7 February Glorious parties

For the last seven days Esnasdup has been a quiet little haven and then the weather forecast changes from benign to 'big blow expected' and we fill up. About half of the boat in the second group of the Suzie Too rally have joined us and with them come the invites for coffees and sundowners.

A couple of days ago I was merrily kayaking around the bay watching the eagles and watching out for the crocodile which is reported to live on the west end of the island. I'd been to Susan's boat, Wooden Shoe for an afternoon playing Mexican Train, an extended version of dominoes, with the girls. Drinks with Jack and Judy on Chinook.

With 24 new neighbours we were out for the next five nights. To Kathy and Michael's Late Harvest for a gathering of 21 people, to Fiona and Terry's Sisu for a quieter catch up. We met them in Curacao and quickly found their was a connection from home; Fiona and Terry live on the Isle of Man and David and Terry both used to be rally drivers competing on the Isle of Man. It's a small world at times.

While we had our new friends around I borrowed a paddle board and had a go – not too shabby. I was able to stand right away and have a tootle around the boat. Perhaps I could take Polly with me if we got one?

Then as suddenly as they arrived the rally boats disappeared. The wind and seas had dropped and a Valentine party in East Lemmons organised.