Bumping Around the USVI

We arrived in the USVI two weeks ago and it has been a solid two weeks of high winds. Yeesh! But, much to our utter happiness, it has also been a solid two weeks (almost three weeks!) of hanging out with our great friends, Dave and Lisa, on Indigo Lady. It really has been one of those “never a dull moment” experiences!
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After first reuniting with Indigo Lady in Brewers Bay, we moved along to the Charlotte Amelie anchorage, also in St. Thomas. We wanted to be there for a few days to stock up on a few things for the boat but, more importantly, to rent a car and drive Ocean to her veterinary appointment to get her international papers for all the islands in the Eastern Caribbean. We have found a great vet clinic near Cowpet Bay called “Canines, Cats & Critters” that we have now used three times for Ocean’s travelling papers. They are easy to use, friendly and affordable. Perfect!

A seaplane lands behind Wild Horses while we are underway to our next anchorage

A huge cruise ship crosses an anchored Wild Horses in St. Thomas

A reunion with the crews of Bitty Rose and Indigo lady

Ocean awaiting the start of her vet appointment

Hanging out with great friends in St. Thomas

Speaking of Ocean, we often wonder what she thinks about all the adventures she has while we are doing this sailing thing. She never knows what will happen from one day to the next, who she will meet, what she will see, where she will go or how she will get there. We certainly ask a lot of her. She must be brave and patient, and she has to navigate beach landings, high docks, restaurants, grocery stores, getting on and off other boats, stray dogs, feral cats, new countries, new people, hot days, very hot days and so much more.
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Actually, our last few weeks in the USVI (both in St. Thomas and in St. John) have lots of good examples of what she has to handle as part of the crew of Wild Horses. In these jam-packed few weeks, Ocean has hiked the USVI mountainous terrain for 6 miles, checked out ruins from an old sugar mill, rode in the back of a pick up truck, was squeezed under the bar at the local pub (well, maybe a few local pubs…), enjoyed some yummy pizza from Pizza VI (a floating pizza place), and had a vet appointment. 

Ocean hangs out on Bitty Rose with the Pizza VI pizza boat in the background

Ocean investigates our pizza from Pizza VI

Sometimes the photos just happen...

Riding through the rolling hills of St. John in the back of a pick up truck

Ocean is used to doing her best incognito work when in bars and restaurants

Off on another hike!

She has walked along the trampolines of not one but two catamarans (thank you Indigo Lady and Bitty Rose for welcoming Ocean aboard your beautiful boats!), went to the beach, swam off the stern of Indigo Lady while Mike and I snorkelled, saw wild donkeys, sheep and goats, a few bearded dragon iguanas, lots of chickens, went “nose to tentacle” with a squid that landed on our boat deck during a passage and was rocked to sleep every night in many, many bumpy anchorages. ​

The donkeys were very interested in Ocean

Ocean enjoying a post-swim chew

Mike and Ocean getting cappuccinos from the local cafe

Sheep, goats... whatever they are, there are a lot of them!

One of hundreds of hermit crabs Ocean found on our shoreside walk

Walking in Cruz Bay, St. John

At the top of the mountain with the crew of Indigo Lady

Even in bumpy anchorages, Ocean can sleep very well

She even got to hang out in a treehouse! Cruising friends of Indigo Lady (Juan and Alison) have a home in the USVI, way up in the mountains of St. John. This gorgeous homestead is nestled on the side of the mountain with a wrap around porch and levels upon levels of wonderful treelined walkways. It truly feels like a treehouse, just a very elegant one. And, lucky for us, our little Ocean was more than welcome to join Dave, Lisa and us at Juan and Alison’s place in a wonderful evening of great food and laughter.

Up in those hills is Alison and Juan's beautiful home

The guys relax on the porch of Juan and Alison's place...

...and this is the great view they are enjoying!

Their treehouse is perfectly fitted with a hammock...

...and so many comfortable places to relax on the porch.

And inside the house!

Oh, and Ocean crossed the Anegada Passage to St. Martin. That’s right! We are now in the Leeward Islands. We arrived in Marigot Bay, St. Martin on Saturday morning. It was a 96 nautical mile passage with the brightest (almost full) moon lighting up the ocean for us. Of course, with the windy season we have been having, it was a little bumpy getting here but that’s okay, we are here! And even nicer, Indigo Lady will be here with us for several days while they await good weather to travel to St. Kitts (note: They found that great weather window and have now moved on to St. Kitts for their scheduled haulout. We already miss them!)

Saying goodbye to the USVIs

Two-thirds of the crew of Wild Horses take a nap while we are underway to St. Martin

The full moon lights our way as our journey took 21 hours to complete

The reward of a great passage to St. Martin is delicious eggs benedict!

A happy fivesome!

​For Ocean, yes, she never knows what any given day will bring. Some days are less than fun but most are rewarding in so many ways. She often gets to do one or more of her favourite activities be it swimming, walking, meeting people, hiking, exploring, enjoying little “I can’t finish this can I give it to the dog” treats during restaurant meals or sundowner get-togethers, or vacuuming up crumbs (and chicken bones…so many chicken bones!!) that are inevitably lying beside walkways and boardwalks.
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And hanging out with us 24/7. The three of us wouldn’t have it any other way 😊.

We are happiest...

...when the three of us are together!

Woof! Baby! I am ready for my next adventure!