MARDI GRAS Day 7 (Friday July 25, 2014)

In the words of Bob Seger, we were UP WITH THE SUN, GONE WITH THE WIND…….Donna and I decided to sneak ashore to walk to the Biras Creek Resort swimming pool. The view of the open ocean and the sound of crashing surf against a cobblestone beach is nice there. We timed this sunrise walk pretty well.










We saw a couple people near the dock, but that was it. Biras is a very quiet resort this time of year and maybe the fact that it was only 6am had something to do with that? ya think! Donna walked down from the pool area and searched the cobblestone beach for sea glass. We could see that some rain was heading our way so we didn’t stay long. Leaning over the pool railing I took one last deep inhale of the crisp sea air while burning an image of this remarkable coastline in my mind. THOSE ARE THE MEMORIES THAT MADE ME A WEALTHY SOUL……





We returned to Mardi Gras just in time, once on board the skies opened up for a few minutes causing us to close the hatches. Overall there was little in the way of rain this trip, although the hillsides were still lush and green. After breakfast we dinged over to Fat Virgin to see if the shop was open, unfortunately not until 11am this day. We unleashed Mardi Gras and set sail for open waters.





We decided to sail a bit today and hopefully catch a fish before heading to Leverick Marina. As we navigated through the channel markers with 3 or 4 other charter boats Matt says “hey Dad when you get a chance I’ll need some help!” FISH ON! Matt was successful at landing a very nice Horse Eye Jack. I’ve never caught one of these before, but I assumed it was probably a risk to eat this fish. The gaff was used on this fish so we put him on ice and would have to wait until we arrived at Leverick to know for sure if it could be eaten, not!

Once that excitement was over we sailed close to Necker and then back towards Eustatia Island. It was so beautiful in this bay we couldn't resist dropping the sails and enter the calm waters here. We’ve never been in this area. If you ever dreamed about enjoying solitude in a large turquoise washed bay, this was the day to be here. The water colors were as vibrant as any I’ve seen. Only one fortunate mono was anchored in the peaceful bay. We wanted to get to Leverick early today or we would have dropped the hook for a little swimming and lunch, beautiful spot.






After making a mental note to stop here on a future trip we were back out sailing and fishing again. We were heading for deeper waters to fish when we saw a single kiteboarder a couple miles from Necker Island. I joked with John and said what’s Richard Branson doing way out here hahaha The fearless kiteboarder decided to buzz close to Mardi Gras, as he passed by we realized it was Mr. Branson! He gave a wave! I had my daughter get the camera just in case he decided to swing by again and he did! This time he passed very very close to us and said “how’s it going?!” Cool!





Lots of fun sailing today, but it was time to head over to Leverick Bay marina. I didn’t know which slip I would be assigned to so I grabbed an open ball and dinged in to check. I was greeted at the dock by Matt (Matrix) and Bill (Whitesail). They said Nick had me assigned just in front of Matt’s cat next to the red phone booth, cool. I really like this spot on the dock however, I prefer docking into the wind whenever possible! Tito, Matt and Bill helped me dock Mardi Gras, but I have to tell you this one was tricky for me. I attempted to back the port side against the dock but I bailed on my first attempt when the wind was pushing the bow too quickly towards the corner of the dock, then the second try I was getting little response from the twin screws because the wheel lock had loosened at some point and reversing the props turned the rudders, the third attempt Tito told me to come in from a different angle and throw a bow line to him at the end of the dock, we did this and with a timely and well placed fender controlled by my wife we avoided scuffing shiny new Mardi Gras! Good job Donna! OK, get me a beer!





It felt great to be at Leverick again, especially to enjoy the last Jumbie Party of the summer! It was nice to be greeted by Matt, Stephanie, Bill and Mary, great folks! We invited them on board for a drink and chatted a while. Nick stopped by to say hello and to make sure we were set for the BBQ, thanks for the VIP treatment as always Nick! After settling in we walked around and ultimately ended up at the bar where you'll always find someone from TTOL.

It wasn't long before we had to get cleaned up for the BBQ. Unfortunately, the shorepower a/c had quit working while the ladies were finishing up. I checked breakers and the thermostat over and over shutting everything down and bringing it back up but no luck! I was soaked in sweat at this point and told everyone to go to dinner and I would join them as soon as I could figure this out (actually I was hungry and remember using different language in a poor tone, sorry gang!) Once the boat was empty I continued with the shut down bring back up method....dang! There was power to the thermostat, but I decided to check the splitter on the dock, couple jiggles and....WE HAVE A/C!!!!!!!!!!!!! I quickly showered and joined the gang for dinner.



The BBQ was outstanding as usual, especially the slow cooked pig. Nick set it up for Matt, Stephanie, Bill, Mary and our gang to all dine together which was nice! During the evening Nick tells me to see him when we're ready for a round of drinks for our crew...half deaf I say "what's that?" he says Tony (Mardi Gras) had contacted him earlier and bought us a round! Thanks Tony, all of us truly appreciate all that you did for us prior to and during the charter!

Now let's get this last Jumbie Party of the season rocking, jumping, dancing, balancing, singing......by the way one of the photo's show that the Jumbies won't let a little downpour stop the show!!!!!!



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To be continued.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />