Spring in the CaribbeanI

How can we tell it's springtime here?  First, the seagulls are back - we can't figure out where they go and even more interestingly, why?  It certainly doesn't get cold here and they're not leaving for hurricane season, since it ends Nov. 30th.  The pelicans are here all the time, as are brown boobies (yes-it's a bird!) and the amazing frigate birds.  On shore we have black hummingbirds with emerald green breasts and "sugarbirds", little yellow finches.  Anyway, I have no idea why I am going on about birds.

The second way we knew it was spring was all the PEOPLE.  Wow, everyone was ready to get out of the cold weather and have themselves a tropical party time.  We spent Easter weekend on Virgin Gorda, where they have a four day celebration.  Lots of LOUD music (why are they all not deaf?),  street fair, fashion shows, and our favorite,  a 2 day fishing tournament.  This year the winds and waves were both high and when the boats pulled up to the dock we could tell it was serious business for these fishermen.

Going backwards, we have had some company on Megerin.  Good friends and cruising buddies from Florida and the Bahamas, Ann & Art in Febuary, then Jim returned for a quick 5 days to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Cruz Bay,  Ray's friend Tom Landis from Carlisle and his son Jud from Oregon, and best of all, Megan came down for a week.  We are now on our own and just exploring some new anchorages with no set agenda - not bad.  I do a lot of reading and this is my recent favorite quote written by a fellow cruiser:

What do you learn about yourself cruising?  Simply, that you can do it.  Despite self doubt, if you try hard enough - you can do it.  All paths in life have challenges, you just need to figure out which one to choose.  

Tom - a rare moment of relaxation - he loves to sail

Top left - Jud relaxing on our deck, Top right - Jud & Tom
Bottom left - Ray and Tom discussing strategy?  And three guys on a dock.

Ann & Art are from Greenville, SC, but originally from merry old England.  Longtime sailors "think outside the box" kind of people, we always learn so much from out time with them.  Plus, the food is always delish!  Loved Ann's shepherd's pie and Art's yummy omelets.

So…..not to be outdone by other t-shirts hung up at Ivan's on Jost van Dyke, when Jim returned in March we headed there for a quick trip and he hung an Ohio University shirt and a Steeler shirt from the Baltimore fan club he started quite a few years ago.  The club grew to over 2,000 members, and though it is no more, the shirt and memories live on!

The shell encrusted  Ivan's Stressfree Beach Bar

The shell artwork that people make and decorate the inside of Ivan's.

Ray being "stress free" at Ivan's

Ivan turned 70 while we were there so we got to join the birthday party

St. Patricks Day in Cruz Bay, St. John.  Jim brought me the "Irish Steeler" pin.  At top is the crew of the Quiet Mon Pub, an "Irish Pub in the Caribbean" and gthe center of all the day's festivities.  Bottom left is their ceiling with the Heineken chandelier.

Scenes from the parade - it was crazy!  The only parade we know of when the drivers of the vehicles have a beer in one hand.  There was a beer keg in the back of the truck.  b otto picture is the "middle-aged majorettes"  -  turned out we knew one of them!

We can't forget to mention a special day when a family we knew in Sewickley spent some time with us on Megerin.  Pictured is Julie Frisch with more than cute daughters Heather and Megan.  We had so much fun having kids around, if only for a few hours.  Oh, husband Alex is behind the wheel having a pretty good time sailing along the coast of St. John.  After our sail we had a nice "spread" of food, then met "big" Megan McCoy at the ferry dock.  

Ray and Megan

Megan taking a "stern shower" - notice the hand gesture…maybe didn't appreciate me snapping this pic? - and generally being a great crew member.  Not to mention escaping Chicago weather

More pics of Megan's trip.  bottom is a Megerin spread ready to go up to the deck for happy hour

Sunset, Megan's last night.

Presently we are in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda but plan to head to Anegada, about 12 miles away.  Not a long trip but it is surrounded by reefs so care to avoid them is primo important.   It is called the "drowned island", as it is so flat,  really just a coral atoll.  Just thought I would show you what the chart looks like.  We have been there before, though not for a few years, so not worried about getting in - just follow the chart plotter and go slow!