BVI's, Virgin Gorda & The Baths
Nimue
Mon 25 Apr 2011 02:49
|
Our final destination on Virgin Gorda was to visit The Baths,
another essential visit whilst on the island. The Baths are a most unusual
formation of large granite boulders.
Not long after we arrived we heard Scott Free (Steve and
Chris) on the VHF to Let it Be (Rob and Sheila), so we took the opportunity to
find out where they were, as we hadn’t seen them since Antigua. Just as
Michael was conversing with Steve, Scott Free’s engine decided to stop for no
apparent reason. As they were only a couple of miles north of us and
approaching Spanish Town to clear in, we immediately enlisted the help of Martin
who took his dinghy and we took ours to try and assist Scott Free to the
anchorage. Martin’s 15 hp engine did a grand job in moving nearly 18
tonnes of yacht and we managed to manoeuvre them to a safe anchorage, giving
them time to sort themselves out.
As you were only allowed to take a dinghy to the head of the
small bay, we all climbed aboard Otra Vida’s dinghy, armed with cameras
and valuables in sealed bags and Martin landed us on the beach. He then
took the dinghy back to the dedicated mooring and then had to swim ashore; all
rather interesting
A trial has been created behind the beach, through the
boulders, to Devil’s Bay, so we walked the trail which took us through
fascinating rock formations and pools of water created as the sea washes between
the huge rocks.
After the 20 minute trail we made for cold drinks at the Poor
Man’s Bar and then Martin, Michael and I decided to swim back to our landing
point. It took us all nearly half and hour against the current, but I
think we all felt much better for the exercise. We then decided to don
mask and fins and snorkel around the rocks, which was awesome. Michael
spotted a lobster in one of the rocks, but unfortunately it didn’t reach the
pot! After a final swim back to the dinghy (my goodness we did feel
fit that day!), Martin dropped us back on Nimue.
Our first view of the
magnificent bolders
Let it Be joining us in the
anchorage, with Sheila on board
A tight squeeze for
Nimue
Right next to The Baths -
what a place to live!
Couldn’t believe this
turtle just floated by Nimue at anchor
The view from the beach
across to Tortola in the distance
  No, it isn’t a
football................................................................ but
Martin off Otra Vida
 Just look at these amazing
rock formations
The trail to Devil’s Bay through the caves
More rocks!!!
One last shot – absolutely beautiful In order to protect the coral there is no anchoring directly
in front of The Baths, so we thought we had anchored well clear. However,
as we were lifting the anchor, the chain got caught under coral. Michael
tried to release it by free diving 30ft, but had problems with his head
sinus’s. Fortunately, Martin had his diving equipment to hand, so offered
to trip the chain for us, which we gladly accepted. Within a few minutes
we were free and underway, making for the anchorage at Marina Cay, 8nm across
the bay.
No doubt about it, a superb, action packed day!
|
