Just before the Storm - Martinique (Patreon)

After 19 long days at sea, I couldn't wait to finally jump into the water again. Out on the open ocean, I just didn't dare to go for a swim. It was tempting but we had been told by other cruisers that they spotted a rather large shark circling their boat for some time on their crossing. And overall, it is not the smartest thing to go for a swim in the middle of the Atlantic. 

So, when we finally dropped the hook in Martinique, I couldn't wait any longer. Even though the day was grey and thick clouds covered the sky, it was a truly amazing feeling to be in the water in January! 

Yet, only shortly after we arrived at the little beach around the corner from SV CUBA, the clouds opened up and it started pouring so heavily, I could barely see the boats anchored only a few hundred meters away. 

So we jumped into the dinghy and started to race back to SV CUBA. Soon the rain became so strong, it was difficult to see anything at all. 

Just moments earlier it was perfectly warm but now the raindrops felt almost icy. By the time we arrived back home, I was shivering. 

And even though we had no hot water to warm up with a quick shower, in the Caribbean the best way to escape a cold downpour is simply: A jump into the sea!

In contrast to the rain, the seawater now felt almost like a hot bath - and thanks to the break in the clouds, I got to have a swim twice that day. 😋