Sailing Encore

Having a relaxing day at anchor and thought I would share some entries and photos from my earlier adventures at sea with Vernon and the kids. Here are entries from my 1985-86 journal on our cruise in the Caribbean with toddler Steve. To read the earlier entries of this journal look for posts with the picture of the three of us above. I pick up from our time in the USVI right before Christmas.

12-23-85
We’ve had a pleasant last few days working on the boat and playing at the marina. Vernon hung the Christmas lights on the deck in the shape of a Christmas tree. They are great. We had Peter, Susan and John and Amy off Elena over for spaghetti dinner last night. It was so nice to socialize. They sailed Elena across the Atlantic and were tossed around by hurricane Kate. Their boat is very old and without any creature comforts and Peter and Suzanne argue easily. They have zero money and hope to do day charters. And I thought I had it tough! I called mom and the prop was sent today. Called Eastern and Yes! It has arrived in St. Thomas airport. We got our Christmas present after all. Vernon is taking the ferry to St. Thomas tomorrow to pick up the prop and get Steve a Christmas gift.
12-24-85
Hectic day. Awake early and walked to the 7am ferry with Vernon. Returned to straighten up boat and accomplish lots of tasks but a marina worker stopped by to tell me we had to move the boat. So I quickly rinsed off cockpit, filled water tanks and then we moved boat without a hitch. Took dinghy and Steve grocery shopping but was short money. Then couldn’t start dinghy and it was pouring rain! Amy Jane and Steve played below while I fixed 2 lemon meringue pies for dessert.

Peter, Suzanne, and John came by along with Marie and Frances for Christmas eve dessert. Steve tried to play on his new chubby chopper Vernon (Santa) got him but got frustrated trying to work the pedals. He went to bed at 6pm -hopefully he will sleep.
12-25-85
Merry Christmas!!!
We have our propeller. Vernon gave me beautiful pearl earrings and necklace. I couldn’t believe it. Steve opened his presents from family and was a little more successful at the pedals of his new bike. Sunny, windy day. We called home and wished the family love. Then we took off via dinghy power to Lamshur Bay, St. John. I cooked a turkey, stuffing, etc. and it was all so good. I am stuffed. I’m listening to a tape of Nat King Cole “chestnuts roasting on the open fire…” still my favorite.
And best of all- Vernon dove under the boat and put the Prop ON!
Joy!
12-27-85
We sailed and MOTORED (since we now have a prop!) to St. Thomas to Charlotte Amalie, where we anchored and went to town to by Vernon a color TV set for Christmas. We got a nice one and the color looks great. We can play tapes of Sesame Street for Steve too.
12-29-85
Yesterday we stocked up at Pueblo market and took off to Frances Bay, St. John. We went swimming then I gave haircuts to Vernon and Steve. This morning we sailed to Green Cay off Jost Van Dyke and did some snorkeling and played on the beach. Steve had a great time playing in the sand. This afternoon everyone else cleared out of the bay and we had the charming anchorage all to ourselves. I am having a good time!