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SAILING THROUGH THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS


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St. ThomasSt. Thomas
A walk to the end of this paradisiacal beach rewarded us with a postcard-perfect view that bordered on the surreal.
 Sunsail, TortolaSunsail, Tortola
The affiliated hotel, Hodges Creek, was the meeting point for our eclectic crew. Waiting anxiously for over a day to set sail on the Haascienda II, Team Adventure!™ was formed.
 The IndiansThe Indians, Pelican Island
A much anticipated second dive of the trip, the underwater portions of the large rock pillars were covered with brightly-colored corals and sponges. The six-inch spines of large sea urchins threatened those foolish enough to wander too close.
 Virgin GordaVirgin Gorda
3/5/06 - "...after a long day of sailing, we braved a dingy ride to shore under ominous storm clouds to indulge in dinner and drinks. Later, the hammock was rigged up for some late night stargazing..."
 AnegadaAnegada
3/6/06 - "...the flat reef island of Anegada contrasted the mountainous terrain of the others. Locals frantically chopped fresh lobsters on the docks of homely beach restaurants. At the prime snorkeling spot, Loblolly Bay, we spotted juvenile trunkfish [above], as well as two black-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and spotted eagle rays..."
 SailingSailing
The 12-mile return sail from Anegada made for a long day and exciting sail. Our captain steered us over 8-foot swells while the crew took breaks to bask in the warm sun between manning the sails. I snapped a few photos.
 Marina CayMarina Cay
This tiny island surrounded by crystalline waters was stunning in its perfection. Much-needed re-energizing was accomplished at the restaurant and beachside bar.
 Fat Hog Bob'sFat Hog Bob's
Both crews amazingly managed to return to Sunsail, all members alive and mostly intact (one black eye claimed as a souvenir). Amazingly, neither sailboat sunk, even after many threats on the contrary. We returned to Fat Hog's like regulars to reminisce.
 The RhoneThe RMS Rhone
The divers among us couldn't resist the chance to explore the famous wreck of the RMS Rhone. The large steamer/sail ship sunk in 1867 while attempting to navigate the narrow channels of the islands during a hurricane. An intact glass porthole, silver spoon, and canon were a few of the artifacts visible. Marine life thrived around the ruins.
 The Bamba ShackThe Bamba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola
A few of us spent a couple extra days exploring the island of Tortola. The Bamba Shack bar is a sprawling, dilapidated, graffiti-covered structure that marks a famous surf spot. Unfortunately, our flight departed just hours before the full moon party. Sage MountainSage Mountain, Tortola
"At 1,780 feet, Sage Mountain is the BVI's highest point. The park is laid out with gravelled paths, and although it is not a true rain forest (it receives less that 100 inches of rain a year), the lush area possesses many of the characteristics of one." -'The Welcome' The Heritage InnThe Heritage Inn, Tortola
By far the most luxurious locale of the trip, the sunsets from our balcony at the Heritage Inn spanned the distant US Virgin Islands.
3/12/06 - "Hundreds of feet below, pelicans dive kamikaze-style into azure ocean waters, waves undulate slowly towards shore and the sound of their crashing on the rocks below is muffled from the height of our balcony..."