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Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
#64381
08/10/2015 11:05 PM
08/10/2015 11:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 124
Georgia
cruzdoc
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 124
Georgia
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...you have friends who need to be picked up in St. Thomas and you're in Roadtown. What do you do? What do you do? Actually doesn't look as good in print as it does saying it out loud. I know, I know...it's a silly 1990s movie reference but I was trying to make a likely tired group of questions seem more appealing. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" /> I apologize for some repeat questions but my searches haven't gotten me the exact information I was craving. Was hoping to get some input on the logistics of the said taxi run from Roadtown to the USVI such as: 1) Is it easier to clear customs before leaving Roadtown (Sunsail base) or to make a quick stop at West End on the way past? 2) Assuming we are going to re-enter the BVI the next day, can we somehow clear back in without making a stop at JVD/West End my notifying them the day before as I have seen suggested or is this a fallacy? Similarly, can I clear into USVI and back out the next day without a second trip to the office? 3) I have never spent anytime in the USVI on a charter despite many charters in the BVI due to the time it takes to clear in/out. If we spend one night in St. John, which site would you choose: Hawksnest, Maho/Francis, Leinster, other? 4) Should I pick up my friends at Red Hook or make them take the ferry over to Cruz Bay and pick them up there? Trying to figure out if saving a trip back and forth across the Pillsbury Sound is worth it. 5) Would it just be easier to pick them up (i.e. clear in and out at the same time) and essentially scrap a night on St. John and head to JVD instead and stick to the BVI. I'm curious as to what everyone else would do in the same situation. Thanks as always for any assistance! Brett
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: cruzdoc]
#64382
08/11/2015 12:20 AM
08/11/2015 12:20 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 398
Pacific NW
snmhanson
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 398
Pacific NW
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The answer to questions 1-5: Have them take the ferry from St. Thomas to Roadtown. Or to Soper's Hole and meet them there. I would only go through the hassle of checking out of the BVIs, checking in at the USVIs and checking back in to the BVIs if I was planning on spending some time in the USVIs - as in more than one day. The ferry will get them there quickly and you'll be able to experience more of the BVIs. Just my opinion...
Matt
BTW, I don't believe you have to check out of the USVI - at least if you are US citizens. At least I never have.
Last edited by snmhanson; 08/11/2015 12:25 AM.
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: NCSailor]
#64385
08/11/2015 07:51 AM
08/11/2015 07:51 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
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What time do they get in? How many days and what's your itinerary? If they have afternoon flights then clear in at Cruz Bay and either pick them up in Red Hook or have them Ferry over. Customs is not a big deal and you don't have to clear out over here to go back to the BVI's. As far as where to stay. Cruz Bay isn't really accessible in the big boat. You have to take a mooring at Lind Point/Caneel Bay and dinghy in. Not my favorite overnight but if your on a cat it's not a big deal. There is ferry traffic. Maho/Francis is my favorite beach and anchorage on the North Shore. Take some food to grill out and enjoy the turtles if you stay here. As for the naysayers, St John is the nicest Island in the Virgins period. Nicer beaches, better boat access with abundant good moorings for $15 a night. The only thing really lacking is the beach bar scene, that's a trade off being mostly National Park. Cruz bay is the nicest town in the Virgin's more good restaurants and bars than any other concentrated area in either side of the Virgins. Better shopping as well. Two days sailing? I hope your sailing for a week or more not two days. Plenty to see and great places to sail on both sides of the chain. Just a few shots to prove my point. ![[Linked Image]](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5101/5557821059_dc97a3d51a_z.jpg) Friday Beach Picture by captainjay, on Flickr [img]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2517/3807773912_ebbdb1b84b_z.jpg?zz=1[/img]Sunset in Cruz Bay STJ by captainjay, on Flickr [img]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4010/4370290478_ed3b4dcbfd_z.jpg?zz=1[/img]Francis STJ by captainjay, on Flickr [img]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2380/2497168445_525a01c5c5_z.jpg?zz=1[/img]Friday beach pic by captainjay, on Flickr ![[Linked Image]](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3291/2750913912_8c52fe67e6_b.jpg) IMG_1330 by captainjay, on Flickr ![[Linked Image]](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6441187663_0f1f919d33_b.jpg) Friday Beach Pic by captainjay, on Flickr
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: CaptainJay]
#64386
08/11/2015 08:22 AM
08/11/2015 08:22 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
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Checking in at Cruz Bay is very straight forward. You can download the US forms and prefill them; if you don't know your boat registration information fill that in by hand when you do. If you draw 6' or less you can anchor right in the creek by customs.
