JDog Rocks On

Monday May 22, 2023 Anegada --> Lee Bay, Great Camenoe (Debbie)

Monday was another amazing day on J Dog and so much of it unfolded in a way that Dad (JD) would have loved. We adjusted & adapted, imagined, improvised & indulged, relaxed, reveled, reminisced & reflected – in addition to a full 8-hour day of sailing! While we were suitably prepared for them, several squalls seemed to magically pass us by, and we pictured Dad and Ruth paving our path through the rolling seas and leading us to a safe harbor for the evening.

The day began with bright and sunny skies over most of Anegada and our (now experienced) crew quickly prepared breakfast and readied J Dog for a brisk sail to……NOT to Guana Island.  After getting a windy/rainy forecast for the day, our esteemed Cap’n Al recommended a more ‘leisurely’ route heading south from Anegada, along the southeast shore of Virgin Gorda, through Round Rock Passage, past Spanish Town, across the Francis Drake Channel, and ultimately anchoring in isolated, picturesque Lee Bay.  There was no dissent from the crew, so we revised our itinerary accordingly and headed out for open waters.
               Anegada-Da-Vida Sunrise

But Deb, how was the sailing??!?  In a word, it was “SWELL” – like 4-6ft swells!! Like Holy Cow Dorothy, we’re not on Lake Ontario anymore swells.  
               Splish-Splash

Neither words nor pictures can really describe the feeling of sailing on the rolling turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean but Bronny, Lisa, Erika, Kyle, Ryan, Al and I can now say we did it and loved every minute of it! This revised leg of the trip was not for the faint of heart and would not have been possible without Al, Ryan and Kyle’s skill, knowledge, and muscles.  Erika, Bronny, Lisa, and I held our own woman-ning the helm and providing plenty of necessary support.
               Kyle & Ryan on Winch Duty

We cruised into Lee Bay around 5:30pm, anchored and began preparing a delicious dinner of grilled pork loin with a BVI tomato jam, broccoli, couscous salad and Heather’s potatoes. After the meal prep was done, we hoisted a sunset toast of rum to a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all.  Dad's sip of Mt Gay was shared with the sea - and the seagulls.
               Sunset Toast to a Great Man

Between the great food, excellent company, and beautiful natural surroundings this was totally a meal Dad would have reveled in – for at least 2-3 hours 😊 

I’ve felt Dad’s presence and have heard his voice internally many times since his actual voice was silenced, but today I know he was sailing along beside us trumpeting a loud and joyful Hallelujah as we continue to celebrate family, fun and life.

Peace Out Dooder!

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