03/19/2012 THROUGH 03/25/2012 IN ST. MARTIN

MONDAY 3/19/2012 DOCKED ALL WEEK AT CAPTAIN OLIVER'S ON OYSTER POND

QUEST AND THE CON-QUEST AT HOME ON OYSTER POND

It’s been a whirlwind of a week that has included visits with Richard and Barbara Feingold and much time spent with Dick and Cheryl Hanson who are staying nearby the docked Quest. 

DINNER WITH FRIENDS ON THE QUEST

Monday night we dined at a real local join, in fact we were the only tourist in attendance.  The chef served up some great curry goat that we devoured with much gusto.  We were also served up some mighty tasty pie, both coconut and the local Guavaberry.  The small Guavaberries are used to create  the traditional Christmas time liquor that is shared with serenaders and special guests. 

HANGING OUT WITH THE LOCALS WITH CHERYL AND DICK

A phone conference on Tuesday between Dan and our business partner, Mark, resulted in an afternoon JetBlue departure for Dan.  How nice to just be able to give Robert a call and be on our way.  I am missing Dan’s company but he is tending the home fires and giving Mark some much needed assistance.  Nice to see things picking up in the business world.

Dick and Cheryl have done a tip top job keeping me amused and busy and I thank them!  They, too will be glad for Dan to return!

This week both Erin and Robert celebrated their birthdays!  Happy Birthday and I love you!   

03/12/2012 THROUGH  03/18/2012 THE VIRGIN ISLAND AND ST. MARTIN

MONDAY 03/12/2012 MOORED AT THE BITTER END YACHT CLUB, VIRGIN GORDA, BVI $30.00

     0 NM TRAVELED

With every passing hour new and larger vessels began showing up for the major “to-do” for the big boys. We scrambled for the binoculars (not that we needed them) as the 295’ Athenia glided into the bay. She ranks as one of the largest privately owned sailing vessels and is the pride and joy of Jim Clark, founder of Netscape. Her 195’mast towered so high into the sky that it sported bright red mast lights to better alert low flying planes. Poor little Quest was just a pimple on the butt of these big boys.

295' ATHENIA

TUESDAY  03/13/2012 MOORED AT MAHO BAY, USVI $7.50

     28 NM TRAVELED

 With more and more mammoth yachts and sailing vessels encroaching on our little haven, we felt it time to move on and give them their space.  We motored back to Tortola’s West End to check out of the BVI then ambled across to St. John’s Maho Bay.  So our new SVRS didn’t work so well.  Seems that we were supposed to file a float plan on line and get some number.  Who knew?  Nothing was explained to us when went to the office in person to apply.  The tender is getting to know these waters pretty well.  It was back to Cruz Bay for check in, some quick guidance from the officers on how to access the on line programs then back to Maho to meet up with the Morgan family, another Middletown Springs family that just arrived for a much needed vacation.

WELCOME MEREDITH, PAUL, MIRA AND EMMET

We had a great time with Paul and Meredith and their two kids, Emmet and Mira.  We barbecued dogs on the Quest for dinner with them and had a great time jumping from the boat and swimming in the wonderful waters of the bay. 

FIRST MEREDITH THEN
EMMET JUMP FROM THE
TOP OF QUEST

WEDNESDAY  03/14/2012  MOORED AT MAHO BAY, USVI $7.50

     0 NM TRAVELED

Today was a big day for Emmet and Meredith!  They experienced an introduction to scuba diving and young Emit, aged 10, said that swimming would never be the same.  He is living in the water and might be sprouting gills.  Both kids and parents seem to be having the time of their life and enjoying every moment of this unique experience at Maho.

EMMET AND MEREDITH, OFF FOR THEIR FIRST SCUBA DIVE EXPERIENCE

THURSDAY  03/15/2012  DOCKED AT AMERICAN YACHT HARBOR, RED HOOK, ST. THOMAS, USVI

       8 NM TRAVELED

This morning we moved Quest to a shallower mooring ball on Great Maho Bay while Dan replaced the zincs on the shaft and rudder.  He felt that shallower water would make the retrieval of any dropped parts much easier but, thankfully, no parts attempted to escape and soon the job was done.  We did a little swimming, signed off with the Morgan family and headed for Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas.

We took on fuel, got Quest docked and Dan picked up the ordered part for our Garmin.  Since the old one seemed to be working just fine, he made the call not to install it until necessary.  He did, however, re-work the towing harness for the con-Quest and make a thorough check of the weather as we pondered making the crossing to St. Martin to visit with the Dick and Cheryl Hanson and Richard and Barbara Feingold.  Everything looked good and we planned out our travel strategy to proceed east.

