Here's the SPOT update as of 1306 on 8 May.
Update as of 0803 10 May:
Thanks for posting this Captain Smollett, there is some free wifi in North Sound, perhaps we will hear from them if they go up there.
Spot update; Friday May 11 11:43 AM
L&L 18.31709 -64.61584
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_route1.JPG)
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_route_2.JPG)
Update #22
L&L 18.34291 -64.79205
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_3.JPG)
This is interesting, I just checked again, and they are in the same anchorage and there is one less "Spot" message from earlier today. :o I hope they didn't sink!!!
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_4.JPG)
Oh good they didn't sink, rather they went to the US Virgins
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_5.JPG)
Quote from: Tim on May 14, 2012, 07:28:51 PM
Oh good they didn't sink, rather they went to the US Virgins
Craig told me that, years ago in his former life as a serving member of the US Armed Forces, he'd been on a US Navy ship anchored in that bay. He was amazed at the idyllic beauty of the place, and wondered what it would be like in different circumstances. So he promised himself that sometime in
"The Future", he'd come back - on a vessel that wasn't carrying hundreds of other servicefolk, and with more time to explore and enjoy...
Looks like he made it. :)
Can't wait to hear the trip report, a grog for sharing that CapnK
The worst time to try to log a journey is at the half way point.. but that is exactly where I am.
Not everything has happened yet, but the events of the first half have already started to blur.
After trying for hours to get a connection here, I seem to have a very slow one here this am.
I am anchored at Francis Bay, on St. John in the USVI. We have been underway for 10 days now, and have made a slow half round of Tortola where we stated out (Road Town).
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-StJO01AqDW4/T7gbprztBZI/AAAAAAAABRw/w5qkcOBvOBk/s640/IMG_0034.JPG)
Flying down was something of a fiasco as I failed to actually LOOK at the tickets I had purchased. The route to 'Beef Island' on Tortola was from Puerto Rico... not so bad but it went through St. Thomas first. We flew from Pensacola to Miami, then to St. Thomas where we had to go through the TSA screening / customs & immigration AGAIN. I know that I seem to have a 'thing' with US border payroll, but really... getting screened because I fly in from Miami seems a little excessive.
The good folks at Conch Charters had the boat ready for us when we got there. It is a Jenneau 43 DS that was built in 2002 and has been in the Charter fleet with Conch and with Sunsail before that.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KDbta6rmypM/T7gblDzmyOI/AAAAAAAABRg/XvNRl-zzZqQ/s640/IMG_0017.JPG)
The Sailor who takes care of their boats is a guy named Ross, he does an amazing job. Everything on the boat works. I have not been particularly impressed with the roller furling main, but that is not the fault of the charter company.
Wing and Wing;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i7kegyUaAfw/T7gXUpF3CDI/AAAAAAAABPM/lfDn_OtEosE/s512/IMG_0128.JPG)
We sailed out on the 6th, we were missing 3 bags lost in transit. No problem, Tortola has an anchorage at the airport.
Trellis Bay at sunset;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pyRJaynmDoM/T61MMArCB0I/AAAAAAAABEs/1LVXMqzr228/s800/DSC04545.JPG)
Trellis Bay describes it's self as an 'Artisans colony' and they are located about 2 minutes from the airport. I think any place that would desire to be civilized should adopt this arrangement.
Waiting at the marina for bags was significantly less cool then waiting on the mooring at Trellis bay.
We just missed the 'Super moon' party on the beach.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ILqsexR9jRo/T7gbnlZ2MKI/AAAAAAAABRo/2nRmmLsWoFc/s640/IMG_0030.JPG) They have a series of iron sculptures that they set ablaze every month when the moon is full.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6GpONt_O2HE/T7gXTEwQlYI/AAAAAAAABPE/gjwqD1PwLl0/s800/IMG_0119.JPG)
I really like the idea of a monthly party for the full moon. Aargons Studio makes ceramics, t-shirts and other crafts as well as hosting the party
every month.
Once we recovered the wayward bags, we sailed out to
Quote from: s/v Faith on May 16, 2012, 08:02:04 AM
Once we recovered the wayward bags, we sailed out to
Oh man, it's like the season cliffhanger on a TV show....
;D ;D
(Hope all's well, that you did not get cut off cuz lappy died or something...)
