Bye, Bye, BVI (7.29.12)

Until we meet again, goodbye, BVI.

Oh Captain, My Captain (7.29.12)

There is no greater joy than to be able to present Lloyd with his very own Moorings staff shirt.  He will always be our Moorings Captain.  My love and friend. 

Reflections (7.29.12)

Lloyd and I have been married for twelve years.  In every year but one Luther has shared his love for the water with us.  In our years together, we've sailed on Halcyon I, II, and III (sometimes with Luther, and sometimes without).  The reflections of ours on this day were not of his boats, but of his generous nature and of the gifts of friends and family.

 

Day's End (7.28.12)

Skipper Mervin Lake

These are moments we must not forget about the Michael's skipper, Mervin Lake:

His quotable quotes:
"I am young and vibrant every day regardless of my age."
"If you can't take care of you, you won't be able to take care of anyone else."

His song:
"I love you love you love you, yes I do."

We love you, Mervin! Thanks for a wonderful time. 

Show Off (7.28.12)

Mervin had already proven he was a superb captain and could handle his ship with skill and precision.  But, it was all we could do to hold our breaths when he came right for us as Liberte' Dream returned to base.  He calmly maneuvered within inches of our starboard hull, walked up and handed Lloyd a note, and then returned to his captains chair only to wave goodbye as he guided his ship over to the A dock to tuck in for the night. Show off!

The Indians (7.28.12)

We had some daylight remaining on our way back to the Moorings base, so we thought, "Why not try to dive the tunnel at the Indians?"  After all, this might be our only opportunity for some time to come.  And, so, for nostalgic reasons, we went for it! All who were old- and able-bodied enough added an underwater notch to their belts (Lloyd, GB, Jen, Shannon, Andy, Harrison, Ari, and even Grayson). 

Sea Anemones (7.28.12)

Diving for sea anemones, following the school of blue parrot fish, and floating above gigantic tarpon beneath our boat rounded out our experience at the Caves.

Too Close For Comfort (7.28.12)

The mooring balls placed for the past several years at the Caves off Norman Island did not allow for the proliferation of the big cruising catamarans that have now become commonplace in the BVI.  As a result, when these large floating condominiums (as Lloyd likes to call them) start to drift about when the wind drops, collisions can ensue.  Quick thinking and "all hands on the fenders!" keep these very expensive play toys from getting banged up. 

Sandy Cay (7.28.12)

On our last morning together (before sadness ensued) we met on the banks of Sandy Cay.  For the adults, the tranquility and beauty of this private island draw us back to this place. It's the hunt for all things different for the kids. 

 

Tramp Time (7.27.12)

The trampoline serves as a sundeck by day and a platform for star gazing at night.  The kids took turns climbing up into the mainsail, where captains have been known to sleep from time to time.  No roughing it for our crew, though.  They all slept in their beds. 

Foxy's buffet (7.27.12)

Every show needs an encore.  And, every holiday needs a feast.  Foxy's provided that bonding experience for our trip since a buffet was hosted on the grounds the Friday night we were there.  Mahi, chicken, and other seafood to choose from with sides galore!  Harrison chose the crab. 

 

 

Rest In Peace (7.27.12)

What makes sand so inviting that every 4 year old wants to be buried in it? 

Rest in peace, Madoc.  (He awoke from the grave shortly thereafter.)

White Bay (7.27.12)

Even though it was more crowded than we wanted, White Bay still brought a smile to everyone's faces.  In fact, according to a local beach bum, Christie (not pictured) was "glowing". 

Cliff Jumpers (7.27.12)

Only the thrill seekers of our group (i.e. The Michaels) were brave enough to try this. 

 

Kids Paradise (7.27.12)

From Monkey Point, we scooted across the channel to Little Bay and dropped anchor for lunch.  The conditions were much better than the day before with improved visibility (no jellyfish today).  Harrison took all 7 kids into the beach (including Madoc with his life jacket tied as tightly as possible).  As the adults stayed behind to make lunch, we watched proudly as they, like teenagers, claimed their spot, built a sandcastle, and body surfed.  The dinghy only tried to float away once. 

Monkey Point (7.27.12)

Merve finally found the place with perfect conditions for snorkeling for our crew.  Off the southern tip of Guana Island is Monkey Point, rated one of the top five snorkeling locations in the BVI.  We were pleased to find yet another cave complete with rocks for Madison to climb.  The fish are not shy here and will swim close enough to you that you could almost reach out and touch them.  Among those invited to this party were needle fish, a school of 5 feet long tarpon, squid or cuttlefish (who knows the difference?), and a jerk of a captain who yelled at Harrison when our son expertly guided the dinghy back to our boat.  The unsuspecting skipper couldn't have known how protective Lloyd can be, but I'm pretty sure he won't ever make that mistake again!   

 

Aragorn's Again (7.27.12)

 

The next morning we made an ice and diet coke run (which also included a brief detour to Aragorn's).  When I arrived with Christie (who happened to be the third guest I had brought in to the studio over the last few days), Sam told me that they should hire me.  So, now you know where to find me when I go missing.