FRIDAY 03/16/2012  MOORED AT PETERS ISLAND, USVI $25.00

     16 NM TRAVELED

After a little laundry, some light provisioning and lunch on land we headed out for a few hours sleep off Peter Island. 

SATURDAY 03/17/2012  DOCKED AT CAPTAIN OLIVERS, OYSTER BAY, SAINT MARTIN

     128 NM TRAVELED

By 12:15 AM we had released our mooring ball and begun our journey to St. Martin.  Funny thing, as we were pulling out of the bay, one of those large and brightly lit up sailing vessels pulled in and dropped anchor.  We are talking just after midnight!!! 

Remember that Garmin part that Dan decided not to install on the mast?  Bad call!  By 1:00 AM it was no longer functioning.  Thankfully the radar worked and we had our little back-up Garmin for guidance but the auto pilot did not work and poor Dan had to stand and actually steer the course of Quest until around 4:00 when the system miraculously decided to work again.  Weird!

It was a fairly uneventful trip (discounting the non-functioning Garmin) and by 8:00 AM we could make out St. Martin in the distance.  We aimed for the northern shore and the French side of the island, passed by Marigot, Grand Cass and Anse Marcel before heading south along the eastern shore.  With Tintamarre to our port and Ile Pinel to our starboard, we caught sight of the sweeping Orient Bay.  The Feingolds spend their time at a resort on this lovely stretch of beach.

QUEST AS FIRST SPOTED BY THE DICK AND CHERYL
DURING HER APPROACH TO THE ISLAND

JUST ROUNDING THE POIUNT AND MAKING OUR WAY
TO THE HARBOR ENTRANCE

Just after passing by Orient Bay we were on the lookout for the aid to navigation markers that mark the entrance to the protected lagoon of Oyster Pond.  Dan expertly made the entrance and now came the sport of trying to raise someone.  We had been trying to phone and email for 2 days and had yet to get any response.  Lucky for us Dick and Cheryl were there to greet us and began to search out some Pasqual, the Harbor Master.  No easy feat!  We watched a Moorings Charter catamaran pull out of the overcrowded docks and quickly took its place only to be told that this would not be acceptable.  We had pulled right into the middle of the Moorings much used dock and they had charters coming and going on this stifling Saturday.  After finally locating Pasqual, he evaluated the situation, showed Dan the only possible dock and we proceeded to move Quest to a spot right in front of the busy Dingy Dock Restaurant.

 Since Oyster Pond is on the border of both the French and the Dutch, I was unsure as to how to proceed with checking in.  Lucky for us, the Sunsail office had a computer that you could use to check yourself in.  This easy task did prove to be a little challenging as the keyboard is not the same as ours but close enough that I didn’t always notice the deviation.  What a bargain at only $5.00 though!!  Oh, and by the way, we are checked into the French side.  From here we can walk, drive or dingy to destinations on the Dutch side but must check in if we take Quest.

Here is a totally charming but unsubstantiated story on the division of St. Martin.  It seems that the occupying Dutch and French made arrangements to divide the island in a most civilized manner.  A Frenchman, armed with a bottle of wine, and a Dutchman with his gin began walking and the boundary was set where the met.  Since the French St. Martin is larger, perhaps the stronger gin slightly impaired the Dutchman’s ability to make tracks, leaving Sint Maarten noticeably smaller.  Like I said, this is just an enchanting little story.  

DICK AND CHERYL WELCOME US TO SAINT MARTIN

SUNDAY 03/18/2012    DOCKED AT CAPTAIN OLIVERS ON OYSTER BAY POND IN ST MARTINA

     0 NM TRAVELED

Dick and Cheryl, who are staying within walking distance to our dock, picked us up and we headed to meet Richard and Barbara for a lovely French breakfast of croissants, baguettes, fresh squeezed orange juice and dynamite coffee.  Ah, the French do know how to serve up a good meal. 

Later in the day we all met at the Hanson’s charming little cottage, perched on the hill overlooking the bay.  It was fun to cool off in the tiny pool, ogle over the spectacular view, break some bread together and catch up on personal news.

THE POOL ON DICK AND CHERYL'S DECK

THE VILLA OPENS UP ONTO THE DECK

THE HANSON'S VIEW OF OYSTER POND

  We also watched the scoreboard for finals in Indian Wells as John Isner attempted (alas only attempted) to bring down the mighty Roger Federer.  Close, oh so close!  John and Sam then gave it their all in the doubles finals against Nadal and Lopez.  What a great accomplishment to make it to the finals!  Next time we hope for the big win!

