5.05.2011

Virgin Gorda

We left the US Virgin Islands and made our way very slowly east to Virgin Gorda.  The wind was on the nose as we headed down the Sir Frances Drake Channel.  Since it's not possible to sail a boat into the wind we made a large zigzag back and forth across it.  This is known as tacking.  We tacked and tacked and tacked.  To go 18 miles, we went 29. Trust me, it makes sense if you're a sailor. 
The ride was worth it. The next morning we picked up a mooring and snorkeled into the area known as The Baths.  Giant, house-sized, granite boulders falling down the hillside and into the sea.  Hiking up and around them was beautiful and snorkeling along them was like being in an aquarium. Bright fish and waving coral, clear, clear water.  We were lucky and got there before the tourist boats arrived and as the crowds headed to shore, we headed back to the boat, a quick rinse off and a second cup of coffee.

One of the many interesting rock formations at The Baths. I thought it looked like a half-buried skull.
We're currently at anchor on the north end of Virgin Gorda, planning to leave this afternoon for an overnight sail to St Martin/Sint Maarten.  It's about 80 miles, so we should arrive around noon Friday.  Blog you then!

3 comments:

Patty said...

I have learned that a number of things that don't make sense to land locked folks make sense to sailors. Sounds like you're having fun. Take care.

Equinox Crew said...

Just catching up with you guys and loving everything on the blog: the story about Sig, the beautiful blue pics and the El Yunque stuff. We've been in El Yunque, and it's exquisite. Brought back great memories to see the pics. What an amazing time you guys are having. SO cool!

Darcy said...

Why is your life so awesome? Not fair...