​Current Location:  Honeymoon Bay Mooring, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  3
Weather:  Partly sunny, breezy (10-15), frequent showers, low-80s
Highlights: Decided to check out the snorkeling this morning, and glad we did.  Saw 2 eagle rays, 1 giant turtle, schools of tangs, grunts, and yellow tails, and a host of other colorful fish.  Back to the boat around 11, got dried off, then a quick dash across the channel to Honeymoon Bay.  We had agreed to host our friends from Twocan and XYZZY for a New Year's Eve party, and they were already at Honeymoon.  Everybody gathered over at 7PM for a lovely dinner of ribs, baked beans, slaw, and all the fixings, then we played dominoes and farkle before welcoming in the New Year.  Party wrapped up shortly after, and we were asleep long before our east coast friends and family rang in the New Year 1 hour later.  Happy New Year, everyone!!

​Current Location:  Christmas Cove Mooring, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Partly sunny, breezy, occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: We've had on our "to-do" list for some time now a courtesy flag line.  Whenever we check into a new country, we lower the current flag, raise the Q flag, check in, then lower the Q flag and raise the new country's courtesy flag.  Currently, we use zip-ties to attached to one of the mast stays, but it's a bit of a pain, and with our upcoming trip through the windward and leeward islands, we figured it was time to rig a simpler system.  Amy hoisted me up the mast to the yardarm (about 40 feet up), and I attached a pulley to the underside, then ran a line back down to the deck.  Had to hang on for dear life during a few rolling wake periods, but no problems otherwise.  Back down on deck, attach a few snap hooks, raise the flag, and we're all set!  Project done, time for a well-deserved nap and sundowners!

Current Location:  Christmas Cove Mooring, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  11
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-15), low-80s
Highlights: Last few days we've been catching up on chores, small projects, and reading, but finally decided it was time to depart our noisy anchorage and start working our way east.  Motor-sailed out of the harbor and over to Buck Island to check out snorkeling and lobster possibilities (great snorkeling on southwest end of the island, but no lobster), then motored into building seas and headwinds over to Christmas Cove.  Grabbed the last mooring ball around 3PM, got the boat squared away, then settled down for naps and relaxing rest of the day.  Great sunset tonight - this cove is one of the best places  in the islands.

Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-20), low-80s
Highlights: It's Christmas, and we were woken at 5AM by island music blaring out over the waterfront.  Apparently, an early morning Christmas concert is a tradition around here.  Earlier this week, we were treated to about 4 hours of truck horns in celebration of trucker's pride day.  Something about this town and their boisterous celebrations!  Anyway, the early morning concert ended around 8, and we went back to sleep for a few more hours.  Neal from Twocan came over around noon to help with the generator problem (electric issues have been fixed, but couldn't get the fuel lines bled), which we finally diagnosed as the fuel pump installed backwards (yes, my mistake!), and from that point it was an easy fix.  Went into town mid-afternoon with Elizabeth and Neal and had a lovely dinner of seafood appetizers (mussels, calamari, octopus, etc) at the Amalia Cafe, then back to our boat for desert and dominoes.  Altogether, an interesting and enjoyable Christmas celebration in paradise.

​Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Partly sunny, breezy, frequent showers, low-80s
Highlights: Took Jennifer in the dinghy over to the taxi stand this morning, hugs and goodbyes said, then she was off to the airport and headed back to the real world.  Back to the boat for us, where we spent the rest of the day running the watermaker and getting laundry done.  Leftovers for dinner tonight, then watched a few episodes of Longmire before turning in for the night.

​Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  19
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-20), low-80s
Highlights: Dropped the mooring ball around 8 this morning and had a wonderful sail back to the US, with winds of 15-20 knots off the beam and fairly calm seas until we got south of St. Thomas.  Wanted Jennifer to snorkel with the turtles before the end of her week, so we stopped at Buck Island for lunch.  Watched the day charters drop off their hordes of snorkelers while we ate lunch, then after they all departed and we had the cove to ourselves, we enjoyed a nice snorkel around the bay and over to shore.  Encountered only 3 turtles, and grassy areas are getting smaller, so not sure how long this will be a turtle haven.  After our swim, we had a quick 3NM trip north to Charlotte Amalie harbor, dropping anchor early afternoon, leaving plenty of time for reading and naps before dinner.  Jenn cooked us "trash" for dinner tonight (one of her Whole 30 meals), then a final game of dominoes to wrap up the evening.