03/05/2012 THROUGH 03/11/2012 IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

MONDAY 03/05/2012

   DOCKED AT CROWN BAY MARINA

It was laundry, cleaning, stocking the liquor cabinet, making appointments for the SVRS and preparing for Dan’s return tomorrow.  Dull but got lots done!  Oh yes, I did have to move the tender to a new dock in the marina.  All those years I drove the ski boat paid off but I was a nervous wreck doing it by myself.  No problem, almost.  Just when I went to turn into the new slip, the engine died.  With the whipping wind and swift current I felt a moment of panic but, thankfully, it started right up and all was well.  

A boat transport ship docked nearby today and I could watch the action as they off loaded several vessels.  One of the sailboats, flagged from Monaco, ended up docking in our Crown Bay Marina.

A BOAT'S BOAT
NOTE THE SAILBOAT ON THE LEFT

THE MONACO SAILING VESSEL OFF THE SHIP AND DOCKED

TUESDAY  03/06/2012 A LITTLE LATE BUT HOME TO QUEST AT LAST

   DOCKED AT CROWN BAY MARINA

Dan’s day started out great.  He got on his first stand-by flight with no problem, arrived in San Juan in plenty of time and got his boarding pass to proceed on to St. Thomas.  Due to some “mystery problems” they were delayed in taking off about an hour.  Luckily all the issues were resolved and he made his 15-20 minute flight from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas with no other issues.  Both Judy and Quest were happy to see him!

As we made our run from Maho Bay to Crown Bay Marina last week, the Garmin chart plotter “freaked out”, not even able to secure our location.  Dan had contacted GarmIn while in FL, purchased the correct replacement pod and attempted to install it this evening.  ----- the best laid plans!  It was almost, but not quite, the right part.  The little attachment had the incorrect prong layout.  Bummer!  Guess we tomorrow will be all about finding the correct part. 

WEDNESDAY  03/07/2012  GETTING OUR SVRS

   DOCKED AT CROWN BAY MARINA

This morning we reported to US Customs and Immigration for our SVRS (Small Vessel Reporting System) interview.  Piece of cake!  We will now be able to just call into Customs and Immigration when entering US waters to report our arrival and, most likely, not have to physically go to one of their offices to clear in.  It is no guarantee but most times they just ask a few questions and welcome you home.

After a few phone calls to local boating supply facilities, Dan found someone willing to investigate the Garmin issue and order the correct part.  We will have that sometime next week when we return to St. Thomas before heading back towards Puerto Rico.  Having traveled most of these waters already Dan felt comfortable to move on tomorrow.

THURSDAY  03/08/2012  BACK TO JOST VAN DYKE IN THE BVI

    19 NM TRAVELED
    MOORED IN GREAT HARBOUR ON JOST VAN DYKE  $25.00

 We settled up our bill, grabbed a little produce from the marina market and pulled out of our slip with little fanfare and no “show”.  Oh, by the way, the Garmin chart plotter decided it was OK to work today and aided us in our navigation. 

We knew it would be a windy passage today but were totally surprised to have gusts up to 41 NM.  Just hold on baby!  Since we only had to go a short 19 NM to the bay at Jost Van Dyke, it didn’t last long and soon we were attached to one of those terrific mooring balls that the Virgin Islands have a wealth of.   It is such a good system.  The coral beds are protected, the boats are spaced properly and you don’t have to worry about dragging your anchor.  In the BVI they are generally $25.00 and well worth it.

 First things first, time to visit customs and immigration to check back into the BVIs.  It is such an easy process here.  You fill out a couple of forms, show them your passport and boat documentation, fork over a few dollars and you are done! 

THIS IS WHERE WE CHECK IN ON JOST VAN DYKE

Check in was easy but not so easy that we didn’t feel that we deserved a reward visit to Foxy’s for a rum Painkiller and a roti.  We relaxed while watching the mooring field continue to fill with boaters.  We discovered these reminders of familiar places plastered about Foxy’s.

NOT THE "REAL, LIVE FOXY" BUT NOTE THE IN-N-OUT BURGER STICKER
AS WELL AS THE ONE FROM MAD RIVER GLEN

STOWE, VERMONT

AND FOR THOSE AVID BOISE STATE FANS----

Somehow I expected a quiet and peaceful night in the mooring field.  Silly me!  As the night wore on, the noise level escalated.  The highly inebriated, loudly squealing crowd continued well into the wee hours!

