no land, between us and the other side of the Atlantic, to block the wind. Fortunately, the trade winds have been pretty light for a few days so it’s been particularly calm here. I understand, from Bill on Kalunamoo, who we are traveling with, that this place is most popular when the winds are light, hence the large number of boats.
As we left the harbor, we passed this “sailing” cruise ship. I think it would take a virtual hurricane to get this baby moving under sail alone. 
This was more my type of “cruise ship”. I expect that there is a very good ratio of crew to guests on this beauty as it’s a private yacht. In my next life perhaps… Perhaps not…
Anyway, as we made our way down the coast toward Nunsuch Bay we passed some really dramatic scenery. Not particularly lush as Antigua is a dry island but beautiful, never the less. That’s Kalunamoo, Bill and Maureen’s year round home (the boat, not Antigua), BTW. 
However, in spite of the “nothing between us and Spain thing”, the water in this harbor is flat calm, compliments of a reef that breaks the waves completely. Nearby there is a tiny, oh so scenic beach. I took our dink there for a walk. Not the dink. I went for the walk. The dink stayed on the beach, of course. The area near the beach is rugged and I couldn’t find a trail, but the cove, lovely. 
Pandora’s new mascot and crew member Louis, (that is to be pronounced with a decidedly French accent, of course as he is from St Martin, on the French side) was happy to lounge for the afternoon on one of the “chaise” lounge chairs aboard Pandora. He has settled in nicely to life aboard Pandora. 
One tradition with couples aboard cruising boats, well at least the ones we know, is to get together for “sundowners” and pot luck suppers. And, last night we hosted a gathering aboard Pandora for the “crews” of six boats. Louis was quite excited and spent much of the afternoon waiting for his “friends” to show up. He gazed longingly at Kalunamoo, waiting for Bill and Maureen to visit, particularly Maureen as Louis is French, of course.
Finally they arrived. He was happy that the “guys” stayed up in the cockpit talking shop, while the “ladies”, his favorite of course, were down below with him. He took this group shot. Nice collection, he thought and he had them all to himself. However, he did keep a low profile so as to not dominate the conversation. Besides, his English is still a bit rusty. 
Everyone contributed and what a spread it was. Yum…
As if to put a final “capstone” on the evening, the sun put on a wonderful display with a perfect setting. And you know how much I just love sunsets. 
It is evenings like this that are among the best of cruising and to be in a “far away” harbor among friends is a great way to spend time together. Yes, home is indeed where we are and right now that’s aboard Pandora. Besides, Brenda likes to say that her favorite part of cruising is “being anchored” and we have been anchored in a lovely spot indeed.
Oh yeah, one more thing. It’s looking like our son Christopher will be visiting in March which will be terrific. Louis is excited to meet him, of course.
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