We've been noodling around Mayreau and Tobago Cays in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Saltwhistle Bay on Mayreau is a perfect little semi-circular bay with white sandy beach fringed with palms. It is paradise packed with charter boats. When we were here before, Mayreau was described as an island with one road and two trucks. Now there is a second road that comes down to Saltwhistle Bay from the village. Didn't notice that many trucks this time. We climbed up to admire the view and to check in on "Robert Righteous and da' youth" where we had eaten before. It was too early and too hot to be bothered and Robert (plus da' yuut) were not in the mood for cooking. The village had lots of new cisterns and a couple of new buildings so things seem to be going well for them.

    Tobago Cays is just around the corner. These are uninhabited Islands surrounded by coral reefs. Threading your way in keeps you alert but once inside, there is a lovely broad anchorage in shallow water with nothing in front of you but the Atlantic ocean held at bay by the fringing reef. There are a few vendors and boat boys who come over daily from Union Island but the islands are otherwise uninhabited and perfectly dark at night. The anchorage is so large that it looked empty even with the score or so boats there. We anchored along side "Wind Song" and behind "Alleluja" which seemed to be the friendliest neighborhood. The snorkeling along the reef is fabulous and we even went ashore one day to climb to the top of the hill for the view.

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