FRIDAY 03/09/2012 “DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE”

   19 NM TRAVELED
   MOORED AT MARINA CAY $25.00

First of all, even though we had thought to spend a couple of days in Foxy’s bay, we were so out of there this morning.  However, the boating gods were not shining down on us today.  The Garmin decided not to work at all, not even to show us the water’s depth.  Then the water temperature alarm shrieked a warning at us!  The gauge showed the temp to be 200 where it usually runs at 180.  Dan turned off the starboard engine, established that there was no cold water coming in to circulate and cool that engine then we limped into Tortola’s West End and managed to snag a mooring ball, not such an easy task with only one engine and no thrusters. By 11:30 Dan had replaced the impeller for the raw water pump with a spare and we were off again.  And guess what?  Good old Garmin decided to, once again, come alive and give us guidance. 

We proceeded along the southern shore of Tortola, ducking into an anchorage just off the lovely private Buck Island for a lunch break the continued on to the mooring field off Marina Cay.  What a lovely, charming area.  Author Robb White and his wife, Rodie, purchased Marina Cay in 1937 and constructed their much loved home here.  Robb’s book, Our Virgin Isle, was written about their experiences and later made into a movie with Sidney Poitier and John Cassavetes.  This retreat is now a Pusser’s Resort (as in the rum) and has managed to retain the easy-going Caribbean charm.  Think I may love it!

WE STOPPED OFF BUCK ISLAND FOR A LUNCH BREAK
 ON QUEST BUT MOVED ON

MARINA CAY PROVED TO HAVE JUST THE RIGHT
 ATMOSPHERE FOR OUR STAY

 SATURDAY 03/10/2012  JUST ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE
    MOORED AT MARINA CAY  $25.00

This is proving to be a wonderful spot.  It was blissfully quiet last night with no surge to rock Quest.  Even though the Tortola airport is just a ‘stone’s throw’ away, it is only used by smaller planes and their path is not directly over us.  It would be a great place to pick up guests flying into the islands.  The beach bars lining Trellis Bay are just a short 5 minute walk from the airport, making it the unofficial lounge for those waiting for flights off the island or arriving passengers.  We were doubly thankful for our quiet retreat as we looked out across the waters to Virgin Gorda and saw two huge cruise ships anchored off Spanish Town.  We were happy to be right where we were!

TORTOLA'S SMALL AIRPORT ON BEEF ISLAND WAS JUST
A STONE'S THROW FROM OUR MOORING SITE

WE COULD SEE THESE TWO CRUISE SHIPS OFF VIRGIN GORDA
AND WERE HAPPY NOT TO BE THERE FIGHTING FOR SPACE

Dan prepped and applied another coat of varnish to the bright work this morning then did some maintenance work on the tender before we stole away to the lovely sand beach on Marina Cay for an afternoon of relaxation and snorkeling.  I think this was the clearest water and had the most live coral of any place we have snorkeled in the Virgin Islands.  We spotted two beautiful Scrawled Filefish, the ever present Sargent Majors, Parrotfish and various Butterflyfish and Angelfish.

DAN, HARD AT WORK

SUNDAY 03/11/2012  VIRGIN GORDA WITH THE BOG BOYS
    MOORED AT BITTER END YACHT CLUB ON VIRGIN GORDA ($30.00)

This morning it was on to the Bitter End Yacht Club on the northern shores of Virgin Gorda.  Whoa, we may be out of our league here!  The bay bas peppered with some of the biggest mono-hull sailing vessels that I have ever seen, not to mention a few choice motor yachts.  It appears that this is the site of the 2012 Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous which runs March 14 through the 17.  Motor yachts and mono-hull sailing vessels with an overall length of 80’ and catamarans over 60’ are invited to participate in all the festivities at the fabulous Virgin Gorda Superyacht Marina and Yacht Club.  I am sure that more of these 100’ + babies will be arriving in the next couple of days.

TRY THIS MEGA-SAILING VESSEL ON FOR SIZE!

Dan’s afternoon got real interesting as he observed the Dana Maria dropping anchor.  Seems their anchor did not hold and they quickly drifted back into the swimming area, snagging the boundary markers and lines on their prop and shaft.  As they called the BEYC for some assistance, Dan jumped in the tender and raced to lend a hand as they began to drift towards the rocky shore.  He threw them a rope and was able to keep them off the rocks while a diver hacked away the tangle of ropes.  Thankfully, all ended well and Gary, the owner of Dana Maria, treated us to a lovely dinner at the BEYC in gratitude.  What an enjoyable evening it turned out to be as we dined and chatted with Gary and his guests, Mike and Linda.  Thank you Gary for such a lovely evening!

