You travel, You learn
04 April 2016
This is especially true when you travel to the islands. Other than the well known "Island Time", which means sometime between now and when I get to it, there is the great potential to change your arrival spot 3 times. First it was ferry to Sopers Hole, Tortolla. No, just take a taxi to the Coast Guard dock along the Charlotte Amalie waterfront. WAIT! Change that - a taxi will pick you up at the airport and bring you to Red Hook, St Thomas where you will be greeted by Jim and travel to the boat on the first of many dinghy rides. The good thing is that having to travel to Red Hook gave our guests a "tour" of St Thomas. The open truck and fast speed is a perfect way to start a week in the islands.
After a quick boat tour, who is sleeping where, snack draw and lavatory instructions we settled down to some lunch and then off to St James/Christmas Cove for the night. The Rinehart's had an early and long day of flying but that did not keep them from enjoying a snorkel and a pizza dinner from Pizza Pi. Jim is famous for eating truck food but have you ever dinghied to a boat to get your dinner? I believe it is the best pizza in the US and BVIs. Although the moon was still pretty full and bright this crew hit the bunks early.
Day 2 was a motor sail up the north shore of St John with a stop @ Waterlemon Bay for the night. A hike to the Annaberg Sugar Mill and then into the water for a surprising snorkel - a couple of spotted Eagle Rays, an octopus hiding (Jim found him), various fish (Parrot, squirrel damsels,....), and ended with a turtle. Paddle boarding was next. Bailey assured me she knew how and would be fine because she had a lesson. I will have to inform her instructor to spend more time on teaching how to turn as she proceeded to be swept away with the wind. She appeared calm and enjoying the ride yet Sonya and I hopped in the dinghy to "rescue" her. We threw in our snorkel gear as there is a good spot @ the other end of the anchorage and you might as well 'kill 2 birds with one stone'.
The next morning we hiked to the ruins and then onto Coral Bay for a look-see and lunch @ Skinny Legs. Only problem is we had to walk back. Smiles came upon faces once we knew we reached the last of the climb and the remainder was downhill with the water waiting for our return. This time I swam along the paddle board and once Bailey got the hang of turning she was solo traveling from the boat to the beach and back a few times. Ellie's boundaries grew as she got used to the wind. "Is it always windy here?"
Onward to the BVIs - Ellie went in with Jim to experience immigration procedures. They were both happy they brought along a few Hersey Nuggets to treat the officer on Easter morning. We hoisted the courtesy flag while they went to the grocery for a few provisions. They came back with a bag full of Shirley cookies.!?
Great sail to Peter Island with Ben and Ellie taking turns at the helm. I prepped dinner while others snorkeled so we could do the Sunset Loop walk. Water, snacks and flashlights packed and 2.5 miles ahead of us we made it in time for a great sunset! Now 2.5miles back. Good thing was it was mostly downhill. Showers, Taco Salad for dinner and a game or two before lights out.
North Sound was our next stop. More helm time for all with a photo opportunity as yachtshotsbvi.com came by. Dropping anchor around the Bitter End/Biras Creek we took a dip in the water, paddle boarding and a diving lesson we took a quick rinse and went over to Saba Rock for Happy Hour and fish feeding. We were treated with many kite boarders out back and one guy performing tricks before the feeding. It was like parcore kite boarding. Very Impressive.
Don't remember what was for dinner each night but it was great having sous chef Bailey, master chopper Ellie and clean-up crew Sonya. Guessing the meals were yummy as they disappeared as well as Baileys Tropical Banana dessert. Hoping no one went hungry.
Motor to Leverick Bay for an island tour with Jeremy (of course we went to the Baths) and finished the land day at the Michael Bean Pirate Show. Our blowhard had a bit of stage freight but she made us proud. Boat activities lingered as we lit up the paddle board for a night paddle. Ellie was first to head out and then she took Bailey aboard for a spin. Next was Sonya - just happened that the tarpon finally acknowledged the shining lights and began to patrol the area. Yea, freaked her out a bit but Ellie and I had a great time watching the fish and the fear. Guess it did not help we were trying to feed the fish. Hahaha Onboard the ladies had a wonderful few rounds of Pass the Pigs. If you are unfamiliar with the game Google it as there is a YouTube video of the excitement. Once Ellie figured out how to say "Sooee" she ruled the herd.
Downwind sail to Norman Island everyone had a turn at the helm. Bailey would like to be on record that she prefers the high winds and beat vs the relaxing downwind sails! The night in Benures with a final meal, showers and another night paddle in a slightly darker anchorage - Sonya sat this one out but
Ben gave it a go. Of course Ellie paddled first and it was sweet Karma as the tarpon came over quickly. And bigger! Okay, Jim actually had to get onboard with her to get her away from the boat but hoping she enjoyed it between her requests to go back to the boat. Hahaha Ben remained calm and enjoyed the views. Time to pull it up when we saw a few bats fly by - UGH
Splitting the week between both the US & BVIs made time fly. Hoping we hit enough of the hot spots to entice their return to the islands.
I don't think I have ever had a more enjoyable journey bringing quests to the ferry. No, not because we were ready to get rid of them, quite the contrary. We pulled up anchor @ 6:30am, sailed with just the jib heading to Soper's Hole while the sun was rising behind us. Maybe we will be lucky again this week as we will be delivering Cooper Island guests (George and Fran) to catch the ferry to St Thomas. Keeping my fingers crossed.