February 2019

Antigua

 

February in Antigua is lovely. We hiked, swam, read, relaxed. We stayed at the Admiral’s Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, where there are 18th century buildings and loads of modern, huge yachts. As well, the harbour is the site of the finish line for the Atlantic Challenge, a 3,000 mile rowing race, which begins in the Canary Islands. We watched two little boats come in after more than 60 days at sea: one, Status Row, with three women who’d never before rowed, and the other, Grandads of the Atlantic, with two men, 60 and 61 years old, with previous military training. Totally remarkable!


We climbed hills with some steep sections and with beautiful views. The temperatures are ideal, with highs of about 80, though the hike to the top of Shirley Heights, then around the coast and along a long road back to English Harbour in midday was indeed hot! We also kayaked to a beach, swam, then kayaked back to the inn.


We enjoyed the barbecue of local treats (jerked chicken) and steel band at Shirley Heights on Sunday evening so much that we returned on Thursday for a less crowded version.


Please click on the links below for more photos.