THE DANA MARIA WAS IN SERIOUS NEED OF SOME ASSISTANCE

02/27/2012 THROUGH 03/04/2012 IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

MONDAY 2/27: MOORED AT MAHO BAY IN ST JOHN TRAVELED 17 NM

First of all, Robert made it to Orlando for his JetBlue training as scheduled. It was so nice having his company and capable assistance with Quest and the tender. Missing you, Robert!

Since we had a couple of days before Dan had to make his flight to Florida for work, we opted to spend them anchored off Maho Bay on St. John. Well, another very good reason for choosing Maho was that Hugh and Bud would be arriving there tomorrow to stay in the Maho Bay Echo-resort with their tent cottages, environmentally sensitive walkways and recycling awareness.

Donning our snorkel gear, Dan and I spent a bit of time giving Quest a good bottom scrub, trying to remove some of the accumulated sludge that had attached to her. We rewarded ourselves by spending the afternoon snorkeling the reef and enjoying the beautiful huge Ray that had taken up temporary residence in the bay. We also found numerous small rays skimming along the shallow shore line, live conch moving at their snail’s pace along the bottom and two $20.00 bills on the seas’ bed. Not a bad day!

TUESDAY 2/28: MOORED AT MAHO BAY IN ST JOHN

Today we took the little con-Quest out of the US Territorial waters and into the foreign port of Soper’s Hole in West End on Tortola. Everything is so close here that you can easily do this. Not quite so easy though. Once we pulled into the bay we had to “check in” to this British island so that meant a visit to their customs and immigration. $15.00 later we had all the necessary paperwork and were checked both in and out for our departure later that afternoon. We had a lovely lunch and visit with Richard and Helga of M/Y Helga’s Car then made our way back to St. John in the USVI. That’s right, since we had been in a foreign country we had to check back into the US through Customs and Immigration. We have to get enrolled in the “Local Boaters” so that most of these island hopping ventures will involve only a phone call, at least while it is only Dan and I on the Quest.

JUDY AND HELGA AFTER A PUSSER'S RUM PAINKILLER

By now Hugh and Bud had arrived at Mayo Bay and we met up with them on the beach and toted them out to meet the Quest before heading to the resort for dinner. I have to tell you, it was soooo cool! There a gazillion wooden steps and elevated walkways that take you up the hill from the blissful beach to the charming cottages and dining area. It was like my dream of a summer camp but geared for adults and families. Totally loved it!

HUGH, BUD AND DAN TELLING TALL TALES

HUGH AND BUD'S BUNGALOW

WEDNESDAY 2/29: DOCKED CROWN BAY MARINA IN ST THOMAS TRAVELED 17 NM

After Hugh and Bud swam out to the Quest for breakfast (and swam back after) we dropped the mooring line and made our way back to St. Thomas and the Crown Bay Marina. This will be my home for the next week while Dan is working in Florida. With the wind gusting and without Robert’s help we were kind of the show today. (Remember---“Sometimes you’re lucky enough to be the audience and sometimes you are the show”) With Dan’s persistence and competence, along with a little help from the shore, we finally were secure to the dock.

BUD AND HUGH HAD TO SWIM FOR THEIR SUPPER (MAKE THAT BREAKFAST)

QUEST AT HOME IN CROWN BAY MARINA ON ST. THOMAS

Now, I am truly wondering who is left back home in cold Vermont. Nance just arrived to spend some time with her Aunt Margaret and they dropped in for a brief “Hello” while out and about. Hugh and Bud are here, the Hansons and Feingolds are in St. Marten, the Porters are in CA, Nan may just be back from her visit to Santa Domiingo and the Morgans will be arriving at Maho next week. Guess it is all up to you Eddie, keep those home fires burning!! Anyway, I was glad to see Nance and hope that she and Aunt Margaret will grace me with their company during my week alone here.

THURSDAY 3/1: DOCKED CROWN BAY MARINA IN ST THOMAS

Dan made all his JetBlue connections and arrived in Orlando as planned. The job itself won’t start until early Saturday morning but he will be doing some site inspections and pre-work planning on Friday.

One of my major projects for today to get online and update the Blog. Ah, the best made plans just don’t always come to fruition. After spending hours fiddling with the blasted thing, all the while thinking I was doing something improperly, I finally called the provider. Well, it appears that Beacon WI-FI was down at the marina and I was just out of luck. They had no idea when it might be back up again either.

