Friday, March 19. 2010
Day 7, SwimVacation
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Yesterday, going home day. I hate to leave, but am looking forward to getting home to my family. It’s the pesky goodbye thing that makes it so tough.
We hug all of our new friends, big squeeze for Rich and Lisa, and on our way. Cab ride, two planes, a bus and a car ride later, I’m home. It always amazes me how I can wake up on a boat in the Caribbean sea and go to bed in my own home in Maine.
Fortunately, Hopper and I were traveling together, which made a long day much easier. We talked about the week mostly - the swims we liked best, the challenges we faced, the great group of swimmers we have come to know. The thing we focused on the most is difficult to put into words - how all of our guests exceeded their own expectations and are leaving the BVIs stronger and more confident in their abilities. I feel so lucky to be a part of that.
Some notes about this awesome group of SwimVacationers:
Joyce just loves being in the water. She was always the last one out and spent hours rolling in the waves.
Tom gave us the gift of his smile by about day three - I even managed to catch it in a picture.
Emma swam farther than she ever has before on Friday. 2.4 miles through chop and swell and she never complained once. She just kept going.
Laird has a beautiful butterfly and amazing freestyle, and he is sneaky fast.
Leighann was somewhat new to open water swimming and tackled her fears above and below the surface. She always took the time to take pictures of me too - even mastering my underwater camera to do it! Thanks, Leighann!
Krista came to SwimVacation to train for another open water swimming event coming up in May - she’s about to tackle the Mediterranean.
Amy gave herself a chit to take one swim off if she needed to at the beginning of the week. She never cashed it in.
Jeff appreciated that so many of our group are also in life transitions - a bonding point for all. He and Amy also showed up to our first dance party wearing flashing head lamps - perfect ambiance for our boat deck disco tech.
Rob stretched his already seasoned open water muscles and proved that he’s just as smooth on the dance floor. He also swam through a personal loss and managed to stay in the moment through it all.
Chess has great style both in the water and out, loves to laugh, and can’t help but flash her bright smile when I’m photographing her while swimming.
Thanks for a great week you guys - it was an honor to be part of this adventure with you. Hopper and I will be swimming in the pool tomorrow. It will be a shock to the system after the week we just had.
Remember to keep your head down and dig deep. Keep it long and strong. Wishing you all great swimming until we meet again.
-Heather
Yesterday, going home day. I hate to leave, but am looking forward to getting home to my family. It’s the pesky goodbye thing that makes it so tough.
We hug all of our new friends, big squeeze for Rich and Lisa, and on our way. Cab ride, two planes, a bus and a car ride later, I’m home. It always amazes me how I can wake up on a boat in the Caribbean sea and go to bed in my own home in Maine.
Fortunately, Hopper and I were traveling together, which made a long day much easier. We talked about the week mostly - the swims we liked best, the challenges we faced, the great group of swimmers we have come to know. The thing we focused on the most is difficult to put into words - how all of our guests exceeded their own expectations and are leaving the BVIs stronger and more confident in their abilities. I feel so lucky to be a part of that.
Some notes about this awesome group of SwimVacationers:
Joyce just loves being in the water. She was always the last one out and spent hours rolling in the waves.
Tom gave us the gift of his smile by about day three - I even managed to catch it in a picture.
Emma swam farther than she ever has before on Friday. 2.4 miles through chop and swell and she never complained once. She just kept going.
Laird has a beautiful butterfly and amazing freestyle, and he is sneaky fast.
Leighann was somewhat new to open water swimming and tackled her fears above and below the surface. She always took the time to take pictures of me too - even mastering my underwater camera to do it! Thanks, Leighann!
Krista came to SwimVacation to train for another open water swimming event coming up in May - she’s about to tackle the Mediterranean.
Amy gave herself a chit to take one swim off if she needed to at the beginning of the week. She never cashed it in.
Jeff appreciated that so many of our group are also in life transitions - a bonding point for all. He and Amy also showed up to our first dance party wearing flashing head lamps - perfect ambiance for our boat deck disco tech.
Rob stretched his already seasoned open water muscles and proved that he’s just as smooth on the dance floor. He also swam through a personal loss and managed to stay in the moment through it all.
Chess has great style both in the water and out, loves to laugh, and can’t help but flash her bright smile when I’m photographing her while swimming.
Thanks for a great week you guys - it was an honor to be part of this adventure with you. Hopper and I will be swimming in the pool tomorrow. It will be a shock to the system after the week we just had.
Remember to keep your head down and dig deep. Keep it long and strong. Wishing you all great swimming until we meet again.
-Heather
Day 6, Swim Vacation
Woke up at Marina Cay and headed out to Guana first thing. Guana Island is one of my favorites (I think I have a lot of favorites here) because it is so unspoiled. I don’t think I ever remember mooring with another boat in Muskmellon Bay.
We anchored in the adjacent bay to start. Hopper plotted out a challenging course - around half the perimeter of our starting bay, around the point of land, and into and around Muskmellon Bay. All together, about 2.5 miles. And not an easy 2.5. Throughout the swim we had wind and surge, sometimes at our backs, sometimes not.
EVERYONE made this swim. And everyone went the whole distance. It was a long haul, and I know there were some doubts out there. But every single one of our SwimVacationers pushed themselves hard - harder than they might have thought possible. When it was done, I think they all felt an immense satisfaction.
As I approached the boat with Emma, I could smell it - breakfast. Pancakes the size of a 24 oz sirloin, with bacon. There might have been something else out there too, but I couldn’t even imagine putting anything else on my plate. After breakfast, free time. Some napped, some chatted, some simply enjoyed the sunshine. By one or so, we were ready to break out the water toys. A number of us waterskied, and a few courageous souls braved the Predator. I ache just thinking about it, but our guests thoroughly enjoyed being dragged behind the dinghy with evil Rich at the wheel. While people took turns on the predator, I did a photo shoot in the water with each of our guests - all superstars in the sea.
Lunch (seriously, i cannot eat again) was burgers (thank you Hopper!) on Lisa’s ridiculous home made buns. The bread this woman makes on this boat defies reason.
While some of the guests were napping or chilling out, Hopper and I went out for a little free diving. Neither of us broke any records today, but we both felt great at the bottom of the bay, unencumbered by equipment. It seemed easy. It felt just right.
An afternoon swim around the other side of Muskmellon, out and back. We capped off the swimming with a quick and fun medly relay race. Hopper, Jeff, Laird and me against Fitzy, Tom, Leighann and Rob. Our backstroke and breaststrokers were neck and neck, and Laird gave me an impressive lead going into the freestyle leg. I kicked like hell and swam so fast, but I could hear great big Rob storming up behind me. In a last ditch effort I grabbed his ankle. All it did was cause him to drag me across the finish line with him. Great fun. Our last swim. We had cocktails as we motored back to Harbour View Marina and had dinner - something else crazy good (who can keep all this fabulous food straight?).
After dinner a slide show of images from the week. Looking at the 300 + pictures flying past, it really hit home what an amazing week we’ve had. It seems impossible that we could have done so much, but we did.
Some stats:
We ate 12 dozen eggs and 8 pounds of butter.
We drank something like 30 bottles of wine.
We didn’t use very much water.
We made 3 never-done-before swims.
We swam about 13 miles.
