February 6 – Jolly Harbor, Antigua to Nevis
The crew rose before 7am in preparation for our voyage to Nevis. Em made an early run to store for last minute provisions, returning with some freshly baked coconut pastries and lemon ginger candy. After breakfast all did their part in the final departure process: filling the water tank, making lunch, checking out of the marina office, and the final shove off. We waved goodbye to Jolly harbor, and set our sights on the task at hand….
Fishing, of course!
The bait of choice was one 6’’ purple lure and one 9’’ green and yellow lure, both Zukers. (Kathie’s Christmas presents are really coming in handy these days!) These are trolled on lines behind the boat, ideally when we are sailing 5-7 kts.
Directing our attention back to the boat, we set the spinnaker pole to sail downwind wing-on-wing. Then Canaan discovered a pack of trivia cards that Kathie had brought along, thanks to Charlie’s urge: “Can You Name Them All?” We had just gone through the 7 Ages of Man and were halfway through the 10 Plagues of Egypt when Kathie noticed a fish on the line. Carl also noticed a fish on the line… however, they weren’t looking at the same one. We had a double hooker! It was an all-hands operation from there. (Don’t worry, Otto kept Heart of Gold on course throughout this scramble.) Kathie and Canaan reeled in the starboard catch, which had landed our first mahi mahi! Carl soon realized that the port line had a sizeable barracuda on it – and a very unhappy one at that. Knowing that one fish would be enough for the HoG crew and that consuming reef fish like barracuda raises concern for the ciguatera toxin, this fishie was released from the hook – easier said than done. Our resident Filet Master (Kathie) took to cleaning the mahi without hesitation.
Pre-filet
Once the excitement had dwindled, Canaan, Emylee, and Kathie were each given some time as Skipper with cues provided by the most seasoned Helmsman. Carl resumed his position as we approached Nevis, and the Buoy Crew prepared to snag a mooring ball. One pass, no problem! (Thanks to the boat hook and HoG’s bow thrusters.) Secure on the mooring, we watched the sun go down across from the beautiful island and settled in for our first – of many to come- freshly caught mahi mahi dinners .
Post-filet
No matter what he’s cooking, it always impresses.
February 7 – Layover in Nevis
As we had to clear customs, were were forced to spend a day in Nevis. Once the passports were stamped and signature acquired, our agenda included a lazy lunch, going ashore via dinghy taxi, perusing the sand for ghost crabs, and some light snorkeling. A dreadful thing, indeed.
Almost caught him…
We found our ourselves right at home at the Four Seasons Nevis resort down the beach. After checking with the front desk about rates – don’t ask – Carl and Kathie made a beeline for the golf course. (Next time you see them, ask what their favorite holes were…) Meanwhile, Emylee and Canaan found their way to the freebies given out at the Fitness Center and the Spa. Something for everyone, one might say.
We reconvened and headed back to the boat to freshen up after our grueling day on the island. Just when we returned, someone swam by for a quick hello!
A short visit but lovely all the same
At the recommendation of the Customs and Immigration Officer, we went up to Sunshine’s beach bar for cocktails before dinner. Our waitress Pinky brought us Caribe beers and their signature ‘Killer Bee,’ along with a reminder to watch for the sun’s green flash as it set. No such luck tonight due to clouds on the horizon, but it was a beautiful sunset nonetheless.
Missy Piggy at dusk
We migrated inside and sank into the couch-like benches at our table. The boys each ordered a full rack of pork ribs as a break from ocean catch, and we returned ‘home’ with full bellies. It was early to bed in anticipation for an early rise…
Travel Log 