Tuesday 26 March 2013

Road Town, Tortola



We are currently in Road Town, Tortola, in a hotel while the boat is having its bottom cleaned and painted, and a day and a half since getting off the boat, I am still rocking.
One of the things which I am amazed at on all these islands is how high up the mountain they have built houses and resorts. The roads to some are nearly vertical, or so it seems. 

We went to a lovely restaurant last night at the other end of the island where the road zigzagged back and forth till we reached the top. Barry ate conch for the first time. Saw the sunset, which has become a daily pastime.









Snorkeling, turtles and more

We visited other islands, including a small 'desert' island, a patch of sand between two larger islands which has 3 fake coconut trees on it - and one coconut. Had a good laugh at that one.

We've snorkelled at a few places, including the desert island, an old wreck (the Rhone), and Peter Island, where we saw lots of pretty coloured fish, stingray, two foot barracuda, and at night In the light under the boat, barracuda up to four feet long, large stingray.

We have seen quite a few turtles popping up and then disappearing, but not while we are in the water. I think they are a little shy of Aussies.
We have run into a few Aussies (nice people) and one lady who just "had to listen to us talk".


Races



For the next two days we followed the boats in the races and marvelled at their size, speed and beauty. Magnificent with their colourful spinnakers up.






Under way

Well, we are finally on our way. The trip to Dallas was fairly uneventful, and took about 15 hours. It then took 1-1/2 hours to get out of the airport and to our hotel only 10 minutes away.  What a massive airport/road/highway system already there and being built. Roads going in all directions, covering a huge area, and seemingly working efficiently. No taxi queue, lots of hotel and car park shuttles constantly circling the airport.
We took a taxi into the city, the West End historic district, and wandered round for a while but it was late so had a drink and a chat at The Old Spaghetti Warehouse before heading back to our hotel. I would have liked to see more of Dallas but it was not to be this time. We finally went to bed for a good night's sleep.
Late to get up we had breakfast then took the 10 am shuttle to the airport for a 12.40 flight. Arrived at San Juan, Puerto Rico at 6 pm to wait for a connecting flight. Finally on the final leg  at 9 pm - for  33 minute flight. 
A frustrating time waiting to get through Customs and out of the airport then we were met by David, loaded our bags on to a small dinghy and we had arrived. A big party was under way at the hotel on shore with fire grates in the water so we were not sure how much sleep we would get. 
Next morning, we sat around relaxing. It was very windy, about 25 knots. We went ashore for provisions and a walk around the 'local ' shops. The rain started and continued all night and day, confining us to the inside of the boat, so after lunch, Nanny naps all round, and a quiet afternoon, happy hour and dinner followed by a DVD. It was good to have a quiet day after the weeks of preparation.


Tuesday, lovely fine day so had breakfast then took off for an island named Marina Cay, a lovely island with some history of a man living like Robinson Crusoe and the house hen lived in. We sat on the sand under an umbrella and had coffee and were chatting to some Americans who invited us to look them up when we are travelling in the USA by campervan. While chatting it transpired that they are somehow related to the Langhorne family who Barry and David are related to. Small world.
We returned to the boat and continued on to North Sound, a spectacular area with coves and reefs and boats! Many huge boats, worth millions, but more than usual as there was a super yacht race here this week. We sat and watched as these big boats were guided into their mooring, too big to do it on their own. The Aga Khan's cruiser was right near us.



Sunday 10 March 2013

6 more sleeps!

Only six more sleeps and we'll be off. Leaving here Saturday 16th March, our first stop is Dallas, Texas, for an overnight stay before continuing on to Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands.




Wednesday 6 March 2013

Wow! The time is passing quickly. There's only nine days till we leave. Seeing the photos from David and Jan, pouring over maps, making plans and getting ready is very exciting. Can't wait.


Saturday 2 March 2013

2 weeks to go

2 weeks to go. Time is flying by. I'll start packing this week, then eliminate what I can do without. Soooo exciting.