June 14, 2011
The Adams family’s Caribbean sailing vacation continues as we set sail for Anegada, an island comprised of coral and limestone and only rising to 28 feet above sea level at its highest point.
Another morning dawns in the Caribbean as the sun rises over the horizon. Pelicans are busy diving for breakfast and neighboring boats are preparing to cast off. John and Melody are already up on deck, Emily is stirring and Sarah and I are enjoying our morning coffee. Captain Terry is briefing us on our upcoming sail. The winds have picked up and we should enjoy a good sail to our next destination, Anegada. We are told that the entrance to the island is like threading a needle and there have been over 300 known wrecks on Horseshoe Reef.
All hands on deck as John releases the mooring ball, Melody and Emily are hoisting the mainsail and Sarah is at the helm. I am amazed how my family has taken to the water and the art of sailing. As we round the island I raise the fore sails and it feels as if we are flying. Our destination is about 17 miles to the northeast. Squeals of delight rise up as the rail touches the water. We are doing 8 knots and the adrenaline is running high. Melody, Emily and Sarah find a comfortable spot on the bow of the boat and are enjoying the cool ocean spray while working on their tans. John has taken the helm and is instructing me to adjust the mainsail. Is this my son who was only interested in texting and listening to his I pod? As a matter of fact, no one has been on the phone or computer or watched TV for the entire week! We have been talking, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Unbelievable!
Unlike all of the other mountainous islands in the Virgin islands, Anegada is flat, 11 miles long and fringed with beautiful beaches on the Atlantic side. Anegada is renowned for its laid back lifestyle, friendly inhabitants and of course the grilled Caribbean lobsters that are caught fresh daily.
“There it is!” cries Emily as she spots a tiny speck of land in the distance. As the island comes into view we notice the stark flatness of the island, and spot the markers for the channel. Captain Terry takes the helm to guide Sea Breeze through the narrow passage way and John is ready to pull in the painter to secure the mooring ball. Everyone is so excited to explore the island. We gather our snorkel gear, sun block, towels and go ashore.
As we walk on the dock, cages of hugh lobster are immersed in the water. Dinner! Reservations are made at the dockside restaurant and we proceed to climbing aboard a convertible taxi. (More like a van without sides or a top). A tour through the island, we see salt ponds, colorful flamingos, and quaint old cottages in the settlement. We thought the main islands were laid back, but Anegada takes it to another level. This place looks like another world in another time. No green mountains, little vegetation, just water and beaches everywhere. Our driver drops us at Cow Wreck Beach and Bar. We are amazed at the endless snow white beaches. Everyone claims a beach chair, and then we proceed to walk to the water’s edge and snorkel the visible reefs.
The reefs are populated by an amazing array of tropical fish. Emily spots a stingray and I watch as a huge school of blue tang swim by. Lunch at the beach bar, a nap under one of the few trees and then a long walk on the beach. This is the most peaceful place that I have ever visited. It feels as if time has stopped.
Our friendly cab driver/tour guide is waiting for us at the bar and drives us back to the dock where Captain Terry is waiting to ferry us to Sea Breeze.
Showers on the stern of the boat, clean shorts and shirts and we are ready for “Happy Hour “on deck. Sarah has prepared a smoked fish dip and we revisit the wonderful sights that we have seen today.
It is time to go ashore for dinner. We are guided to our table at the edge of the water with a panoramic view of the ocean and a brilliant sunset. Other boaters join in and stories of past island adventures are shared. The grills are loaded with lobsters and are mouths are watering. Dinner is served and we all are amazed at the huge size of the lobsters. The atmosphere is festive and we eat, drink, and talk until the last bite is gone.
A short dingy ride under a canopy of stars and we are back on our boat. We lay on the sail boat looking up at the beautiful sky and see the Milky way and other constellations. Wishes are made as we watch for falling stars. Life is good. I want to capture this moment forever.
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