Monday July 12, 2004 – “We’re not in Kansas anymore”
We took the 9am flight out of DFW to SJU. Once there, it was a race to the AA Admiral’s Club and an attempt to get an earlier SJU to EIS flight. But, all were full, so we settled in for the long wait. We finally arrived at Beef Island around 7:30pm.
Quick in and out at the airport, grabbed a taxi and headed to BVI Yacht Charters. Found the boat, no problem. Bobby’s showed up with the supplies about 5 minutes after we arrived. He thought he was late, but was actually right on time. A few items were missing, so he made a second trip. This is the first time we’ve used Bobby’s, and agree that it will be a “must do” from now on.
Stowed everything and headed for Pussers. We knew the kids were watching the Pussers webcam for us, so we picked the appropriate table and ordered drinks and dinner.
The place was almost empty, as expected for a Monday night. Right after we received our meal, we realized they were closing soon and the waitress would stay until we were done and paid. So, we asked for the check early so she would not have to wait around on us. She seemed truly surprised at our concern for her and said it was not necessary, but we insisted. She later thanked us and said we were now her favorite customers.
Tuesday July 13, 2004 – “3-2-1-Liftoff!”
A quick briefing from Estelle at BVI Yacht Charters and a boat review with Anthony. There were a few items to correct, but very minor. It sure is nice dealing with a smaller charter company: no massive crunch of boats in and out on the same day. It was just us and another boat to deal with. All was handled quickly. Then, it’s off to the gas dock to make sure the last of our tanks are full! We left base at 12:30pm and headed out.
Seas were around 3’ with winds from the East at 18-20 kts. Arrived at Cooper at 2:15pm. Lots of jellyfish, so snorkeling was out of the question. Had our typical barracuda hiding under the boat. Seems normal when at Cooper.
Still acclimating to island time, we took it easy onshore and then had a nice dinner on boat.
Wednesday July 14, 2004 – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
We woke to a nice shower that left behind a great double rainbow. After a quick breakfast, headed back out to Drake’s around 8:30am. Seas were 2-3’ and winds from the east at 18-25. Sailed up to Scrub Island and then back towards Fallen Jerusalem. About an hour into the sail, I figured out that the engine was still running in neural. It was so quiet that I didn’t hear it.
A downwind run to Marina Cay and we’re on a mooring. It’s rather early, we got our pick of mooring balls. We’ve never been here this late in the season and people are not kidding when they say it’s deserted!
Again, lots of jelly fish! Some are as big as dinner plates.
On shore, purchased my BVI flag and Pussers flag (started the Pussers burgee stamp card). Cuervo was setting up for a private party all over the island. A bunch of DJ’s were flown in for the promotion. It did not get bad until late at night….loud band at the restaurant and they could not sing very well. It was worse than we’ve heard at Saba Rock. Everyone on shore had to be deaf, or at least had blood flowing from their ears.
Thursday July 15, 2004 – “Time for a Bath”
Lazy morning. Getting up was tougher thanks to the previous evening’s musical interlude. But, we’re finally up and leave Marina Cay around 9:45am. Seas were around 3’ and winds from the east at 15-18. It’s such a quick sail to Virgin Gorda that we take our time working back-and-forth through the Drake. Sailed to Fallen Jerusalem, then worked our way out to the Dogs. Finally sailed up to VGYH, arriving around 1:30pm. We wanted to get their early enough to hit The Baths, but not too early. Had A/C here, so topped off all the power. The poor house battery is not doing well, even with the engine running morning and evening, and the genset.
Took a cab out to the Baths and walked the trail all the way to Devil’s Bay. Spent time snorkeling and just limin’. It was relaxing as we were the only ones there, except for one other couple. The day complete, we worked our way back up to the top. We were amazed at the variety of cacti. In the past, we’ve had the kids with us and it’s been almost a race to get back to the top. However, this time we took our time and enjoyed the scenery.
Back to the boat and dinner. That night, we went up to the Bath and Turtle for a drink. Watched part of the Red Sox (I think) game. Another low-key evening. If my blood pressure was high before arriving, it’s now almost non-existent.
Friday July 16, 2004 – “Crow for Dinner”
Time for another stamp on the Pusser’s card. So, it’s off to Leverick Bay. Left VGYH around 10:30am. Winds were up (22-25 w/ higher gusts), a little fluky through the bays we passed to starboard. Arrived at Leverick Bay around 12:15. The goal was to visit Pussers and then head to Saba Rock. We’ve done the BEYC/Saba Rock mooring over the years, so the main reason for heading over is the free water and ice. However, Leverick has signs up everywhere stating they will honor the same deal! So, we head up to the gas dock and we are done for the day (so I think). After a few drinks and a visit to the Internet Café, the girls need something from the boat. So, off I go for a quick trip and back. I’m only going to be on the boat for a couple of minutes, so it’s a quick tie-off and down the hatch. IMPORTANT LESSION #1 from the trip: Even if it’s only for 30 seconds: TIE THE DINK OFF PROPERLY!! I come back up, to…..no dingy! Seems it had a mind of its own and the wind was involved in the conspiracy.
So, both good and bad news: a nice couple rescues the dingy and is hauling it back to the boat. Of course, I have to hang my head in shame and admit it’s mine. When I get to shore, I find out that pretty much everyone saw the event and for a time it became a rescue mission. From the description, you’d think they would have called VISAR.
To the kind people that were involved in the rescue, if you read this, thank you for your help. It wasn’t the only crow I ate on the trip, but hopefully those kinds of meals will decrease over time.
Leverick was having a BBQ on the beach that night, so we decided to stick around. Being from Texas, we know alittle bit about BBQ’s. It wasn’t bad! And, the DJ they had setup was also good.
Leverick Bay is getting to be one of our favorite places to visit. From Waterworld, to evening BBQ’s, they do a good job.
-David