Tonight I was talking with a few of our guests about their experience. They commented about how so many in our group are in a transition in their lives. They are looking for a place to land, and found themselves leaping into the Caribbean sea for a little while. But what so many of them did here this week transcends the miles they covered. Some of them came unsure about their metal. Unsure if they could go the distance. Unsure. But tonight, having swum hard, swum long, through wind and swell and current, and against the doubts lurking in their own minds, each one of them knows that they are capable of reaching the destination. We’ve over-come hurdles this week, many of them in our own heads. And the new confidence that comes with such hard work and faith in the process and our abilities will spill over into everything we do.
We came to the boat as strangers and will leave tomorrow, united by these efforts and the celebration of what’s possible. I for one hate to say goodbye. To my new friends, to the person i am here, and to this fantastic place and all it gave to us this week. As I let the waves rock me to sleep one more time, I promise to remind myself that open water will always be here waiting.
- Heather
We anchored in the adjacent bay to start. Hopper plotted out a challenging course - around half the perimeter of our starting bay, around the point of land, and into and around Muskmellon Bay. All together, about 2.5 miles. And not an easy 2.5. Throughout the swim we had wind and surge, sometimes at our backs, sometimes not.
EVERYONE made this swim. And everyone went the whole distance. It was a long haul, and I know there were some doubts out there. But every single one of our SwimVacationers pushed themselves hard - harder than they might have thought possible. When it was done, I think they all felt an immense satisfaction.
As I approached the boat with Emma, I could smell it - breakfast. Pancakes the size of a 24 oz sirloin, with bacon. There might have been something else out there too, but I couldn’t even imagine putting anything else on my plate. After breakfast, free time. Some napped, some chatted, some simply enjoyed the sunshine. By one or so, we were ready to break out the water toys. A number of us waterskied, and a few courageous souls braved the Predator. I ache just thinking about it, but our guests thoroughly enjoyed being dragged behind the dinghy with evil Rich at the wheel. While people took turns on the predator, I did a photo shoot in the water with each of our guests - all superstars in the sea.
Lunch (seriously, i cannot eat again) was burgers (thank you Hopper!) on Lisa’s ridiculous home made buns. The bread this woman makes on this boat defies reason.
While some of the guests were napping or chilling out, Hopper and I went out for a little free diving. Neither of us broke any records today, but we both felt great at the bottom of the bay, unencumbered by equipment. It seemed easy. It felt just right.
An afternoon swim around the other side of Muskmellon, out and back. We capped off the swimming with a quick and fun medly relay race. Hopper, Jeff, Laird and me against Fitzy, Tom, Leighann and Rob. Our backstroke and breaststrokers were neck and neck, and Laird gave me an impressive lead going into the freestyle leg. I kicked like hell and swam so fast, but I could hear great big Rob storming up behind me. In a last ditch effort I grabbed his ankle. All it did was cause him to drag me across the finish line with him. Great fun. Our last swim. We had cocktails as we motored back to Harbour View Marina and had dinner - something else crazy good (who can keep all this fabulous food straight?).
After dinner a slide show of images from the week. Looking at the 300 + pictures flying past, it really hit home what an amazing week we’ve had. It seems impossible that we could have done so much, but we did.
Some stats:
We ate 12 dozen eggs and 8 pounds of butter.
We drank something like 30 bottles of wine.
We didn’t use very much water.
We made 3 never-done-before swims.
We swam about 13 miles.
Tonight I was talking with a few of our guests about their experience. They commented about how so many in our group are in a transition in their lives. They are looking for a place to land, and found themselves leaping into the Caribbean sea for a little while. But what so many of them did here this week transcends the miles they covered. Some of them came unsure about their metal. Unsure if they could go the distance. Unsure. But tonight, having swum hard, swum long, through wind and swell and current, and against the doubts lurking in their own minds, each one of them knows that they are capable of reaching the destination. We’ve over-come hurdles this week, many of them in our own heads. And the new confidence that comes with such hard work and faith in the process and our abilities will spill over into everything we do.
We came to the boat as strangers and will leave tomorrow, united by these efforts and the celebration of what’s possible. I for one hate to say goodbye. To my new friends, to the person i am here, and to this fantastic place and all it gave to us this week. As I let the waves rock me to sleep one more time, I promise to remind myself that open water will always be here waiting.
- Heather
Day 5 SwimVacation
Hopper here. We swam the Baths today, a geologic/oceanic wonder on Virgin Gorda. It was an out-and-back swim, meandering through the massive boulders strewn in a crazy jumble along the shore. I have done this swim enough times now to remember the most fun routes without getting stuck in a dead-end, and I get a kick out of leading clients through the tight spaces. The turnaround point was one of my favorite places in the world; a white sand beach with super clear turquoise water. After the swim we hiked through the same boulder formation, but on land. Heather got some great photos here.
Our group this week is a hard-swimming, fun-loving bunch. I am once again reminded how great it is to have a job where I meet my clients for the first time, then live on a boat with them for a week. This has allowed me, Heather, and Fitzy and to meet really fabulous people, and get to know them very well.
The SwimVacation guides are sharing deckhand duties this week; dishes, helping to sail the boat, meal setup, general boat tidiness, etc. This has deepened my admiration of the Promenade and its crew, and has made me detest any dish in which cheese and the oven is involved (due to the fact that we have to scrape it from the pans afterward). The boat performs its job so well for us, and Rich and Lisa perform their jobs with incredible hard work and grace, even at 6’4”, 275 pounds (that’s Rich, not Lisa).
Happy AAAARRGH tonight at Marina Cay, then off to Guana Island tomorrow for our last day.
-Hopper
Our group this week is a hard-swimming, fun-loving bunch. I am once again reminded how great it is to have a job where I meet my clients for the first time, then live on a boat with them for a week. This has allowed me, Heather, and Fitzy and to meet really fabulous people, and get to know them very well.
The SwimVacation guides are sharing deckhand duties this week; dishes, helping to sail the boat, meal setup, general boat tidiness, etc. This has deepened my admiration of the Promenade and its crew, and has made me detest any dish in which cheese and the oven is involved (due to the fact that we have to scrape it from the pans afterward). The boat performs its job so well for us, and Rich and Lisa perform their jobs with incredible hard work and grace, even at 6’4”, 275 pounds (that’s Rich, not Lisa).
Happy AAAARRGH tonight at Marina Cay, then off to Guana Island tomorrow for our last day.
-Hopper
Dau 3 SwimVacation
Today: The sun.
At long last she came to us, warmed us, blued the sky, reminded us that we are in the Caribbean. Thank you, Sunshine!
We woke up in our new secret spot - White Harbour off Peter Island - around back, in the lee.
The sun was coming through, the water was flat. We had explored half of the bay last night and had another half waiting for us. Into the blue we dove. We all swam 30 minutes out and back along the cliffs. For some that came to about one mile, for others, more like a mile and a half. On the way back we saw two huge spotted eagle rays (my favorite creature on the planet) feeding in the eel grass. They hung around beneath us for maybe 5 minutes - a thrill.
Before we got back on the boat we did a buoy turn clinic and explored the reef nursery near by. Breakfast was that of champions - our crew ate 35 eggs, i don’t even know how much bacon and over a loaf of toast. 35 eggs!
After breakfast, some napping in and out of the sun, and a sail to the Indians. There some snorkeled and I took Leanne on her first dive in a few years. She had a great dive and surprised herself by keeping her cool and taking it all in.
Lunch of quiche and salads and more relaxation. Joyce thinks instead of “Swim. Relax. Repeat.” our motto should be “Swim. Eat. Relax. Repeat.” Hopper is taking this into consideration.
