The original plan had been to take a restful morning given yesterday’s hike, but Susannah got to talking with some fellow guests who had walked to local beaches at both Anse Chastenet and Anse Mamin, so of course we had to try it too! Nick and Susannah were both pleased to discover that the potholed road to Anse Chastenet was much easier on foot than by car, albeit also sweatier in the morning heat. As an added bonus, it granted us our first opportunity to capture both Pitons in the same frame (see above).

Anse Chastenet and Anse Mamin are dominated by private resorts, but visitors are still free to stroll the sand. Anse Mamin is the more remote and quieter of the two, and is ornamented with interesting rock formations.

Sugar Beach, situated between the two Pitons, was the only local cove that we hadn’t yet explored. It is said to have good snorkeling, so in the afternoon, off we went to check it out, with snorkels and fins and kids in tow. It, too, is dominated by a large and expensive resort. Like the others it allows beach access, but the parking lot provided for visitors is way up the hill and requires a long walk down the busy access road to reach the water. In the end, it was worth it because snorkeling was really good and we found a shady spot by the water to sit with our stuff.

We saw many underwater creatures, including a school of cuttlefish and, thanks to Rowan’s sharp eye, an octopus hiding in a rocky crevice.