18:26.568N 64:45.053W
Bluetarn
Sun 19 Apr 2009 14:53
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The Virgin Islands
Arrived at Spanish Town in Virgin Gourda (The Fat
Virgin) in time to witness the Easter Parade complete with steel bands and stilt
dancers. Next day we made a beach stop on Prickly Pear island before anchoring
off the Bitter End Yacht Club. We dined at the Saba Rock Restaurant which was
located on a quarter acre rock. It was a great experience, and meal. We sat at
the waters edge. Beneath us undrewater lights illuminated the fish swimming by.
One moment of excitement came when a departing dinghy accidentally untied our
dinghy and caused us some consternation as we saw our boat floating off into the
darkness. Fortunately they realised what they had had done and returned our
boat.
Next morning we explored the Bitter End Resort
which was beautifully laid out. Our departure was upset by the realisation that
a gust of wind had inverted the dinghy which still had the engine attached.
Stopped at Biras Creek for lunch and emergency engine repairs. Engine started
first time after overhaul.
We sailed out via Leverick Bay and headed to the
Southern end of Virgin Gourda ready for an early bath in The Baths the next
morning.These are granite Boulders which the sea swirls between.
We sailed on passing many small islands with names
like Fallen Jerusalem and Ginger Island. Our lunch stop was on Peter Island at
another beautiful Caribbean beach.The evening was spent at anchor in The Bight
of Norman Island. This is where pirates reputedly left their treasure but we
found none!
Next day we sailed the short distance to Soper's
Hole on the SW corner of Tortola. A nice marina run by Harbour Master John Paul.
We visited Pusser's Rum Store and our dinner was in Pusser's restaurant
overlooking the marina.
Saturday saw a leisurely start as we headed for
White Bay on the island of Jost van Dyke. Yet another stunning beach. We had a
swim and visited the Soggy Dollar Beach Bar. We love the names. The actually
hang the we banknotes out to dry!
Later we went round "Pull or be Damned" headland to
Great Harbour and in the evening visited the world famous Foxy's Beach Bar
for a BBQ. Great meal and enjoyed looking at all the memorabilia that visitors
had left behind pinned to the rafters.
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