A report of our trip last week. I hope I offend no one and no offense is intended. If you still can't get it I'm sure Bruce can recommend tamer forum for you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Day 0 and Day 1
We flew (like most everyone does). Arrived at 5:00 on the ferry and caught a cab to our charter base. Dropped off stuff on the boat, one cloths bag and two dive bags (why do we do this?). Grabbed the personals and hoofed it up to Ft Burt and an A/C room. We slowed down with dinner on the veranda overlooking the channel. Smooth start so far.
Day 2
Up early for breakfast and trotted (literally) down the hill. Off the dock before noon with tanks on board and all. Nice sunny day, excellent winds and smiling faces were off to JVD and CF. Picked up a ball at Diamond Cay and ate some lunch leftovers. A few drinks at Taboo brought out the ambiance we came for. Time to let Pirate Bendy have his first beer of the trip. Pirate Bendy is a toy figure like Gummby but has a hook and peg leg. We had fun dragging him around da ilons and forcing him to pose for pictures, some may not be postable on the forum. See what happens when we have no itinerary, we just sit around and laff at ourselves and half of the world. Hitched a ride into Foxy’s and met up with some TTOLers, no a bunch of them. After lurking here for a while I get to meet the friendly folks who have stuffed me full of information and tore up my itineraries ( we now go itineraryless, just a general direction). Great night dancing with new and old friends.
Day 3
Up early, maybe not my watch has gone on island time – could be the rum, you suppose, so say 8. In the morning we felt like paradise was welcoming us with the view and the sun. Going diving but it is so pleasant on our boat we stay put. Diving can wait, the swell is from the north so off to bubbly pool. Had a great time, no other peeps! Back for a few cold ones after that strenuous trek to the far side of the island (I have embellished a little here) and avoided the dreaded poisonous trees. And the race is on, another round of drinks for the spectators. Could see more than I thought. Off to the ‘yacht’ for lunch and maybe some nap time. After our spot of food the entertainment returns for race 2. It was exciting to watch them seem to dodge the rain cells as they drifted across the course. Then of course the CF Halloween reception (sounds better than party), what a blast. The buffet was splendid and the antics were fun. Had fun placing those semi-normal peeps on Fri with those who had personality exposing get ups. Met Foxy in the VIP lounge and we talked Arizona politics. Wow what a worldly man. And we agreed to agree, how cool. After our time as chaperones, we turned over life guard duties to Doug so none of you world drown later in the night and we returned to the boat.
Day 4
Time to settle down and get back on task. Sailed to the bight with an ice stop at Soaper’s. My mistake, I let the Admiral near the Voyage office and the vortex pulled her in. I thought I needed a hurricane to push her back out. Did I mention the pesky little hurricane. Off to the bight, steaks on the grill, drinks at the bar and a great night repose. We tried to do a little star gazing but couldn’t find the little red light to read the star chart. Then we realized with our eyes we could barly read the small print anyway and agreed we are lucky to sit here and watch the stars. I thought of a star chart for the elderly but the thought of a 4 foot diameter star chart was scaring me. Oh Yeh we finally got around to raising the colors – 3 days late, ‘island time’ (get out of jail free card)
Day 5
After passing on diving the rolly Indians yesterday and 25 – 30 knot winds in the offing ( not us though) we decided to pop up to Deadman’s for the night. We double reefed and happily were tacking around and the Admiral was good with it. Then it hit me ICE, no ice at deadmans – two days without ice! Nanny cay has become a favorite ice stop since I always remember ice between Peter and Tortolla. Ice, beer for the boat, great burger at the beach bar and we’re off again. Getting out into the 30 knot winds we start the sail up. I am watching to make sure the battens go smoothly up through the lazy jacks. What is that 6 inch piece of plastic coming out of the second batten pocket? Admiral says “Pieces overboard” as it disappears in to the deep ocean. I pull it up to 2 nd reef and note a 3 foot tear on the roach. It was not flapping so we kept it up for stability and kept the load off as much as possible. Into RT and begin sail repair activities. Charter Co. had sail off and into sail loft before 5, it was on the boat by 10 am ( nice job staff). Decided to drop the scuba tanks as the weather did not look the best, I like bright sunny days for my coral watching. The whole trip we just went where events and friends took us – no worries mon (but what about Tomas?) Another dinner at Ft Burt where we met the fellow that runs all the 1 gallon water vending machines around, never know who you’ll meet.
