Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
We are now moored off 'Bloody Mary's' bar and restaurant to the south of the island.
We went to BM's for dinner night before last - and met Rick, the owner since 1985 - a colourful character who claims the business operates at a loss but is a great lifestyle. The visitor board boast a host of celebrities - and the signature drink is certainly worth a try. The restaurant itself is very 'eco friendly' - being made of mainly coconut trees - with a sand floor and no walls. The sacrifice made is that it can be warm - the chairs are a little wobbly (particularly after a few of their signature drinks) - and the mosquitoes seem to love ankles at around sunset. The food was good - being a selection of grilled dishes based on what's fresh and available - and the service friendly and personable. He is also very boat friendly - and offered to provide water and take our rubbish.
The drama continues with the Outboard. They now think they need a new part - and will get it back to us on Friday...
We spent the day working our way around the small island to the south and west of entrance channel. We passed by the Hilton and anchored on beautiful white sand next to the coral. There we went for a couple of swims and saw the locals playing with large rays.
We then continued north around the island and tried to pick up a mooring - only to find that there wasn't one available - so went back to Bloody Mary's for one of their buoys. Unfortunately Peter was a little over zealous with the boat hook and went overboard again (and we lost the boat hook).
Of course Peter and I thought it was only fair that we gave them some business - so while the girls had some bubbles on board we had a couple of drinks at BMs and saw Rick again. Dinner was BBQ 'Cote de Boeuf' - and another early night.
Cheers
Dave & Magali
10May2012 017