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

STX Part 2: SHORE LEAVE

Now for the fun part of our SHORE LEAVE in beautiful St. Croix-

       We anchored in crystal clear waters, north of the pier in Fredriksted, St. Croix just before 2016's last Sunday of Advent.  We missed the annual Boat Parade and a couple of parties, but we still had enough time to prepare for the main event. The grandkids helped us throw up our usual Christmas decorations above and below deck during a sleepover.  We began making cookies- this year with a new twist, as Lyla has become quite the little baker. At times, she even creates her own recipes.

Lyla, Emma, and Sophia made Zebra Cupcakes (chocolate & vanilla)

       Christmas always includes PIEROGIS, but this year the usual pierogi elves were pulled in many different directions, especially with Bob and Joy getting ready for their trip.  Luckily, one of the mission builders on base was happy to help.  Joanne and I, with limited assistance from Bob and Lyla, produced less than usual- only four batches of dough that yielded about 120 total (3 types: potato & cheese, fried cabbage, mushroom).

Christmas Eve dinner with at YWAM with staff and visiting DTS Teams

       While Bob and Joy were away, Aslan and Lyla spent a few nights on board Exit Strategy that was anchored in Fredriksted.  St. Croix's Carnival took place during that time and the parades were in Fredriksted.  We made a grand effort to watch the Childrens' Parade whose posted start time was 10 AM.  We allowed for ISLAND TIME  and claimed a good spectator spot along the route around 10:30 AM and waited... and waited... and waited.  We took turns wandering around town to get snacks and window shop.  Around 12 NOON we finally saw the first sign of parade activity way up the hill in the distance.  It moved at a snails pace- L I T E R A L L Y.  By 12:30 PM it was nearly in front of us and we noticed that some of the paraders were about to collapse!  We returned to Exit Strategy by 12:45 PM.

        A definite plus to our SHORE LEAVE on St. Croix this year was having the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with Bruce and Joanne (Joanne helped make pierogis) who were serving as Mission Builders at YWAM where our son's family live and serve.  They lived near and sailed on the Great Salt Lake for many years and were now considering sailing the Caribbean. They are both in their 70's, and I admired their energy and openness to new adventures!  We invited them on a day trip to move our vessel from Fredriksted to Christiansted and it morphed into an impromptu 2-day overnight trip to St. Croix's Buck Island.

(L to R) Kim, Joy, Lyla, Bob, and Aslan 

       We also took a day trip to Buck Island with Bob's Family and Kim, a YWAM Staffer. While there, Bob, Dan, and I went diving at the far northeastern point of the island.  The coral formations there are remarkably different.  We observed multiple cone-shaped piles of dead coral upon which some live corals were growing.  Bob lead the dive and I felt like we were swimming against the current the entire time although I also felt like we were swimming in circles!  At one point, I signaled to Dan to check his compass and he motioned that all was OK.  Somehow, Bob guided us right back to the dinghy! 

Lyla insisted on competing even though she was ill.  She placed 2nd in her age group! 

      Dan and I relish time with all our grandkids and always enjoy attending the sports events in which they partake. Lyla (9) and Aslan (10) have been involved in St. Croix's Kids Tri-Athlon for many years.  This month, they raced in a Run-Bike-Run event at Altona Park which was located adjacent to our anchorage in Christiansted.  

Grandpa passed out water while I tried to take photos.

        We thoroughly love our annual visit to St. Croix, as it puts us in the hugging zone of family and good friends at YWAM that are sorely missed.  Thank you all for every-little-thing YOU did to make us feel right at home!