Hurricane season along the Ohio River

To escape possible hurricanes and also follow the dictates of their insurance companies, cruisers go many places from June 1-Nov 30 every year.  Many go to Grenada/Trinidad, some to South America, but not too many come "back to the 'burgh" like we do.  Too bad, it's pretty good being anchored here about 1/2 mile from the banks of the Ohio.  We never have to worry about our anchor holding or filling up our water tanks at the fuel dock - we just turn the faucet on!  Then there are the stores - Target, Ikea, TJMaxx, Macy's - fun, fun, fun.  The weather report is only of mild interest, since it doesn't matter a whit to our landside lifestyle - a major change from the 3x/day obsession with wind direction and wave height.  But, uh-oh, better stop, because now I'm starting to miss all the things that go with the cruising life.  Which is why we think we have figured out the best lifestyle ever and are enjoying the best of both worlds.  And when we return to the BVI we will be SO ready.

Our beautiful boat in the BVI.  Right now she is in a cradle in the Nanny Cay boatyard.  This year was incident free as far as boat breakdowns go (knock on wood).  Even though built in 1997, she presents as a much newer boat.  Home sweet home January to June.

Our underwater world

Erin and family came for a vacation on Virgin Gorda, near The Baths.  The pool of the house they rented, called Toad Hall, replicated The Baths.  The house was awesome but he pool was amazing.  The boulders were already in place-they just built the pool within them.

All five of them!  Alyza (19), Jane (13), Mac (17), Charlotte (16) and Gigi (11)

Waterfall at the pool

Mark, Ray, Mac at the wheel

Everyone loved snorkeling and even saw an octopus

Relaxing on Megerin at Marina Cay, one of our day sails with them.  We just bought that hammock there that day-I am predicting some great book reading there next season.

Part of the grounds of Toad Hall, the house they rented.

It's a dinghy full of family coming out to Megerin

Erin on the beach at Peter Island, another of our day sails.  This was the island she most remembered from our charter days and she really wanted to get back here.  Peter Island never disappoints - my favorite also.

We had Father's Day brunch at the beach bar on Peter Island.  Serving cookies after a meal plus being a general-all around-hospitality hostess is Jean Kelly.  She makes everyone feel special plus always has a flower in her hair.

Charlotte, Gigi, and jane at Miss Trouble's-a great little hut they could walk to for  a sandwich and drink.  Trouble's real name is Edith but when asked she always tells people it's "Trouble".  But almost everyone on Virgin Gorda has a nickname.

Picture worth a thousand words