We charted the course for our afternoon swim - a circumnavigation of a small island near the Indians called Pelican Island. The swim came to about 3/4 mile but promised big swell and significant wind. Some weren’t sure they could or would make it all the way around. But we took off, and every one of our swimmers made it around the island. It was tough, and there were times that each of us wanted to quit and request a helicopter rescue, but everyone made it, and discovered strength they didn’t know they had.
Cocktails were margaritas and hummus and veggies while we moved the boat to The Bight of Norman Island, where we left the boat for a little crazy fun at Willy T’s (sticky). We danced and danced and danced some more.
While we were gone, sneaky Rich and Lisa planned a birthday party complete with balloons and fancy table cloth. Rob’s birthday is today and Joyce’s in Sunday, so we decided to celebrate (as if we needed an excuse).
After dinner, more Willy T’s. More dancing and a bunch of pictures you will not see on this blog.
It’s late and morning swim hour will be here before we know it. Off to bed for this exhausted bunch. It’s great to have a day so full - two great swims, overcoming challenges, wildlife and a bunch of dancing. And cake! Don’t forget cake.
- Heather
At long last she came to us, warmed us, blued the sky, reminded us that we are in the Caribbean. Thank you, Sunshine!
We woke up in our new secret spot - White Harbour off Peter Island - around back, in the lee.
The sun was coming through, the water was flat. We had explored half of the bay last night and had another half waiting for us. Into the blue we dove. We all swam 30 minutes out and back along the cliffs. For some that came to about one mile, for others, more like a mile and a half. On the way back we saw two huge spotted eagle rays (my favorite creature on the planet) feeding in the eel grass. They hung around beneath us for maybe 5 minutes - a thrill.
Before we got back on the boat we did a buoy turn clinic and explored the reef nursery near by. Breakfast was that of champions - our crew ate 35 eggs, i don’t even know how much bacon and over a loaf of toast. 35 eggs!
After breakfast, some napping in and out of the sun, and a sail to the Indians. There some snorkeled and I took Leanne on her first dive in a few years. She had a great dive and surprised herself by keeping her cool and taking it all in.
Lunch of quiche and salads and more relaxation. Joyce thinks instead of “Swim. Relax. Repeat.” our motto should be “Swim. Eat. Relax. Repeat.” Hopper is taking this into consideration.
We charted the course for our afternoon swim - a circumnavigation of a small island near the Indians called Pelican Island. The swim came to about 3/4 mile but promised big swell and significant wind. Some weren’t sure they could or would make it all the way around. But we took off, and every one of our swimmers made it around the island. It was tough, and there were times that each of us wanted to quit and request a helicopter rescue, but everyone made it, and discovered strength they didn’t know they had.
Cocktails were margaritas and hummus and veggies while we moved the boat to The Bight of Norman Island, where we left the boat for a little crazy fun at Willy T’s (sticky). We danced and danced and danced some more.
While we were gone, sneaky Rich and Lisa planned a birthday party complete with balloons and fancy table cloth. Rob’s birthday is today and Joyce’s in Sunday, so we decided to celebrate (as if we needed an excuse).
After dinner, more Willy T’s. More dancing and a bunch of pictures you will not see on this blog.
It’s late and morning swim hour will be here before we know it. Off to bed for this exhausted bunch. It’s great to have a day so full - two great swims, overcoming challenges, wildlife and a bunch of dancing. And cake! Don’t forget cake.
- Heather
Day 2, SwimVacation
Monday, March 8, 2010
We woke up to a sun struggling to be seen, working so hard to break through. It peeked through more and more through out the day, giving us all the hope that we might actually go home something other than pasty white.
Great Harbour has always been my favorite swim here in the BVIs and gosh darn it all if it didn’t rise to the occasion again. We woke up to steady winds but no rain. We dove in for a big swim around the periphery of the harbor. We cruised through schools of silversides so thick we could barely see through them. Tarpon patrolled in platoons. Pelicans punctuated the action. A sea turtle here, a sting ray there. The swell was large and we all dug deep. It has become our custom to end this swim at the water fun park crazy blow up toys thing. There’s an inflatable iceberg for climbing, 20 feet tall, and of course, the floating trampoline. How can you not love a floating trampoline when you’ve just swum over a mile to get there? Suddenly we’re all 8 years old bouncing around. It was, as always, a great swim.
We came back to eggs benedict and fresh fruit. After breakfast our swimmers headed to shore for a hike across the island headed by Fitzy. Hopper got some “work” done, and Lisa and I colluded on an excuse to go for a dive.
Backstory: Last November I lead the swim here in Great Harbor with swimmer Chris Matava close on my heels. My mind was blown with a most incredible sighting - a Manta Ray - very very rare in this part of the world. Chris got a super close up view of it, and Keith caught a quick glance. I knew this would never happen again - a once in a lifetime. Right?
Wrongo. Lisa and I were cruising around at about 60 feet, when out of the blue comes my pet Manta. And this time I had the camera to come back with the evidence. Amazing. Mind blowing. A Manta.
So now SwimVacation has a secret - we have a pet Manta Ray in Great Harbour. Don’t try to see it unless you’re with us. Cause he won’t show up for anyone but us.
The group on shore had a fantastic hike - some ran, some walked, they all enjoyed the view and chilled on the beach until Rich went to collect them in the dinghy.
Lunch - crazy good pizza. A respite for our bunch, who enjoyed the few minutes of sunshine we had with naps on the trampoline and bimbo mats.
We sailed around to the back of Peter Island to a spot not often visited by boats, and plotted a pioneering swim there. We kicked off the swim with an underwater video taping for later review, and launched into a 20 minute out, 20 minute back swim along a beautiful and pristine cliff face. The reef was so beautiful here - undisturbed by boat activity. After the swim Joyce and I explored another little reef nearby and found it to be a spectacular reef nursery loaded with juvenile fish of a bazillion colors.
Back to the boat for naughty cocktail hour gaming, nachos, and dinner - ribs and potatoes followed by chocolate cheese cake (enough already! I can’t fit in my suit any more!) After dinner I came down here to blog, but was dragged up to a dance party on the deck of Promenade. Emma and Hopper got into a DJ spin off (I declare it a draw) and we danced ourselves into exhaustion. One by one our swimmers have been trickling off to bed. Hop’s finishing the dishes and I’m typing away. There’s so much to tell - how can our days be so impossibly full?
We’re hoping sunshine awaits us in the morning, but come rain or shine, we know we’ll fill the day with one of a kind experiences.
-Heather
PS. Thanks to Chess for some great pics today!
We woke up to a sun struggling to be seen, working so hard to break through. It peeked through more and more through out the day, giving us all the hope that we might actually go home something other than pasty white.
Great Harbour has always been my favorite swim here in the BVIs and gosh darn it all if it didn’t rise to the occasion again. We woke up to steady winds but no rain. We dove in for a big swim around the periphery of the harbor. We cruised through schools of silversides so thick we could barely see through them. Tarpon patrolled in platoons. Pelicans punctuated the action. A sea turtle here, a sting ray there. The swell was large and we all dug deep. It has become our custom to end this swim at the water fun park crazy blow up toys thing. There’s an inflatable iceberg for climbing, 20 feet tall, and of course, the floating trampoline. How can you not love a floating trampoline when you’ve just swum over a mile to get there? Suddenly we’re all 8 years old bouncing around. It was, as always, a great swim.
