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S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion #138158
08/17/2017 03:09 PM
08/17/2017 03:09 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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BVI July 31 - August 9, 2017 (Part 9, Conclusion)

It was the penultimate day of departure. The rains had passed us by and there was still plenty of cloud cover around. I didn't feel like pulling the camera out much on this gray morning. Donna and I readied the boat for departure and without waking the 20'somethings we motored quietly out of the bay. Water tanks still registered near full, good job turning off the faucets! I wanted to see White Bay at its most sleepy time so we did a drive by, noticing 3 charter boats had overnight there in front of Ivans. The storm had not included big swells so I guess it was prudent for those caught off guard to just hunker down. We unfurled the jib and enjoyed a quiet slow sail towards the western end of Great Thatch, 4.5 knots. On our final last full day we tend to shift down a gear to try to slow the inevitable. Sydney would appear, rubbing her eyes asking if that was the Soggy Dollar she saw from her cabin window. We had to pay close attention to the water in front of us because the seas were littered with some large debris. The dozens of floating coconuts were like a mine field, ha!


[Linked Image]




Once in the passage between the Thatches the crew was all up and the hand line was out, nothing biting. Our goal today was to hit the Bight and wing it from there. Mark had texted again and asked if we knew about the "State of Emergency" on Tortola, no I didn't! He said getting to the ferry shouldn't be a problem, but roads are a mess all around the island. Soon after that Rory from TMM called asking if our intentions were to still return the boat the following morning, unfortunately yes. He said the island lost power and many services were on the fritz, Delta fuel docks may or may not be open, no problem he says, then signal lost. I felt bad for those trying to travel this day, it further strengthened my peace of mind in having trip insurance.

Approaching the Bight we saw there were plenty of boats already at the Indians and Caves, so we motored to where else... the Willy T. I think it was noon and they were just starting to open. There were no patrons at the boat yet as we lathered up the SPF. The skies were mostly cloudy with a few welcome blue openings starting to emerge. Oh [censored]....here comes the Bad Kitty day boat from St John. Now I have a soft spot for this party vessel because we chartered her for 16 friends a few years ago and had a memorable time, but we knew there were more than that on board today and that meant a long wait for fries and wings. Oh well, the more the merrier!



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We dragged our feet a bit giving the Kitty time to settle. It was nice to talk with the captain of the Kitty because he informed me that the Cooper Island Resort, who was scheduled to close on the 16th, had actually announced their immediate closure due to the storm. There goes our last dinner plans, we love that place. Discovered Pirates Bight was also closed. Luckily we had plenty of provisions remaining so not to worry. Time for a drink and some JUMPING!!



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The Kitty crowd was less than rowdy and we only spent a short time on the Willy T. On the way out we noticed plenty of boats at the Caves but the Indians were wide open, time for a snorkel.



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I contacted TMM again via the cell phone they provided. I confirmed that if Delta was in fact closed when we get there tomorrow we were off the hook for physically topping her off?, confirmed. I told them about the closures we discovered and ask if they knew about Peter Islands status, they didn't know. They said why not grab a ball in Great Harbour on Peter? Good idea, we've never been. It was a beautifully quiet spot, there were only a few boats to keep us company. We dinged into the beach and tried to walk to the resort, but once we reached the salt pond we couldn't find a clear trail? anybody with local knowledge know of a trail? we traced our steps back to the dinghy and proceeded to motor around the Great Harbour point. The chop was too much so we bailed on that idea. Instead we returned to S/V Orion and lazily soaked up the abundant sunshine jumping and swimming. After cooking our last meal onboard we settled up top to watch our final sunset and moon rise of the trip, it was a great one.