Day 6
Missed Deadmans but we had to get to Trellis for our guest who was flying in that night. We sailed back and forth never really getting anywhere. We really had no place to go but back and forth, This is what we came for, several hours a day sailing the boat. Had a Beneteau 392 and it was a screamer. I think my GPS needs calibration as it says I hit 9.8 knots SOG. Maybe yes maybe no but it makes a good story. Late after noon we captured a mooring at Marina Cay. Conch fritters and drinks ashore, dinner aboard. We pop over in the dingy around 8:30 and visit with Jeremy. We retrieve our guest and on the way back I hit the last resort reef (I always make sure I unlock the motor and go real slow), then it takes two passes through the mooring field to find the boat – glad they put big names on the back. Great way to impress your friends upon arrival, try it sometime
Day 7
Awesome winds for a trek down to deadmans. Drop anchor and snorkel it. Beautiful day so we strolled the beach looking for ourselves. After finding us again we proceeded to resort central for drinks. My friend offered us lunch and I said Ha Ha. He read the menu and was getting real excited until he got to the bottom and it said $100 p/p. Oh well, After some great bushwackers at the bar we returned to lunch on the boat. Funny happening, my friend wanted to know what to have. I say bushwacker. I pointed to the blender while explaining the achoholic popporri it contains. He asked for a sample from the blender. The bartender had heard us tell him about it’s virtues and would not give him a sample and said that he should listen to his good friends. Why do I come here, the place is crazy and I can hide anywhere down here. A nap and a stroll along the shell beach by the spa. The admiral found several prized shells (dead of course or so I hoped - live ones stink) and they have returned to Arizona with us. Good sleep that night.
Day 8
Off to Leverick for my retirement bash. Winds 30 knots again, stupid skipper (me) decides not to reef. After about an hour and a half of pinching almost to the point of luffing I decided there was an error in my ways. We really did enjoy the highest winds we have ever sailed in and we loved it. I did not say I wanted to beat into the 30 knot winds and 6 foot seas, I would certainly spill my drink. No problem we slipped into Marina cay and I set the cringle. Ah conch fritters and a cold one. The sky starts to darken, nice place here the captain says – we be staying here tonight. Another thoughtless idea, the reef blocks most of the surge from the south east but it is a rolly evening. Luckily no one is susceptible to sea sickness and we are comfortable enough. Had an OK dinner at Pusser’s but we did not expect much. The crew there does not seem happy like last year, something is different.
Day 9
Leverick today, well maybe. The VHF says unsettled weather again and I don’t want to push my skills too much more. Plan A vector straight to VG and run up the lee coast. Plan B go back down the channel ( all exposed to the weather from the SE except where we had already been. Plan C trellis. I spy a large squall over VG and it is just a quick motor over to Trellis. Still 25 knot winds but we are now in fat city. Flying fish sandwich with Jeremy, a stroll, Caribe in hand, this is why we come. While sitting onboard up comes Aragon with his fresh veggies. Made the best salad with his lettuce and peppers. He grows them himself and there is an article on the web about his horticultural exploits. I am one day late but the last resort seems just right for my birthday din. We come early and beat the crowd, I mean our other fellow yachtsman. I had the filet (scrumptious) and the Admiral had the seafood stuffed ravioli. After filling the tummy and slowing down we adjourn to the boat for more drinks – as if we really needed any more. I did not know this but Guy Faulkes was born one day after me, no I’m not that old. Jeremy and Brian worked the day to fill the burning man to celebrate Guy’s birth or death, I don’t know which. We watched right from the boat and it was the fireworks for my bday. Always special every where we stop.
Day 10
Gota get up to Leverick to see Nick and Mon, weather same. Let’s go and off we go through the scrub cut and sail in great winds up over the top of the dogs. Excellent sailing and the conversation was the same as my friend was a high school buddy and the Admiral has known him for 30 yrs. As I approach the Anguilla cut I say hey that not a sound entrance for me, my charter co has a thing about dinging the keel. As we get around near real the opening the sky decided to do the same. Sails down, rain gear on, yes we had them. After 3 trips of not using them we were going to leave them at home. They would have stayed dry at home but they served us better in the whiteout conditions of some squalls. Had to stand off the entrance for ½ hour before it was prudent to enter. Pop into Nicks and the weather clears. Nick and Mon come over to the bar and welcome us. You know that TTOL thing with secret handshakes. Nobody really would show me so I made my own up, seemed to work most places. Ran into Mal/Candice and Paul and Carolyn who were lunching ( is that a word?). Set up for happy hour with them. After a great time at jumbies bar we went upstairs. Nick didn’t think it would be open when we were down but it was. So you all think Nick knows everything, he doesn’t know when he’s opening the upstairs ( sorry Nick don’t take it personally). Dinner upstairs is always a treat and tonight was no exception. The evening concluded with some dock dancing. The Admiral loves to have to dock to our selves and dance to the boat tunes.
