Barbuda is a ridiculously beautiful little island just North of Antigua. Covering only 62 Square miles, this island paradise was completely destroyed in September 2017 by Hurricane Irma, resulting in the entire population being evacuated to Antigua. There was some doubt as to whether it would ever recover, but very slowly, it is.

It’s hard to see Barbuda when you arrive by boat as it is completely flat. Obviously you know it is there because you can see it on the chart plotter and you would have to be a special kind of stupid not to see that, but it’s still a bit of a surprise when suddenly there is an island right in front of you. With about 4 other boats in the anchorage, it was pretty idyllic. Anchored off Princess Diana beach all we could see was turquoise sea and white sand.

Having decamped ashore with the husband and hound, both seemed rather content to charge around the longest, most perfect beach ever, occasionally having a swim to cool down. And this is all we did for over a week. Walked and lounged about on the beach, swam and had BBQ and beers on the boat every night.

We wanted to contribute to the community so enquired about the Frigate Bird sanctuary tour. Unfortunately it was so prohibitively expensive and was cash only, so we just couldn’t justify remortgaging the house to fund it. It was a shame, but we have found occasionally out here some people seriously ramp up the tourist tax. We know we have to pay it for most things, but not when we know they have trebled the price because we are on a boat. So our lazy beach days carried on as they were.

We had heard about a great little place right on the beach called Shak a Kai. Owned by the awesome Enoch, we booked a visit and he told us how it worked. He BBQ’s the lobster and sells the beer. You bring your own plates, cutlery, sides and condiments.

Probably the most simple business plan ever, but it works!! You book it a couple of days in advance, tell him what time and that’s it. £20 job done. I honestly have never been much of a lobster fan, mainly because I think they are too cute to eat, but I have to say, these were GOOD!!! Carefully protected by strict laws, I guiltily snarfed them down and drowned their sorrows in beer.

As the weather was due to change we decided it was time to leave blissful Barbuda and head back to Martinique. Our friends Rob and Nerys were due any day on Ghost Rider and we were very much looking forward to seeing them. Leaving Barbuda behind, we turned left and headed back South for a bit.