We came back to eggs benedict and fresh fruit. After breakfast our swimmers headed to shore for a hike across the island headed by Fitzy. Hopper got some “work” done, and Lisa and I colluded on an excuse to go for a dive.
Backstory: Last November I lead the swim here in Great Harbor with swimmer Chris Matava close on my heels. My mind was blown with a most incredible sighting - a Manta Ray - very very rare in this part of the world. Chris got a super close up view of it, and Keith caught a quick glance. I knew this would never happen again - a once in a lifetime. Right?
Wrongo. Lisa and I were cruising around at about 60 feet, when out of the blue comes my pet Manta. And this time I had the camera to come back with the evidence. Amazing. Mind blowing. A Manta.
So now SwimVacation has a secret - we have a pet Manta Ray in Great Harbour. Don’t try to see it unless you’re with us. Cause he won’t show up for anyone but us.
The group on shore had a fantastic hike - some ran, some walked, they all enjoyed the view and chilled on the beach until Rich went to collect them in the dinghy.
Lunch - crazy good pizza. A respite for our bunch, who enjoyed the few minutes of sunshine we had with naps on the trampoline and bimbo mats.
We sailed around to the back of Peter Island to a spot not often visited by boats, and plotted a pioneering swim there. We kicked off the swim with an underwater video taping for later review, and launched into a 20 minute out, 20 minute back swim along a beautiful and pristine cliff face. The reef was so beautiful here - undisturbed by boat activity. After the swim Joyce and I explored another little reef nearby and found it to be a spectacular reef nursery loaded with juvenile fish of a bazillion colors.
Back to the boat for naughty cocktail hour gaming, nachos, and dinner - ribs and potatoes followed by chocolate cheese cake (enough already! I can’t fit in my suit any more!) After dinner I came down here to blog, but was dragged up to a dance party on the deck of Promenade. Emma and Hopper got into a DJ spin off (I declare it a draw) and we danced ourselves into exhaustion. One by one our swimmers have been trickling off to bed. Hop’s finishing the dishes and I’m typing away. There’s so much to tell - how can our days be so impossibly full?
We’re hoping sunshine awaits us in the morning, but come rain or shine, we know we’ll fill the day with one of a kind experiences.
-Heather
PS. Thanks to Chess for some great pics today!
Day 1 SwimVacation
Sunday, March 7, 2010
In the deluge they arrived, two by two (more or less) to our luxury yacht, The Promenade. We boarded and everyone settled into their cabins, unpacked and came up to a welcome beverage. We watched as they each unwound, relaxed, settled in with that “ahhhh I’m finally here!” expression.
The wind blew and the rain came down, and Hopper, Fitzy and I were relieved to see that it didn’t seem to matter much - our guests were just happy to be aboard.
We sailed to Little Harbor, Peter Island, where we lunched and had boat and swim briefings.
Hopper put on a show for us in swimming the stern line to a rock on shore. We plunged in for a paddle around - the water was so warm compared to the unusually cold air. We poked around and marveled at the schools of silversides and tarpon who didn’t disappoint, pelicans diving from 100 feet in the air, gulping at the plenty below. Laird had the wildlife siting of the day with a lovely Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus).
We got out, chilled for a little bit, and prepared for our first swim. Hopper plotted a course along and then across Little Harbor - about 1 1/2 miles. No matter the weather, no matter the swell, our SwimVacationers jumped in and got to it. Chess saw two spotted eagle rays, and Emma and I saw a fat barracuda.
I love when we swim in bays where other yachts are at anchor. As we swim by them, the people aboard always stop and stare. They can’t imagine doing what we do here. It makes us feel pretty bad-ass.
We trickled in after the swim - all except for Joyce who loves the sea so much she stayed in and poked around for another half hour or so.
We came up to hot chocolate (with Bailey’s, thank you) and freshened up for cocktail hour. Mojitos with cheese and crackers (Lisa went easy on us today) and then a fantastic dinner of tuna steaks, pea pods and garlic bread. Wine, wine and also some wine. Dessert - chocolate fondue (stop it! we’ve barely worked out yet!).
Now we’re hanging in our new sea home, getting to know each other, completing the transformation from regular life to SwimVacation.
We don’t know what the weather will hold for us this week, but apparently and happily, our swimmers are up for whatever the sea can throw at us. We’re anchored now in Great Harbor where we will swim first thing in the morning. This has been one of my favorite swims, and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for us tomorrow.
-Heather
In the deluge they arrived, two by two (more or less) to our luxury yacht, The Promenade. We boarded and everyone settled into their cabins, unpacked and came up to a welcome beverage. We watched as they each unwound, relaxed, settled in with that “ahhhh I’m finally here!” expression.
The wind blew and the rain came down, and Hopper, Fitzy and I were relieved to see that it didn’t seem to matter much - our guests were just happy to be aboard.
We sailed to Little Harbor, Peter Island, where we lunched and had boat and swim briefings.
Hopper put on a show for us in swimming the stern line to a rock on shore. We plunged in for a paddle around - the water was so warm compared to the unusually cold air. We poked around and marveled at the schools of silversides and tarpon who didn’t disappoint, pelicans diving from 100 feet in the air, gulping at the plenty below. Laird had the wildlife siting of the day with a lovely Scrawled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus).
We got out, chilled for a little bit, and prepared for our first swim. Hopper plotted a course along and then across Little Harbor - about 1 1/2 miles. No matter the weather, no matter the swell, our SwimVacationers jumped in and got to it. Chess saw two spotted eagle rays, and Emma and I saw a fat barracuda.
I love when we swim in bays where other yachts are at anchor. As we swim by them, the people aboard always stop and stare. They can’t imagine doing what we do here. It makes us feel pretty bad-ass.
We trickled in after the swim - all except for Joyce who loves the sea so much she stayed in and poked around for another half hour or so.
We came up to hot chocolate (with Bailey’s, thank you) and freshened up for cocktail hour. Mojitos with cheese and crackers (Lisa went easy on us today) and then a fantastic dinner of tuna steaks, pea pods and garlic bread. Wine, wine and also some wine. Dessert - chocolate fondue (stop it! we’ve barely worked out yet!).
Now we’re hanging in our new sea home, getting to know each other, completing the transformation from regular life to SwimVacation.
We don’t know what the weather will hold for us this week, but apparently and happily, our swimmers are up for whatever the sea can throw at us. We’re anchored now in Great Harbor where we will swim first thing in the morning. This has been one of my favorite swims, and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for us tomorrow.
-Heather
Arrivals SwimVacation
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Picture it. It’s dark, stormy, wind howling, rain pouring down. Two people, looking for adventure and some intrepid companions, set out from a tiny Caribbean airport.
They walk. Destination Loose Mongoose. The rendez-vous point can’t be too far, right? So what it’s raining! They can get wet - after all, they’re swimmers!
It rains. It pours. And still, they walk. Through giant puddles (they almost lost the little one) and over huge swaths of cold, wet sand. Dragging their luggage, leaving tracks on the beach. It can’t be much farther...
They climb over a jetty (the little one almost blows away) and into the welcoming arms of a polished gentlemen who says “You’re with the Promenade? Yes! Your group is right over here!”
Around the corner and there are the bright, excited faces of 4 SwimVacationers and Guide Fitzy, all delighted to see the soggy two, Guide Heather and Leader Hopper, squish up to the bar to join them....
So, we’re here, and it’s wet. But we’re here to get wet!
Last night we met Laird and Emma, Rob and Chess, we raised a glass and downed some burgers before dragging our soggy selves to the Promenade where three dry bunks were ready for us.