Current Location:  White Bay Mooring, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Miles Traveled:  6
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-15), low-80s
Highlights: Lifted anchor around 7:30 this morning and sailed over to White Beach on Jost Van Dyke, picking up a mooring just before 9AM.  Read and relaxed until early afternoon, then took the dinghy into the beach to get some lunch at Hendo's.  Jenn beat her old man at a game of cornhole, then we wandered around the beach checking out the sights.  Lots more places rebuilt and open from when we visited last spring.  Back to the boat late afternoon for more reading and naps, then birthday dessert of chocolate kahlua cake while the ladies let the birthday boy win a game of dominoes.  Altogether a very nice birthday celebration.

​Current Location:  Brewer's Bay Anchorage, Tortola, BVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Mostly sunny, breezy (10-15), low-80s
Highlights: Took the dinghy into the beach this morning to hike up to Mount Healthy National Park, where the remains of an old (late 1700s) windmill could be found.  Hike was pretty much a 45 degree pitch most of the way, and our legs were jelly by the time we arrived, but the views were stunning, and the windmill was very cool.  Back to the boat in time for a cool-down swim and some lunch, then Amy and Terry took the dinghy out to check out a few snorkeling spots in the bay.  Not much to see, and the water was pretty stirred up, so back to the boat in time for sundowners and a nap.  Sausage and pepper over pasta for dinner tonight, then a game of dominoes before bedtime.

​Current Location:  Brewer's Bay Anchorage, Tortola, BVI
Miles Traveled:  2
Weather:  Partly sunny, windy (15-25), frequent showers, low-80s
Highlights: Slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, then dropped the mooring ball around 10:30 and motored north about 2NM around the point to Brewer's Bay.  We had heard that this bay is off limits to charter boats because underwater power cables cross the cove, so we hoped we would see some fairly unspoiled beaches and reefs.  The bay is very picturesque, but the water was stirred up by the high winds of the past few days.  We also had a tough time getting the anchor to set.  Tried several times to set it in thin sand in the north side of the cove, but it wouldn't dig in, and Terry finally dove on it to set it by hand.  That lasted about 2 hours, then the anchor alarm went off and we were drifting down the bay.  Decided to give up on the north side and took the boat over to the SE corner, where we finally got it to set, and Terry dove on it again to make sure it was secure.  Spent the rest of the day reading and relaxing.  Grilled chicken and veggies for dinner tonight, then reading and catching up on news before turning in.

Current Location:  Cane Garden Bay Mooring, Tortola, BVI
Miles Traveled:  5
Weather:  Partly sunny, very windy (15-30), occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: Went into shore after breakfast this morning and hiked the Johnny Horn trail up the hill overlooking the bay to stretch our legs, enjoy the views, and explore the ruins.  Showers were coming in, so didn't spend too much time out, but Jenn and Amy did get some beach combing in before the showers arrived.  Dropped the mooring ball around 10:30 and motored across the Francis Driake Channel in heavy seas (5-6 foot waves) to Soper's Hole to check into the BVIs.  After lots of forms and a lighter wallet ($78USD), we were legal visitors, so we enjoyed a quick lunch, then motored around the SW point of Tortola and up the west shore to Cane Garden Bay, grabbing a mooring around 2PM.  Read and napped rest of afternoon, then took the dinghy into the dock and enjoyed burgers and painkillers at Quitos while watching the sun go down.  Back to the boat around 8PM for reading and an early bedtime.

​Current Location:  Leinster Bay Mooring, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  18
Weather:  Mostly sunny, windy (10-20), early morning showers, low-80s
Highlights: Raised anchor after coffee and breakfast this morning and motored over to Leinster Bay on St. John.  Wind was on the nose at 15-20 knots, and seas were very sloppy (4-6 foot waves), but as soon as we reached the shelter behind Christmas Cove, the ride smoothed out considerably.  Grabbed a mooring ball around 11:15, got some lunch, then did some snorkeling around the small island at the mouth of the bay.  Not much to see, and water is pretty stirred up from the winds of the last few days, but was good to get into the water and cool off from the hot sun.  Drinks, naps, and reading for the rest of the afternoon, then Korean beef tacos for dinner tonight before turning in early after a long day first day of vacation.

​Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Mostly sunny, windy (10-20), occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: Worked on getting the boat straightened up and ready for our VIP, then headed off to the grocery store to pick up a few necessities for the week.  Jennifer's plane was delayed by about an hour, but we finally welcomed her with big hugs around 2:30 when the taxi dropped her off, then loaded everything into the dinghy for the quick ride back to the boat.  Got her unpacked and settled in, then we relaxed on the deck with drinks in hand to catch up and enjoy the sunset.  Deb and Dennis came over for dinner around 6 (pork tenderloin with grilled veggies and brownies for dessert), then we played a round of dominoes before calling it a night.

​Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Mostly sunny, windy (15-20), occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: We've been anchored here in Charlotte Amalie for the past week enjoying the weather, XYZZY company, and visits into town for shopping, sightseeing, visiting, and local cuisine.  We've wrapped up a few small projects, had a minor plumbing emergency (leaking water line) that needed to be fixed, and gotten the boat ready for our best loved VIP guest.  Yes, our daughter Jennifer is arriving tomorrow for a week of sun and fun, and we can't WAIT until her plane arrives.  SO EXCITED!!

Current Location:  Charlotte Amalie Harbor Anchorage, St. Thomas, USVI
Miles Traveled:  12
Weather:  Mostly sunny, light winds, occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: Hawksnest is a very picturesque bay, but deceptively rolly at night.  We checked out the snorkeling around the boat this morning, and saw a sand ray, a good-sized turtle, and quite a few fish (especially near the shore), but otherwise a pretty sparse bay.  Winds will be picking up in a few days, so we decided it was time to head back to St. Thomas and take shelter in the harbor.  Had a very nice sail in 3-4 foot seas and 10-15 knot easterly winds down the west side of St. John and over to Charlotte Amalie harbor.  Dropped anchor around 3PM, then read and relaxed rest of the afternoon.  Grilled chicken and veggies for dinner tonight, then a couple of Longmire episodes from Netflix before turning in for the night.

​Current Location:  Hawksnest Bay Mooring, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  2
Weather:  Mostly sunny, light winds, occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: Left Francis Bay this morning after two very pleasant days getting work on the generator finished (oil change and new impeller) and just lazing around, and motored down to Honeymoon Bay, where we grabbed a mooring and then took the dinghy into town.  Amy went to the grocery store while Terry walked down to Paradise Gas to fill a propane tank, then we motored back to the boat, dropped everything off, and went back into town for a late lunch at High Tides.  Both of us enjoyed the mahi-mahi, but Amy went for the tacos while Terry chose the sandwich.  Back to the boat around 3, then we motored around the point to Hawksnest Bay and grabbed a mooring for the night.

​Current Location:  Francis Bay Mooring, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  10
Weather:  Mostly sunny, light winds, afternoon showers, low-80s
Highlights: Decided to check out the snorkeling in Princess Bay this morning, and were disappointed to see absolutely nothing interesting in the bay - no fish, coral, or other fun stuff.  Got dried off around noon, dropped the mooring lines, raised sails, and had a very pleasant sail out of Coral Bay, around the point, and along the north shore of St. John to Francis Bay.  Grabbed a mooring ball around 2PM, got the boat squared away, and then settled down to reading and relaxing for the rest of the day.

​Current Location:  Princess Bay Mooring, near Coral Bay, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  6
Weather:  Mostly sunny, light winds, evening heavy showers, low-80s
Highlights: We've been wanting to visit Coral Bay (east end of St. John), and decided today might be a good opportunity.  Dropped the mooring lines around 10AM, motored east in choppy seas and 10-15 knot winds around Rams Head and into Coral Bay.  Grabbed a mooring in Princess Bay, then Terry pulled the carburetor from the outboard to give it another thorough cleaning.  Went snorkeling around the boat (no fish, coral or anything interesting, but did cool off), then took the dinghy into Coral Bay for a late lunch/early dinner at Skinny Legs.  Outboard behaved, and we enjoyed good burgers and drinks, but not much else to see in town, so back to the boat around 4:30 for reading and relaxing.  No cell phone or internet service here, so watched a DVD movie and read before turning in for the night.

​Current Location:  Little Lameshur Bay Mooring, St. John, USVI
Miles Traveled:  0
Weather:  Mostly sunny, light winds, occasional showers, low-80s
Highlights: Pulled the water-maker out this morning to fill the tanks, and Amy did some laundry and made some rolls while we had the generator running.  Wrapped that up around 1PM, then jumped in the water to see what we could find.  Encountered some of the best snorkeling so far this year regarding varieties of fish.  A medium-sized spotted eagle ray joined us early in our swim, and we also saw snapper, grouper, a small moray eel, and lots of reef fish.  Near the end of our sojourn, we spotted a 4-foot long nurse shark sleeping under a ledge, and Terry woke him up by stroking his tail for a bit.  Napped and relaxed after our swim until dinner, then enjoyed lobster salad on fresh rolls with carrots and potatoes for dinner.  Watched a bit of TV and read before turning in for the night.