Shootin' the Breeze: ISLA DE CALEBRA, PUERTO RICO

LEAVING FOR THE SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Provisioning from St Thomas

The 2 boys bringing Katz in with a squall looming

Soaked

THE SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

We arrived at the little Puertorican island of Culebra just as the sun was setting. After heavy swells and a 4 and a half hour sail from St Thomas, the calm bay was a very welcome sight.

Our arrival in the bay was a bit deceiving, a few older yachts were scattered around and it didn't seem like there was much happening around the place.

We had to walk to the airport the next day to clear in at customs. It was the longest we have ever taken to clear in, all sorts of questions were asked. We think the customs guys were just inquisitive and bored because we were the only people around. Luckily we're legally on this island because we have subsequently bumped into them all over the village. What friendly customs and 'irritation' officials we came across for a change.

We couldn't have been more wrong about a place. We have now been on this quaint island for 2 weeks and have grown to love it here.

The Dinghy Dock

We spent my 48th birthday driving around the island on 2 hired golf carts which was such fun. We were able to visit all the beaches and see which places we would like to visit by yacht. There are lovely beaches with waves (yay!) and places to surf and kiteboard. The island made us feel as if we were in the north of Spain again, with people partying and playing games in big groups on the beaches.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Great effort goes into baking a cake on a boat

We spent a few nights anchored off the neighboring island of Calibrita, where the sea is the most beautiful shade of turquoise. We fished and snorkeled and enjoyed the stillness of being the only yacht around. We've spent most of the time anchored in Dakity, a beautiful, safe anchorage, with lots of other yachts and beautiful clear water. Every now and then we anchor in Ensenada Honda, the main bay where we can walk to the supermarket and cycle to the laundry and around town. There are lovely restaurants and markets here, so we head for a bit of civilization now and then.

We've realised that the BVI and USVI are the main cruising grounds for charter yachts, especially around the festive season. There is not a charter boat in sight in Culebra and the yachts here are all cruising and spending a substantial amount of time in one place. The difference is that the other cruisers are friendly and will pop by and introduce themselves, have a beer and give one tips on what to do in the area. We have met some great, interesting people and are starting to feel part of the cruising circle. Most of the other yachts are also heading to the southern Caribbean, as we are, so we'll be sure to meet up with them along the way.

Dakity

Calibrita

Michaela doing her thing

This island has also seen some really emotional goodbyes at the tiny airport. We had to say goodbye to Damon and Cass, and then Michaela 3 days later. Wow, the yacht was so quiet and sad for a while. There are no airport transfers or taxi's, so we've had to walk, skateboard and cycle to the airport, with all the luggage. Some serious logistics involved here. I will never forget that terrible empty feeling when Stephen and I cycled, and Tayne skateboarded back from the airport after waving goodbye to them, watching the little 6 seater aeroplane disappear into the distance.

Mac has had problems with his yacht and was waiting for parts to arrive in St Thomas before joining us. Luckliy 3 days after the kids had left, he arrived with his family and it was so great to be with them again.