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Morning came and we were disappointed to be completing last minute packing and clean up on Orion. During our slow motor out we kept looking over our shoulders at the marvelous sunrise. The trip to Road Town was short and quick. Delta would not answer my radio calls, but we hovered just off their dock and 2 men hesitated to assist us, they pointed at the office building? Just then a gentleman walked down and we were soon topping off the diesel. 60 gallons, $240, with really only 8.5 days running the engines and generator I was happy with the 7 gallon a day average. I wish I had taken note of the total engine hours, but I do know we ran that generator a lot! Once we had her belly full we tried to raise TMM via radio, no reply...it was exactly 0800hr and they were probably just opening up. I eased Orion into the channel and we saw Joyce on a dock and in her unique voice she says "welcome back!" Then Elvis and Jonathon walked to the slip and pointed at the tightest spot...REALLY, how about that open slip next to you?! Jonathon pointed again to the tight spot...I gave thumbs up. The crew was on their game once again tossing lines ashore. Easy peazy, I liked it. I had shaved the day prior and Elvis said, "did you find a barber shop?" ha! I told him the only issue he needed to work on was replacing the locking nut on the main, what a great catamaran! The check out process was quick and painless, thank you Mark and TMM, you are awesome!



[Linked Image]




Other than the roads on the way to the ferry looked like a hurricane had hit and it took a while to get there our travel day was issue free. So, let me finish by saying the entire trip from start to finish was outstanding, more wonderful memories and FYI our return trip is already in the works!


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Stay Positive my friends! Cheers!





Last edited by BEERMAN; 02/01/2020 05:54 PM.
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Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138159
08/17/2017 04:11 PM
08/17/2017 04:11 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
LocalSailor Offline
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LocalSailor  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
It is a rare sail when we don't have the last night dinner aboard -- with a tasty,unique and varied selection and combo of unused provisions.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138160
08/17/2017 04:23 PM
08/17/2017 04:23 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
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Cleobeach Offline
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Cleobeach  Offline
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Joined: May 2008
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I enjoyed all your reports and was thrilled when I found a new one to read with my morning coffee. Thanks for taking the time to post!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138161
08/17/2017 04:28 PM
08/17/2017 04:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
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Twanger  Offline
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Maryland
Always bittersweet, that last sail back to base.

We typically use about 110 gallons of fuel in 9 days.
We run the generator about 14-hours a day, and are not shy to motor, or motor-sail.

Your picture of the Indians has Pelican Island behind them.
I did a diver there about a month ago in 15-60 feet of water. The shallow part of the reef in about 15 feet of water is a really nice. It would be a good snorkel.

Saw a big lobster out in the open on the reef, and a large turtle eating grass on the bottom in 65 feet of water. I trimmed negative and laid on the bottom about 3-feet away and just watched him eat. They are such beautiful and gentle creatures!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Twanger] #138162
08/17/2017 05:10 PM
08/17/2017 05:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 594
Michigan
I
IWIWSE Online content
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IWIWSE  Online Content
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Michigan
Rick,

As sorry to see the conclusion of your trip report
as you were to see the end of your charter.
Ok, that's a huge exaggeration but you get the point.
Thanks so much for sharing.
You and your family have perfect carib attitudes.
Well done.

