Final countdown - last week

Posted by Liz

Just left Jost Van Dyke, where we spent time in Great Harbour, home of "Foxy's", where we ran into the man, himself and had a nice chat. He's been a remarkable influence for the island - his personality and charisma have drawn sailors to his beach bar for years (42+) from all over the world. Wear a Foxy's t-shirt, and chances are you'll strike up conversation with someone who has been there and will regale you with their stories of late nights, music and libations.

While at Foxy's, we heard a wonderful musician, Mr. K.I. Nicholas - who plays amazing instrumental guitar, calling his music Caribbean Fusion, and also has a great voice. He's been playing at Foxy's since 2005, and plays some gigs in the States. Very talented.

We decided to spend the last week of our winter adventure here in the West End of Tortola (also known as Sopers Hole). There's WIFI (thankfully - we've been without for quite a few weeks now!), a good grocery store to provision the boat before we depart, fuel, Customs, laundry, garbage dumpsters, shops and a Pusser's restaurant which serves good food and is right on the harbor.

We were originally going to anchor outside of Roadtown for the week - but it's busy with ferry traffic and is a bit of a haul in the dinghy to get into Village Cay, and then a walk to/from the laundry and grocery stores. So, this is a whole lot easier - just a quick dinghy ride over to the marina, and everything is at our disposal in one place.

We're both feeling very sad that this is the end of the trip. I've already cried a couple of times. We've shared so many wonderful memories together, and made new friends, and have delighted in all that nature has shared with us.

Our departure date is planned for Sunday, May 2nd - a week from now. Once we slip the lines, we'll be out of communication until we reach Bermuda - where we probably will only be for a day (hopefully) to refuel and provision and drop off/pick up crew members. If you want to stay on top of where the boat is, though, please click on "Where's Gypsea Now" on the blog (top right). Our position will be updated every day while we're out at sea.