Thursday, 15 April 2010
Little Harbour, Jost van Dyke to Key Cay
Soper’s Hole
Strong winds out in the channel cause us to change our plans—again. Rather than return to Cane Garden Bay to re-water, we decide to stop on the way. We motor across the channel, around the point and into Soper’s Hole where we spin around the harbor for half an hour waiting for a spot to open up at the gas dock.
Soper’s Hole is bright and sunny, colorful buildings hugging the steep hillside. We pull into the dock and while the boat’s water tanks are topped off, Karen, Jenny and I go ashore to purchase ice and a few extras from the well-stocked waterfront market. Back on board and ready to go, we decide to hang out for lunch and take a mooring ball in the harbor where we can enjoy our meal before heading out. Brief rain showers call for us to raise the bimini for protection as we munch on sandwiches topside, listening to the goats on the hill and the sound of a nearby shipyard.
Continuing on our way, we raise the jib to sail through the Drake Channel, along the south side of Tortola. Our destination is Key Cay on the opposite side of Peter Island, a location that promises solitude. The sail is nice, with gently rolling seas. We pull into Key Cay, a gorgeous spot with only two other boats in sight. We drop anchor and take in the view, 360-degrees of green island, blue water, open sky, and very little sign of civilization. This is my ideal.
Key Point in Key Cay
Breezes blow strong at times but in a favorable direction, making this tranquil location perfect for an overnight. The view of the cay is a keeper. Reading and cocktails commence as Anne and Jenny prepare grilled chicken for dinner. Before dining, Anne takes Mary and Karen on a spin around the cove as the sun begins to descend. We all enjoy the light on the cloudscapes as the sun sets.
Sunset over Sir Francis Drake Channel
We devour our meal. Spending all day in the open elements, no matter how relaxing, really works up an appetite. After dinner, over a bottle of wine, the captain entertains his crew with card tricks. We break out the star chart and pick out southern constellations until it’s time for bed.
2 Things @ Once 