Island Exploration

(We're to tired to think of a good title)

Leaving Norman Island was an adventure. Very enhanced trade winds for a number of days (the reason we stayed in The Bight as long as we had) had kicked up quite a swell across Sir Francis Drake channel. Bumpy and wet accurately describes the motor trip to Road Town. Fortunately the trip was only 2 hours. We spent the night at the marina in Road Town and did a full provision, filled the water tanks and had someone else do a few loads of laundry!! While Kathleen was off at the grocery store, Alison befriended two girls at the pool. That family happens to be out for an anticipated 5 years. A swim lead to dinner together that night and lots of fun stories. Hopefully we will meet the family, off of a catamaran named Ohana, in the not too distant future in the Bahamas or when they reach the north east this summer.

The next morning we left Road Town for Cooper Island. Again it was a short but bumpy motor. We arrived early and grabbed a mooring. Once the sun was high in the sky we headed to the snorkeling spot at the south of the anchorage. Another fun and interesting snorkel. After our snorkel we headed into the beach club for some cold drinks and wifi. The resort is completely rebuilt and has a restaurant, bar, coffee bar and a rum bar-Austin would certainly like to visit again. It was a rolly night at the anchorage and an early morning towards The Baths in the hopes of grabbing a mooring. Another motor directly into the wind to The Baths. We grabbed a mooring and then waited out a small rainstorm before snorkeling from Pegasus into the beach and into a gazillion folks off of a cruise ship. Needless to say we didn’t make it to the official trail through The Baths as there was an incredible line. We did have a great snorkel and then a wonderful time on the most beautiful white sand beach just north of The Baths. Cameron and Alison can always find a way to entertain themselves at a beach!! After dragging them off the beach, we headed back to Gorda Sound (Virgin Gorda) to await a good weather window to head to Anegada (only two days later). The next morning Cameron, Alison and Kathleen worked on school while Austin headed into Leverick Bay for some very important provisions – drinking water for the boat (we do go through a lot) and baguettes (also a favorite). The next morning we had a great sail to Anegada. Kathleen and Austin were nervous given the “skinny” water around Anegada. We managed to get Pegasus into the anchorage and set the anchor, well tried to set the anchor. Austin jumped into the water to check the anchor and just the tip of the anchor was set and then a notorious grey shape was behind him – nothing like a shark to get you out of the water in a hurry. Tried to set the anchor again, same not so good set for the hook but this time a really big barracuda was between Austin and the boat as he tried to swim back. Third time was a charm and we were all set to spend the night. We headed into the beach and Cameron and Alison found a bunch of lovely really small shells. Dinner on the boat and then a crazy night. The anchor held fine but a 15-17 knot breeze kicked up a chop that made the night nearly unbearable and, for all but Cameron, a mostly sleepless one. Cameron, Alison and Kathleen made the most of the next morning by going on a tour of the island with Duomo (the cab driver). We had a lovely tour of the island as Duomo was a naturalist who educated us on much of the flora and fauna of the island. He also stayed on Anegada in his home during Hurricane Irma. Listening to his stories, Kathleen can’t imagine how they all survived!! Given the miserable prior night we headed out of Anegada in the early afternoon and went back to Gorda Sound – a decent sail with a number of squalls – boys vs. girls on how much heel is okay!!! Big events for the boat were coming on 2/2 as it was Cameron’s birthday (there is a teenager on the boat). We anchored in one of our favorite spots off of Prickly Pear Island and Austin once again headed into Leverick Bay to provision. This time for more water (where does it all go), cake mix and frosting and b-day presents for Cameron. Austin headed back to Leverick and when he returned we moved the boat a bit further east off of the currently being rebuilt Saba Rock.

Having been down to the BVIs a number of times it is amazing how few boats are here. Things are slowly getting better but we are not sure how the folks who used to work to support the tourist industry are making a living – there is so little here! We had a great snorkel that afternoon. The highlight was watching a very active, 4 ½ foot nurse shark circle a small coral reef for a few minutes. The next morning was

Cameron’s birthday and he had asked to hike to the top of Virgin Gorda. We had discovered that you could take a cab near to the top and so we did that and then hiked to the top (@25minutes). It was a moderately challenging hike and when we got to the top found that the observation deck had been blown to bits during Irma. Fortunately there was a rock close to the top that provided a decent view. On our way down we walked an additional mile or so to a restaurant,

Hog Heaven, that had an amazing view over Gorda Sound to Anegada. The cold drinks and food were really great. A cab ride back to Leverick Bay and then back out to the anchorage off of Saba Rock where Kathleen made Cameron his requested b-day fish tacos (see below for the review) and cupcakes to celebrate. We also played a new game that Cameron created that we call “Tribal Conquest”.

After our hike and walk everyone slept great! The next morning it was off to the Dog Islands for some more snorkeling to complete Cameron’s b-day requests. We snorkeled at George Dog this time and once again loved the experience. Lots of coral and some amazing fish. After that we were undecided about our anchorage. We ended up in Lee Bay off of Great Camanoe Island. This anchorage doesn’t

look like any other in the BVI – makes Kathleen think of Maine or the Pacific Northwest. Last night we shared the anchorage with one other boat and tonight we have it all to ourselves. Cameron also made a wind vane out of a plastic bottle, the next one with decoration on the bottom gets called a Squid and suddenly Cameron made flying Squiddles!

We are planning to venture to Jost Van Dyke tomorrow. Stay tuned…..

Fish Tacos (Cameron); KATHLEEN’S TACOS…these tacos were some of the best I have ever had. The fish was cooked very well and it was flavorful but not overpowering. There was also a great balance of lettuce/coleslaw/fish and the tacos were not overfilled. The only thing missing was I would have liked to have had a little pineapple. I give them (all 4) a 9/10 especially since they were made on a moving surface.

Big Dad’s corner:

First off a little bit of a catch up… Rum and Cheeseburgers: Nevis and the BVI.

1) Nevis: the cheeseburger at Sunshine’s shack was true outstanding – who would have guessed. The rum, Clifton Estates, blended by Mark Theron in Nevis was also excellent. Though tasted more like a Cognac on the sweet side then a traditional rum.

2) Here in the BVI’s, let’s just say the hospitality and the local beauty are definitely their strong points….

Also, a parenting question: while snorkeling, how many times are you supposed to tell your son: leave the sharks alone; stop chasing the barracuda!!!???

Alison: I have discovered roti (local curry dish) and really like it. During our downtime I have discovered Giddles – these are plastic water bottles turned into wind driven spinning squid like things. They are lots of fun to make and watch turn.