Happy 2018

Happy New Year and all the best wishes for 2018.

We rung in the new year anchored in Carlisle Bay on the south side of Antigua. There is a resort on the beach here that has had bands playing both during the day today, January 1st and yesterday as well as last evening. We sat out on the bow of the boat, under an almost full moon taking it in.

At midnight fireworks were set off from the beach. Our boat was just far enough away to be safe. Every one set so high in the sky just above us. Then we noticed some more fireworks in the next bay over off our stern as well. We were surrounded. It was magical and well worth staying up for.

So for today’s blog post, I thought we’d add some photos from 2017 that never managed to get posted to the blog.

The year started with a big problem when one of the four struts holding the roof over our cockpit broke at the weld. But a quick stop at Nanny Cay, some great welding by Nanny Cay, and a lot of Paul labour made us good as new. Not the ideal way to spend the last couple days with Gwyn who had arrived for Christmas, but we found ways to make it good.

Oh oh, no longer holding onto our Bimini (roof)

Can’t work on the boat all the time

If you have to fix your boat, pick a good beach

Gwyn on the way back to Vancouver (can you spot her?)

Next was the visit of our son Keith and his wife Taryl. They enjoyed a week with Paul in BVI in January 2017.

Gwyn has left, Keith and Taryl arriving (they briefly met in the USVI)

Keith and Taryl road weary but ready to go sailing

Heading to the next island

Keith kicked back with Jost Van Dyke in the background

Keith and Taryl at Callwood rum distillery – must stop

Four types of rum explained then samples – yum.

BVI relaxin’

Snorkeler’s view of Blue Sky

Taryl following the fish off the stern as we are tied to the rock

Between January and March, Paul single handed the boat from BVI to Antigua. Love the passage sunsets

Next I came for a break from work in March and was joined on the boat by my second cousin from England, David Wilce (our grandfathers were brothers). He spent 10 days on the boat, while I left after 6 days. First stop was some relaxing at Green Island and a visit to Harmony Hall.

Now this is the life with hammock and book.

Last walk along the beautiful path, Harmony House is now private

One of the many hummingbirds along the path

David out for a paddle

One of many of the Green Island Green turtles

Then came Paul’s birthday with a fun toy.

Now to demonstrate how to inflate this, Dave the cameraman standing by

If I wave it in the wind it should inflate

Almost inflated, sorta.

Ok lets put some leg work into the challenge

I think I’m making progress

Gotcha now, time to give it a test

Finally, perfectly inflated, time for a rest.

I say, rather comfy, what.

Paul enjoying the now inflated beach toy

After much fun and relaxation at Green Island, Gwyn had to head back to Vancouver so Paul and David met some friends in Falmouth and discovered some great hikes.

Judy and Phil of Rum Runner with David taking a hike break

Paul and David taking a break with the eastern part of Antigua stretching behind us to the Atlantic

Phil from Rum Runner enjoying the view after a tough hike

David on the precipice to Falmouth harbour at our highest point in the hike

And lastly Paul had some great crew, Matt and Chris, from St Croix, who helped him sail the boat from BVI to Hampton, Virginia in May. They had a quick and easy sail to the US. Here’s some of the dolphins they enjoyed along the way. They also caught some fish.