........the daily saying of our most recent passengers – Earl & Margaret. Having visitors onboard does help us better appreciate our chosen “snow bird” destination (which just happens to float around)
We began our journey in St Maarten after an island tour that included a brief stop along the beach at the end of the airport runway where we experienced a 737 coming in for a landing. All I can say is “WOW”; provisioning; and a fantastic meal @ the Lebanese restaurant just outside the marina. Friday morning (3/28 – Dad and Bill’s birthday!!) we set sail to St Bart’s to check out the Bucket Race - Annual event where you have to be at least a 100ft (sailboat) to participate. Needless to say we were spectators. Luck would have it that Jim reconnected with someone he met 2yrs ago who does participate and he invited us onboard for the Friday night Open House/Boat. SWEET! They were wonderful hosts, a beautiful yacht amongst a dock full of such (and bigger) and friends aboard that had mutual friends of Earl & Margaret. Just another example of ‘it’s a small world’. Saturday we rented mopeds and toured St Bart’s finding lookouts to catch glimpses of the racing vessels while Sunday we set out to watch the start of the race and hung out amidst the boats. They were headed around Ile de la Fourche which is where we were headed for the night. Such size, such speed, such grace! An evening snorkel we found our shark! Another search complete and all we would like to see now is the ever elusive seahorse.
A Monday morning walk to the top for great views then we set out to Anguilla. After the beat to St Bart’s and someone losing their breakfast this sail was much more comfortable and the hope of a good week was in the cards. Jim and Earl went diving with Doug on Tues morning and then we all enjoyed an island tour. After a couple of needed stops we found Cap Juluca which is a favorite spot of loved ones. We found out why! Before our return to the boat we ate ashore @ Tasty’s. I would have to say it has been the best meal ashore on any of the islands. Thanks Chef Dale! P&P’s of St John takes a close 2nd. Weds was a 2 tank dive for the guys while the ladies enjoyed paddling, swimming and reading. That evening we set sail back to the BVIs. With no winds we once again made the passage with the iron jenny (motor). This passage making is not so bad. Hahaha
We arrived in Virgin Gorda by 7:30am and picked up a ball for a bit of rest. Not much though as Jeremy picked us up @ 10:30am for an island tour and trip to the Baths. The Baths are still amazing but really missed our kids as they always had a great time climbing those boulders. Thank You to Frank & Marty as they shared their Shrimp & Grits recipe which was a great meal to end the day. Spent the night on the ball with Friday morning topping of fuel and water, a quick tour of The Bitter End and then a sail to Peter Island. The rain was sporadic and then caught up to us for a longer period of time. We were wet but the positive side- the boat was CLEAN. As it was Margaret’s Birthday (and my brother Douglas’) we prepared her choice. It is a known fact that being on the water makes everything taste better.
Saturday morning we left the BVIs (after a snorkel for E & M and snorkercise for moi), sailed around the south side of St John to Cruz Bay to check in and then onward to Hanse Bay to drop off our guests. They have a week with friends and family on land. A treat for us as we have been hanging out with them as well - THANKS Neebie's!!!!! Sunday we motored over to Flanigan Island for a snorkel and then a quick stop @ The Indians with a sail back to Hanse. We had an extra treat as the Nanny Cay Regetta was still going on hence we enjoyed their passing just off Flanigan. Pretty cool to look up and see 3-4(more) boats sailing close, people as rail meat along the side,….. Tuesday we will all circumnavigate St John with a potential snorkel stop before our return to land. Brownies are baked, pimento cheese prepped and chicken about to be boiled for some chicken salad for lunch.
Pictures are in the gallery. BIG boats are Bucket race, little boats Nanny Cay. Even though Kyl-ton missed the shark he was able to hang out with friends. Enjoy(will be adding a few tomorrw after our sail around).
Will be off the grid for a week or so but check back when Emery and Jonathan are our guests. Until then, Happy Sailing