Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Day 2010, woke up to sunny skies and slightly less wind, 15k - 18k instead of 20k - 24k. We had a promise of an electrician by 1:00p.m. to finish the bow thruster repair and Claude Joseph the director of operations at the marina was headed to Miami for Black Friday Shopping and he gave us his car and recommended a restaurant for Thanksgiving Dinner. By 2:30 the bow thruster was working with the Joy Stick although I will have to build a custom box to house the stick.

Claude recommended the Boat House in Simpson Bay and they must have an American chef because dinner was absolutely fantastic. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with apple, vegetables, and pumpkin pie or bread pudding for dessert.

Friday, November 26

Off the dock by 12:00 noon headed for St. Brats 24 miles away by the north route. Wind predicted to be 15k - 20k out of the east with 5' - 7' waves. In reality 18k - 25k winds with 8 - 10 foot seas. Should have taken the south route in the lee of St. Martins. Very rough and rocky ride but arrived safe and sound Gustavo, St. Barts at 5:30. Anchored in about 30 feet of water just east of the main channel. Customs closes at 6:00 p.m. so we will check in tomorrow morning.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day; we will probably stay here three or four days and then head for ???

Saturday, November 27

Checked in on a beautiful Saturday morning after a short dinghy ride from the boat. Haven't been here since 2003 for me 1975 for Sharon. Her father built a villa up on the mountain but she can't remember the address. Would like to investigate that and visit there sometime. The trip so far has had many similarities to previous adventures. When last we came this way I had a scooter accident and Sharon had a crew mate who developed a serious infection and blood poisoning. On this trip Phil developed an infection and Sharon had a scooter mishap. St. Barts has changed radically since Sharon was here and looks about the same to me. We will head for Shell Beach tomorrow so Sharon can get her beach fix.

Started looking at charts today and will probably head for Statia ( St. Eustatius) and then St. Christopher (St. Kitts). Will let you know what exciting adventures and experiences we encounter.