May of 2008, Dan and I hauled Chinook out in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I.
After a summer's break, she got her bottom painted... Dan and I spent a week getting Chinook ready for her new home in Tortola (B.V.I). We will be visiting her in March of 2009.

May 8, 2008 through May 21, 2008

We spent ten wonderful and peaceful days in St. Croix anchored at the uninhabited Buck Island. Just when we thought, life could not get any better, Dan asked the "BIG" question..., and I said, "YES". We are very excited for our new stage in our life. We also reached our furthest point south, the island of St. Croix. During our time in St. Croix, we began to realize our adventure is quickly coming to an end. We plan to spend the rest of our time sailing in the British Virgin Islands, drinking lots of rum and soaking up the sun.

4-12-08 through 4-25-08
Congratulations Doug and Lezlie, Happy Honeymoon!

Returning to Chinook after a two week hiatus with Dan's parents, we reenergized for another busy month aboard Chinook. Our first round of visitors (Doug and Lezlie) arrived on Sunday, April 13th and departed on April 25th. We departed Red Hook Bay, American Yacht Harbour and set sail for the British Virgin Islands to clear customs in Virgin Gorda. We continued our journey to Cane Garden Bay for an exciting night on shore with live music and our friends aboard Hot-Latte-Tudes (Pam and Gram). During our stay in Cane Garden Bay, we toured the famous Callwood Rum distillery, enjoyed burgers at Stanley's, and enjoyed a heavy rainfall. I disagree with the saying, "All good things must come to an end"...Blah! Unfortunately, Dan and I parted ways with sailing friends Pam and Gram. After sailing several hundred miles together... May the seas guide them safely home!

Our travel time with Doug and Lezlie incorporated several significant stops in the B.V.I's... Sailing to Leverick Bay (marina offers a swimming pool and free water), to the Baths in Virgin Gorda, Anegada Island for fresh Lobster and Loblolly beach, Trellis Bay for a Full Moon party, Cooper Island, Road Town in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar and Ivan's), and a safe return to Red Hook Bay. Exhilarating!

4-26-08
Dan and I quickly prepared Chinook for our final round of quest...Kim, Ralph, and Colin. They joined us aboard for an evening and a day sail to Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Island. Unlike previous guest, they took advantage of the Westin Resort on St. John. It worked out great! We were able to anchor in Great Cruz Bay and dinghy ashore to spend time with Kim and Ralph. Dan and I enjoyed a day by their pool, a night out on the town, and a full day sail to Maho beach with Kim, Ralph, and Colin. Our time together passed quickly! Thanks for making the journey!

4-30-08
Shelly's Birthday aboard Chinook! Dan and I went into Cruz bay for the afternoon and sailed to Salt Pond Bay. At Salt Pond Bay, we enjoyed an afternoon snorkel and a quiet steak dinner (only boat in the harbour).

5-01-08 through 5-04-08
Sailed to Coral Bay for an overnight and departed for Christiansted, St. Croix Island. A 30 mile sail to St. Croix was a welcomed treat after our short day sails in the B.V.I.'s. Arriving in Christiansted, we were welcomed by the International St. Croix Iron Man competition....Not sure, how we manage to make it to these big events, but there was a "Jump Up" party (a local town celebration). Once again, we were on time for another cultural experience. We plan to stay in St. Croix for a few days and continue our sail towards St. Martin, a 100-mile sail and another two-day trip.