BEQUIA

July 4th, 2008.

Bequia is part of the Grenadines and how refreshing; Jet Skis are strictly forbidden and there is a five knot speed limit in the harbor. The currency is the EC.

Bequia is approximately 4 miles long and 5 miles wide at its widest part.

We had a wonderful day re-uniting with Cathy and Derek (Idyll Island) along with Jay and Jennifer ( Rum Runner). We rented an open air van; basically a pickup truck with a canopy and seats in the back for a three hour tour Bequia.

Jay and Jennifer (Rum Runner) with Rand

Market

Bequia also has the remains of a small fort with a few canons. Looking down onto Admiralty Bay. The roads on this island are very narrow and steep—many were two strips of cement with dirt/pebbles in the center or many large ruts.

Our next stop was an Old Sugar Mill.

What was interesting here was the local Government had leased this mill to an English potter. When he went to renew his lease it was rejected..We find this interesting because many friends have asked us over this past 18 months would we purchase land in any of the countries we have visited and we have always said no primarily because to us there never would be any guarantee that the local government would not step in and take said land away.---THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

More beautiful scenery.

Then on to "The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary".
This Sanctuary was founded in 1995 to assist in the conservation of the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. The Hawksbill Turtle are usually returned to the beaches where they originally hatched when they reach five years of age.

This one has had an ointment (dye) put on it so others in the same tub would not bite it. They do not like the taste.

The Red Legged Tortoises love fruit but also feed on mushrooms, grasses, greens, and flowers. The females lay two to four clutches of five to fifteen eggs each year.

More pretty views.

The Bequia Whaling and Maritime Museum where we met Felix who explained the whaling industry to us. He had himself been on fourteen expeditions. The whaling season is from February to April. He explained how they are allowed a total of four whales a year but usually they only get one. They hunt the Humpback Whale in an open sailing boat, using hand held harpoons,.

After a great tour we went for a local Roti lunch.