Another week of sailing winds, calm anchorages, island walks and introducing good folks to the BVIs. Smiles from ear to ear as they approached their "home" for a week they were quickly introduced to boating life as the cockpit filled with our marina family for Happy Hour and meeting of our guests. A dinner of chicken Roti topped w/mango chutney the island adventure has begun. I got a 3 mile jog in before morning departure - probably not a great idea to clock 9+ miles in 4 days after a month of not jogging as I got a bit tight. You travel you learn.
1st stop Peter Island for the Steel Drum Sunday, a walk and then off to North Sound. The sail was great and BVI Yacht Shots found us again so check out their site for Jan. 31. After picking a ball @ Biras Creek Jim took Ginger and Carroll to shore for the walk over the Bitter End. I stayed back to roll out my back. As I am chilling in the hammock I can hear the three of them walking and talking along the mangroves - be careful guys, voices carry over water.  Happy Hour on Saba Rock where Carroll tested his fishing skills feeding the tarpin. Hoping the vieo will load to site???. Dinner aboard - can't remember what I cooked but they ate it all so must have been good or they were really hungry.
Monday was a motor over to Leverick Bay to pick up a taxi for an island tour, The Baths and copper Mine Pt. The baths were packed but we made our way to Devils Bay where they enjoyed climbing the boulders and a soak in the water. I love the Baths anytime & even more with folks who are experiencing it for the first time. Of course the evening was spent at the Micheal Bean Pirate Show. Yea, I know all the songs by heart. Carroll gave a try at the conch blowing contest - no winner from our boat this time around.
The days are running together but I think we ended up sailing to the Dogs for a snorkel and then Marina Cay for the night. Stopped by Monkey Pt for a snorkel as the water was the most settled this season followed by a sail between Tortolla and Jost with brief stop @ Sopers Hole for a bit of shopping & then to Norman island. Ginger and Carroll were gracious and willing to stay put for 2 nights there. Good snorkeling, paddleboarding, hammock sitting and plenty of R&R. I think they were kind of glad for a calm day.
Before we headed back to the marina we hit the Indians where the fish were plentiful and coral colors bright. Carroll took the helm often throughout the week - very natural behind the wheel. Ginger finally accepted the challenge and we stayed on course.It is always fun to share our lifestyle w/others especially when they participate. To be part of the experience whether it is on deck or down in the galley.
In closing I would like to say it was great fun getting to know them better and to have folks onboard who like to play games. Okay, so Carroll loves his wife enough to play. Haha One question for anyone reading this that may be a Spades player : How can one team get set 5x and still give us girls a run for our money? And to go low just as many times and never get stuck? Men are definitely more risky.
May your Caribbean Fever linger through the remainder of winter.
The Skinners flew out early Super bowl Sunday and after a quick boat cleaning, getting a marina mate on board we set out to race "Be as you Are" to Leverick Bay to watch the big game. Dwayne was at the helm, Jim the sail trimmer and I was holding on as the toe rails were IN the water - a lot. After a "stern gate" (boaters tail gate) 15 of us enjoyed the game on shore. Only the 2 of us were Panthers fans. Good run boys but you got kicked hard by those horses.
Then next month we will be sailing solo but catching up with folks along the way, sailing in a regatta or two until our Spring Breakers arrive.
Until next time - Enjoy the life you are living