Peter Island

Peter Island, just an hour or two from Tortola, has a quiet anchorage that most charters do not visit. The water is deep and only in the past couple of years have a few moorings been added. Those less experienced sailors are inclined to stay away so for us, and our well practiced hosts it is a more tranquil place to be. The snorkeling is good, the water clear and blue and the air is soft and warm.

Our first snorkel of the trip took us along the western shore where the coral has seen it's share of hurricanes. Much is in it's recovery stage but there is still enough to provide fertile feeding grounds for a variety of fish. The yellow jacks are common as are the blue tangs, squirrel fish and parrot fish. An occasional glimpse of a grey angel and a peacock cow fish keep us in the water for more than an hour.Early to bed after dinner on deck.The next morning the dinghy took us to shore for exploration. There are several good hikes that take you high on the island and loop back through the exclusive Peter Island Resort. We headed up a fairly steep concrete road from which huge views of the surrounding islands, secluded sandy beaches and miles of blue and aqua water could be seen. Within minutes the sky opened up and not only were we soaked instantly but the concrete beneath our feet turned into a fast moving river. Concrete troughs along the sides diverted most of the water into some kind of drainage system very quickly so we continued on. Being wet in the tropics is actually a good thing. As the sun came out again we stayed cool as we climbed higher and connected with a dirt road that led to two magnificent hill-top private homes. We could only peer through closed gates at the back side of a sprawling mansion with blue tiled roofs and a white stucco rounded confection, closely approximating a luscious wedding cake. Later from the boat we could easily see the splendid front sides with covered patios, swimming pools and the like.

Continuing on our walk we were drenched once again and so by the time we sauntered through the spiffy Resort where we had hoped to be taken for guests, our disheveled appearance easily marked us as interlopers.

Back on the boat it was time for 'work'. Sails had to be installed and rigged, equipment tested and small repairs made. Then it was time to move on.