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Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Breath
Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Breath
Wednesday, November 11
For some reason, Don and I flip our sleeping habits on vacation. Normally, he’s the first to bed and the first up in the morning; however, on St. John, I was the first to bed and the first up in the morning – go figure,
I was up extra early this morning and caught the sun just about as it had risen. I had a front row seat as Coral Bay work up for the day.
But, as the saying goes “Red sky in morning, sailors take warning”; and today was our sail with Breath.
We met the crew at Skinny’s dinghy dock at 9am. If you’re not familiar with Coral Bay, Skinny’s is almost at the foot of Seagrape Hill. Sputniks and Donkey Diner are just up the street. Island Blues, Shipwreck Landing, and Aqua Bistro are just around the corner. Super convenient location.
There were six of us sailing on Breath today; along with Captain Colin and mate Josh. These guys were very laid back and just loved boats and sailing.
Josh met us at the dinghy dock; loaded us and our stuff and we went to meet Breath.
Colin and Josh gave us some of Breath’s history and passed around a photo album. It’s amazing when you think how this boat was built and traveled the oceans with a small family.
The cooler was stocked the sails went up and off we went. Josh worked hard that day; no electronic sails on this vessels.
Despite the “warning” it looked like a beautiful day. Sit back and enjoy as we sail along St. John’s southern coast.
Our first snorkel stop was Newfound Bay. Josh dinghied us out to the reef and the plan was for us to just float along with the current and he would pick us up and dinghy us back. Sounded like a great plan!
The water was crystal clear and the coral was some of the best I’ve seen in a while; however, the fish remained in hiding.
After awhile, I looked up and saw some of the others making their way over and into the dinghy, so Don and I headed in that direction. We got there no problem, getting back into the dinghy was another thing. OMG – it was so hard. I think I tried 10 times and just couldn’t get myself up. The guys in the dinghy were trying to pull me, push me, twist me to no avail. I was giving up – I’ll swim back – just don’t leave without me. The other 2 women insisted I could do it – “we did it – you can do it!”. OK – one more try – One….Two……..Threeeeeeeeeeee- up, down, kick, lift and finally – PLOP on the floor of the dinghy!
OK – so that ends the “Let’s rent a dinghy” discussion.
Safely back on Breath, we had lunch.
A short motor and we were at our next snorkel spot – Flanagan’s island.
As we got closer, the clouds started moving in and then it started to sprinkle and then it RAINED – HARD!
The wind picked up and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. Then a lightning strike and a clap of thunder and another and another; this was close. I’m not embarrassed to admit, but I am afraid of thunder and lightning; it’s in my DNA. My grandmother would always hide in a closet. No closet on Breath, so I went down below to wait it out.
Eventually, the lightning disappeared and the rumbles were in the distance. Still, no way in hell, was I getting back in the water. I hung out on the boat while the others snorkeled.
Don doesn’t share my phobias
Once the storm passed, the sun came back, but the wind left. Breath was becalmed off Flanagan’s island. After about a half hour of little progress, the sails came down and the motor came on.
We got back into harbor and dinghied back to Skinny’s. Despite the storm, it was a wonderful day on the water.
It was happy hour at Skinny’s, so we stopped in for a beer. I poked around the shops (I was on a mission) to see what I might find.
Then it was back to Anchorage Aweigh to shower and change for dinner.
I challenge you try to take a quick shower with this view!
Not only beautiful out “there”, but in “here”, as well.
It was Shipwreck Landing for dinner tonight. We had a seared scallops in a tomato basil sauce appetizer; Don had Southwestern Wahoo; I had steak and grilled shrimp; we shared Key Lime cheesecake for dessert. Everything was delicious and the service was impeccable.
Another winner in paradise.
I think I was asleep halfway down the staircase.
Tomorrow - Raindrops keep falling on my head!
For some reason, Don and I flip our sleeping habits on vacation. Normally, he’s the first to bed and the first up in the morning; however, on St. John, I was the first to bed and the first up in the morning – go figure,
I was up extra early this morning and caught the sun just about as it had risen. I had a front row seat as Coral Bay work up for the day.
But, as the saying goes “Red sky in morning, sailors take warning”; and today was our sail with Breath.
We met the crew at Skinny’s dinghy dock at 9am. If you’re not familiar with Coral Bay, Skinny’s is almost at the foot of Seagrape Hill. Sputniks and Donkey Diner are just up the street. Island Blues, Shipwreck Landing, and Aqua Bistro are just around the corner. Super convenient location.
There were six of us sailing on Breath today; along with Captain Colin and mate Josh. These guys were very laid back and just loved boats and sailing.
Josh met us at the dinghy dock; loaded us and our stuff and we went to meet Breath.
Colin and Josh gave us some of Breath’s history and passed around a photo album. It’s amazing when you think how this boat was built and traveled the oceans with a small family.
The cooler was stocked the sails went up and off we went. Josh worked hard that day; no electronic sails on this vessels.
Despite the “warning” it looked like a beautiful day. Sit back and enjoy as we sail along St. John’s southern coast.
Our first snorkel stop was Newfound Bay. Josh dinghied us out to the reef and the plan was for us to just float along with the current and he would pick us up and dinghy us back. Sounded like a great plan!
The water was crystal clear and the coral was some of the best I’ve seen in a while; however, the fish remained in hiding.
After awhile, I looked up and saw some of the others making their way over and into the dinghy, so Don and I headed in that direction. We got there no problem, getting back into the dinghy was another thing. OMG – it was so hard. I think I tried 10 times and just couldn’t get myself up. The guys in the dinghy were trying to pull me, push me, twist me to no avail. I was giving up – I’ll swim back – just don’t leave without me. The other 2 women insisted I could do it – “we did it – you can do it!”. OK – one more try – One….Two……..Threeeeeeeeeeee- up, down, kick, lift and finally – PLOP on the floor of the dinghy!
