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After 2 days of great snorkeling, we were treated to a fresh breeze… it’s time to go sailing! Bob got the idea that it would be great to take some pictures of ‘Sophisticated Lady’ under full sail from the dinghy. Turned out to be a great idea, the weather was perfect, ‘Sophisticated Lady’ was sailing along at 7 knots easily in calm waters with a 15 knot breeze on a beautiful sunny day… boy did we get some nice pictures! Bob & I raced the dinghy ahead of Rick to get ready to shoot some video of ‘the Lady’ as she sailed past. The water looked calm from the sailboat but we were almost bouncing out of the dinghy as we tried to out run Rick! I was trying to hold the camera away from me and as steady as I could in big rolling waves while Rick bore down on us. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and powerful she looked as she sailed by. It was great to get a chance to see her from the water as she sliced through the waves and rushed past us by feet. Bob and I had a great and exhilarating time shooting our footage. Cindy at the helm
‘Sophisticated Lady’ under full sail with Tortola in the background We finished taking our pictures of ‘Sophisticated Lady’ just in time, as we sailed down the Sir Francis Drake Channel a big dark cloud passed over us and starting dumping huge amounts of rain as it blew down the channel. A big beautiful rainbow formed right out the back of our boat and we got a great shot of it behind the dinghy. The dinghy at the end of the rainbow A trip to the BVI’s could never be complete without a trip to the famous Baths at Virgin Gorda. We arrived at the Baths early and had breakfast in the sunny cockpit surrounded by the spectacular boulders and white sand beaches. We put our swimsuits on and jumped in the dinghy and headed for the dinghy mooring balls. The surf is too rough to land the dinghy on the beach so we tie up to a mooring ball and swim into shore. Rick was able to neatly drop off Bob, Cindy, Ashley and the cameras at the beach and we swam in. Bob and Cindy were snapping pictures left, right and center – there really is nothing like the scenery at the Baths. The combination of the giant boulders seemingly tossed on top of one another, tall palm trees and soft sand beaches is breath taking and awe inspiring. Bob and Cindy loved it and it is one of Ashley’s favorite spots! Cindy, Terri & Bob & Ashley walking the beach at the Baths
Hard to tell which is taller! You feel very tiny and insignificant standing at the foot of dozens of house sized boulders towering above you. One of the best parts of the Baths is the ‘Cave’ hike. This is a hike through all the caves, crevices and grottos the giant boulders make. There are parts of the hike where you wade through water, climb wooden ladders and scale boulders. There are people of every age doing the hike and as you meet them on the trail everyone is smiling and happy. These rocks have a wonderful effect on everyone who walks among them. We have done this hike many times and each time I am more impressed and more in awe of what I see.
Bob & Cindy in the Caves at the Baths Posing in the most famous spot in the BVI’s is a must. It is one of the most romantic grottos I have ever seen. We all felt the power and beauty of these huge rocks as we stood underneath them.
Fantastic scenery at the Baths At the end of the hike is a gorgeous beach tucked in amongst and bordered by boulders called Devils Bay. We all had a cooling swim in the aqua blue water and marveled at how mysterious and majestic nature can be. A 4-shot panorama of Devil’s bay at the Baths The four of us at Marina Cay having sundowners Bob and Cindy’s last night aboard seemed to come too fast for all of us. We had been having such great adventures it was sad to be at the end. We anchored in Marina Cay which is a lovely comma shaped island surrounded by shallow coral on one side. The color of the water is unbelievable and beckons you to dive in. We ate lunch and spent the afternoon relaxing and touring the island. Cindy and I decided to try and find a beach to take Ashley too and had a little adventure going from little bay to little bay. We all got dressed up for dinner and dinghied into shore to eat under the water side restaurant tucked under palm trees.
Celebrating a renewed marriage proposal !! Bob surprised Cindy by getting down on one knee in the sand and proposing all over! They plan to renew their marriage vows on their 15th anniversary. We had been part of the plan and whipped out champagne and goblets from our knapsack and toasted the occasion. It was such a romantic setting on the beach under the full moon with the sound of the waves beside us and the lights of the sailboats spread out before us. Bob and Cindy treated us to a wonderful dinner and before we knew it the night was over and we were in the dinghy heading for our beds.
And so ends another day in paradise…
Getting ready to leave ‘Sophisticated Lady’ In the morning we had one last breakfast as another beautiful day started and then pulled anchor and crossed over to Trellis Bay just behind us. We anchored tucked in amongst the other boats in the bay while Bob and Cindy packed. They posed for one more shot on the deck of the boat and we all sadly said farewell. Bob and Cindy said it was the best holiday they had ever taken and Rick and I felt happy and privileged to have been able to create that kind of holiday for them. We hopped in the dinghy and drove to the dock, tied up and walked across the road to the airport. Hugs all around and fond memories for us all. So that was our last charter for a little while, now it’s finally time to go visit our kids back in Canada… yes, we know… a holiday in Canada in February?!? Apparently they just had about 2 feet of snow last week too, just to add to the excitement! It will definitely be good to see our kids for a few weeks and our friends Peter and Carolyn just arrived and will be looking after ‘Sophisticated Lady’ while we’re away. We’ve had a busy couple days finishing up last minute projects and showing Peter & Carolyn around the various systems onboard so they’re ready to go! The boat is fully booked for the entire time we’re away so it looks like they’ll be busy too! Take care and we’ll talk to you soon! Cheers,
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