S/V ORION Part 9 - Conclusion

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!







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!

























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!!

































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.












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.

























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!








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!










Stay Positive my friends! Cheers!

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.

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!

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!

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

Thank you for those great reports and pics! Missing the BVI's even more!

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="" />

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!

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="" />

Thanks again for the great report; really made my week.

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.

Say it ain't so...I hate it when your trip reports are done .... 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!!!

Oh and I forgot....I LOVE your wife's turquoise swim suit!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

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!

Thanks for the bvi trip report. It's also pleasure that read nice things about TMM and their wonderful crew.

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!

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.

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="" />

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Updated with pics

Thanks so much for sharing these again! I have very much enjoyed following along!

thanks RacerRon!

So good to see the pictures Mr B. Love you all xx

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!