The wind howled all night, but that and the patter of rain on my hatch lulled me to sleep. I always sleep so well on a boat, and last night was no exception. We’ll catch some breakfast this morning and then prepare for the official start of our SwimVacation adventure. Our guests will be here at noon.
It may rain, it may pour. But what we know about the folks who come to swim is that they are usually up for anything. No doubt we’ll make the most of everything the BVI has to give us this week.
-Heather
PS. Seeing Captain Rich and Admiral Lisa this morning is better than any sunrise could have been!
Picture it. It’s dark, stormy, wind howling, rain pouring down. Two people, looking for adventure and some intrepid companions, set out from a tiny Caribbean airport.
They walk. Destination Loose Mongoose. The rendez-vous point can’t be too far, right? So what it’s raining! They can get wet - after all, they’re swimmers!
It rains. It pours. And still, they walk. Through giant puddles (they almost lost the little one) and over huge swaths of cold, wet sand. Dragging their luggage, leaving tracks on the beach. It can’t be much farther...
They climb over a jetty (the little one almost blows away) and into the welcoming arms of a polished gentlemen who says “You’re with the Promenade? Yes! Your group is right over here!”
Around the corner and there are the bright, excited faces of 4 SwimVacationers and Guide Fitzy, all delighted to see the soggy two, Guide Heather and Leader Hopper, squish up to the bar to join them....
So, we’re here, and it’s wet. But we’re here to get wet!
Last night we met Laird and Emma, Rob and Chess, we raised a glass and downed some burgers before dragging our soggy selves to the Promenade where three dry bunks were ready for us.
The wind howled all night, but that and the patter of rain on my hatch lulled me to sleep. I always sleep so well on a boat, and last night was no exception. We’ll catch some breakfast this morning and then prepare for the official start of our SwimVacation adventure. Our guests will be here at noon.
It may rain, it may pour. But what we know about the folks who come to swim is that they are usually up for anything. No doubt we’ll make the most of everything the BVI has to give us this week.
-Heather
PS. Seeing Captain Rich and Admiral Lisa this morning is better than any sunrise could have been!
Pool Life: SwimVacation March 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hi! I’m Heather, SwimVacation Guide, Photographer and Marine Naturalist! Let’s talk about our wildlife sightings on today’s swim! Hopper found a lovely example of Alopecia truncatus, and later I found its larger cousin, Alopecia rotundus. Good eyes! These two species in the freshwater hair ball family are common in most public swimming pools...
Ha ha.
Ha!
Tomorrow, we will no doubt see various forms of wildlife as we come from all corners of the nation, traveling through various airports, on our way to the sunny BVIs for our next SwimVacation adventure.
Oh but Sunday, Sunday. We will plunge into the Caribbean blue sea, stretch our muscles, and swim. And when we swim, we will see all manner of things - sea turtles, rays, huge schools of fish above lovely coral reefs....just a few things this week will hold for us.
So enjoy your last pool swim, my friends, and rinse off that chlorine. Tomorrow, you leave for SwimVacation!
Travel safe and we’ll see you in the bright blue BVIs!
- Heather
Hi! I’m Heather, SwimVacation Guide, Photographer and Marine Naturalist! Let’s talk about our wildlife sightings on today’s swim! Hopper found a lovely example of Alopecia truncatus, and later I found its larger cousin, Alopecia rotundus. Good eyes! These two species in the freshwater hair ball family are common in most public swimming pools...
Ha ha.
Ha!
Tomorrow, we will no doubt see various forms of wildlife as we come from all corners of the nation, traveling through various airports, on our way to the sunny BVIs for our next SwimVacation adventure.
Oh but Sunday, Sunday. We will plunge into the Caribbean blue sea, stretch our muscles, and swim. And when we swim, we will see all manner of things - sea turtles, rays, huge schools of fish above lovely coral reefs....just a few things this week will hold for us.
So enjoy your last pool swim, my friends, and rinse off that chlorine. Tomorrow, you leave for SwimVacation!
Travel safe and we’ll see you in the bright blue BVIs!
- Heather
Saturday, November 14. 2009
Swim Vacation Day 6, by Heather
Where were we this morning? It’s hard to remember back that far when we do so much in a day. Ah, yes, Salt Island. We planned a great swim - a one mile loop around Salt Bay - the goal was to swim it twice, the second time faster than the first. We dove in, Busby Berkley style in a peel off the boat. We all made it around once, and some of us headed off for the second round, but the current was crazy and we decided to play it safe. We all worked plenty hard for nearly two miles. No complaints from this crew - they suited up for a hike on Salt Island.
While they explored and hunted down the Geo-cache, Lisa and I enjoyed a lovely dive to about 55 feet just a short distance off the back of the boat. Our mission: come back with conch for fritters. We only found one, and decided to let him be, but on our way back to the boat, we were aggressively courted by two giant remora looking for a ride! We lead them back to the boat for our swimmers to see, but alas, they were not back from their island exploration yet.
A lunch of burritos under weigh as we headed back to the Baths - so glad to return, having missed a shore landing on our first visit earlier in the week. Before we left the boat for our swim, Captain Rich hoisted me up the mast so I could get an eagle eye view of our swimmers in the Promenade’s trampoline.
We swam in to shore and followed the path through the magical boulder field. It was a great thing to do on our last day in the islands. We ended our water sports with a 2+ mile swim from the boulder beach all the way to Spanish Town - current against us. No matter, we dug deep and left it all out there. Everyone was so glad to have made the swim.
As we sailed back to Tortola, Christy zipped me around in the dinghy so i could get pics of our swimmers on our lovely sea-home, sailing off into the sunset.
We gamed over cocktails, stuffed ourselves on a fantastic meal of steak and potatoes. followed by chocolate moose and a slide show recapping the week.
Now the evening’s activities have ended, but we’re all still milling about, procrastinating, not wanting to pack, not wanting to leave. It’s been a special week. We’ve all pushed ourselves more than we could have imagined, found strength in our strokes we didn’t know we had. We’ve seen wildlife, made an historical crossing, and supported each other in swims long and tough. Will declared that what we do is pretty bad-ass, and we all agree that we’ve earned it.
Here are some interesting stats:
We ate 15 lbs of cheese, 8 dozen eggs, 6 blocks of butter, and drank (and rinsed with) 1600 gallons of water. We also swam just about 16 miles, covering Virgin Gorda, Cooper, Salt, Peter and Norman Islands and saw sting rays, a manta, turtles, tarpon and countless other species along the way.
What a week.
Tomorrow we’ll trickle out of Tortola, on our way to homes across the States and Canada. But we’ll be bound by this Caribbean Sea and the strides we’ve made within it.
While they explored and hunted down the Geo-cache, Lisa and I enjoyed a lovely dive to about 55 feet just a short distance off the back of the boat. Our mission: come back with conch for fritters. We only found one, and decided to let him be, but on our way back to the boat, we were aggressively courted by two giant remora looking for a ride! We lead them back to the boat for our swimmers to see, but alas, they were not back from their island exploration yet.
A lunch of burritos under weigh as we headed back to the Baths - so glad to return, having missed a shore landing on our first visit earlier in the week. Before we left the boat for our swim, Captain Rich hoisted me up the mast so I could get an eagle eye view of our swimmers in the Promenade’s trampoline.
We swam in to shore and followed the path through the magical boulder field. It was a great thing to do on our last day in the islands. We ended our water sports with a 2+ mile swim from the boulder beach all the way to Spanish Town - current against us. No matter, we dug deep and left it all out there. Everyone was so glad to have made the swim.
