Adventure Changes Course

Following “weather-finder.com” we knew that Friday was the best possible day to leave St. Maarten’s - predictions of 2 to 3 foot waves and wind blowing from the east – not the best scenario - but good enough to go. 

Our intention was to head to Antigua (it was only suppose to take 15-18 hours or so) – midway thru the winds were pushing us towards St. Kitt’s – decision was made – go in that direction – discussion: “the boys will have to meet us in St. Kitts… why not … explore another place… good idea!” Thank goodness for text messaging and satellite phone – easy transition – boys were up for it….flexibility!

Sailing past the Island of St. Eustavia

After we put the mainsail at the second reef, Dale stood at the helm for 7.5 hours, me fetching water, sandwiches, fruit and a coke –large waves and wind gusts - we sailed past Saba Rock, next St. Estantius – which was a beautiful volcanic island – very unusual landscape … another couple of miles and we were protected from the waves and wind by the north end of St. Kitt’s – it was heavenly – what looked like what I imagine Ireland to look like – gorgeous rolling green hills with a “mountain peak” (3,500 feet) – huge fortress on top – just magnificent – we both sighed with “relief” … sailing past (now I could sit at the helm) the little villages to Basseterre, we landed in the Port Zante Marina – huge sigh of relief… easy access from the airport to the marina for the boys. The Assistant harbormaster, Charlie is a delight and is taking very good care of us!

You know, it is a funny thing – experiences more than not usually come with a silver lining – we have meet some really interesting folks along the way and yesterday was no exception – it amazes me that “sailors” share information so freely… and enjoy communing … last night Dale and I went over to “Salaicious” – Janice and Steve’s vessel for homemade pizza on the stove top – it was delicious!!  They have the same Raymarine set-up that we have … so with help from Janice this morning – Dale will be able to create his own “pages” on the chart plotter for the information that he wants – to say the least, he is very excited!!

The “boys” – Andy and Zeph arrived just around 9 pm  – just like it was “planned – after kind of settling in we all slept like babies…. now the fun begins … exploring St. Kitt’s and her waters …(maybe we will get to see some of the green velvet monkeys and the first tye dye factory in the Caribbean!)  And … if all the stars line up and everything works out, we will meet Chuck Novak and Pegi Weymouth here for lunch on Thursday  (how crazy is that?) before we head to Antigua to meet Danylle on Saturday – Friday the winds are to die down to make a good crossing….keeping our finger crossed!!

Getting back to our adventure here … I am really happy to report that I still am enjoying this and did not “puke”….. life is good.

Monday addition:

Today we found internet... we are now at a little beach cafe on Nevis - quite a little island.... short sail from St. Kitt's - lovely - cool breeze ... delicious homemade bread .... Cafe de Art.... good to have the boys!!!  Zeph's first time to see and swim in the turquoise warm water!! 

Capt. Note: Today, tuesday still on Nevis, (moored just off the Four Season Resort), we had lunch in the mountain, at a resort that should be a Botanical Garden. Kim was in awe at the flowers and landscape and the meal was also incredible. We also went by a research group from UCLA and U. of Wisconsin doing genetic studies on the Green Velvet Monkeys that live on the island (another invasive species). Tomorrow back to St. Kitts to explore that island then meet Chuck Novak, we hope, on Thursday, then leave for Antiqua. It was good not to miss St. Kitts nor Nevis because I think these islands are very high on our list  of favorites. Photos from Kim soon!