Nevis

April 26, 2014

We left St. Kitts this morning and motored the 5 miles across to Nevis, another of the volcanic islands.  We anchored just off Oualie Beach, a well-protected bay on the northwest corner of the island.  Unfortunately, it appeared we anchored in the middle of the ferry lane, as ferries kept splashing D-Time as they passed close by.

Ever since we started getting ready for our journey, I have been sharing our plans with one of my best friends, Sarah.  Every time I would mention to her about our plans for our sailing trip she would say, “I have a brother and sister-in-law that live on Nevis.  Let me know when you get close I will tell them you’re coming.”  Usually when someone tells you that, you’re like – sure, right, I’ll tell you but nothing will happen, right?  Well not so with Sarah and her family.  I told Sarah a few days ago, “We’re leaving St. Barts and heading towards St. Kitts and Nevis – just wanted to let you know”.  She said, “I will e-mail my brother”.  This was on Thursday this past week.  Today is Saturday and we just spent a wonderful day with Newell and Rhonda (Sarah’s brother and sister-in-law).  They are definitely two of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  They didn’t know us, at all, but agreed to come meet us at our boat and show us around Nevis, basically giving up a whole Saturday for complete strangers.

When Newell and Rhonda said they could pick us up this morning, and to bring our laundry with us, well we were thrilled and knew we had made some friends.  Laundry is not fun, but to have a home to do some in, well it is a real treat! 

They picked us up at the dock this morning and took us to their home.  A gorgeous home surrounded by the tall mountain on Nevis and the ocean.  The views from their home were amazing.  We put in a load of laundry and then set out to discover Nevis.  There is nothing like discovering a new island with locals.  We stopped for gasoline and johnny cakes (a local’s fried unsweetened donut).  Then we looked around at the development where Newell is the Director of Construction (Four Seasons Resort Estates) – an absolutely gorgeous development.  Next stop was a local lunch spot called “Blessings” where we feasted on jerk pork, coconut dumplings, and local vegetables.   After lunch we headed back to Newell and Rhonda’s house – there are perks to living on a small island, you are never far from home – where we put the clothes in the dryer and went for a lazy swim in their pool. 

After the laundry chore was done, we headed out for more touring of the island.  Newell took us to the local airport which had a small herd of sheep in front of it.  He also took us to a “private, locals” beach.  It had white sand for as far as you could see and not a sole on the beach…on a Saturday.  Wow! 

We so enjoyed our day with Newell and Rhonda and cannot even begin to thank them enough.  As if it wasn’t enough to show us around all day, Rhonda loaded us up with some DVD movies (current ones!) and some fresh local juices.  Thank you guys – it was a wonderful day!  We love Nevis!