Hello everyone! \u00a0We love that people are interested in following our travels and apologize for the dry spell in posts, \u00a0The more time that passes between posts the more difficult writing becomes so we\u2019ll start out with a short update and see where we go from there.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re currently in the US Virgin Islands after a 12 day passage from Hampton Virginia. \u00a0We\u2019re travelling with the Salty Dawg Rally and we\u2019re bound for Antiuga but due various factors, we ducked in to St. John USVI last week.<\/p>\n
Our son, Brian joined us for the passage and just flew home to Washington yesterday. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The rally\u2019s original destination was Virgin Gorda, BVI but had been changed to Antiqia after the Islands were hit with the hurricanes. \u00a0Brian\u2019s travel had been booked from USVI prior to the change.<\/p>\n
This was our first passage with a third hand on board and it turned out being one where help was certainly needed! \u00a0We left Hampton the morning of November 2nd and almost immediately began experiencing a problem with one engine. \u00a0We altered course to Cape Lookout to drop anchor and assess the problem but Brian and Jeff appeared to correct the problem so we headed out across the Gulf Stream. \u00a0Unfortunately the problem arose again and they spent many hours during passage in the engine locker checking\/changing filters and adding a pump system to help clear fuel blockages which continued to occur. \u00a0We believe our problem was due to having not properly closed the diesel fill opening on deck following our last fuel fill. \u00a0There had been a fair amount of rain while we were docked in Hampton and before we saw the problem with the cap. \u00a0Seems like some water got into the starboard tank and created \u201cgremlins\u201d in the system. \u00a0The problem also cropped up when we started the generator which feeds from the same fuel tank. \u00a0Needless to say, Echo gave Brian an in-depth lesson on fuel systems for both the engine and generator. \u00a0Good thing he gets his mechanical abilities from his dad!<\/p>\n
In addition to our mechanical challenges, the weather was less than cooperative for the journey. \u00a0The weather forecast prior to departure called for light winds and fuel conservation would be called for in order to make the 1500 mile journey. \u00a0Some boats went to Bermuda where they could refuel then have a more favorable wind angle for Antigua. \u00a0We opted to go direct and bought a few more Jerry cans to carry extra fuel. \u00a0We needed a 1000 mile passage to achieve full membership in the Ocean Cruising Club and we\u2019re determined to make it. \u00a0Other Rally boats with the same goal of an uninterrupted 1000 mile passage did stop in Bermuda but then went on past Antigua to make the distance. \u00a0Congratulations to us and to our friends for full membership in the OCC! \u00a0Brian is eligible for full membership too if he ever decides to join the group.<\/p>\n
Although we do wish we could have gotten Brian to Antigua to enjoy the fun and festivities we have seen a bit of storm ravaged St. John and St. Thomas. \u00a0Seeing things firsthand and talking to people who experienced the impact of Erma and Maria has been profond. \u00a0We were very glad to reconnect with our friends Stuart and Catherine who road things out on St. John. \u00a0We visited where they live and work and saw the \u201cbunker\u201d they stayed in during the storm. \u00a0Very glad to see them safe and happy in their work!<\/p>\n
Happy to report that we enjoyed a few meals of fresh Mahi Mahi during the passage. \u00a0Brian reeled in 4 Mahi and let two other types go. \u00a0Between new fishing gear, great advice from a fellow rally member and Brian\u2019s diligent fishing efforts the catching game on Echo was significantly improved! \u00a0Hope Jeff and I can keep things moving in the right direction!<\/p>\n
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Hello everyone! \u00a0We love that people are interested in following our travels and apologize for the dry spell in posts, \u00a0The more time that passes between posts the more difficult writing becomes so we\u2019ll start out with a short update … Continue reading