Prickly Pear Cay, Anguilla
The sun rose at 6:17 over an azure sea. We were headed to a small series of cays just five miles or so from Anguilla. Columbus named the island “Anguilla” or “The Eel” because of its long narrow profile. It is 16 miles long and no more than 3 wide at its widest. Anguilla is comparatively flat with the highest point, Crocus Point, only 215 feet above sea level. The island is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands and is comparatively arid. Cacti, sea grape and coconut palms do very well here. The islands’ comparative dryness has never made it particularly good for agriculture and consequently it has never had a large population. It is, however, a jewel of white sandy beaches which are justifiably famous as is the opportunity for snorkeling and diving. This archipelago has yielded some of the earliest finds of Amerindian settlement almost 3500 years old. It appears to have been a center for Arawackan culture and did have a sizeable population of Carib Indians as well. The English were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement by 1650 and save for a few ill advised and unsuccessful attempts by the French, the English have maintained a presence here. It remains an English crown colony at the present.
We boarded Zodiacs at 10 for an exciting ride to Prickly Pear Cay. This is an uninhabited low lying tropical cay surrounded by a reef. The ride in was exciting as wind and surf made it a real adventure. Needless to say it was a wet landing. We were the only ones on the island on our arrival. The sand was blindingly white and the sea was a turquoise green-blue. The blue of the sky shaded off into lavender and the entire view was breathtaking. A number of us just stood on the shore and looked to the horizon. The snorkeling was very good as the reef was filled with parrot fishes, wrasses, goat fishes and Anne Heffernan spotted a large green turtle feeding on the reef. Judy Jennings walked to the end of the cay and in a small tidal pool watched young nurse sharks feeding amongst the coral. We had the additional treat after lunch of sailing off anchor, a maneuver not typically done. We furled sails at five o’clock and began to motor towards Antigua, our final destination. We were able to take advantage of engine and galley tours. The galley, under the supervision of Julian the head chef, is a marvel of miniaturization. How they prepare 5 star food three times a day is a testimony to their skill. Cocktails began on the poop deck at 6:30pm and we had a splendid Captain’s dinner at 7. This group of adventuresome sailors who did not know each other ten days ago were now the best of friends and we wished each other a good night and the hope that we would sail again with Lindblad Expeditions.
The sun rose at 6:17 over an azure sea. We were headed to a small series of cays just five miles or so from Anguilla. Columbus named the island “Anguilla” or “The Eel” because of its long narrow profile. It is 16 miles long and no more than 3 wide at its widest. Anguilla is comparatively flat with the highest point, Crocus Point, only 215 feet above sea level. The island is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands and is comparatively arid. Cacti, sea grape and coconut palms do very well here. The islands’ comparative dryness has never made it particularly good for agriculture and consequently it has never had a large population. It is, however, a jewel of white sandy beaches which are justifiably famous as is the opportunity for snorkeling and diving. This archipelago has yielded some of the earliest finds of Amerindian settlement almost 3500 years old. It appears to have been a center for Arawackan culture and did have a sizeable population of Carib Indians as well. The English were the first Europeans to establish a permanent settlement by 1650 and save for a few ill advised and unsuccessful attempts by the French, the English have maintained a presence here. It remains an English crown colony at the present.
We boarded Zodiacs at 10 for an exciting ride to Prickly Pear Cay. This is an uninhabited low lying tropical cay surrounded by a reef. The ride in was exciting as wind and surf made it a real adventure. Needless to say it was a wet landing. We were the only ones on the island on our arrival. The sand was blindingly white and the sea was a turquoise green-blue. The blue of the sky shaded off into lavender and the entire view was breathtaking. A number of us just stood on the shore and looked to the horizon. The snorkeling was very good as the reef was filled with parrot fishes, wrasses, goat fishes and Anne Heffernan spotted a large green turtle feeding on the reef. Judy Jennings walked to the end of the cay and in a small tidal pool watched young nurse sharks feeding amongst the coral. We had the additional treat after lunch of sailing off anchor, a maneuver not typically done. We furled sails at five o’clock and began to motor towards Antigua, our final destination. We were able to take advantage of engine and galley tours. The galley, under the supervision of Julian the head chef, is a marvel of miniaturization. How they prepare 5 star food three times a day is a testimony to their skill. Cocktails began on the poop deck at 6:30pm and we had a splendid Captain’s dinner at 7. This group of adventuresome sailors who did not know each other ten days ago were now the best of friends and we wished each other a good night and the hope that we would sail again with Lindblad Expeditions.
