Monday, March 25, 2013

The Virgin Islands

From Sint Maarten we sailed a short distance to Anguilla
 
 
 and the lovely anchorage at Road Bay


where past hurricanes had taken their toll.
 

 It was then on overnight to the first of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda, where we found this resort built on Saba Rock.

 


Nearby the Bitter End Marina and resort. 
 
 
Then to Tyrell Bay and the full moon party.
 

 Beautiful Little Dix Bay where it costs an arm and a leg to stay at the resort.

On a mooring at a well known national park, The Baths, on Virgin Gorda from where we had to swim ashore.
 
 

It was ok.
 

Later sundowners Pirates Bar, Norman Is.
 

 At our favourite BVI spot, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola Is, we found this lovely place to watch the pelicans dive bomb the waters close along the beach
 


 
 

JT at anchor off the dinghy dock Cane Garden Bay.
 

The US Virgin Islands saw us finally in the USA at St John Is, though the were a few issues concerning visas and arriving in a private yacht.
 
 
Nevertheless, we were able to get new batteries at Budget Marine on St Thomas Is, where there was a great little bar in amongst the mangroves. 
 

Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, was a criuse ship port and prices accordingly.
 

The tourist transport
 

On to Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands, part of Porto Rico, and still part of the USA.  It was a lovely anchorage and the dinghy dock bar a great place to meet other cruising yachties.  We found Dutch friends first met in Madeira, and again in Mindelo, Cape Verde Islands.
 

 JT at Culebra


Inside this nondescript facade was a fabulous supermarket and butcher shop.
 

AnotherCulebra scene