Update 16 May, 2012, 1437:
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p199/LewisAcid/nutsnbolts/Faith_Spot_20120516_1437_wide.png)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p199/LewisAcid/nutsnbolts/Faith_Spot_20120516_1438_close.png)
Quote from: Captain Smollett on May 16, 2012, 10:08:17 AM
Quote from: s/v Faith on May 16, 2012, 08:02:04 AM
Once we recovered the wayward bags, we sailed out to
Oh man, it's like the season cliffhanger on a TV show....
;D ;D
(Hope all's well, that you did not get cut off cuz lappy died or something...)
After my experiences with Wifi down there, we are lucky we got anything from Faith
hope they didn't sail off the edge of the earth ???
Quote from: Tim on May 13, 2012, 11:55:21 PM
This is interesting, I just checked again, and they are in the same anchorage and there is one less "Spot" message from earlier today. :o I hope they didn't sink!!!
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_4.JPG)
I've noticed that the SPOT 'flags' disappear after so many days. Thats the reason Craig wanted us to capture the images.
Also, I'm saving all the update emails to give him all the lat-lons when he gets back so he can reproduce the whole enchilada.
It's a shame, really...SPOT is pretty cool. Not sure what they are saving by dropping your data points - a few text characters in a database?
Quote from: Captain Smollett on May 16, 2012, 08:39:39 PM
I've noticed that the SPOT 'flags' disappear after so many days. Thats the reason Craig wanted us to capture the images.
It's like when Hansel & Gretel left the trail of bread crumbs behind them in the forest to use them to find their way back home...
Seems like they should have a default period of time for these spot flags that is much longer, and maybe allowing those who want to have them expire sooner to control that setting to do so (say if you want to protect your location privacy, or are engaged in pirate activities, etc...) . ;)
When I first saw the thread subject I thought... Wow that seems like a long way to bring [S/V]
Faith just to charter her out... ;D
Fair winds on the rest of your adventure, crew of
Faith and guests.
Looking forward to a full report [with lots of photos], too.
Thanks Jim,
While I have been very good to s/v Leto, I will say that I am probably in the minority. Most charter boats are tortured mercilessly..... I could not imagine Faith ever being subjected to such a thing.
Laying to a National Park Mooring here in Watermelon bay, on St. John.
I think that the last 5 days have been spent on St. John now, and it has been well worth the investment of time.
Lots of wildlife (this was taken at Waterlemon Bay);
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nl46kpfvxrI/T7gH4CSQLfI/AAAAAAAABHw/xSHytUYdFZE/s720/DSC_0085.JPG)
In addition to sailing, I love to hike. St. John is described as a 'hikers Virgin Island'. Yesterday I was anchored at Coral Bay, and hiked over the ridge to where I could see this anchorage... This evening I hiked back over the ridge and bought the t-shirt there that my dad wanted. ;D
Latest;
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_7.JPG)
http://sailfar.net/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1704&fullsize=1
I know... I know. I am not a great job with the updates.... I will go back and fill in the blanks later.
Laying to a moorning at Sophers Hole (West end, Tortula). Going to top up on fuel and water and head to Jost Van Dyke. Used up the water this am with showers for all and some bucket laundry in anticipation of getting filled up.
Yes, we did spend a long time on St. John. It is labeled as the 'most hiker friendly Virgin Island', and I really enjoyed my nightly walks.
Great trails (although most much more steep);
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oKw5iP1JZIc/T7g8m_b-kmI/AAAAAAAABUM/yDjF2suS57U/s512/DSC04580.JPG)
Lots to see;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aUAjI-Ytrmk/T7XDm2UwD0I/AAAAAAAABGo/hBnJ7Uz_6TE/s800/DSC04603.JPG)
A hermit crab on the trail (they were everwhere);
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4eT0EYgqs6M/T7gXpx85GWI/AAAAAAAABQU/bTn6i1baF_0/s800/IMG_0275.JPG)
Another one;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l5jn4Q-PKn0/T7gXtc9bXaI/AAAAAAAABQc/kb6oy_eWE48/s800/IMG_0277.JPG)
Had a bit of trouble clearing back into the BVI's from the USVI... more on that later.
