Wings and Things
19 February 2015
A week on dry land is always rejuvenating for the soul. Maybe it was because it was being with family that made it so. Either way it was a treat to share in Ches’ Winging, meet some of his classmates and experience some of the things he has used in his training. 45min – 1hr in a night google demonstration which had us in a pitch black room. You could not see the person next to you at all and then you put up your googles ( I had a monocle) and voila! Next was some time in a simulator. I know I am his mother but he really knows what his is doing. Good food, made new friends (parents of fellow pilots) and a Mardi Gras parade to complete the week.Yes, I had a couple of days of sadness when I returned to the boat but the blue skies and wind in the sails cured it. There may be a picture or two in the gallery -
We have received guests from taxis to the marina, ferry docks or straight from the airport but today guests came to us from a cruise ship. Well, we could not actually approach the ship for a pick-up nor would they tender them to us so the plan was a tender trip to the Sand Bar Beach Club on Prickly in North Gorda Sound where Capt Jim picked them up. Poor folks were soaked by the time they got to the boat. Aboard came Pam & Paul with Paul’s cousin Stephen and his lovely wife Pauline.
Off we sailed to the Dogs for a snorkel, lunch and return sail back in time to get them aboard their cruise ship for their 5pm departure from the BVIs. To fill in the blanks – we stowed their gear for the day and all went into the cockpit. Going from 20ft+ of personal space down to less than 4ft/person the shifting of bodies took place to get the sails set. Once complete we all settled down for a great downwind sail with good conversation and storytelling.
We could not snorkel our first hope – George Dog – as all the mooring balls were full with the appearance they just got there. Off to Great Dog. The snorkel was fair as there was more rock than coral but there were fish! Pauline’s first ever snorkel ever and she did great! Fresh pineapple before the galley wenches (Pam and I) got sandwiches up top. Okay, not a cruise ship lunch but the scenery covered for that.
Jim got us going, being mindful of the time, and we sailed back. This time Paul took the helm. Pam and I being impressed with his ease @ the helm his reply was “it is like riding a bike”. I hope I get like that one day. A harbor cruise and then Pam picked up the mooring ball so we could all head into Saba Rock for an early cocktail and get a glimpse of the moray eel and the tarpin. Back to Prickly where they picked up the tender back to their “home” for the week. Their next stop – St. Barts. It was great having them aboard and hope this day trip was just as much fun as the beach bar-b-que they missed. It was for us!
Our evening continued with catching up with sailing friends that happened to be in North Sound. Morning brought us for a walk at the Bitter End. We took the left at the fork this time which proved to be a great decision - beautiful views. Moved the boat to anchor along Prickly where I dropped the paddle board in for a paddle. We then dinghied out to the reef for a snorkel. After a bit I decided to swim back to the boat. Tell me, how does one swim in a straight line with the shore line not straight and the boats ever swinging??? Jim returns in great spirits as he rescued 2 sharks and a squirrel fish from a fish pot. Should have stuck around and I could have videoed. He did take some pictures so check them out.
We hope to catch up with a few more sailing friends before we head over to the USVIs for our next guest – Stephen. WoopWoop