Our favorite anchorages are Maho/Francis and Leinster. Maho has more turtles, rays and the occasional manta. Leinster has more starfish, cuttlefish and other grassy wee beasts.
The St. John anchorages are pristine. Closest to it in the BVI on our recent two week trip was Diamond Cay/Sandy Spit area. The kids' favorite anchorage across the VI was Maho Bay.
Remember to buy your BVI forms when you check out. You'll need one immigration form per person, one customs per family and one customs form for the boat.
Easiest approach? Have them take the ferry to Tortola. But, I'd give my crew their first night in Maho Bay. Pick them up in Cruz Bay and wait in one of the beach bars or restaurants near the ferry dock.
So, I agree with Capt. Jay to the point that we own our boat together. I chose to own a boat based at St. Thomas so that I can always start and end our trip in our favorite national park anchorages. Spending time in the our favorit harbor village in the VI helps to.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: Winterstale]
#64388
08/11/2015 09:06 AM
08/11/2015 09:06 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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For one night, I wouldn't bother. But for two nights, why not? We're at Maho now. Checked out of Customs Sunday evening and spent the night at Norman and heading across the south side of St John yesterday and checked in at Cruz bay mid day. Anchored just off the channel and took the dinghy in to clear in and then had lunch and walked around a bit. Then we headed to Maho end of day and will be moving at some point later this morning.
Customs isn't a big deal on either end, but it does take time. For two nights not a big deal at all. To just act as a ferry though, I wouldn't bother.
Matt
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: NCSailor]
#64389
08/11/2015 01:03 PM
08/11/2015 01:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
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NCSailor said:
Two days of sailing plus customs delays on both ends to save a $35 ferry fare and 50 minute ride makes no sense to me. Is sailing the bad part? Customs is very easy and does not waste a day. I know we are not the norm because we are usually down for a month. We enjoy sailing all the way to Crown Bay for the airport pick up. We love the marina, restaurants, markets, and laundry. We either stay the night in Christmas Cove or Maho, depending on the flight arrival. I totally agree with Jay and Rick. You are missing something special not visiting St.John <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: sail2wind]
#64390
08/11/2015 04:27 PM
08/11/2015 04:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
NCSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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sail2wind said:NCSailor said:
Two days of sailing plus customs delays on both ends to save a $35 ferry fare and 50 minute ride makes no sense to me. Is sailing the bad part? Customs is very easy and does not waste a day. I know we are not the norm because we are usually down for a month. We enjoy sailing all the way to Crown Bay for the airport pick up. We love the marina, restaurants, markets, and laundry. We either stay the night in Christmas Cove or Maho, depending on the flight arrival. I totally agree with Jay and Rick. You are missing something special not visiting St.John <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> No it's your snide comments that the never ending bad part.
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: NCSailor]
#64391
08/11/2015 08:33 PM
08/11/2015 08:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 124
Georgia
cruzdoc
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 124
Georgia
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Guess I should have been more specific as to my feelings about the trip. I certainly have thought about having them take the ferry to West End but don't really enjoy staying there over night and would likely have to hustle to CGB or JVD for the night once they got in (around 5 likely with the ferry), so I actually offered to pick them up as I do like the thought of a nice long sail that first day with the admiral and two other crew on board. I like the journey as much as the destination but realize that not all do.
I also have not been to the shores of St. John and thought it a great chance to visit at least one day and maybe two before heading back to the BVI.