I am taking lots of pictures, but with limited bandwidth it is tough to get them up loaded...
The US national park service overseas much of the land in the USVI. Here is their headquarters in Cruze Bay, on St. John. The have a great dingy dock with heads and trash disposal there. We actually moored around the corner at Caneel bay, but the dingy ride was not too long.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dc1CbKK2fKQ/T7gXltHE1mI/AAAAAAAABQE/ESCvSwWtyR4/s800/IMG_0230.JPG)
US Customs and Border Patrol. There is an initial shock at actually being able to pull in to their dock to clear in (unlike other US customs buildings on the water where their dock seems to be reserved only for.... some other use) ::) The pleasure of using their dock quickly wears off however once you step inside.. and find it is the same good ole customs you are used to..... nuf said.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aoFMAYbD5Bc/T7gbxsdioHI/AAAAAAAABSI/n3q98NBLdk4/s640/IMG_0113.JPG)
The anchorage outside of the inner harbor in Cruz bay, as seen from the ridge above;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t-umplq1X3Q/T7g8ifWsfOI/AAAAAAAABUE/KqpnTTCmUtw/s800/DSC04559.JPG)
Just had lunch at Foxy's at Jost Van Dyke.... going back ashore later to look for the right place for a sailfar sticker to be... of course you can not rush into these things, I might have to spend a little time looking around the place (hope it is not too crowded at happy hour). ;D
Uploading pictures now, will post soon.,
On edit;
Here was a nice shot of a little Ketch that was having a nice sail between St. John and Tortula.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tjJajbokeUo/T7gI8yIFloI/AAAAAAAABKg/tMiy2hos1VE/s720/DSC_0489.JPG)
Many places were less then crowded in May.... they call this the 'shoulder season' between the spring breakers, and the start of H******cane season.
Kind of nice to avoid the heard;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7EOwcsXlcEM/T7gQ4O5QjKI/AAAAAAAABLQ/AzJO4o2xj9I/s640/DSC00645.JPG)
Just don't put it over the top of this one ;)
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_IMG_4256.JPG)
I KNEW you had put one there Tim, I looked for it and did not find it. :P
I went for a hike this evening, ended up going over the ridge to White Bay. I intended to take some stickers to Foxies but did not get them onto the dingy... so I may hike back over (plan to spend tomorrow night in White Bay).
'(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qx7QGIqeQfU/T7g83gJwlUI/AAAAAAAABVU/lOLNymnIymc/s800/DSC04694.JPG)
Ok, this thread is about to get picture intensive... hope everyone enjoys them. I want to post a lot, so that any future BVI / USVI Sailfar Sailors will have some idea what to expect.
Foxies bar, Jost Van Dyke;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z3301SY6QgY/T7gR21uH5rI/AAAAAAAABOI/T4iGvc-_9-8/s800/DSC01006.JPG)
Great Harbor;.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WD4MMNlRN9M/T7g80QnztVI/AAAAAAAABVE/CBVnu3EpvCw/s800/DSC04678.JPG)
Here is one to ease you into it. THis was the sunset we took from Francis bay, on St. John.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-43NBlx9L-fQ/T6x6ElVVamI/AAAAAAAABD4/nActdeZRYHU/s800/DSC04553.JPG)
One of many pictures taken with my Olympus camera my friends here helped me pick out.
THis was on Norman Island, at a place they call 'the caves';
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qj6T_7qvI70/T7gIQzLmKuI/AAAAAAAABI4/MCuMCOwIoEc/s720/DSC_0250.JPG)
We snorkeled into the caves and had a look;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zQmd2A8j9ak/T61L5M24vfI/AAAAAAAABEU/V4PRZDdzzKo/s640/P5110115.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aLpYADWk5dc/T7gIZa5cMRI/AAAAAAAABJI/JT7199dHZU8/s720/DSC_0255.JPG)
These guys seemed like they were suspended;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lsrNgYQmQ8c/T61MBGRNNyI/AAAAAAAABEk/vm-dmrJLc5c/s640/P5110103.JPG)
More of the caves;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiXy7Ik8K5s/T7gIVUx15aI/AAAAAAAABJA/bZxVWwdL-jg/s720/DSC_0252.JPG)
We then went 'around the corner' and spent the night in the Bight at Norman, home of the William Thorton (no, I did not take the 'naked plunge')
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oBZn1_mL0CA/T7gIdYGTMYI/AAAAAAAABJQ/olAho1lLjbA/s720/DSC_0261.JPG)
The pirates bar at the bight;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VasvqQ0a-Ak/T7gRWnW4Z8I/AAAAAAAABMY/EqfUeBm_PF4/s640/DSC00791.JPG)
"The Baths" at Virgin Gorda are absolutely not to be missed!
