Wednesday, March 15, 2017

R & R with Marty


Photo taken at Buck Island's Lookout Point by hiker
 who identified himself as "from DC and currently between jobs".

      In mid-February, my brother Marty joined us on board Exit Strategy for a little R & R. In all honesty, Captain Dan and I were in need of REST and RELAXATION, too! The week before his visit we had the boat hauled out at St. Croix Marine in Christiansted for the simple job of  changing out four thruhulls and replacing the backstay. It should have taken no more than two days, but Exit Strategy's time in the yard morphed into eight days for various reasons of which boat owners are sorely aware (experienced technicians hung up on someone else's boat, wrong size tools or equipment, and my personal favorite- waiting for adhesive to set or paint to dry). 

At daybreak, we hooked a couple of tarpon that wildly danced
  over the water before spitting out the hook!
 (Our hands were full, so no pics.)
   
      For as long as I can remember, Marty has enjoyed being IN and ON the water. He's been an avid fisherman ever since our Uncle Casey, his Godfather, tucked a cane pole under Marty's arm and walked him through the pasture down to the lake on the family farm.  Marty, in turn, taught many of us to dig worms, tie on a hook or lure, and attach a sinker and bobber.  Most of us still like to fish and practice CATCH & KEEP as often as possible.  During this trip, Marty treated us to a day of fishing off St. Croix's northern coast with Captain Brian. 

      


      Marty is likely responsible for me learning how to swim, as Mom always put him in charge of keeping us kids from drowning when we went to the beach. His lessons were simple- "Sink or swim."  I also vaguely recall him getting a snorkel set once that he willingly shared with us to get up close and personal with the clams and minnows hiding in the reeds and seaweed along the shore at Van Auken Lake. 
          
           Diving deeper at St. Croix's Fredriksted Pier

Lush coral and sponge growth on Fredriksted's Pier


      

     My brother's sailing vitae is extensive, beginning with 10-year-old Marty crafting a few rickety rafts that did float on the shallow pond behind our Grandpa's house as long as none of us got on.  As an adult, he's built a small sailboat, a canoe, and a fishing boat and bought a couple of larger vessels. Currently, Marty has a 34' O'Day that he sails on Lake Michigan and his fishing vessel is a Boston Whaler. 

    
 
Miniature orchids grow wild along St. Croix's Buck Island trail.

       To prepare for his arrival in St. Croix, USVI, we studied the local weather and charts to propose an itinerary.  One plan included short stops around St. Croix while the second had a sail up to St. John's southern bays. We were not surprised when Marty selected the float plan that included the 5 hr. passage (one-way) to St. John. Most of our visitors prefer much shorter sails, but Marty clearly enjoys the go.  In fact, Dan had Marty take the wheel as we exited Christiansted's anchorage and Marty was reluctant let go and allow the autopilot to kick in over three hours later! 



Self-Guided Tour of Fort Christianvaern in Christiansted
Little Lameshur Bay, St. John as seen from Yawzi Point Trail



 

   

 


 

   
         Of course, time was spent visiting our son Bobby's family at the St. Croix-YWAM base. Bobby gave us the nickel tour of the property and explained the historical significance of the Diamond Ruby Plantation. He also graciously gave us cart blanche in his organic garden. 
     
             Bob and I harvesting crispy fresh veggies.

       THANKS to Marty, Captain Dan and I were totally revived and eager for the coming cruise with our daughter Becky's family.  (To be featured in our next blog.)
Exit Strategy at rest in Buck Island's calm western anchorage



1 comment:

Marty said...

Rose and Dan, it's always a great treat to visit you and live for a while on Exit Strategy. Though no big eating fish made it aboard, I had fun making the stuffed collard rolls (even though I forgot to mix in the egg in the filling!). Thank you again and I look forward with pleasure to the next visit.

Marty