Day 11
Rain, can you say rain. Awake at 6:00 hearing the pitter patter, no the downpour. Lightning and thunder completed the ugly picture. A quick check of the boat to make sure we are not filling up, nothing to do but return to bed. Up around 8 better weather and then the waterfall. Wow the view was sureal and yes the bay was brown with mud. I was surprised how much it raised the sound water level, adjusted the fenders down lower. 2 hours later return fenders to original position and see the water is clearing. The waterfall off the hill side was surprising. Stolled around the dock to see what the thoughts were. Moorings captain suggests it is a good day to take the dink around into eustatia sound for snorkeling, don’t pull my leg. There is no sun and we can’t get the weather on the VHF. Glad moorings did not drag me out snorkeling. I learned that dingy gas cans float upside down in a flooded dink. Glenn why is this, can’t engineers make the tank float upright? Packed and ready to go, a nice weather window opened and we were off. A little squall as we rounded Mosquito Island. Motored down to Trellis in almost no wind, except for the occasional squall. Could have sailed but the crew didn’t want to futs with the sail and I was driving ( don’t take my wheel away). A Trellis beach walk was completed in fine style. Dinner on the boat with the captain cooking (look out). Maybe too many drinks but the white clam sauce had enough salt in it to preserve capers.
Day 12
Friend has to leave. Spent some morning hours exercising the arm at the Trellis bay waiting lounge. Roads washed out again, I guess it does rain in the BVI. I got a great picture of him taking off just over the last resort where he bought me my retirement din-din. The Admiral and I decide maybe we’re done. Weather still unsettled and there are other things we have not done yet. We pack up the boat, act like hippies and graze on all the open leftover crap food. We motor down the channel with a few last Caribes on glassy seas. Off the boat in 20 minutes. I tell Ross ’ catch you in the morning’. We were worried that without Miles, the dock would not be the same. But Ross and Sheri made everything right. A suite at Ft Burt and a great meal .……. At 1:00 AM I feel bad and had trouble breathing, The dreaded bad food thing. I worry about my breathing, I was a qualified EMT while on ski patrol. Call for a cab, 911, how do these blasted phones work after midnight. Screw it and we head down to Pebbles hospital. I show up and they have me in the exaimination room in a few minuites. Oxygen, IV, EKG, Antibiotic and blood tests. The Doctor did the IV not the nurse. I would not have been treated like this in the US, what is wrong with us and health care. Admiral wants to go back to the hotel but we all talk her out of the walk alone at 4:00 am. They decided to release me to escort the Admiral home. We settled the bill for a grand total of $160 and we were off.
Day 13
Slept in till 9:00 and had some breakfast, I am better. We decide to go downtown rather than catch the early ferry to STT. Down at village cay we started looking for ‘Kings Ransom’. The crew was our crew on a crewed charter a few years back. There it is, all 76 feet of awesome cat. I get close and hail Em, she sees me and remarks that she heard I was around, I guess I can no longer hide in the BVI. We had a splendid tour of the yacht including the Jacuzzi on the fly bridge. I thought about robbing a bank so we could charter her but the Admirals position prevailed. Nice lunch at the veranda restaurant there (name?). Back to the hotel about 2, they let us have a late checkout. Taxied over to Emerald beach and collapse (not really). Not as nice a stay this year. Bimbo girl at the desk with the low cut top and black bra obviously likes to please the older men, she should pick on someone her own age. At the beach bar, a bar keep I did not recognize was smoking behind the bar! The he mixed drinks with it in his mouth and coughing on the drinks. He then mixes himself a drink and sits on the bar with his feet on the cooler trying to impress an impressionable girl. I got the manager and pointed him out but she just went back to her office and left him alone. Does daddy own the place? OK I am not really mad, just seems they need more control over the staff. Watched a bride go swimming with her gown on. I guess it is the rage. Good dinner though as we didn’t want to go into town, CA scares me.
Day 14 or close to that
Up at 6:00 rain is rattling the windows, glad to be off the boat. Turn on the TV, no satellite. Finally it comes on. Cruise ship on fire off San Diego, remnants of Tomas off NJ. Weather channel doesn’t even cover the Caribbean this morning. Have an 11:00 flight but we decide to abandon the room and get to the airport, never know what will transpire. At least we don’t have the dreaded 7:00 am flight. The fellow at cape air asks if we want to go on an earlier flight, sounds great. Squalls and cessnas don’t mix. Had an absolutely smooth flight to our surprise. The pilot made a great short final approach by hanging a sharp right around the condo tower. Have not had a great landing like that since my dad stopped flying. The Admiral thought that was cool. With a Tortuga rum cake snatched up in SJU we are ready to fly. Into the cigar tube for the 16 hour flight away from paradise.
Ps the rum cake is quite delicious. They have several flavors like key lime rum cake, might not go together. I’m sure with Marmite on it, Mal would be in heaven. But I’ll get one on the next trip. Shagged the kids and significant other to go down May ish and I’ll get a couple cakes then.
Day 18
Here I sit, up at a stupid hour writing a vacation confessional to people I have just met. A trip to da ilons helps one see our selves in a different light. It makes it easy to reach out and meet someone new and gain another perspective on the world. I’m not usually this wordy. I’m sure it is the caffeine and not the rum!
Here is the test, where was this taken. The first one to read this post and correctly identify the spot will have the opportunity to buy me a caribe next time I am down !!!!!
http://s784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130...balenced4x6.jpgLinks to album:
http://s784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/BilgeBoss/2010%20BVI/Capt Jim (hurricane jiamie) and Admiral Katie
BUT we’ll be bac
