Trips and Slips

 Wednesday May 17, Tortola -> Norman Island (Alan)

The day started with a leisurely wakeup and nice breakfast. Yvonne, our lovely British innkeeper, gave up cooking long ago, so the "B" of our B&B, consisted of single-serving cereal boxes. Luckily good hot coffee trumps any lack of culinary excellence.

The next step was to provision our boat. The previous evening we had brainstormed a list that truly would have made JD proud -- 9 different breakfasts menus for a 7 day cruise, and liquor to supply a multi-month adventure. We split up into Alpha, Bravo, and Delta teams and stormed the grocery store. Our driver, Edwin, entertained us with original jokes, such as: "First Time in the Islands?" "Yes," we replied. "Oh, so you're Virgins!" Bronny was in charge of fruits and veggies; Ryan and Kyle in charge of beer & liquor, and Alan as Chief Restraint Officer. In a couple hours we had two full carts and we were ready to go. Edwin drove us back to the BVI Yacht Charter's marina and we loaded up.

The marina uses the usual wheelbarrow-style carts. Erika helpfully pushed the one loaded with drinks out to the boat and started unloading. Being unfamiliar with the cart's balance, sure enough it tipped. Fortunately, the only casualties were a couple of Red Stripe beers. Splash!

After all of our paperwork was complete, and we'd gone over all the boat's systems with helpful staff member Tony, we finally fired up the engine and pulled out with a helpful push from the bow thruster (too cool!). Soon we hoisted the sails and were sailing. The wind was moderate, enough to make the boat go, but not too exciting.  Still, we were stoked to be starting our adventure. In a moment of over-exuberance, Kyle fumbled another beer overboard. We may have to utilize the brig and plank.

After a nice 2-hour sail, we pulled into the Bight on Norman Island and approached one of the many available mooring balls. With careful driving and expert bow work, we managed to snag our mooring on the first try and avoid embarrassing ourselves in the crowded anchorage.

The first order of business was a dinghy trip around the corner to the Caves, one of the renowned snorkel spots in the BVIs. We all had a bit of snorkel rust but managed to brush it off.

When we returned to the boat "the kids" headed to the Willy-T, a purported Pirate Ship that's more of a bar. Erika returned with a brand new tattoo, personally applied by the bartender.

Then it was time to head ashore for dinner. Bronny had a bit of a stumble stepping from the boat into the dinghy and dropped her sandal. Erika valiantly tried to rescue it but then also lost her balance. For a moment she was clinging to the ladder hanging precariously over the water, but soon she lost the battle and fell off. Fortunately we have towels on board and soon we were back on our way.

We had a delightful dinner and drinks at the Pirates Bight restaurant on Norman Island, where all the food and all the staff are brought in and out by boat every day. We took the dinghy back out to J-Dog through an impressive constellation of masthead lights.

Overall, it was a delightful day. We had many fun reminisces of Dad. He would have loved it out here.

Plenty of room on J-Dog!


Not mentioned, but Kyle also dropped these shades into the Caribbean

Shaka!

Deb making J-Dog go

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