The wind was picking up, the area was feeling a little crowded, so we decided to go to the island of Mayreau, it is the closest island to the Cays. We dipped into Salt Whistle Bay, the most popular anchorage on the island, but it didn’t feel that still and was quite crowded. We tried the next bay along, Troisant and hoped to pick up a mooring ball from the hotel there that is meant to have a good Swedish restaurant. We called and called but got no answer, it all looked very closed so we moved on.
Leaving the Tobago Cays
Finally we anchored in the last bay called Saline, which did not get an appealing write up in the guide book. Firstly it talked about the noisy big electric generator plant that has bright lights over the bay. Secondly it says the ferry comes in as well as cruise ships that offload hordes. It does have a gorgeous beach on one side of the ferry dock, the other side has local restaurants, bars and the big Electric plant. Thankfully we can’t hear the electric generator and it has no bright lights, and there hasn’t been a cruise ship in a year. Devastation for the little village, that I am sure has become totally dependant on tourists. There were only two other boats when we arrived, so we think it is rather idyllic.
The beach one side….
and the village (and electric plant) the other side.
Out to the point
We waited for it to cool down a bit and then headed to shore. We walked up the steepest road into the village, they must all live up here to catch the breeze. The road is full of eccentric and eye catching bars and restaurants to catch the tourists off the cruise ships, up to 800 at a time! It is hard to imagine, as everywhere is closed and certainly no tourists. There was a lovely little stone church at the very top which advertised it’s splendid views over the other side of the island towards the Cays. We then walked down to Salt Whistle Bay, it is very scenic, just sad that the main area under the trees is the remains of a hotel that closed down, so looks a little sad and forlorn. Lots of little shops and bars but nothing open.
It was a sweaty walk back up and over again. We climbed the steep hill with a lady who worked in the Marine Reserve office. She directed us to the only open grocery shop and she also stopped a vehicle that had a worker from the Swedish hotel. It apparently is open just has no guests so is very quiet. We may try it next time.
View from the top towards the Cays
Looking down on Pole Pole
The gorgeous beach
Outside the grocery shop we met a German and Venezuelan woman with dogs on leads, they invited us to join them for a drink, but we were too tired as we did not sleep well last night. Turns out they are working for an English woman who has two homes here, she rescues dogs and looks after the dogs on the island. She has returned to England and gets volunteers to come and continue her work.
We had delicious fresh fish for supper which a fisherman had delivered to us early this morning.
Sunset silhouetting Union Island
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