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E6vK5wIrfwk/T7gRDtgj4pI/AAAAAAAABLo/RDUtFT00Uwo/s640/DSC00723.JPG)
Someone throw me a line!
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IQfI9Itxoro/T7gRN35YfYI/AAAAAAAABMI/zfjk0C7OAqI/s640/DSC00743.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JtKHOojsdVg/T7gQ-z-8pZI/AAAAAAAABLg/WT6W8KIrR-Q/s512/DSC00719.JPG)
Some tight squeezes where the water meets the rock....
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uho3iB2GAEY/T7XC5QIZ3GI/AAAAAAAABWI/vMmfDLqKNGo/s512/P5090045.JPG)
You pick up a free 'day use' national parks mooring, and dingy to the beach (you tie to a floating dingy moor, there is no landing at the baths).
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ot7lpXkFaxs/T7gRGe8P2mI/AAAAAAAABLw/xESzqHqgFEY/s640/DSC00724.JPG)
Absolutely amazing... I wish I could post what it sounded like in there... and felt like. You really need to go.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y17TReBq9qM/T7gRJ9ACcbI/AAAAAAAABL4/xiuefsiGyEE/s512/DSC00735.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yjBVY4Vwsu0/T7gRL5DIChI/AAAAAAAABMA/KXmNzhbeDrk/s512/DSC00738.JPG)
My dad is a painter, and he brought his 'Plen air' set. Here he has found a cool place to paint in Cruze Bay on St. John.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i0SDjqpoqfA/T7XDlKbWz0I/AAAAAAAABGg/bJwRx9zwEis/s800/DSC04589.JPG)
Quote from: CapnK on May 14, 2012, 08:29:41 PM
Quote from: Tim on May 14, 2012, 07:28:51 PM
Oh good they didn't sink, rather they went to the US Virgins
Craig told me that, years ago in his former life as a serving member of the US Armed Forces, he'd been on a US Navy ship anchored in that bay. He was amazed at the idyllic beauty of the place, and wondered what it would be like in different circumstances. So he promised himself that sometime in "The Future", he'd come back - on a vessel that wasn't carrying hundreds of other servicefolk, and with more time to explore and enjoy...
Looks like he made it. :)
Very cool that you remember that Kurt, yes... that was something of an epiphany for me. I had vowed then to return to Magans Bay some day on a boat when I was the Captain, and could come and go as I please. ;D
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5T5vZbqEE-4/T7gRkBzf8pI/AAAAAAAABNI/J3sn57AheYs/s800/DSC00905.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nvs0klXRhlY/T7XQJ7jEA9I/AAAAAAAABHE/bRxw78iIFJs/s512/DSC04570.JPG)
As Tim said, St. Thomas is the.... well let's just say that you should not leave your boat or dingy unattended long there. I sent my crew ashore for some leave and they took the cab over the hill to Charlotte Amale for provisions and to trade beads with the natives;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6wzqTHNzFEY/T7gRZ6pswbI/AAAAAAAABMg/sWx70YkBBuE/s800/DSC00824.JPG)
I just relaxed on the beach for a while, and hung out onboard... some days it to tough to be the captain;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g1mnTP5AxyY/T7gRcO-AV9I/AAAAAAAABMo/y55ZwCNIVDs/s800/DSC00847.JPG)
Couple of pics from Sunset, Magens Bay;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NaZCepg2a48/T7gIwY1WI0I/AAAAAAAABJ4/TSCX18OWSlc/s720/DSC_0403.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zMpRH6pCF64/T7gRg7TwEhI/AAAAAAAABM4/tEQRF0KMybg/s800/DSC00888.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C523vDPA_fY/T7gIynJFbTI/AAAAAAAABKA/8IFHkJlabpw/s720/DSC_0405.JPG)
The second night out we sailed around Guana and looked at an anchorage there, and did not find a place I liked... we then sailed over to Great Camanoe and anchored at Lee Bay. The little Delta would not set! After dragging it for a 75' I pulled it up and found out why.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zWuqbe6tseY/T7gH-sAqEmI/AAAAAAAABIA/NUwGN0NAoi0/s720/DSC_0113.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9uMUSNlQYws/T7gIBDYnmrI/AAAAAAAABII/qaTM4qdRTVU/s512/DSC_0116.JPG)
The sunset at Lee Bay;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8_euSIBMEdA/T7gIDZowyyI/AAAAAAAABIQ/oAldjf-emVs/s720/DSC_0130.JPG)
as the colors came out;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qtdDkUziW80/T7gIEuFruJI/AAAAAAAABIY/-J_Pmmvwxbc/s512/DSC_0139.JPG)
I have gone back in and added some pictures over the thread, and it is all out of order... now.