I did a little walking around, began the chore of oiling the interior wood and was most happy to have Nance join me for cocktails and dinner at Tickles, the marina’s local pub and restaurant. We both relaxed and just generally enjoyed our visit.

FRIDAY 3/2: DOCKED CROWN BAY MARINA IN ST THOMAS

It was back to oiling the inside wood this morning but the Wi-Fi was up and going by noon. I did a little bank work then took off towards Charlotte Amalie, the main town in St. Thomas. It was a lovely walk with much right along the waterfront. I found all the typical shops, managed to enjoy myself while wasting a bit of time and got a good walk in to boot. Not a bad day!

SATURDAY 3/3: DOCKED CROWN BAY MARINA IN ST THOMAS

This evening Nance and I went way up the hill to a restaurant where Margaret’s friend, Huley, was making some good music with his band. What a great time we had! Unfortunately, Margaret is a bit under the weather and has not been up to joining in our outings but I know she is benefiting from Nance’s great care and company.

SUNDAY: DOCKED CROWN BAY MARINA IN ST THOMAS

Nance and I really stepped outside the box today. We took the ferry from Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas to St. John then grabbed the Maho Bay taxi and met up with Hugh and Bud. What a grand time we had visiting and snorkeling in the lovely bay. I do have to tell you that Little Maho didn’t appear to have any of those “$20.00 bill fish” like Great Maho did.

NANCE ALL SET FOR THE FERRY RIDE TO ST JOHN

HUGH AND BUD ON THEIR DECK AT MAHO BAY

There was a little bit of excitement in our morning. While waiting on the ferry for departure we observed this sailboat in distress. We assumed his motor was not functioning as five dingys sort of rounded him up, nosed into the boat’s s side and moved it out of the channel. I almost expected someone to lasso the “gal-durn” thing and give out a “yahoo” whoop! We never did find out just what the issues were but it sure kept us busy watching for a while.

IT WAS LIKE A DINGY RODEO

Dan finished up the job in Florida then had to drive to South Carolina to look at another prospective job. Think the poor boy is whipped and will be glad to return home to the Quest on Tuesday. I know I’ll be glad to see him.

02/26/2012 TAKING A HIKE ON ST JOHN THEN BACK TO ST THOMAS

02/26/2012  CROWN BAY MARINA ON ST. THOMAS, USVI

SUNDAY

15 NM TRAVELED

DOCKED ATCROWN BAY MARINA, ST THOMAS, USVI

Before making Robert’s final trip back to St. Thomas we took a hike around the Lameshur Bay areas and were able to look back and see both Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay connected by Yawzi Point. We found the lovely, rocky Europa bay and spent a few minutes enjoying the sights and sounds before heading back.

WE FOUND THE SPUR TO EUROPA BAY

ALMOST THERE!!

ROBERT ENJOYING THE LAST FEW MOMENTS OF THE CRASHING WAVES

THE SOUNDS OF THE TUMBLING ROCKS LULLED US ALL

So it’s back to St. Thomas for Robert’s flight back to the mainland tomorrow morning. This time we thought we would try Crown Bay, a little closer to the airport. It was a lovely marina and they were willing to give us the night at the weekly rate if we prepaid for that night and the seven days Quest will be here while Dan has to work in Florida. Unfortunately, the adjacent freight dock was busy all night long, first offloading the high stacks of containers then stacking on the new ones to be shipped out. A tad bit noisy!!

TICKELS DOCKSIDE PUB IN CROWN BAY MARINA

OFF-LOADING THE CONTAINER SHIP
NOTE THE WHITE TRUCK WAITING TO BE LIFTED TO THE GROUND

There is a very nice Gourmet Gallery for provisioning, a laundry facility, a boat chandlery, a hair salon and even a dog groomer right here in the marina. We will only be here for one night now but I’m sure I will explore the surrounding areas when I return.

02/25/2012 STEFFI HEADS TO LONDON AND WE GO TO LAMESHUR BAY

02/25/2012 GREAT LAMESHUR BAY ON ST JOHN, USVI

SATURDAY

8 NM TRAVELED

ANCHORED AT GREAT LAMPESHUR BAY ON THE SOUTHERN SHORE OF ST. JOHN, USVI

SUNRISE: 6:40 AM IN ST THOMAS, USVI

SUNSET: 6: 24 PM IN LAMESHUR BAY

Sad for us but great for Steffi, she got off from St. Thomas and made all her stand-by connections, arriving back in London and ready for school to begin on Monday.

STEFFI IS OFF FOR THE ST THOMAS AIRPORT AND HER FLIGHTS HOME

We pulled in our lines and made our way to the southern shore of St. John where we anchored in Great Lameshur Bay. We were tucked in and protected from the wind and spent a blissful night on the National Parks mooring ball.

THE PAY STATION HERE WAS JUST ASHORE

The snorkeling was actually quite nice here and we all took a dip in the warm waters. Robert saw squid and a turtle and we all found live coral and inquisitive fish.

02/24/2012 CHECKING BACK INTO THE USVI THEN ONTO ST. THOMAS

02/24/2012  ST THOMAS, USVI
FRIDAY

19 NM TRAVELED

DOCKED AT AMERICAN YACHT HARBOR IN RED HOOK, ST THOMAS, USVI

SUNRISE: 6:41 AM ON PETER ISLAN, BVI

SUNSET: 6: 24 PM IN ST THOMAS, USVI

Dan dropped Steffi and Robert off at the beach, computer in hand, so they might walk over to the lovely Peter Island Resort in search of Wi-Fi. This charming resort, built in the 1960s by a Norwegian family and recently renovated, had great services and they were able to get Steffi checked in for her tomorrow morning flight. That, as you all know by now, is subject to change when you are a non-revenue, stand-by patron!

Since we were heading back into the US territories of the USVI, we had to check back into country with Customs and Immigration. We headed back to St. John and grabbed a temporary mooring ball in Caneel Bay, made the phone call to Customs and Immigration then took the tender to Cruz Bay where we proceeded to the Customs and Immigration Office right there on the waterside. It was a quick and easy process, even with our token “foreigner” with her EU passport. Steffi travels so much that she has this down pat.

Off to St. Thomas where we checked into the American Yacht Harbor for the night. There are several shops, restaurants and a small but nice market right here.  The ferry terminal is also just next door. From here you can catch a ride to many of the other islands and it is a much used mode of transportation.  Steffi was all packed and ready for her morning flight that will take her first to San Juan then onto NYC and finally back to London.  Her school vacation is over and she must report for teaching on Monday morning.  We will miss her but wish her safe and successful travels back.

AMERICAN YACHT HARBOR IN RED HOOK, ST. THOMAS

02/23/2012 SANYD CAY, SOPER'S HOLE ON TORTOLA AND PETER ISLAND

02/23/2012  PETER ISLAND, BVI

THURSDAY

14 NM TRAVELED

MOORED IN GREAT HARBOUR ON PETER ISLAND

SUNRISE: 6:42 AM

SUNSET: 6:23 PM

Whew! I get tired just thinking about all we did today.

Having been intrigued by lovely Sandy Cay, we took the con-Quest over and swam ashore. Perhaps a little more than we bargained for but Robert, Steffi and I made it and did a bit of walking about. It was ‘Dan to the rescue’ when he brought the tender in closer to shore for our swim back.

ROBERT TESTING THE WATERS ON SANDY CAY

The next step of our adventure brought us to Soper’s Hole on the southwestern shores of Tortola. We borrowed a mooring ball while we perused the fabulous provisioning store there, stuck our noses into the cutesy shops and stopped for lunch and a Pusser’s Painkiller at the famous Pusser’s Landing.

SOPER'S HOLE ON THE WEST END OF TORTOLA

I think we passed on the tale of Pusser Rum and the British Royal Navy when we were in Annapolis at one of their restaurants but I will hit the highlights again for you.

Way back in 1640 Great Britain’s Royal Navy began to issue a daily rum ration, known as a ‘tot”, to its sailors. This ½ pint in the morning and ½ pint at night of the unique Navy Rum was sometimes called Pusser’s. This was corruption of the word purser, the naval officer in charge of doling out the daily rations of rum. This long running tradition which continued until July 31, 1970 was altered slightly in 1740 when Admiral Vernon attempted to reduce the “drunkenness” by diluting the rum with water and allotting them a bit of lime and sugar to make it a bit more palatable to the men. Needless to say, this didn’t go over well but the“grog” became the first mixed cocktail. www.pussers.com

Having decided not to spend the night in Soper’s Hole we headed out for an anchorage. Our first choice was The Bight at Norman island but it looked much like a shopping mall parking lot that we just sailed on past.

