From a past voyage…The "Moon Hole" at Bequia.

We’ve finally found somewhere in the Caribbean which reminds us of the “olden days”. Anguilla, the northernmost of the Leeward Islands, just a short sail from St. Martin, is quiet, unencumbered with hoards of boats, and very laid back.

The main (and only) anchorage has customs at the head of the dinghy dock; there are a couple of small restaurants and a store nearby; and unless you head for a drive to check out a couple of the new hotels, the feel is very much like what we remember from the past. The people are mellow, and there is not a lot to do – except enjoy the weather, the anchorage, and the fact that you’re afloat.

We always have somewhat of a dispute when it comes to touring in cars. Linda likes to rent a car or get a taxi to take us for a tour. Steve prefers to sit on the boat. Invariably we come back feeling the ride was way too long and we could have seen what we needed in a fraction of the time.

What we find most enjoyable in this process of being a tourist is chatting with the driver. Learning about his life, family, desires and aspirations – and what he thinks about the various issues which surround us all.

What we realized after two hours of (uncomfortably) touring Anguilla from end to end was that there is a much better system.

From now on we are going to have our tour guide take us to a lovely spot – deserted or maybe a really nice restaurant in a beautiful setting, and then sit comfortably with us and we’ll have our conversation in more hospitable surroundings. Better for us and for him. Less wear and tear on his car and our bodies!