To answer your questions CaptainJay, four of us are arriving Sunday to prep and provision and head out Monday morning to pick up the other four who can't make it til the next day. We are back at Sunsail base on the follow Monday morning to head home. Four of the crew are new to sailing the islands. We will likely circumnavigate one way or the other and hit Anegada per my usual but I'm pretty open minded about changing plans based on my crew's desires.
My thought was to clear out of either Roadtown or West End and clear in to Cruz Bay. Their flight arrives at 2:30 and if we are just getting there because of a delay at the base, etc. then we will just pick them up. However, was wondering the feasibility of then heading on over to Maho for the night and making them catch a taxi to Maho where I can then just dinghy in to pick them up at the beach. Then we just clear in to the BVI the next day or the day after depending on how we feel. I can to my other favorite spots in the BVI with 5-6 nights I feel pretty easily as we have done it before.
Nice to know that I do not have to clear back out of the USVI. Sounds as if the BVI clearing in and out will be the crux of the problem. I certainly don't want to pay a 1$/foot/day clearing back in for the bulk of the trip though. That would definitely mean a ferry ride for the others.
Last edited by cruzdoc; 08/11/2015 11:47 PM.
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: rhans]
#64393
08/11/2015 10:26 PM
08/11/2015 10:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
hallucination
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
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As to Evan....once you have been down for life stuff. and not "we have to go there mode". a leisurely sail to wherever is just fine, and doesn't interrupt the trip. Actually we look forward to diversions that pull us out of that mode. I can't tell you how many times people have decided to "just come down" and we accommodate them out of shear ((what the heck)) lets do it, make it happen!
as you learn to navigate the ins-and-outs everything is nothing but a road.
Many on forum, have been down long enough that three nights on a anchor, or three days of sailing, or three month of dry, is just a marvelous idea. I'm not quite at 3 months on water...but I'm working on it.
One thing I can PROMISE is i will never be caught on a cruise ship..dead or alive.
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: hallucination]
#64394
08/12/2015 12:44 AM
08/12/2015 12:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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I would think clearing out at West End would be easier than Roadtown. There really isn't a good anchorage that close to RT, heck I'm not sure if there's a dingy dock close. I have seen day boats get close enough to the concrete dock and someone step off the bow to do the clearance while the big boat circled around waiting. Anyway, someone else may have more info on that. Maybe the captain could just taxi over and back. BTW the BVI wants only the captain, the US wants everybody. Every time I've brought a BVI boat back to the BVI I just had to check the arrival box and hand them the copy they gave me when I checked out. The fee wasn't much at all. Since you'll be bringing in 4 more than you left with I'm not sure what extra's you'll have to do. Again others can help on that.
Looks like it will be a little late whether you pick them up at Red Hook, Cruz Bay or West End but you should have time to get to a good anchorage before nightfall. I wasn't too sure about the idea of meeting them at Maho/St Francis but maybe that would work out. It would really help if you can communicate with them by phone just incase the flight is late or they end up having a problem with the ferry. You should have a good ATT signal at any of those places except in Maho if you put the mountain between the boat and St. Thomas.
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: hallucination]
#64396
08/12/2015 05:40 AM
08/12/2015 05:40 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
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hallucination said:
As to Evan....once you have been down for life stuff. and not "we have to go there mode". a leisurely sail to wherever is just fine, and doesn't interrupt the trip. Actually we look forward to diversions that pull us out of that mode. I can't tell you how many times people have decided to "just come down" and we accommodate them out of shear ((what the heck)) lets do it, make it happen!
as you learn to navigate the ins-and-outs everything is nothing but a road.
Many on forum, have been down long enough that three nights on a anchor, or three days of sailing, or three month of dry, is just a marvelous idea. I'm not quite at 3 months on water...but I'm working on it.