At Peter Island’s Great Harbour we managed to stake out a spot, juggling positions with two other approaching boats. At last, everyone had their anchors down and was satisfied with their positions in the harbor. I’m telling you, the Virgin Islands makes the Exumas look deserted. Robert and Steffi were able to take the tender out for a little island exploring before the sunset and then returned to give the Quest a light bathing. Now she is salt-free, at least until we travel again tomorrow!



STEFFI AND ROBERT EXPLORING THE AREA NEAR PETER ISLAND



02/22/2012 SNORKELING THE REEF AT TRUNK BAY THEN ON TO THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

02/22/2012 LITTLE JOST VAN DYKE IN THE BVI

WEDNESDAY

10 NM TRAVELED

ANCHORED JUST OF LITTLE JOST VAN DYKE

SUNRISE: 6:43 AM

SUNSET: 6: 22 PM

After spending the night rocking and rolling with the surge, were up and snorkeling the reef in Trunk Bay before even taking breakfast. It was rather disappointing after my memories of 10 years ago and the crystalline waters in the Exumas. Unfortunately, the waters have become slightly cloudy and the fish population seemed much diminished. Maybe it was just an off day.

During the afternoon we took Quest to the BVIs. We pulled into Great Harbor on Jost Van Dyke, grabbed one of the few remaining mooring balls, took the tender in and headed to the Customs Office to check in to the British West Indies. $30.00 and a few minutes later, we were legally in the BVI. We visited the infamous Foxy’s beach bar for a mighty fine Chicken-roti and our first “Painkiller” on the islands.

We decided to move just a little further east to Little Jost Van Dyke to anchor for the night and have a refreshing swim. Again, it was a little rolly but much more peaceful than Caneel Bay.

THIS ABANDONED SHED WAS KIND OF A VISITOR-DECORATED LITTLE
BEACH RETREAT ON LITTLE JOST VAN DYKE

02/21/2012 JUST A QUICK VISIT TO LOVELY CULEBRITA THEN ON TO THE VERGIN ISLANDS

02/21/2012 ST JOHN, USVI
TUESDAY

38 NM TRAVELED

ANCHORED IN ST JOHN AT CANEEL BAY

SUNRISE: 6:47 AM IN CULEBRA

SUNSET: 6: 22 PM IN ST. JOHN

After dropping the hook on the southeast shore of Isla Culebrita, we jumped into the con- and sipped over to Tortuga Beach for a walk around and some snorkeling. What an inviting cove it proved to be. With our heads in the water we found an eel peaking out of a coral head, a squid gliding by, several species of fish, spiny sea urchins, a pair of long-lost sunglasses and a fork. We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay here and vowed to spend more time on the return leg of our journey.

TORTUGA BEACH ON ISLA CULEBRITA

SUN, SAND AND SMILEY FACES

Expecting the arrival of some gusty weather beginning tonight and tomorrow, we wanted to traverse the passage to the US Virgin Islands in today’s calm waters. By 1:15 we were on the sheltered lee of St. Thomas Island, ogling at the stately houses perched upon the hillside. We waved at the queuing JetBlue planes as we passed the airport, made evasive actions to dodge a car ferry, watched the loading of freight at the shipping port and passengers at the cruise ship docks and made note of the colorful abodes along the shore before continuing onto lovely St. John.

THAT'S RIGHT, JETBLUE IS HERE IN ST. THOMAS

THE CAR FERRY SHUTTLES VEHICLES ACROSS TO THE NEARBY ISLANDS

AND ALWAYS, THE CRUISE SHIP PORT IS BUSY

COLORFUL CARIBBEAN RESORT

Here I am, expecting and anticipating the remembered calm and quiet of St. John’s lovely bays. Guess what guys! Not so much anymore! Ferries were zipping in and out between the islands. Boats were moored or anchored everywhere and day cruisers wending their way betwixt the stationary and moving vessels. We dropped the hook in Caneel Bay then tendered back to Cruz Bay to find out about the mooring systems. It is all part of the National Park System and you pay to help maintain the rather nice mooring system. If you are more than 60’, you must anchor outside the mooring fields and reef line but, thankfully, we can make use of their system and gladly pay up for the night. We find that they do have little floating pay stations in most of the mooring fields so you just paddle up to the platform, grab an envelope, fill out the information, stuff in the appropriate amount of $$ and deposit the envelope in the provided box. Works good for me!




LOVELY CANEEL BAY BEACH AND RESORT



USVI NATIONAL PARKS HEADQUARTERS

Surprise, surprise! We moored right by both M/Y Helga’s Car and S/V Meant To Be proving, once again, just what a small world the boating the boating community can be.