The Bight at Norman Island, BVI

The Bight at Norman Island, BVI (June 14-16, 2013)

Having spent the past several days sailing back and forth across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, we are constantly reminded that we are sailing the very waters traveled by Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, Edward Teach "Blackbeard," Christopher Columbus and so many others.  In traveling these waters, we have gained a great admiration for all of these famous explorers, privateers and pirates as we know the daily challenges we face are nothing compared to theirs. With the invisible reefs, sunken ships and other obstacles we dodge each day on the water, it is spine chilling to know their travels were void of any navigational tools, other than a sextant.

As is with many other islands in the Caribbean, Norman Island too is rich in pirate history and rumored to be full of hidden treasure. However, these rumors are what make it's caves most alluring for treasure hunters and snorkelers.  We all hope to find the booty.

But for the Pirate's Bight Bar & Restaurant, the island is uninhabited.  So, we went ashore to take a stroll through the Pirate's Gift Shop, stop for lunch, return for dinner and, you guessed it, have a few Painkillers.  There is also another sort of bar and restaurant, a floating one, which is anchored in the Bight. An old barge, the William Thornton, known as "Willie Ts," is infamous for its raucous drinking parties, naughty behavior and naked jumpers from the top deck.  After a few Painkillers and amidst the clapping and chanting of the rowdy patrons, and although only partially naked (no shirt), Jim didn't totally break from tradition and took the jump from the upper deck.

It was time to return to Dulcinea and prepare for tomorrow's sail to Trellis Bay. 

Cane Garden Bay, BVI

Cane Garden Bay, BVI (June 12-14, 2013)

After being challenged by another boat coming into the Bay, we soon understood their aggression to being first through the channel markers.  It was 4:00 p.m. and arriving to Cane Garden Bay anytime after 3:00 p.m. is too late to be choosy about picking a mooring ball.  As the islands are all in very close proximity to each other, by 5:00 p.m. there are no vacant mooring balls in Cane Garden Bay.  

On our first night, we were stuck on the back row, which was quite rolly.  The charts mark a couple of good anchorages in the bay; however, between the addition of new mooring balls in the preferred anchorage area and a very large reef, anchoring is quite limited.

We witnessed many cruisers head to and make sudden sharp turns away from the large reef.  Then, we cringed as we watched a Sunsail rental go aground, not once, not twice, but three times before deciding to leave the bay.  Not only did he damage the rental boat, but on his 3rd time to run aground, he gave her all she had and did extensive damage to the reef.

White sandy beaches

We were up early next morning, lying in wait for a particular spot where we could anchor and forgo the $30/night mooring fee.  Our efforts were successful and soon we were anchored front row on glass smooth water. Front and center is what we call "the Jimmy Shrove way" as he is notorious for having favor, the best of the best.

A Rolly Bay

We were on front row, right on the shoreline and then this little guy showed up for a lengthy visit. Thankfully, he didn't drop a stinkpickle while enjoying the view.  He was just busy being very cute!

With the large reef, snorkeling was also on our agenda and we were not disappointed.

  

Cane Garden Bay was a nice place to regroup and catch up on laundry while enjoying great ocean views and drinking Painkillers at the Big Banana or Myett's Garden Grill. We found Myett's Garden Grill to be an exceptional experience as the bar is in the middle of an exotic jungle. Great times!!!

Sopers Hole, Tortola/Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

Sopers Hole, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (June 11, 2013)

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, BVI (June 11-12, 2013)

It was a great sail from St. John to Sopers Hole, where we spent long enough to catch a mooring ball, check in with customs, have lunch and head to Jost Van Dyke.

Though some dispute whether the island was actually named for the fearsome 17th century pirate, Joost van Dyk, it seems to be the most logical account so that is what we choose to believe.  With very little documentation of the events of his lifetime, it is also left to one's own viewpoint to decide whether he was actually a pirate, a privateer, or maybe even a little of both.

Joost van Dyk was a merciless pirate who used this island as his hideout while attacking ships as they passed the harbour.

Welcome to Jost Van Dyke!

Foxy's Tamarind Bar

Painkillers are the national drink of the British Virgin Islands, so at some point each day we bellied up to the bar at Foxy's to indulge in a round and enjoy a few songs with Foxy (Philiciano) Callwood himself.

Thirsty for a Painkiller?  Here's how to make your own:

• 4 oz Pusser’s Rum
• 4 oz cup pineapple juice
• 1 oz cup orange juice
• 1 oz cup coconut milk or cream of coconut
• Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass
• Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

Foxy serenades me calypso style with a song about Texas

“Live de life, drink de beer!”
In Jim's case, it was another Painkiller

Hmmm...we only had Painkillers

After a few Painkillers, it was time to find a hammock for an afternoon snooze or just relax and take in the sights of the most beautiful beach.

I don't think he is dreaming about work

I would close my eyes, but...

there is a coconut tree hanging over me.

Foxy's on the Beach

"Cool Breeze, tight squeeze..."

"Tropical Kisses" Island crafts

It was a pretty walk up the side street to the local bakery

Christine's Bakery

Christine was not one to be friendly, but we bought a few pastries anyway

Even the cats are on island time

Another beautiful day

Stunning with the backdrop of mountains

Cosair's - A pretty cool dive bar on the beach

Yes, we visited the dive shop many times while here

Can't find Jim, look in the dive shop

If Bunn's Taxi doesn't do it for you...

take a ride in the love taxi

Cool windows, not such a cool fare

Shops along the beach

Follow us to Cane Garden Bay.