Mike

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: IWIWSE] #138163
08/17/2017 05:22 PM
08/17/2017 05:22 PM
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 98
Fayetteville, Ar
NWA4Sail Offline
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NWA4Sail  Offline
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Posts: 98
Fayetteville, Ar
Thank you for those great reports and pics! Missing the BVI's even more!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: NWA4Sail] #138164
08/17/2017 06:41 PM
08/17/2017 06:41 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
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All of your reports and photos are just awesome!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for taking the time to make us all happy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: LBI2SXM] #138165
08/17/2017 07:03 PM
08/17/2017 07:03 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Hello from the hills of West Virginia up top George Washington National Forest. Glad our cabin has wifi because it's just me and the dog! No cable, just tapes and dvd's, maybe I'll watch 50 First Dates and sleep in til 0630!! Thank you very much for the kind words, Cheers!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138166
08/17/2017 08:03 PM
08/17/2017 08:03 PM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 272
Va Beach
Kmon Online content
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Kmon  Online Content
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Va Beach
It looked like magic was in the air for the four of you on your adventure! Thanks for your great report (as usual)! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Kmon] #138167
08/17/2017 09:14 PM
08/17/2017 09:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 36
Tyler, TX
Mdsmurph Offline
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Posts: 36
Tyler, TX
Thanks again for the great report; really made my week.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138168
08/17/2017 09:16 PM
08/17/2017 09:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 724
Cumming, GA
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GTcapt Offline
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GTcapt  Offline
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Posts: 724
Cumming, GA
Thanks for sharing. we have our 16th charter next June for my wifes 20 +45 birthday. It will be at that Soggy Dollar, same as mine last year and the name of our boat.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Mdsmurph] #138169
08/17/2017 10:13 PM
08/17/2017 10:13 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 160
Billings, MT
harleybuffett Offline
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harleybuffett  Offline
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Posts: 160
Billings, MT
Say it ain't so...I hate it when your trip reports are done frown .... we started chartering in 2014 with 2 couples (many land based trips prior to that), then we conned a 3rd couple to go in 2015...now they'll be 4 couples in 2018...it's addicting for sure!!!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: harleybuffett] #138170
08/17/2017 10:16 PM
08/17/2017 10:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 160
Billings, MT
harleybuffett Offline
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harleybuffett  Offline
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Billings, MT
Oh and I forgot....I LOVE your wife's turquoise swim suit!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138171
08/17/2017 10:35 PM
08/17/2017 10:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 256
Gallatin, Tennessee
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Murdock Offline
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Posts: 256
Gallatin, Tennessee
Really good photo skills with this family! Thanks for the reports and primo shots. Huge fan of the custom camera strap too btw.

Thanks for the daily diversions, hope to return to bvi soon!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Murdock] #138172
08/17/2017 11:36 PM
08/17/2017 11:36 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
Thanks for the bvi trip report. It's also pleasure that read nice things about TMM and their wonderful crew.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: harleybuffett] #138173
08/17/2017 11:36 PM
08/17/2017 11:36 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
There are many magical places in these islands Kmon. Great memories happen every day there, such as wonderful 20+45 year birthday celebrations! Like us, many of you have felt the magic and return year after year, often "conning" friends to see if they'll "get it" too! Trip reports are part of the addiction for me, I like reliving the magic, thanks for reading. Harleybuffett, the turquoise suit...I like it!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Murdock] #138174
08/18/2017 12:01 AM
08/18/2017 12:01 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Quote
Murdock said:
Really good photo skills with this family! Thanks for the reports and primo shots. Huge fan of the custom camera strap too btw.

Thanks for the daily diversions, hope to return to bvi soon!


Murdock, thank you! I'm trying to improve,but could use a class or three. My daughter has a great grasp of composition, her photos from study abroad last year are amazing, she may have bought the strap there. Thanks again.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138175
08/18/2017 10:35 AM
08/18/2017 10:35 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline
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Dirichlet  Offline
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MD, USA
Great report(s)!! Thank you for the time/effort to share your trip. It made me (almost) feel like I was back down there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Dirichlet] #138176
08/18/2017 01:33 PM
08/18/2017 01:33 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88
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majoma Offline
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majoma  Offline
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Posts: 88
Great report and great pictures. Thanks for sharing your charter adventure.
I have a question: how was the bugs situation at this time of the year? Any island better than the other?

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: majoma] #138177
08/18/2017 05:16 PM
08/18/2017 05:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Quote
majoma said:
Great report and great pictures. Thanks for sharing your charter adventure.
I have a question: how was the bugs situation at this time of the year? Any island better than the other?


Bugs didn't bother me a bit, but my daughter attracts skeeters and she had to spray in bars and on hikes where it was thick and humid. Every island same deal for her. On the boat of course no problem for her.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: majoma] #138178
08/18/2017 05:26 PM
08/18/2017 05:26 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
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Twanger  Offline
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Maryland
Quote
majoma said:
Great report and great pictures. Thanks for sharing your charter adventure.
I have a question: how was the bugs situation at this time of the year? Any island better than the other?


