Our Family Adventures: Sailing Days 3-4: Virgin Gorda & Anegada

Dec 29: Monday we awoke with a plan to get to Virgin Gorda. It was a debate how to go about it - we wanted to visit the Baths, but with sailing traffic being so heavy with the holiday, we needed to get up toward the Bitter End before sunset so we could have a mooring that positioned us well for our trip to Anegada the next day. We decided to forgo a stop at the baths and head right to the end, with the plan being to catch a cab back down to that part of the island when we arrived. The trip was long and wind was not cooperative so we motored most of the way. I missed much of the trip b/c of a nasty head cold that forced me down below deck and into bed for most of it. We made it to Leverick Bay only to find that the dingy was really not working properly and we'd need to call in a repairman. We never made it to the Baths, but that just gives us a reason to return someday. At Leverick, there were some shops and a couple of bars/restaurants that we were able to see - it was nice to get on land and wander around for a bit.

Since we didn't leave the area, there weren't many photos. My brother got this shot of a distant ship that had decorated its mast to look like a Christmas Tree - it's a little blurry, but can you make out the green triangles topped with a red star? It was very festive!

Dec 30: Tuesday was our big trip to Anegada. This is a small little flat island that is actually a coral atoll - great snorkeling, friendly people and a 12 mile trip from the next closest island. Our day started with a nice sunrise over Leverick as Dad set out the bumpers for us to get more water and ice at the dock.

We sailed all morning to arrive around 1 pm. Getting there was a nice sail, smooth seas and gentile winds. It was pretty relaxing!

Looking back, we could see how Virgin Gorda got its nickname as the "Pregnant" island - can you see the outline of a lady lying in the water? We debated whether her head was to the right or left (we think right) - but who can be sure?

Looking ahead, we tried to make out Anegada. It is so flat and unlike many of the other islands that you really had to strain to see it. Basically, we were looking for trees in the middle of the water. Crazy...but doable!

We navigated into the shallow channel and found our spot outside Neptunes Treasure - the restaraunt where we had reservations for New Years Eve dinner.

Once we got anchored, it was again time to explore by land. We all piled into the digy, Dad as our chaufeur and Mom as the on-board photographer as we went ashore to see what there was to see.

Mike and I headed off to the left while Eric and Holly went right (to the bar!). We walked the road to Pomato Point, hoping to catch a glimpse of the flamingos on Flamingo Pond. Unfortunately, no pink birds, but the beach was incredible.

Along the walk, I found a home with the perfect relaxation spot - outdoor bar, hammock and palm trees all just overlooking the waters. You might even put a massage table out there...Gorgeous!

We headed back toward "town" which was a couple of restaurants and the Anegada Reef Hotel. This was a shot of the excitement from just down the beach...

Along the way to "town" we stopped for an obligatory shot climbing a coconut tree - there were little steps on it and everything! Unfortunately the steps were a little wobbly so we never actually reached our coconut. I think they might have planned it that way...

We found Eric & Holly and stopped at a colorful bar for some afternoon cocktails. Behind us were a group of guys from the midwest - Indiana, Michigan and Ohio...I guess you never really are that far from home! Also in the white tanktop was our favorite bartender, Sam, who entertained us thoroughly with his rendition of Please Don't Go Girl by NKOTB. Island men singing New Kids...now THATS entertainment!