SV Blue Sky

So with Yoga, paddling, and swimming, we get lots of exercise, not to mention numerous dives to scrub the hulls and get rid of all the hitchhikers.  But today, we decided it was time to exercise land legs.  Charlie cast 2 votes in favor of this one.  So off we went through the mangroves to a place called Biras Creek and a narrow strip of land separating the breaking surf east side of the island from North Sound.  We started out hopeful we would catch a glimpse of an Iguana which Gwyn had spotted just once a couple weeks ago.  Lots of these little geckos scurrying around and more inviting resort spaces, but where are the Iguanas? (click photos for a larger image)

Then as we were meandering along a road, we saw this quaint little sign followed shortly ahead by the beastie itself!

Mission accomplished! But we were in for another surprise on the way back through the mangroves.

So it was a great long hike with sights along the way. Even Charlie was a bit worn out opting for only a short play with his ball at the beach when we got back. Our granddaughter, Janiah (9), loves lizards! So we hope you enjoy the Iguanas, Janiah. We were thinking of you today!

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve blogged. You may be thinking that we’ve been super busy or something, but reality is we’ve been getting overly relaxed in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. We stayed in the first anchored spot near Prickly Pear Island for 11 nights, then for a change of scenery, we moved about a mile south, nearer to Bitter End. Both places afford us the luxury of getting free WiFi on the boat courtesy of Saba Rock Bar & Resort.

We’ve had many days of high gusty winds, combined with sunshine and passing rain showers/squalls. We’ve enjoyed rainbows, sunsets, games of scrabble, reading, cooking and eating nice healthy meals.  We’ve also established our own methods of staying fit with yoga, calisthenics, swimming, paddling and hiking. The days are passing by quite unbelievably fast.

Now into February we are beginning our preparations to travel south to Antigua (it’s time we went somewhere new). We’ve sent off Charlie’s paperwork to the Antigua vet and obtained his approval. On Friday we take Charlie for his clearing out exam at the vet in Paraquita Bay on Tortola. That will follow with some final provisioning and then back to North Sound to wait for the weather window. Rules say that we must arrive at the new port within 7 days of Charlie’s clearance to depart. So by Feb 14^th we should be in Antigua, God willing.

Paul has been pulling wires that were connected for our trip, but never pulled behind the walls/floors.  After all, it would be nice for our house guests to be able to close the door to the guest room. I know he’s much more relaxed, as he now does these tasks without so much as a single curse. Amazing what 3 months of floating on your boat can do.

Meanwhile, family back home have been experiencing the drones of winter. Our daughter, Chy, slipped and fell on some ice and broke her wrist, which required a surgical repair. As a mother it’s difficult to be away from home when such accidents occur. There’s nothing you can do from so far away, but provide virtual support and prayers. Other family members we hear from so infrequently, that we trust the old saying, ‘No news, is good news’. They are all old enough to care for themselves, but the parent in us always enjoys an update now and then. Just know that we think of everyone back home on a daily basis.

 

We finally had to tear ourselves away from Cane Garden Bay. The fish had taken up permanent residence under the boat, each with their assigned duties. The ones at the stern were silver blue about 3 inches long and frenetic. We had 6 black ones that hung out around the chain, presumably monitoring any tendency to drag. Then we had the millions of little ones that hung out in the shadow and the big boss fish in the center of the boat. Sad to break up the newly developed ecosystem but we were running low on groceries so off to West End (Soper’s Hole) for a quick provisioning stop.

After provisioning we enjoyed a close hauled sail from there back to Norman Island for a peaceful night at the Bight. However, we don’t like all the mooring balls so the next day we went around the corner to Benure’s Bay. We loved it there.

Just a few other boats at anchor and tremendous snorkeling in clear water – not to mention the wind protection was even better than the Bight. One day we set off on a hike, missed the trail, and in true bushwhacker style G, Charlie, and I clawed our way up a steep 120 meter hill. We knew a jeep trail ran along the ridge so we just had to keep going up. The jeep trail was much easier walking so we hiked across the island back to the Bight with some gorgeous sights along the way.

After 3 days, we were getting comfortable again but lacked provisions so we had a quick beam reach sail over to Road Town on Tortola but not before stopping at the Indians for some morning snorkeling. Finally was brave enough to take my camera swimming. It was beautiful but we definitely preferred Benure’s and the caves for clarity and variety of fish.

Then it was on to Road Town and a heavy duty stock up grocery shopping plus propane and some fix-it items. It was just a lot of grunt work collecting all we needed and haul it to the dinghy and back to the boat. Transferring it onto Blue Sky in two foot steep chop with the occasional ferry wake much bigger proved to be a tremendous workout. Happy to say everything and everyone made it to the boat with with no one/thing going for a swim.

The next morning on the 18th was a bit more resupplying followed by a great sail back to North Sound on Virgin Gorda. The wind gods nicely moved the east wind to the southeast about 1/2 hour into the almost 4 hour trip which meant we could sail direct, albeit close hauled. We are now happily anchored and will be celebrating G’s birthday today. More on that later.

Cane Garden Bay is remaining delightful with north swell surf crashing in on our port side, a reef with numerous fish on starboard, beach and town forward with a beautiful view of the sunset aft with St Thomas a way off. It is being easy to get comfortable here and dig into books, small repairs, puzzles and a myriad other things.

Actually that surf looks kinda small. However, up close the waves were 6-7 feet at times and this guy made the most of it:

We had a wonderful encounter with the folks at GreenVI Glass Studio where they turn glass recycled from the bars into some beautiful glassware. It is nonprofit and the artisans are local and apprenticed, learning a creative trade. Soon they will be converting to using the discarded cooking oil from the bars to fire the kilns taking a huge step toward carbon neutral. We were treated to a demonstration of making a starfish similar to the one we bought which is being used as a tea bag or spoon holder on the boat. GreenVI, a must see, and the people were friendly and fun. Find them on GreenVI facebook or their short GreenVI mission statement here.

Having run often with Charlie at the beach, we decided it was time to sample one of the bars – Quito’s was chosen and what a delightful choice. Stella, our server, was cheery, efficient, and very down to earth. She really made our evening! Of course a few painkillers didn’t hurt. But the Mahi Mahi was the surprise – cooked perfectly with a fresh flavor that beats any other restaurant we have eaten at in the BVI. And it was a happy hour appetizer at only $5. Talk about value! We retired early to the boat to listen to the live music coming across the water. We are about a quarter of a mile from the beach – just right for privacy and peace, but close enough to sit at night on the foredeck, listen to the live music and watch the stars – that is until the odd shower shows up.

Bottom line is we have come to enjoy the earthiness feel to Cane Garden (not just a resort mentality) and the people we have met. GreenVI – bravo, keep it happening. Stella (previously from Burbank), we wish you all the happiness and good fortune as you choose to follow your dreams!