As we sailed back to Tortola, Christy zipped me around in the dinghy so i could get pics of our swimmers on our lovely sea-home, sailing off into the sunset.
We gamed over cocktails, stuffed ourselves on a fantastic meal of steak and potatoes. followed by chocolate moose and a slide show recapping the week.
Now the evening’s activities have ended, but we’re all still milling about, procrastinating, not wanting to pack, not wanting to leave. It’s been a special week. We’ve all pushed ourselves more than we could have imagined, found strength in our strokes we didn’t know we had. We’ve seen wildlife, made an historical crossing, and supported each other in swims long and tough. Will declared that what we do is pretty bad-ass, and we all agree that we’ve earned it.
Here are some interesting stats:
We ate 15 lbs of cheese, 8 dozen eggs, 6 blocks of butter, and drank (and rinsed with) 1600 gallons of water. We also swam just about 16 miles, covering Virgin Gorda, Cooper, Salt, Peter and Norman Islands and saw sting rays, a manta, turtles, tarpon and countless other species along the way.
What a week.
Tomorrow we’ll trickle out of Tortola, on our way to homes across the States and Canada. But we’ll be bound by this Caribbean Sea and the strides we’ve made within it.
Swim Vacation, Day 5, by Heather
It’s almost too much to take - another jam packed day for our SwimVacationers, with many phenomenal experiences and a few historical moments.
We started in Little Harbour of Peter Island and had a 2+ mile swim. Conditions during our swim ranged from flat water and sunny skies, to contrary currents, high wind (against us), thunder, lightning and driving rain. Wildlife sightings included a squid and two turtles.
After another wonderful Lisa breakfast, some went up to the top of the island to check out the ruins of an old mansion, while others rested and I edited the bazillion great pictures we’ve made this week.
Back together, we got into the water for some play - a few of us took a free diving lesson with Rich. He taught us a little about breath control, and how to prepare the body for a deep free dive experience. By the end of our time in the water, Will and I had both made it to 55 feet! A personal record for us both. In spite of her shoulder injury, Adriana has made the most of her time here, and has jumped in to participate in as many of our activities as possible.
Lunch was burgers on home made buns (enough already! my hips can’t take much more!) and salad. We digested for a while and set off for our next destination. Lisa and Rich were being very mysterious about what was to come. Quietly Rich put up one sail, and strung some lines beneath the bow and stern. “Pool’s open everybody!” Lisa chimed with her delightful accent. We jumped in and gently glided along beneath the slowly moving Promenade. What a ride. We took turns out-swimming the boat, climbing the lines, and had a ball. Craziness.
Six of us rode the banana towed along by the Promenade, out in between Islands. A silly ride to our next swim spot - the infamous Dead Man’s Channel.
Here, many pirates lost their lives when punishment saw them thrown over board in front of Dead Chest Island. Most of them couldn’t swim and were left for dead on the uninhabitable isle. Their only hope for escape was on Peter Island, across the channel, about 3/4 mile through swell and current. Pirates died making this swim, and their bodies floated up on Dead Man’s Beach on Peter Island. Hopper and Hodding made this swim on their unprecedented inter-island swim, and it brought them to their knees. To our knowledge, no one has done it since.
We were lucky to have such calm conditions today, so we decided to give it a shot, and be the only people besides Hopper and Hodding to swim the channel and live to tell the tale.
Our intrepid SwimVacationers didn’t even blink. Off the boat, swam to Dead Chest, quick regroup and away we went, across to Peter Island. We all made it, safe, sound and exhilarated.
Margaritas, fish cakes, chicken satee and crazy brownies and ice cream filled us up after our day of physical activity. All in all we had another 3 mile, spectacular day. It’s hard to believe there’s only one day left, but I’ll dream tonight about what we can cram into it.
We started in Little Harbour of Peter Island and had a 2+ mile swim. Conditions during our swim ranged from flat water and sunny skies, to contrary currents, high wind (against us), thunder, lightning and driving rain. Wildlife sightings included a squid and two turtles.
After another wonderful Lisa breakfast, some went up to the top of the island to check out the ruins of an old mansion, while others rested and I edited the bazillion great pictures we’ve made this week.
Back together, we got into the water for some play - a few of us took a free diving lesson with Rich. He taught us a little about breath control, and how to prepare the body for a deep free dive experience. By the end of our time in the water, Will and I had both made it to 55 feet! A personal record for us both. In spite of her shoulder injury, Adriana has made the most of her time here, and has jumped in to participate in as many of our activities as possible.
Lunch was burgers on home made buns (enough already! my hips can’t take much more!) and salad. We digested for a while and set off for our next destination. Lisa and Rich were being very mysterious about what was to come. Quietly Rich put up one sail, and strung some lines beneath the bow and stern. “Pool’s open everybody!” Lisa chimed with her delightful accent. We jumped in and gently glided along beneath the slowly moving Promenade. What a ride. We took turns out-swimming the boat, climbing the lines, and had a ball. Craziness.
Six of us rode the banana towed along by the Promenade, out in between Islands. A silly ride to our next swim spot - the infamous Dead Man’s Channel.
Here, many pirates lost their lives when punishment saw them thrown over board in front of Dead Chest Island. Most of them couldn’t swim and were left for dead on the uninhabitable isle. Their only hope for escape was on Peter Island, across the channel, about 3/4 mile through swell and current. Pirates died making this swim, and their bodies floated up on Dead Man’s Beach on Peter Island. Hopper and Hodding made this swim on their unprecedented inter-island swim, and it brought them to their knees. To our knowledge, no one has done it since.
We were lucky to have such calm conditions today, so we decided to give it a shot, and be the only people besides Hopper and Hodding to swim the channel and live to tell the tale.
Our intrepid SwimVacationers didn’t even blink. Off the boat, swam to Dead Chest, quick regroup and away we went, across to Peter Island. We all made it, safe, sound and exhilarated.
Margaritas, fish cakes, chicken satee and crazy brownies and ice cream filled us up after our day of physical activity. All in all we had another 3 mile, spectacular day. It’s hard to believe there’s only one day left, but I’ll dream tonight about what we can cram into it.
Swim Vacation, Day 4, by Heather
Another full day, another fantastic BVI day. It’s almost hard to believe!
We got in the water a little late this morning, somehow all of us up to a slow start. Captain Rich moved the boat half way out of the Bight of Norman Island, and we all jumped in for our BIG morning swim. We warmed up with some stroke drills lead by Will, and then proceeded to an over 2 mile swim. Past the caves (where once was treasAAAAAAAR found) and to the very southern end of the British Virgin Islands. We swam back to the boat and found bacon, eggs and toast waiting for us.
We decided to give our swimmers a break and make this our one-swim-day. In spite of that, we all managed to spend more than 6 or 7 hours in the water, between snorkeling the caves of Norman and then hours of crazy water toys in Little Harbour of Peter Island, where we are now moored for the night.
The seas have calmed for us it seems, and we can hardly believe we are sliding down the back half of our amazing SwimVacation week
We’ve all gotten to know each other pretty well in our time together so far, and it has been so much fun to discover little-known facts about each of our guests:
Linda was one of the first women engineers and has traveled the world in that capacity. Now she plays water polo, swims, rows and sings in a choir.
Keith once met the Queen of England while playing clarinet in the 48th Highlanders Military band.