OK – so that ends the “Let’s rent a dinghy” discussion.
Safely back on Breath, we had lunch.
A short motor and we were at our next snorkel spot – Flanagan’s island.
As we got closer, the clouds started moving in and then it started to sprinkle and then it RAINED – HARD!
The wind picked up and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. Then a lightning strike and a clap of thunder and another and another; this was close. I’m not embarrassed to admit, but I am afraid of thunder and lightning; it’s in my DNA. My grandmother would always hide in a closet. No closet on Breath, so I went down below to wait it out.
Eventually, the lightning disappeared and the rumbles were in the distance. Still, no way in hell, was I getting back in the water. I hung out on the boat while the others snorkeled.
Don doesn’t share my phobias
Once the storm passed, the sun came back, but the wind left. Breath was becalmed off Flanagan’s island. After about a half hour of little progress, the sails came down and the motor came on.
We got back into harbor and dinghied back to Skinny’s. Despite the storm, it was a wonderful day on the water.
It was happy hour at Skinny’s, so we stopped in for a beer. I poked around the shops (I was on a mission) to see what I might find.
Then it was back to Anchorage Aweigh to shower and change for dinner.
I challenge you try to take a quick shower with this view!
Not only beautiful out “there”, but in “here”, as well.
It was Shipwreck Landing for dinner tonight. We had a seared scallops in a tomato basil sauce appetizer; Don had Southwestern Wahoo; I had steak and grilled shrimp; we shared Key Lime cheesecake for dessert. Everything was delicious and the service was impeccable.
Another winner in paradise.
I think I was asleep halfway down the staircase.
Tomorrow - Raindrops keep falling on my head!
janet
Thanks again for another great report. No way I would have gone in the water either. I would have been down there with you as scared .
Since we took a day sail with the Breath, I know exactly what you were talking about getting back in the dinghy. I surpriced myself, as all my workout at the gym paid off, and I had no problems getting back. But we were 9 persons that all made it finally, with different number of trying. Lets just say the captain earned his salary and tip that day
.
I so envious about the dinner at Shipwreck. It was closed when we were there and I missed it.
Can't wait for your next report.
.Since we took a day sail with the Breath, I know exactly what you were talking about getting back in the dinghy. I surpriced myself, as all my workout at the gym paid off, and I had no problems getting back. But we were 9 persons that all made it finally, with different number of trying. Lets just say the captain earned his salary and tip that day
.I so envious about the dinner at Shipwreck. It was closed when we were there and I missed it.
Can't wait for your next report.
Interesting boat...looks like fun...
Thanks for sharing the report and pics!
Thanks for sharing the report and pics!
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
I had the camera but I would never ever be allowed on a SOTB-trip again if I posted these picturessea-nile wrote:Nice report again! I was on the Breath trip too. I really enjoyed that day. I can definitely picture you getting in the dinghy! We had maybe 10-11 people in there and I think I was the last one to get in. If someone had a video of that it would be hilarious!
.I had given my camera to one of the women in the dinghy as I was trying to get out. Luckily, she didn't realize it had video
Although it might have been a pretty funny thing to watch.
Maggy - I thought all my upper body workouts would have helped. I guess I need to work on the lower center of gravity,
Although it might have been a pretty funny thing to watch.
Maggy - I thought all my upper body workouts would have helped. I guess I need to work on the lower center of gravity,
janet
That was THE hardest thing I had to do on our "dinghy day"....to get back in the dinghy when I jumped in the water just off Waterlemon. Thought my husband would have to tow me to shore!
Finally made it in after MANY unsuccessful attempts! (Now we just beach it where we can!)
Loving your reports/pics!
Finally made it in after MANY unsuccessful attempts! (Now we just beach it where we can!)
Loving your reports/pics!
No pictures of the dingy experiences!! What a hoot! And the day on Breath was wonderful - will definitely do again. Sounds like a good trip, Janet, even with thunder and lightning....Maggy wrote:I had the camera but I would never ever be allowed on a SOTB-trip again if I posted these picturessea-nile wrote:Nice report again! I was on the Breath trip too. I really enjoyed that day. I can definitely picture you getting in the dinghy! We had maybe 10-11 people in there and I think I was the last one to get in. If someone had a video of that it would be hilarious!
The mouth of Newfound Bay is a very cool snorkel. Capt. Clark took us there on White Wing. There were big schools of tang when we were there.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmq/143590492/" title="SJ8 BEST tang school by jmq, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/14359 ... 768013.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SJ8 BEST tang school"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmq/143590492/" title="SJ8 BEST tang school by jmq, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/14359 ... 768013.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SJ8 BEST tang school"></a>
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Take it from someone who feels your pain..... Here's a great tip. Use the cavitation plate, it's the little wing that sticks out above the propeller, as a step. It works great!!! No more funny pictures.jayseadee wrote:I had given my camera to one of the women in the dinghy as I was trying to get out. Luckily, she didn't realize it had video
Although it might have been a pretty funny thing to watch.
Maggy - I thought all my upper body workouts would have helped. I guess I need to work on the lower center of gravity,
Finally catching up on your report. Your dingy re-entry account tickled me. They really ought to warn ladies lacking upper body strength that dinghy re-entry is not, shall we say, an exercise in self esteem. A ballerina I ain't either. Rum induced giggles just compound issue.
Never have experienced thunder and lightening down there. Wouldn't want to be on the water either.
Never have experienced thunder and lightening down there. Wouldn't want to be on the water either.
Trip report 2009
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=