Two sovereigns claim the chain of Virgin Islands, the US (USVI) and Britain (BVI) and we would visit both, the first being the USVIs. We anchored in the harbour of the busy port of Charlotte Amalie on the Island of Saint Thomas, a convenient place for a number of chores and purchases needed.
Waterfront
Our first stop (after official check in) was to purchase a SIM card for our smart phone with a data package so that we could be connected to the world again. The second stop was the optometrist for the much needed new glasses for Jordan. He had broken his a couple of months ago, and had since been wearing them with a nerd worthy repair job. This was the first time we would be in one spot long enough for the wait time to have them done.
This spot was more popular to the ubiquitous cruiseship crowds than the cruising sailor, but we found some pleasant aspects that made our time there drift by with ease.
Another type of cruising
To get around, we made good use of the abundant Safari trucks with cheap fares and friendly riders always helpful with directions. One trip was to Brewer's Beach with a picnic lunch where we spent the day.
Safari bus
We hit it off with a US couple on a boat next to us who spends half their time here and half their time back home in Montana. We shared company in one another's cockpits and a lobster dinner at a great restaurant that overlooked the harbour.
Lobster affair
We strolled the alleys of the older part of town where old shipping warehouses have been turned into a plethora of jewellery stores, souvenier shops, and eateries that siphon in the cruiseship herds. At one cafe at Creques Alley while sipping iced cappuccinos, we were told that this is where the singing group, The Mamas and Papas, hung out and got their start jamming to the locals at the time.
Charlotte Amalie side street
Side view of Bumpa's Restaurant on bright waterfront street
With new glasses perched on his nose, it was time to head over to the British Virgins. But first, we had to apply for a pet permit from the Brits for Chanty, out cat, a not so easy task that required a US vet inspection and official paperwork sent for approval ahead of our arrival there. Wisely we had always kept current with the most important vaccinations and tests.
Once that last chore was done, we did the official US checking out and pulled anchor for a 2-hour beat up the coast to spend the night anchored in Christmas Cove in the lee of Great Saint James, a small private island (165 acres).
USVI Anchorages:
N18°20.279' W064°55.898' Feb 24 St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie)
N18°18.468' W064°50.031' Mar 10 Great St. James (Christmas Cove)
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