Here I was going ashore in Waterlemon Bay on St. John.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-094DUEJ7EIc/T7gIth8KZiI/AAAAAAAABJw/4xbbn0AgTKo/s720/DSC_0386.JPG)
The ruins of the cane plantation at Waterlemon Bay;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eAJvXxYNIlM/T7gJAmhe1JI/AAAAAAAABKo/utuMnqSxyJs/s720/DSC_0503.JPG)
More of the ruins, dad set up here the next day and painted this arch with the boats and the bay in the background....
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbGqjWlmVtU/T7gRuqqcPGI/AAAAAAAABNw/FvlcbgczvtE/s800/DSC00963.JPG)
I am sure that I am posting too many pictures, but I could not pick one... so here is another.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yfTr03yjshY/T7gRxQCzq6I/AAAAAAAABN4/AmauT_JjQ8Y/s800/DSC00980.JPG)
Enjoying the view;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-znF_qJz65eI/T7gb8fr8o3I/AAAAAAAABSo/3txSC2ngZvc/s640/IMG_0187.JPG)
Ruins at the top of the hill;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ywb5F0bhXuM/T7g8q-5sMzI/AAAAAAAABUc/Z3XPbb2FJK4/s800/DSC04632.JPG)
And the view of the anchorage from the top;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g4AdLVhSA_s/T7g8sU1RlYI/AAAAAAAABUk/VX9p25LPSqg/s800/DSC04634.JPG)
Unmitigated Gull;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5TO0bgZ8GIg/T7gJCOTas8I/AAAAAAAABKw/TkhVfEhjSnY/s720/DSC_0521.JPG)
Last night was spent at Soper's hole Tortola.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QU7xzSx8mOE/T7gJH32R5oI/AAAAAAAABK4/sCGBDVZVB78/s720/DSC_0535.JPG)
The Captain hard at work laying up provisions for the crew... of maybe just "The Waterboy" :P
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-suw_n6i7GeQ/T7gR0GXH-dI/AAAAAAAABOA/6WQYeQuyxxI/s800/DSC00999.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gETiX-R_1P8/T7gXQux2NxI/AAAAAAAABO8/yTO_Dkh_eIA/s800/IMG_0108.JPG)
Sopers hole off the stern as we motor out this morning;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMOcS0Q6WcU/T7gbedbFtJI/AAAAAAAABRY/K-ksSH8Q684/s640/IMG_0009.JPG)
Quote from: s/v Faith on May 19, 2012, 09:17:55 PM
Quote from: CapnK on May 14, 2012, 08:29:41 PM
Quote from: Tim on May 14, 2012, 07:28:51 PM
Oh good they didn't sink, rather they went to the US Virgins
Craig told me that, years ago in his former life as a serving member of the US Armed Forces, he'd been on a US Navy ship anchored in that bay. He was amazed at the idyllic beauty of the place, and wondered what it would be like in different circumstances. So he promised himself that sometime in "The Future", he'd come back - on a vessel that wasn't carrying hundreds of other servicefolk, and with more time to explore and enjoy...