Mark has two kids and two grandchildren, and he just. keeps. swimming. No matter how much we swim, Mark swims more. He just can’t get enough.
Chris eats one cup of blueberries every day, and has a sneaky, devilish sense of humor that cracks us all up when we least expect it. He’s also a junkie for the Predator.
Steve is a stock car racer and always laughs at my dumb jokes. He loves trimarans, sailing, the ocean, and swimming (welcome to SwimVacation!)
Adriana has had several brushes with famous folks, including Paris Hilton (as an infant - Paris, not Adriana), Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Glenn Close.
And those are just a few facts about our intrepid group of SwimVacationers. We’ve enjoyed our days and nights together, and will continue to for the rest of our special week.
-Heather
Chris has asked to contribute to the blog tonight, and I’m so grateful! Here he is:
Greetings to Hopper, Cortney, Liv, Gaffney, and Fletcher, we miss you here Hop.
My goal for the trip was to take every opportunity to swim that the trip provided. It has been more than
I could have imagined thanks to our fantastic guides Will and Heather and the excitement they have brought to each day.
I’ve gotten into the routine of Swim, Relax, Repeat... the way a vacation should be!
-Chris
We got in the water a little late this morning, somehow all of us up to a slow start. Captain Rich moved the boat half way out of the Bight of Norman Island, and we all jumped in for our BIG morning swim. We warmed up with some stroke drills lead by Will, and then proceeded to an over 2 mile swim. Past the caves (where once was treasAAAAAAAR found) and to the very southern end of the British Virgin Islands. We swam back to the boat and found bacon, eggs and toast waiting for us.
We decided to give our swimmers a break and make this our one-swim-day. In spite of that, we all managed to spend more than 6 or 7 hours in the water, between snorkeling the caves of Norman and then hours of crazy water toys in Little Harbour of Peter Island, where we are now moored for the night.
The seas have calmed for us it seems, and we can hardly believe we are sliding down the back half of our amazing SwimVacation week
We’ve all gotten to know each other pretty well in our time together so far, and it has been so much fun to discover little-known facts about each of our guests:
Linda was one of the first women engineers and has traveled the world in that capacity. Now she plays water polo, swims, rows and sings in a choir.
Keith once met the Queen of England while playing clarinet in the 48th Highlanders Military band.
Mark has two kids and two grandchildren, and he just. keeps. swimming. No matter how much we swim, Mark swims more. He just can’t get enough.
Chris eats one cup of blueberries every day, and has a sneaky, devilish sense of humor that cracks us all up when we least expect it. He’s also a junkie for the Predator.
Steve is a stock car racer and always laughs at my dumb jokes. He loves trimarans, sailing, the ocean, and swimming (welcome to SwimVacation!)
Adriana has had several brushes with famous folks, including Paris Hilton (as an infant - Paris, not Adriana), Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey and Glenn Close.
And those are just a few facts about our intrepid group of SwimVacationers. We’ve enjoyed our days and nights together, and will continue to for the rest of our special week.
-Heather
Chris has asked to contribute to the blog tonight, and I’m so grateful! Here he is:
Greetings to Hopper, Cortney, Liv, Gaffney, and Fletcher, we miss you here Hop.
My goal for the trip was to take every opportunity to swim that the trip provided. It has been more than
I could have imagined thanks to our fantastic guides Will and Heather and the excitement they have brought to each day.
I’ve gotten into the routine of Swim, Relax, Repeat... the way a vacation should be!
-Chris
Swim Vacation, Day 3, by Heather
What a day.
What a day.
We woke up in Great Harbour, Peter Island. I remembered that this was one of my favorite spots on last year’s SwimVacation. This trip, it did not disappoint. Not a bit.
After all of our miles in big swells, we were rewarded - very little surge, and a lovely rainbow as we dove in. We planned a swim hugging the shore of the harbor - about one and a half miles. I lead the pack.
First, a stingray. Our first of the trip. A lovely calm swim over beautiful reef nursery habitat - lots of little juvenile fish species, sea anemones, flamingo tongues, on and on. We rounded the corner and hit a spectacular patch of reef. Filled with schools of silver sides and huge tarpon in to feed. Pelicans diving all around us. An aquarium.
Then, out in front, I saw it. I could not believe my eyes.
A Manta Ray.
Not a sting ray, not an eagle ray. A bonafide Manta Ray. A Manta holy-moley ray. A manta ray, people. If you know anything about marine life in the Caribbean, you now have your jaw on the floor. Yup, a once in a life time sighting.
I picked up my head, nearly breathless. The nearest swimmer to me was Chris, who was suddenly right next to it. He had a good close up experience with it. Then came Keith, who caught a glimpse. Sadly, the beautiful creature swam away from us before the rest of our team caught up. But we were all ecstatic for the experience.
Barely recovered from this remarkably rare event, we continued our swim to the in water play ground in Great Harbor. A huge inflatable ice burg to climb, and a water trampoline which we managed to climb up on. We literally jumped with joy after such a magnificent swim. So much fun.
After our play time, it was time to head back to the Promenade, which was about 1/2 a mile across the harbor. The swell had picked up, and we had a rough swim back, but the whole experience was well worth the effort.
We did some underwater video taping for tonight’s stroke clinic, and then had a hearty pancake breakfast. We had a magnificent sail under the Promenade’s red and white spinnaker and landed at the Indians, where we snorkeled and played and did some more video taping.
We’re being dogged by an impending weather system, and in order to stay ahead of it and get in all of our special SwimVacation traditions, we moved to Norman Island to do our Willy T’s swim, which we normally save for the last night.
FIrst, we hit the beach, where Will did a beach start and finish clinic. We practiced our race starts and finishes to a slightly inebriated and amused audience of beach loungers. After our last start, we made the 1/2 mile swim to Willy T’s floating bar, where deck hand and dinghy queen Christy met us with our clothes. We enjoyed our cocktail hour there, and are now back on the Promenade for dinner. Tonight we’ll have a look at our underwater videos of stroke and WIll will give us the run-down on our technique.
A full day. A phenomenal day. It’s SwimVacation. It’s the BVIs.
It was a Manta Ray.
Swim open water indeed
What a day.
We woke up in Great Harbour, Peter Island. I remembered that this was one of my favorite spots on last year’s SwimVacation. This trip, it did not disappoint. Not a bit.
After all of our miles in big swells, we were rewarded - very little surge, and a lovely rainbow as we dove in. We planned a swim hugging the shore of the harbor - about one and a half miles. I lead the pack.
First, a stingray. Our first of the trip. A lovely calm swim over beautiful reef nursery habitat - lots of little juvenile fish species, sea anemones, flamingo tongues, on and on. We rounded the corner and hit a spectacular patch of reef. Filled with schools of silver sides and huge tarpon in to feed. Pelicans diving all around us. An aquarium.
Then, out in front, I saw it. I could not believe my eyes.
A Manta Ray.
Not a sting ray, not an eagle ray. A bonafide Manta Ray. A Manta holy-moley ray. A manta ray, people. If you know anything about marine life in the Caribbean, you now have your jaw on the floor. Yup, a once in a life time sighting.
I picked up my head, nearly breathless. The nearest swimmer to me was Chris, who was suddenly right next to it. He had a good close up experience with it. Then came Keith, who caught a glimpse. Sadly, the beautiful creature swam away from us before the rest of our team caught up. But we were all ecstatic for the experience.
