Wednesday March 05, 2014

Monday March 05

Travel Day

12:00PM -12:45PM Beef Island, Tortola -> San Juan, Puerto Rico

3:35PM - 6:37PM Flight 772, US Airways -  San Juan, Puerto Rico -> Philadelphia

8:37PM -11:42PM Flight 3383, US Airways - Philadelphia ->Halifax

Down to Ginny's for one last Fried Egg and Avocado Sandwich.  

10:00 Airport Taxi

Beef Island, Tortola

Check In, Departure Tax, Security - Check

Boarding time, on time. Wow, this plane is small. 

Cape Air Flight 4501

Low flying, clear beautiful day.

'Best inflight movie ever' as we flew over the islands we have become to know only by water.  What a great way to leave this island paradise.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Emigration, Customs - check

Flight Check In, Security - check

Man there is a lot of kids and babies (crying) on this flight.  Although, noise cancelling headphones can reduce the drone of airplane engines by almost 100%, a baby's cry can penetrate them. Haven't their parents heard of baby Gravol or Tylenol. I am sure anyone of us would pay extra to have either included with their boarding passes.  I don't mean to sound cruel but, these are probably the same parents that will pump drugs in their kids for any inflection.  Volume up and Gin & Tonic please (it has become my flying drink of choice). Regardless of the disrespecting parents it was a great flight with US-Airways to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, USA 

While at the airport I entered the USAirways lounge for a bite to eat, a glass of wine and to use their complimentary wifi.  

Long sleeve shirt on - Check.

Gate 10 is conveniently just down the corridor from the lounge. Flight 3382 left on time for Halifax with me aboard and more crying babies.  Headphones on, G&T please. 

Captain just spoke, 12 minutes til we land in Halifax, -16C.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Landed on time.

Customs - All other passengers cued up for customs screening.  I walked up to the Nexus kiosk, hit a couple of buttons and I was cleared.  

Socks and Crocs on - Check

Airport shuttle to hotel

Tuesday March 04, 2014

Tuesday March 04

Packing for flying can sometime be a challenge.

We sat on our balconies drinking coffees and Baileys. There is something about coffee on the boat vs land-made coffee, with or without the Baileys.

Before going out on this last charter we had made arrangements to challenge the Catamaran Operaters Exam.  Our appointment was set for 4:00 in the Off Shore Sailing School classroom.

We walked into town and bought a few items we had perselected before our last departure.  By the time we returned it was time to consider what we are taking and what we are leaving behind and who the benefactors would be (groceries, wine, liquor).

Off to school:
15 questions answered and we have our Catameran Endorsment certificates.

Catamaran Operator - Donnie

We made a few deliveries, had dinner and were back on our stoops watching, reflecting, and planning.  Regardless on returning or not to Tortola next year, we will be in St Lucia in April of this one doing much the same thing. But before then, there are other climates to conquer (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Seattle, and possibly Alaska).

Since February 03, I haven't worn anything but shorts, T-shirts and flip flops.  I have pants laid out for tomorrows journey home.

Why is the moon upside here?

Poor picture but look at the moon

Tomorrow, 14 hours within the airport community.

Monday March 03, 2014

Monday March 03

We left our mooring at 9:00AM and were entering the harbour leading into the Road Town Marina an hour later.  "Moorings Base, Moorings Base, Moorings Base this is sailing vessel Ansotica requesting docking assistance".  Ansotica, put your fenders on the port side and the dinghy on the bow starboard side.  Eric did what we were told as I was at the helm. Boaters are leaving the harbour on day one of their charter and although I have had some amazing boating over the last few weeks, part of me wishes to be any one of them.  I guess, I am not ready to be a land dweller.  When we entered the marina a dingy pulled up and a Moorings driver jumped on board and backed Ansotica into its slip like he had done it 1000 times before. It is amazing watching these guys maneuver large boats, strategically placing them within inches of each other.

We discarded the reefer contents and packed the remaining dry goods and liquids. Some we may consume ashore but the majority we will give to some of the staff we had become well acquainted with while on land here at the marina (Louis, Arthur, Neil, Amanda). We were a bit over provisioned, still with some quality goods.

A porter came and took all our belongings to our hotel rooms.  We were exhausted and looking forward to showers and beds that didn't move.

After naps and a few email updates we sat on our side by side balconies watching boats and people come and go as we sipped red wines while snacking on crackers, cheese, hummus, and dark chocolate.

People watching:
As our balconies overlook docks 'A' and 'B' one cannot help but watch people come and go to and from their chartered boats.  For example, a couple just passed by: He pulling 2 large wheeled suitcases and carrying a big knapsack while she carries her purse.  She later walks by, still carrying her purse.  Later a 'Moorings' person is on their boat doing the usual pre-departure briefing.  He is taking in as much information as possible while she hardly pays any attention.  I am sure, in her mind, she is saying, does he expect me to pee in that and where do I plug in the hair dryer?  As they leave the dock she is not on the bow or the stern watching for clearance, she is sitting in the cockpit with a diet coke. Ok, perhaps I added the diet coke part but it sets the scene.  Thank god she was not on our boat.

Another couple go by. He pulling a large cart full of luggage, groceries, and gear, she carrying the exceess of 2 bags. They are laughing and enjoying the excitement of getting on a sailboat for a week in the Caribbean.  They would be welcome on our boat.

Nutmeg:
We went to Charlie's for a couple of cocktails.  "2 Piña Coladas please".  Rum, coconut, pineapple juice, topped with nutmeg.  Not just a garnish, nutmeg plays an integral role in the flavor of tropical cocktails. It was front and center atop of the many Painkillers and Rum Punches we enjoyed.  As I prepare to leave these islands, I will take with me my new appreciation for nutmeg. 

Sunday March 02

Sunday March 02

Mark's alarm sounded first, then Marcy's, followed by mine at 6:AM. At 6:15, the four of us piled in the dinghy for the last time. Eric and I walked them to the Beef Island Airport, A 5 minute walk from the 'yellow' dock at Trellis Bay.  Needless to say, a nap followed.  

Beef Island Airport
"Have a safe flight"

Renewed again, Eric suggested we sail towards Anagada with the plan that if the sailing is slow we would simply tack back to either Peter Island or Road Town.  We cleared the Scrub Island bluff at 11:30 and started our return tack at 1:30. At 4:30 we picked a mooring in Great Harbour (Peter Island). This is the same island we stayed the night before returning the catamaran.  It is directly across from the Road Town 'Moorings' Marina.  We have to be off the boat, with all our stuff, by noon tomorrow.  Although the winds were very light today, it was a very relaxed day on the boat.  

Our mooring for the last night

Lines after a day of sailing

Sunset looking across to Tortolo

Dinner on the boat.

Saturday March 01, 2014

Saturday March 01

We dinghied into the beach for breakfast and a walk along this beach lined street of shops and bars in search of  breakfast.

The morning after, a bit slow.

Christine's
The breakfast choice

Even Mark needed a lie down

What are you looking at, can't you see I am working? Tourists...

As we are pull away from the dinghy dock Marcy noticed a pelican sitting on the bow of an anchored boat, patiently waiting for its prey.

At 11:30 we are past the mooring field on 085M, destination Trellis Bay.  Because the course was upwind and lacking the energy to repeatedly tack, we decided to motor. Traveling at 5 knots would give us an ETA of 2:30. I went below for a quick nap.

We picked a mooring ball near the jetty closest to the airport.

Dinner at the Last Resort Restaruant.