Looks like he made it. :)
Very cool that you remember that Kurt, yes... that was something of an epiphany for me. I had vowed then to return to Magans Bay some day on a boat when I was the Captain, and could come and go as I please. ;D
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5T5vZbqEE-4/T7gRkBzf8pI/AAAAAAAABNI/J3sn57AheYs/s800/DSC00905.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Nvs0klXRhlY/T7XQJ7jEA9I/AAAAAAAABHE/bRxw78iIFJs/s512/DSC04570.JPG)
As Tim said, St. Thomas is the.... well let's just say that you should not leave your boat or dingy unattended long there. I sent my crew ashore for some leave and they took the cab over the hill to Charlotte Amale for provisions and to trade beads with the natives;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6wzqTHNzFEY/T7gRZ6pswbI/AAAAAAAABMg/sWx70YkBBuE/s800/DSC00824.JPG)
I just relaxed on the beach for a while, and hung out onboard... some days it to tough to be the captain;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g1mnTP5AxyY/T7gRcO-AV9I/AAAAAAAABMo/y55ZwCNIVDs/s800/DSC00847.JPG)
I briefly tried to pick up a couple coins by doing some lifeguard duty.. but strangely no one came along to pay me...
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jy10LaLubZA/T7gRoISdHOI/AAAAAAAABNY/EylSXNaIDh0/s800/DSC00921.JPG)
Couple of pics from Sunset, Magens Bay;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NaZCepg2a48/T7gIwY1WI0I/AAAAAAAABJ4/TSCX18OWSlc/s720/DSC_0403.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zMpRH6pCF64/T7gRg7TwEhI/AAAAAAAABM4/tEQRF0KMybg/s800/DSC00888.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C523vDPA_fY/T7gIynJFbTI/AAAAAAAABKA/8IFHkJlabpw/s720/DSC_0405.JPG)
I just noticed I have gone over 4000 posts some time this evening....
Jumping back to Virgin Gorda and the Baths, here is a shot of 'the skull'
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w7UseCVXlKM/T7gXb5MbAFI/AAAAAAAABPk/uhL6wW3VPGA/s800/IMG_0193.JPG)
A rainbow while anchored at Francis Bay on St. John;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BANK3uRPVzE/T7gXmu5GYAI/AAAAAAAABQM/dhs-nXJ0c60/s800/IMG_0252.JPG)
We have been very fortunate with the weather. The forecast has called for some chance of rain each day since we arrived, but the showers have mostly been short lived and had very little impact.
Here is a picture of the rain moving in at Caneel bay;
Coral Bay (our second to last stop on our near circumnavigation of St. John) was a really great little harbor.
The guide describes Coral bay as a refuge from tourists... ours was only one of 2 charter boats in the anchorage.... it was crowded with cruising boats.
Cozy little harbor;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Tiwx-SMXNI0/T7g8WilJEbI/AAAAAAAABTU/maIq1WLjGLI/s800/DSC04607.JPG)
Boats look much more spread out here then they are in reality;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7WmV0KLwyeQ/T7g8YW8NITI/AAAAAAAABTc/rp4dOHV6CBk/s800/DSC04618.JPG)
From the ridge, taken while hiking in the evening;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mYLdy_NM7Qs/T7g8b4tpTSI/AAAAAAAABTs/i4kNBX-IJIE/s800/DSC04623.JPG)
The Law;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc32cQl9J5s/T7gb0n8vEMI/AAAAAAAABSQ/t6htrlxwh0k/s640/IMG_0157.JPG)
There is a story to this picture that will need it's own post (really it's own thread)... I will just post the picture since it is getting really late and I have been at this for hours now...
More on this picture to follow later;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nx35hwNO0co/T7gb2xlkbgI/AAAAAAAABSY/CZCdu9e_bQU/s640/IMG_0163.JPG)
More pictures to follow....
Moving over to White bay now. On looking over this it appears some of the pictures did not load... will look at that later...
The pictures were great. I remember a lot of it from my days in the Navy. Looking farward to getting back there soon..
Quote from: s/v Faith on May 19, 2012, 08:55:38 PM
Ok, this thread is about to get picture intensive... hope everyone enjoys them.
Craig, The photos are wonderful. The more the better! :)
Grog to you.
Thanks for the encouragement guys....
... it is slow going uploading all the pictures with this connection.
Today we moved to White Bay.
