Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands
09 April 2008 | Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands
3-03-08
Dan and I parted ways with Chinook for three days and traveled to Old Town San Juan and El Yunque National Rain Forest. Upon our arrival in Old San Juan, Dan discovered a beautiful small luxury hotel, Hotel El Convento (an old Convent). Of course, we made our reservations just in time for their wine and cheese happy hour! Actually, the location of our hotel was excellent! During our stay in Old San Juan, we toured El Marro Fort, the Bacardi Rum factory, San Cristobal Fort, and Old San Juans' beautiful historical town. The architecture is one of a kind and very well maintained. Departing Old San Juan, we drove about 1.5 hours to El Yunque National Forest, Rio Grande. This is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National forest system. An unforgettable back-to-nature kind of day...yes, we live on a boat but we were hiking on land!
3-10-08
Finally, a weather window opened and we were able to depart Punta Salinas, Puerto Rico and set sail for The Spanish Virgin Islands, Isla De Vieques, Ensenada Sun Bay.
N18. 05.5
W65. 27.5
After departing by 3am, we set sail for the Spanish Virgins (50 miles). Arrived at Sun Bay by 3pm., enjoyed a lovely dinner (cooked by Dan) and sundowners...After a refreshing rainfall, we traveled by dinghy to Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. One of the finest bioluminescent bays in the world, it produces an eerie glow (in the water at night). One-celled organisms cause the bioluminescences, but their effects are magic. Such bays are rare because the fragile dinoflagellates causing the glow depend on protected mangrove shorelines in warm tropical waters with very particular conditions...Nature... Dan jumped in for a swim and glowed neon green...
3-12-08
Departed Sun Bay to Isla De Culebra, Ensenada Honda
N18. 18. 02
W65. 18. 05
Just in time for the Culebra Heineken International Regatta...Several of our cruiser friends made their way to the annual event. Heineken knows how to throw a good regatta... As for the Island, the town offers a variety of restaurants, bars...etc. Most importantly, Culebra is quoted as having one of the top 10 beached in the world, Flamenco Beach! Whoever decided this, did not attend the beach during spring break...
3-16-08
Culebra to the British Virgin Islands, West Indies, West End, Tortola...Sopers Hole
N18. 24
W64. 42
We finally made it to B.V.I.... Dan cleared customs and we were ready for Jolly Rogers famous BBQ Ribs and Chicken...First, we needed to have a Rum Punch and a Dark an Stormy at Pussers.
3-17-08 through 3-31-08
West End, Tortola to Norman Island
N18. 18. 5
W64. 39.5
Eventually returning to U.S Virgin Islands, St. John and St. Thomas
N18. 20. 6
W64. 47. 3
Ahhh, we did not forget about St. Patrick's Day! Dan and I managed to find our way to the famous Willie T's for a shipwreck of a good time! Before enjoying a colorful party, we spent the afternoon diving at the Indians from Chinook.
The Day following, Dan and I sailed towards the Virgin Islands, to prepare for his parents arrival...Barb and Jack joined us for four sun filled days. We had a very nice and relaxing time with them, and we celebrated a 76th birthday! Happy Birthday Jack!
Following his parents departure, our friend Mike and his daughter Page jumped aboard for a four-day tour! We were able to enjoy sunny weather, catching my first grouper and the St. Thomas International Regatta. After Mike and Page's visit, Dan and I took a short leave from Chinook. We traveled to Anna Maria Island, FL to spend two weeks with Dan's parents.