Unexpected reunions
If I had a few wishes, one of them would definitely be that all days on the water were as pleasant as yesterday. The 23 mile downwind run from Virgin Gorda to Jost Van Dyke was as good as it gets. Sunshine, gentle following seas, moderate winds and a functioning autopilot made the trip relaxing and enjoyable. To add to that, we were returning to one of our favorite spots, and were scheduled to meet up with some of our favorite people.
Sunrise in Virgin Gorda
Our downwind sailing track.
It’s been almost 3 months since we’ve been able to hang out with our friends Kirk and Donna on Ainulindale. They left Grenada when we were in Trinidad so we didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye. Since that time, they’ve been busy in the USVIs while, as readers know, we’ve been hanging out down island. When Kirk and Donna heard that we were planning on heading here, they raised anchor and sailed over to meet us. It’s a great feeling to cruise into a bay to find friends already waiting for you.
A beautiful day on the water!
Coinciding with this planned reunion though was an entirely unexpected one. While it’s been a few months since we’ve met up with Kirk and Donna , it’s been almost two years since we’ve seen our pal Jim from Top O’ The World. Imagine our surprise when, while in the dinghy on the way over to Ainulindale for dinner (yes, our friends take good care of us), we spied Jim’s smiling face! His beautiful ketch, Top O’ The World, is anchored only a couple of boats away from us.
Jim in Boqueron, Puerto Rico
We first met Jim in the Turks and Caicos and sailed with him all the way from there to the Virgin Islands. When we last left him, we were heading south from Virgin Gorda and he was planning on hauling out his boat there to return to land life for a bit. During our brief conversation yesterday, he let us know that he’s back on his boat for a while and will be sailing her west towards Texas. Cool stuff.
We’re looking forward to spending a few days here with all of our pals. Life doesn’t get too much better than this!
I think you just defined karma. 🙂
Keep it rolling!
🙂
Doesn’t get any better than that for sure! I think the word “savour” comes to mind… No pics/vids of your admittedly infrequent downwind leg? Did the spinnaker see the light of day?
The spinnaker hasn’t been out of the locker for a year or so. The winds were up a bit too much for us to fly that.
Wow. Love reading about ur life on the water. 🙂
Happy to share, Chris.
Mike..
How long it take from VG to JVD? Are you in Great Harbor now?
Doing a week charter with just my wife and me in the BVIs Easter week. Been before, first as crew, then as own capt on cats. This first with just us two on a 34′ mono! You’ve given me such enjoyment over the last couple of years reading and traveling with you.
You’ve inspired us to venture by ourselves this trip!
Daily reader, feel I know lots abt BVIs from past trips and daily dose of TTOL, but can’t wait for more from you.
JP
Hi John
Yes, we are in Great Harbor, JVD. It took us approx. 6 hours, anchor up to anchor down. It was a beautiful trip.