White bay can be as private (empty) as you like;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sEAS2ao1V9I/T7m_jBckLhI/AAAAAAAABWk/TVHovOSkE4Y/s800/DSC01065.JPG)
Or it can be more crowded;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C-ckQkltrFM/T7m_l8O8s9I/AAAAAAAABWs/sH6UtoUcnwc/s800/DSC01069.JPG)
There are three main attractions (well, lots of attractions.. but there are more then 3 but...)
You have Loves;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v1McthckrWg/T7m_hApa6UI/AAAAAAAABWc/D4-rMHUUX_o/s800/DSC01058.JPG)
On the other end you have Ivans Stree Free bar;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XblJREGlgnI/T7m_sYFjKWI/AAAAAAAABW8/yUvfoTVluSk/s800/DSC01082.JPG)
and you have the "Soggy Dollar"
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bOaeTgTIO1M/T7m_pUxp1sI/AAAAAAAABW0/IA1o1WdRhL4/s800/DSC01080.JPG)
Back to Foxies from yesterday... here is a picture that shows how close your boat is to the bar;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uElNiSv25LA/T7m_eJScJwI/AAAAAAAABWU/_b3jvorFXNo/s800/DSC01025.JPG)
And back to Sophers hole.. Leto at teh fuel dock (that price was only good on 100 gallons or more).. we took 13.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IE99wHgEcnc/T7m_a3NQ81I/AAAAAAAABWM/2nUlHUR-xH0/s800/DSC01004.JPG)
Spot update;
(http://sailfar.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10375/normal_Faith_8.JPG)
I forgot I can attach this directly, see if it is any better.
On edit I see that it does make a larger pic. I had forgotten about doing that because with this dang netbook I never see the bottom of the screen. ;D
GREAT PICS!!!!!!!!! Have fun!!!
Thanks guys,
Last night was in Long Bay... inbetween Jost Van Dyke and little Jost.
The establishment is 'Foxies Taboo' owned by Foxies daughter;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vLUwQP-P-S0/T7vlu3PZt_I/AAAAAAAABXg/y4znQ2ZPOdA/s800/IMG_0347.JPG)
Around the corner is what is deemed a 'natural jacuzzi' by the guide... also called the Bubble pool
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oQiZF78nQ1k/T7vlxqSmDSI/AAAAAAAABXo/GRSynzJS0r8/s800/IMG_0353.%20JPG)
I think it is rather funny to picture a bunch of pirates sitting around in a hot tub;
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ba5zWdgMq_Q/T7vlz0OdovI/AAAAAAAABXw/dSjFT7oBBI4/s800/IMG_0355.JPG)
Today we went to Cains Garden Bay, we went ashore to find more grog provisions and watched them bring in the catch;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0aQ1xbL7oi4/T7vl3FZd18I/AAAAAAAABYA/hC_qiN7DJSc/s800/IMG_0367.JPG)
Pretty good haul;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D5cmlvQhOwM/T7vl5ZwGPCI/AAAAAAAABYI/MIe2FWafkwc/s800/IMG_0373.JPG)
Also found a cool little glass blower, who makes glassware out of recycled glass from the bars.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xsp732w-lHA/T7vl7-kfzVI/AAAAAAAABYQ/YeuDGhxu48w/s800/IMG_0376.JPG)
{Edit: Fixed Image Tag}
Great pics Craig- and no, not too many at all.
Enjoy.
Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum!
15 men on a dead mens chest, Yo Ho Ho!
At anchor in Dead Men's Bay on Peter Island. This is the place where Blackbeard put 15 of his crew ashore on Dead Mens Chest and for provisions... he gave them a single bottle of Rum.
Some tried to swim to Peter Island and drowned in the 1/2 mile or so pass and so there were dead men on dead mens chest...
Had a great day today. Had a good sail from Brewers Bay, around Tortola and up past Great Cameno and Guana... then we anchored at Salt island for a couple hours and snorkeled out over the wreck of the HMS Rhone.
Dad did a great job on the helm, and drove most of the way. ;D
The Rhone was were the movie "the Deep" was filmed, and while I would have liked to dove on her the snorkeling was fantastic (it was a bit rough with a big swell running.. the advantage was that we initially had the entire site to ourselves.
Map Update as of 23 May at 1614:
Moored at Soldiers Bay just north of Norman Island.
