Blog

After waking up mad early to catch the flight, we were on our way to the BVIs. After several hours of sitting on an airplane, barely being able to sleep, I went through every single Elliott Smith CD I owned just to get that out of my system. We then later landed on Tortola where we got our boat which is a lovely Privilege 445, 44ft catamaran. *Sensual moan* it’s nice. So later that day we pretty much got the boat ready with all our food and supplies. I later had my first Pain-killer which certainly killed my pain. A pain-killer by the way is a very strong, yet very nice, cocktail. I slept well that night.

Airport Time. Limbo. Time spent in between.

For once, the lines were short at Newark. We made it through check in and security with little ado. Now we have time to read, to plan.

Last night we had a change of plan. We’ve decided to defer our trip to the USVIs so we are there during Independence Day. As dual nationals (Brit + US) this day is somewhat conflicting for us but the fireworks are what counts. Part of us can celebrate our independence from the motherland. The other part can look on as proud parents.

… later …

At boat, party all now found. Off to bar.

Our first evening on Gato Chateau. Didn’t go anywhere – just stayed at Nanny Cay for the evening. On land, we took a cab into Road Harbour and went to Bobby’s supermarket to provision for the trip. Delivery to the boat was included in the price and were able to get a free ride back to Nanny Cay. We ate and drank at Peg Leg bar.

We were able to meet with the owners and delivery captain of Knot on Call, another Lagoon 420 that had recently arrived. Nice couple and received a lot of insight about the boat and the trip.

PS. Dignity has not moved. All hope of seeing her this trip now abandoned.

Tomorrow!!! Tomorrow we’ll be in the BVIs. There is a tinge of sadness that Dignity won’t be waiting for us but Plan B ain’t ‘alf bad. The first week we’re heading over to the USVIs. This wasn’t on our original plans. We haven’t worked out specific destinations yet but I have no doubt we’ll figure it out. We’ll aim to pack in at least one 2 tank dive while in the USVIs.

The second week we’ll be back in the BVIs. June 30^th is full moon – we’ll have to go to one of the full moon parties. We’ve done Trellis Bay before so perhaps this time we’ll do Bomba’s. Early July we’ll do the far end of the BVI’s – Anegada and North Sound. While in North Sound we’ll aim to take our remaining diving trips.

From time to time we will of course be tracking Dignity’s progress. Fingers will remain very cross that we’ll get to see her. It would be pretty cool to sail along side her as she arrives at the islands. That would take some careful planning.

You can be sure I won’t be making daily blog entries but I will be updating when I can. My last blog before we go will be this evening. Hopefully Dignity will begun her Atlantic crossing with her next stop – Nanny Cay.

… later …

If you look at Dignity’s track you may just wonder why she’s sitting atop Isla de la Gomera. Well – it’s because today we received no uplink and later learned that late yesterday she pulled into the island somewhere (we don’t know where) for some minor repairs to the sail cars.

So it’s back to watching the clock and hoping she sets sail soon as every hour counts against us.

Crew safety always comes first and they must do what they have to do. Doesn’t stop this being painful.

Once she sets sail, then we’ll know there are no more stops till the other side of the Atlantic.

Can’t say when the next blog will be. I’m taking a directional wifi antenna and hope to be able to use this down there.

Bye for now.