Guadaloupe

The churchs' clock bells sound on each hour in Deshais.

Guadaloupe 

Helpful Hints

We are writing this blog for a variety of reasons. It acts, somewhat, as a Ship’s Log that reminds us what the date is and where we go, and some of our experiences.  We hope that we include information that could help other sailor’s and cruisers such as our experience of various anchorages and such things as the equipment we use that work for us.  A couple of thing’s that you should know, for example, about
 Deshais, Guadaloupe are these:

1.   Howling gusts of wind (and sleeting rain, today).   It does say this in the guidebook but we want to repeat it and add a safely note.  Today we rescued a run-away boat and also saved our boat and particularly one other behind us from it.  So when you read or hear about these kinds of characteristics to certain anchorages, take extreme caution.  YOU may be well set, but other’s may not be set in a sandy spot or with an adequate anchor or enough chain.  Check your anchor, back down on it or snorkel and take a look!

2.  The Customs office is in The Pelican Shop in the center of this little french village. (Internet Entry Forms $3 Euro).  It is the ONLY place that you can exchange money which is necessary because Deshais merchants ONLY take EUROS.  There are 2 ATM machines, however, but most places only take cash and no credit cards.

3.  In the middle of the harbor in the anchorage, about 2-3 boat rows from the village, is a large ship’s anchor at the bottom.  We know because we got our anchor hooked on it (which might have been a good thing since the winds were pretty crazy and we actually saved a boat that dragged and almost hit others).  Wade dove to see the trouble and there is was along with a Danforth that someone apparently had to cut off and leave.   Wade dove on it and untangled us.  He can free dive almost 30 feet down, now!!

Pigeon Island 

Half way down this beautiful, mountainous island of Guadaloupe lies the marine park of Pigeon Island.  These were the stomping grounds of Jacques Cousteau and also for us,  certainly some of the best snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the fish are even more friendly than they were at Thunderball Grotto.  We saw a gang of squid and a turtle happily feeding.  Although a busy place for Glass Bottom Boats, Scuba classes and night Divers, it was a  lovely anchorage and tranquil setting.