Had a wonderful snorkel over the Indians, saw many many fish... it was as though they all showed up to bid us farewell.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frhd0kd81wQ/T75ZdyexC0I/AAAAAAAABao/xhv2n9PxU0Y/s640/P1010203.JPG)
More of the purple fan coral;
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DwTxmEYMYII/T75ZkrxS44I/AAAAAAAABaw/3a_vBtzIbHk/s640/P5160165.JPG)
I took some videos but the connection speed is too low. I will try to upload them and post them later on.
I finally got a good shot of a parrot fish in shallow enough water that you can see his colors;
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rRnoHdD4Z5s/T75oTVMS2bI/AAAAAAAABa8/MwGNjweQIdI/s486/P5160169.JPG)
THis is the last day of the charter, the boat has to be back in tomorrow... not sure if I am going to spend the night here or transit to Brandywine Bay (on Tortola) for an easy trip into Roadtown tomorrow....
Really weird sea life;
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GEGIRu7UCbg/T75ZaciFGNI/AAAAAAAABag/ZS4fRpBzUkQ/s640/P1010206.JPG)
Here is a short video (if it works)
http://youtu.be/rdDxBPyeK0c (http://youtu.be/rdDxBPyeK0c)
Let's try;
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rdDxBPyeK0c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Places we anchored;
BVI - Tortola - Road Town, Bert fort marina
BVI - Tortola - Trellis Bay
BVI - Great Caminoe - White Bay
BVI - Virgin Gorda - The baths
BVI - Virgin Gorda - Spanish town
BVI - Peter Island - Little Harbour
BVI - Peter Island - Great Harbour
BVI - Norman - The Caves, Privateer Bay
BVI - Norman - The Bight
USVI - St. John, Cruze Bay
USVI - St. John, Caneel Bay
USVI - St. Thomas, Magens Bay
USVI - St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalee (taxi)
USVI - St. John, Trunk Bay
USVI - St. John, Francis Bay
USVI - St. John, Trunk Bay
USVI - St. John, Coral Bay Harbour
USVI - St John, Waterlemon Bay
BVI - Tortola, Sopher's Hole (west end)
BVI - Jost van Dyke, Great Harbour
BVI - Jost Van Dyke, White Bay
BVI - Jost Van Dyke, Little Harbour
BVI - Jost Van Dyke, Manchioneel Bay (Diamond Cay)
BVI - Tortola, Cain Garden Bay
BVI - Tortola, Brewers Bay
BVI - Salt Island, Salt Island Bay
BVI - Peter Island, Dead Man Bay (Dead Chest Kay)
BVI - The Indians
BVI - Norman Island, Soldiers Bay
Well, the good ship Leto is back safe and sound at the Charter Base with Conch Charters.
My last post was from Solders bay, well we decided not to spend the night there and went to Benures bay instead.
(http://www.cruisingthevirginislands.com/sites/default/files/AerialTheBight.png)
It was absolutely beautiful, but we elected to be somewhere closer to Road Town in the morning so we had a great leasurely sail across the bay to Brandywine Bay on Tortola....
Well, it was a great plan until we got there and went to anchor. Brandy wine bay is shallow... Leto draws almost 8'.. something like 7'8".. not sure exactly. I found 9' and dropped the hook but when I dove the anchor it looked like there was not a heck of a lot of swinging room before it was going to get too close for my likening. ::)
We got back underway, and looked at FatHogs bay... listed depth? 7-9' :-\
So we ended up motoring all the way back around the island to to trellis Bay (the anchorage we stayed at the first night... the one by the airport).
Because of a scheduling problem we had to have the boat back on the 25th, even though I had originally
25 May update, 1320 hrs.
whaoooo fantastic pictures. envy you!
Congrats on a great cruise and report on it. :)
It is good to see an example (among others, including Colin and Anne's trip) that an alternative to sailing to a place in one's own boat is to get there by other means, and enjoy your time in a particular area, in a boat of a type that you may not want to necessarily own, but serves the purpose of the visit well. It makes the concept that we had discussed for visiting Europe in a similar way, seem even more viable as an option.
Congrats on Report! Great Cruise!
We have sailed recently in BVI recently under guidance of Offshore Sailing School. We started our sail from Tortola to Cooper then to Virgin Gorda & then to Norman Island. I have shared my experience on my Blog... :)