Barely recovered from this remarkably rare event, we continued our swim to the in water play ground in Great Harbor. A huge inflatable ice burg to climb, and a water trampoline which we managed to climb up on. We literally jumped with joy after such a magnificent swim. So much fun.
After our play time, it was time to head back to the Promenade, which was about 1/2 a mile across the harbor. The swell had picked up, and we had a rough swim back, but the whole experience was well worth the effort.
We did some underwater video taping for tonight’s stroke clinic, and then had a hearty pancake breakfast. We had a magnificent sail under the Promenade’s red and white spinnaker and landed at the Indians, where we snorkeled and played and did some more video taping.
We’re being dogged by an impending weather system, and in order to stay ahead of it and get in all of our special SwimVacation traditions, we moved to Norman Island to do our Willy T’s swim, which we normally save for the last night.
FIrst, we hit the beach, where Will did a beach start and finish clinic. We practiced our race starts and finishes to a slightly inebriated and amused audience of beach loungers. After our last start, we made the 1/2 mile swim to Willy T’s floating bar, where deck hand and dinghy queen Christy met us with our clothes. We enjoyed our cocktail hour there, and are now back on the Promenade for dinner. Tonight we’ll have a look at our underwater videos of stroke and WIll will give us the run-down on our technique.
A full day. A phenomenal day. It’s SwimVacation. It’s the BVIs.
It was a Manta Ray.
Swim open water indeed
Swim Vacation, Day 2, by Heather
Awoke to calm breezes in Cistern Bay off Cooper Island. Will and I planned a big swim this morning - just about 2 miles. The water was so warm and clear, the reefs beautiful. We had the wind at our backs most of the way, but when we turned around and came back we had to dig deep. Adriana is being haunted by and old shoulder injury, but she got in and snorkeled so as not to miss the lovely reef life. Everyone else made the entire swim and felt great, especially when we returned to a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict.
We lunched on fantastic shrimp, bruschetta and deviled eggs, and made a quick stop back to Road Town (Tortola) to pick up Mark’s luggage (hooray!). While we were in the harbor, a dolphin came to visit - not an very common site here in the BVIs.
Off to the wreck of the Rhone, where our swimmers got in to snorkel and play, and host Lisa and I made a spectacular dive. I photographed a sea turtle, which later made an appearance for the swimmers.
A short break, and on to our afternoon swim. Some took a pass after our massive morning swim. The rest of us jumped in at the Rhone and swim about 3/4 mile east along Salt Island, while Captain Rich followed us in the Promenade. Linda, Chris, Mark and I decided to challenge Will to a race - but Will had to wait two minutes after we started get in. He caught us at about the half way mark.
The swells had really picked up by the end of the swim...but no complaints from our swimmers. They are ready for whatever this beautiful Caribbean blue has to offer, and embracing this experience to the fullest.
Cocktail hour with fabulous dip and crackers, mojitos, stories and learning more about the intrepid members of our group. We were rewarded for our day of hard swimming and play with a fantastic sunset.
Moored at Great Harbor off Peter Island tonight. Looking forward to whatever tomorrow holds!
We lunched on fantastic shrimp, bruschetta and deviled eggs, and made a quick stop back to Road Town (Tortola) to pick up Mark’s luggage (hooray!). While we were in the harbor, a dolphin came to visit - not an very common site here in the BVIs.
Off to the wreck of the Rhone, where our swimmers got in to snorkel and play, and host Lisa and I made a spectacular dive. I photographed a sea turtle, which later made an appearance for the swimmers.
A short break, and on to our afternoon swim. Some took a pass after our massive morning swim. The rest of us jumped in at the Rhone and swim about 3/4 mile east along Salt Island, while Captain Rich followed us in the Promenade. Linda, Chris, Mark and I decided to challenge Will to a race - but Will had to wait two minutes after we started get in. He caught us at about the half way mark.
The swells had really picked up by the end of the swim...but no complaints from our swimmers. They are ready for whatever this beautiful Caribbean blue has to offer, and embracing this experience to the fullest.
Cocktail hour with fabulous dip and crackers, mojitos, stories and learning more about the intrepid members of our group. We were rewarded for our day of hard swimming and play with a fantastic sunset.
Moored at Great Harbor off Peter Island tonight. Looking forward to whatever tomorrow holds!
Swim Vacation, Day 1, Sunday, November 8th, by Heather
We had a leisurely morning. Some of us went to Village Key to walk around before our charter start. We passed goats - lots of goats, and got a feel for the island of Tortola. Mountain roads and an open air cab ride back made for a delightfully hair-raising ride.
First stop: The Baths. A swim briefing, a quick talk about sighting and navigation, and our swimmers plunged in. We totaled about 1/2 mile up and back, with an attempt to go ashore at the famous boulders. The swell increased over the course of our swim, and by the time we tried to get to shore, the breakers were just too big. No exploration today - we’ll hope for another shot later in the week if the weather pattern changes.
Overall, a very nice first swim. Our swimmers proved hearty in challenging
conditions - and this was supposed to be our breezy introductory swim! They are more than ready for this week
We’re moored tonight at Cooper Island. We should have a nice protected swim in the morning. For now, it’s cocktails and goofy shades Guide WIll was kind enough to bring for all.
First stop: The Baths. A swim briefing, a quick talk about sighting and navigation, and our swimmers plunged in. We totaled about 1/2 mile up and back, with an attempt to go ashore at the famous boulders. The swell increased over the course of our swim, and by the time we tried to get to shore, the breakers were just too big. No exploration today - we’ll hope for another shot later in the week if the weather pattern changes.
Overall, a very nice first swim. Our swimmers proved hearty in challenging
conditions - and this was supposed to be our breezy introductory swim! They are more than ready for this week
We’re moored tonight at Cooper Island. We should have a nice protected swim in the morning. For now, it’s cocktails and goofy shades Guide WIll was kind enough to bring for all.
Good Morning British Virigin Islands by Heather
Travel days are always interesting....Will, Chris and I traveled from Portland together, and the first SwimVacationer we met in San Juan was Linda. A quick hug and she was off on her flight to Tortola. Soon after we found Steve, followed by Keith and Christy (our deckhand) and all boarded our AA flight to Tortola.
“Anomaly” and “Engine” are never words you want to hear your pilot say in the same sentence, especially at 7000 ft. He did, and we did a U turn and headed back to San Juan. Not to worry, we shared laughs in the airport and made the most of it.
By 11 pm we had all SwimVacationers aboard the Promenade safe and sound, and were only missing Mark’s luggage, which is on its way.
Flying into Tortola in the dark meant that our guests woke up this morning to the spectacular view of the BVIs volcanic peaks for the first time. What a way to wake up.
Odds and ends to attend to this morning before our charter begins at noon. Thanks to Linda who hand made scones - individually wrapped and labelled - and found room for them in her suitcase!
Welcome to SwimVacation!
“Anomaly” and “Engine” are never words you want to hear your pilot say in the same sentence, especially at 7000 ft. He did, and we did a U turn and headed back to San Juan. Not to worry, we shared laughs in the airport and made the most of it.
By 11 pm we had all SwimVacationers aboard the Promenade safe and sound, and were only missing Mark’s luggage, which is on its way.
Flying into Tortola in the dark meant that our guests woke up this morning to the spectacular view of the BVIs volcanic peaks for the first time. What a way to wake up.
Odds and ends to attend to this morning before our charter begins at noon. Thanks to Linda who hand made scones - individually wrapped and labelled - and found room for them in her suitcase!
Welcome to SwimVacation!
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