Only Love

After two nights in Trellis Bay it was time to move on. Matt carefully reviewed the weather, wind and swell reports and determined we could enjoy a comfortable sail today as long as we remain south of Tortola. And ensuring a comfortable sleep tonight in calm waters meant picking a destination where we could spend the night in a secluded harbour on one of the islands south of Tortola. All factors pointed to Norman Island being our best option. This was a difficult decision, as some will understand.

Since this would be our first time crewing the boat without Papa's assistance, before leaving the harbour April and I practiced catching and releasing mooring balls as a team (this is typically a two person job on a catamaran, and of course the captain is busy at the helm). It's a pretty intense task, requiring accuracy and physical agility, and every second counts. I was so proud to see how determined April was to become adept at this task, listening carefully to instructions and asking to do things herself when I tried to help. Fiona helped as well, providing navigational guidance to Matt on the ball. We left Trellis Bay feeling confident as a team.

Once we were out in open water it was a relief to see there were no big waves, and wow, what a day! Blue skies, sunny, and the bright turquoise water dreams are made of.

(How is this my baby girl??)

After about two hours we approached the harbour ("The Bight") at Norman Island. This was our first time returning here since the tragic loss of our good friend James almost three years ago to the day at Norman Island. We've dreaded this day, but knew it was something we must face one day. Our day had come.

Back to the mooring - April nailed it! Proud Mamma. And she was proud of herself too.

Once settled in we took the dinghy to the restaurant on shore for "linner". It was happy hour so the pain killers and Caribs were half price. The menu had incredible options like no other place in the BVI (I had kale salad with seared tuna and a fried egg). I had heard this restaurant had taken the lead on hurricane recovery, but to experience it was a treat.

Norman Island has a particularly great vibe. You can hear laughter from other boats, the staff at the restaurant are so friendly, and the patrons chat with you like you're all one community.

The girls excused themselves from the table to play on the beach (and met some friends from Nashville). Meanwhile Matt and I sat and watched the most beautiful sunset.

I feared coming back to Norman Island would bring up feelings of sadness and loss, but instead we found peace and only love.

xo