This is a view from our new back porch. We have cruised here in the BVIs probably more days in the last few years than around home.
The trip down is so easy with a nonstop flight from Boston on Jet Blue (even got to watch Bridge of Spies) to St Thomas. Then an hour ferry ride to the West End of Tortola. A small customs office and easy check in. A 15 minute taxi to Sea Cow Bay and hop about our Anne’s Turn, a Hunter 41. We chartered this 3 week block from a small company called Seabattical. The on the ground staff consists of David George and his delightful wife Rebecca. They had the boat in great shape for us. Instead of going to the major supermarket about 5 miles away we did our initial provisioning at a local shop at the marina and next door at Nanny Cay giving us a chance to try out our great 12 ft dinghy with 18 horses (fast).
Our new back porch has a different view than home. We left with sea smoke on the water and here blue water with cactus on the walls of the shore. Our initial shake down sail was a blustery 7 mile fetch to Norman island Bight with wind in the 25 range so only used the jib for the crews sake. Yesterday with. lighter winds we went for a sail to adjust leads and take a closer look at the sails. Ugh! Note the primary winch for the jib.
So yesterday we anchored in Benures Bay and found great snorkeling along the north side of the island. We then returned to the Bight for a hike up the highest “mountain” on the island (427 ft), most of it straight up a dirt-rocky goat path marked by a string that has been there for years. What view and what a feeling to still get to the top. We remember our first hike up there with our boys 30 yrs ago.
It is so great not to have to rush on. We watch the one weekers dash in and out. We can take our time to explore and enjoy. We treasure the weather, water and time together. The competition has started with our Backgammon tournament with a win by the captain.
We hope to send this out by our ATT hot spot. Click on the picture for caption.
The Other Herlihys Sailing Adventure 
sweet
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Looks likes you two are having a good time. Have a swim for Pete and Sal! Home this winter but it’s nice to be here w Georgie and Lenny and little Marian nearby. Happy trails to you…..xx
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What fun! I think I climbed that hill with my dad about thirty years ago. There was no trail marker and we ended up bushwhacking. It wasn’t bad at all, but the whole concept was alien to him — although he was in great shape, he was nearing 80, and as far as he was concerned, climbing hills in the brush was for nutbrains. He hated every minute of it!
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