We find, in the summer, there are few bugs on the beach in the heat of the day, but near sunset they will come out and munch on you.

We try to be back on the boat for dinner before they get bad on the beach. Never had a problem on the boat.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Twanger] #138179
08/22/2017 09:38 AM
08/22/2017 09:38 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
ligot Offline
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ligot  Offline
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West Chester, PA
Trip report was great to read through, we're going to be taking the "kids" (all in their 20's) next June and really look forward to it.

Quick note, that path from Great Harbor to the resort is really just straight through the salt flat, past two pastel color houses and then along the shore of the harbor. Might be possible the storm washed over the path? We've done it a number of times and it's been pretty visible.

We've had several "clean the fridge" dinners in Great Harbor and love it as a last day relaxin' place.


S/V Tortuga
Lagoon 46
[Linked Image]
Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: ligot] #138180
08/22/2017 02:58 PM
08/22/2017 02:58 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Quote
ligot said:
Quick note, that path from Great Harbor to the resort is really just straight through the salt flat, past two pastel color houses and then along the shore of the harbor. Might be possible the storm washed over the path? We've done it a number of times and it's been pretty visible.


The salt pond looked like a small lake, so I have to assume the trail was flooded by the storm. We'll just have to try it again!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138181
08/22/2017 03:19 PM
08/22/2017 03:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 245
Charlotte
K
Knotthead Offline
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Knotthead  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Charlotte
We were on a water Taxi from STT to West End during that afternoon storm. Wild wet ride. During the night the power went off at West End and as of noon the next day the Rite Way still could not open. We were told the road to Road Town was closed so no food to be had, So we left with 8 people on a Voyage 52 with nothing to eat on board. First few days were a fun scavenger hunt for food. It was an interesting way to start the trip. Found some organic spinach, mangos and wheat bread at trellis bay, then scored some eggs, cheese, crackers and beer at Marina Cay. All cash for the first 3 days because the phone lines were out for cc transactions.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: Knotthead] #138182
08/22/2017 04:17 PM
08/22/2017 04:17 PM
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VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Knotthead, we filled up with water around 3pm or so, just after the first huge downpour and spoke to a group just starting their charter on a Voyage...could that have been you guys?? If so, thanks again for grabbing the line!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #138183
08/22/2017 07:13 PM
08/22/2017 07:13 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 245
Charlotte
K
Knotthead Offline
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Knotthead  Offline
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Charlotte
No we got to the dock about 5:30 or 6. There was a short lull while we ate at Pussers then the storm came back with a vengeance. One huge lightening strike about 12:30 am and that whole end of the island went dark.
BTW great trip report.

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #216370
02/01/2020 05:52 PM
02/01/2020 05:52 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2011
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VIRGINIA
Updated with pics

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #216411
02/02/2020 10:08 AM
02/02/2020 10:08 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
North Carolina
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RacerRon Offline
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RacerRon  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2013
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North Carolina
Thanks so much for sharing these again! I have very much enjoyed following along!


[Linked Image]
Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: RacerRon] #216469
02/03/2020 06:30 AM
02/03/2020 06:30 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2011
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VIRGINIA
thanks RacerRon!

Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: BEERMAN] #217045
02/09/2020 04:31 AM
02/09/2020 04:31 AM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,028
Leverick Bay
NickR Offline
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NickR  Offline
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Leverick Bay
So good to see the pictures Mr B. Love you all xx


Nick Willis
"Mine Host"
Leverick Bay Resort & Marina
Re: S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion [Re: NickR] #217111
02/09/2020 08:47 PM
02/09/2020 08:47 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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BEERMAN Offline OP
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BEERMAN  Offline OP
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VIRGINIA
Hey Nick!! Hope all is well, Kim has posted some pics from their visit with you guys, you guys look great! give Monica a hug and much love back atcha!


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