One thing I can PROMISE is i will never be caught on a cruise ship..dead or alive. Amen Robert...the most magical trips I have had have been just Ward and I with no real plans. spent 4 glorious nights on the same ball at Lindt point outside cruise bay, explored all the beaches by dinghy on one glorious windless day...amazing. Another 3 nights at CGB chilling and enjoying the wonderful music. LOVE showing newbies around but can not wait for freedom 55 and a very extended vacation ....4 years and counting <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Hope to see you guys in 2016 ...looks like last week of May first week of June or longer for us in addition to two weeks prior to Easter
Kim
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: cruzdoc]
#64397
08/12/2015 06:30 AM
08/12/2015 06:30 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
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cruzdoc said:
Guess I should have been more specific as to my feelings about the trip. I certainly have thought about having them take the ferry to West End but don't really enjoy staying there over night and would likely have to hustle to CGB or JVD for the night once they got in (around 5 likely with the ferry), so I actually offered to pick them up as I do like the thought of a nice long sail that first day with the admiral and two other crew on board. I like the journey as much as the destination but realize that not all do.
I also have not been to the shores of St. John and thought it a great chance to visit at least one day and maybe two before heading back to the BVI.
To answer your questions CaptainJay, four of us are arriving Sunday to prep and provision and head out Monday morning to pick up the other four who can't make it til the next day. We are back at Sunsail base on the follow Monday morning to head home. Four of the crew are new to sailing the islands. We will likely circumnavigate one way or the other and hit Anegada per my usual but I'm pretty open minded about changing plans based on my crew's desires.
My thought was to clear out of either Roadtown or West End and clear in to Cruz Bay. Their flight arrives at 2:30 and if we are just getting there because of a delay at the base, etc. then we will just pick them up. However, was wondering the feasibility of then heading on over to Maho for the night and making them catch a taxi to Maho where I can then just dinghy in to pick them up at the beach. Then we just clear in to the BVI the next day or the day after depending on how we feel. I can to my other favorite spots in the BVI with 5-6 nights I feel pretty easily as we have done it before.
Nice to know that I do not have to clear back out of the USVI. Sounds as if the BVI clearing in and out will be the crux of the problem. I certainly don't want to pay a 1$/foot/day clearing back in for the bulk of the trip though. That would definitely mean a ferry ride for the others. If your leaving the same day from Road Town take a cab or walk from the base to customs and cear out before you leave the dock. Sail to Lind Point outside Cruz Bay clear in and enjoy the afternoon in Cruz Bay have a good lunch do some shopping and get a good look around. You will be back everyone comes back it's that kind of town. Sail up to Maho and get a mooring. Your crew can get a cab from the Ferry Dock to Maho as you stated. The road runs right along the beach. There is a dinghy channel on the far left side of the beach where you can pick them up. Spend the next morning hangin out at Maho snorkling with the turtles, tarpons and rays. Then you can decide if you want to head back the BVI's that day or the next. You might just find yourself sitting at Waterlemon Cay a couple miles away. Rinse and repeat. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Next time just charter from us ten minutes from the airport and you can avoid the roundabout. You will find yourself wanting to spend more time in St John either way. Enjoy your trip. Jay
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: CaptainJay]
#64403
08/14/2015 08:28 AM
08/14/2015 08:28 AM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
GlennA
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
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Is the $1/foot harbor fee still being charged? Acording to this BVIPA press release. from April it has been suspended.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: GlennA]
#64404
08/14/2015 08:44 AM
08/14/2015 08:44 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
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We did not pay the harbor fee in July.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: cruzdoc]
#64410
08/15/2015 10:29 AM
08/15/2015 10:29 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288
Kansas
Chriskal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288
Kansas
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Maybe I miscounted my days, but we're on a Moorings 393 PC 11/9--11/16 Also all adults. Well, sort of anyway. Four college buddies sans wives and significant others. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Pop Quiz Hot Shot.........
[Re: Chriskal]
#64411
08/15/2015 11:47 AM
08/15/2015 11:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,152
Ontario, Canada
warren460
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,152
Ontario, Canada
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we are down nov 13 - 23. Leaving out of nanny cay.
Last edited by warren460; 08/15/2015 11:47 AM.
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