Latitudes and Attitudes, 2009 International Party

November 17,

After we left St. Thomas, we had to motorsail along the whole Southern side of Tortola, around the Eastern side of Beef Island, then to Marina Cay for the Latitudes and Attitudes party on the 19th. This took us over 6 1/2 hours. Along the way, we stopped in Soper's Hole, Tortola, to clear through BVI Customs. We hooked onto a temporary mooring ball and I used the dinghy to go over to the Customs dock. Mooring balls are float balls that are permanently attached to the sea floor with cable or heavy line. They are much easier to use than anchoring, but most are available only by paying a fee to someone...usually $25/night. We avoid these, when possible, to save on our expenses. Anchoring is free.

The party was a real success, and we made many new friends. Jim Palmer came to the party with us...he is the captain that taught Karen and I how to sail. I have a new favorite drink...the "painkiller" made with rummmmm...ooops...sorry about that momentary lapse. Four of those and I was having a great time. Even Karen enjoyed them! The band members gave a number of the guests, including Karen, maracas to play along with the music. There was also a conch horn blowing contest...to find out who could make a "horn" sound the longest. I could only blow it for 17 seconds because I was laughing so much...or maybe it was because of the 2nd painkiller. Anyway, the winner blew it continuously for over 24 seconds. I believe the record is about 73 seconds.

For those of you who would like to use the recipe of the painkiller to toast Karen and I on our 10th wedding anniversary...Nov. 20...here it is:

It comes in 3 strengths...no's 2, 3, or 4!

2, 3, or 4 oz of aged Rum, preferably "Pusser's Navy Rum"

4 oz pineapple juice

1 oz cream of coconut

1 oz orange juice

Combine the juices and cream of coconut, add the rum, blend and serve on the rocks, grate fresh nutmeg on the top, enjoy, but be careful and avoid drinking too many!

I will be following up on the next 2 anchorages...Lee Bay on Great Camanoe Island and then Cane Garden Bay on Tortola.

Catch you then!