Okay so I had partly written this post in my head last night but after the most amazing downwind sail this morning (Dec. 4th), I have to adjust my tone (a bit). We’ve now been in the BVIs for 2.5 weeks and have seen beautiful scenery. Unfortunately the overcrowded anchorages full of mooring balls (that aren’t cheap) plus the on and off rain has kind of soured the place. And let’s not forget the crankorages we’ve had to endure!! I came up with this new sailing term to describe anchorages that are rolly and uncomfortable – they make you cranky!!
But yesterday we spent the morning exploring the baths on Virgin Gorda. What an experience!! First we moved CK from the anchorage near Spanish Town closer to the south end of Virgin Gorda near the Baths. This is the first time we’ve ever had to swim to reach our destination. We took the dinghy to the designated tie up area (basically a rope line marking the end of the swimming area. From that point, we swam to shore – for me it was a one armed swim because I had to keep my phone out of the water (it does have a waterproof case but who wants to take a chance!). From the beach we took a really nicely maintained trail up to the top of the Baths and then back down to get to a second beach. The trail then led to the caves – this was the spectacular part!!! The Baths is made up of 3 beaches and these large boulders that make some super impressive caves. The path through the boulders was fun – over and under rocks plus walking through water pools! We climbed up and down steps and used a rope line to descend a little bit steep rock slope. The whole Baths walk took us about an hour (and cost $6) and it was worth every penny! Certainly redeemed the BVIs for both of us!
Today’s morning sail was awesome. We left Virgin Gorda around 9am and quickly put up all 3 sails. The wind was on our aft starboard quarter (behind us near the stern on the right side) and we had a nice smooth ride. We managed to sail the 6nm to our new anchorage in Lee Bay off of Great Camanoe Island. So far we’ve found a good spot – no roll and only 1 other sailboat (definitely not a crankorage). We’ll probably stay here for a day or so. We’re now on our way back to Puerto Rico with some stops in the USVIs. We have until Dec. 17th to get back to the marina (Puerto Del Rey) – lots of time!!
(PS – I have so many amazing photos of the Baths that I will do a second post with just those photos!!)
Crimson Kathryn and her crew 