Sunday 9th July
Full moon party
I know it sounds incredible but in all those months of sailing in the Caribbean’s, we have not managed to get to a full moon party yet. We’ve heard loads about them but the full moon came and went without us being in the right places. So the full moon party in Benji’s beach in Grenada will be our first. We’ve tried to drum up some interest with our neighbours, not so successfully, Francine & Al are being hauled up tomorrow and want clear heads, Nicole & Ron have a meeting about their outboard first thing, so they also want a clear head, Will & Karen have an interview, clear head needed and Sam has just come back from the UK and is a bit jet-lagged. Never mind, our new best friend, Annie and Eric are up for it and Dave is coming too (wonder if Fizzy will be there?). Glad rags on and dancing shoes at the ready, off we went to Bananas’ bar for our bus pick up. Annie &b Eric keep us entertained with endless stories while we wait. The bus eventually turns up. It is not far and we get to see a few other bays on the way, all nestled in thick mangrove. We will need to go and explore at some point. Benji’s bay is quite small and there is no beach, shame, I was imagining dancing bare feet on soft white sand, with waves lapping gently…not to be… we are fairly early but the place is already quite busy, mainly with boaties (you can tell them miles off), we also recognise a few people we met on the hashes. The DJ is playing loud music and the bar is open. The BBQ in the corner is also producing some lovely BBQ smells. Timed this right, we are hardly done with the feeding and watering, and the first band is up. A bit rocky for me but we still grace the dance floor, well the clear area in front of the stage, it is not long before a few people join us, loads of young people are having a real good time. The band is good and soon the inevitable reggae tunes are churned out. In the darkest corner by the stage the ghost of Rasta appears, beating the tempo, swaying to the music. I am fascinated, obviously ancient, ascetically thin, dreadlocks down his back, floridly bearded, and leaning on a staff, he seems to be lost in a trance. It is as if he is making sure that the band is playing it right. Three different bands will take the stage this evening and every one of them will have a go at a few reggae songs and without a fail, even before the first few bars are struck he will magically rematerialise in the corner and just vanish as soon as the tune is over. I did check at the bar, obviously, but he was nowhere to be seen!
The next band is a bit more local flavoured and extremely good at getting the atmosphere warmed up. Loads of soca, excellent for a workout. And the locals are all on the dance floor.
The last number is more of western cover song, but the little lady has got the voice, a real pleasure to listen to.
The party is in full swing, the moon has risen and we have a lovely reflection in the dark water of the sea. But no time to stand and stare there is dancing to be done! All our playmates have gone home, except Dave and Fizzy, and the pumpkin hour is upon us, last bus to Prickly Bay, shame plenty more miles in this party.