Just Ruminations

Not much sailing news - we have been in St Thomas for 4 days resting up, touristing (my word), making some purchases and working a bit on the boat.

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have taken the time to read and respond to the blogged edition of our lives. We feel really supported and close to all of you. So

THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!!

Next thing I wanted to mention (Cheryl is also writing some next) - We have been giving thought to some of the adjustments that a person has to make to live on a boat and I thought I would share some

Do you realize - you have to learn how to quickly walk up and down a ladder - forward and backwards

Do you realize - you have to learn how to wash and rinse a supper's worth of dishes in less water than you use to take pills

Do you realize - that you have to learn to sleep soundly while at the same time be able to distinguish, while sleeping, between "normal" boat sounds and those sounds that come when your anchor is dragging and you are drifting with the waves

And finally, last one for today

Do you reallize - that you have to learn how to use only 2 sheets of toilet paper each time ON BOTH SIDES!!

I don't know what I can say after Griff's thoughts on boat life. I'll fill you in a bit on St. Thomas. It is part of the US Virgin Islands which are a territory of the States. We are in the harbour of Charlotte-Amelie which is the capital. The nice thing about shopping here is that it is duty and tax free so the prices are definitely lower than at home. We did some shopping at an open air market - a big bag to use for laundry rather than the plastic K-Mart bags we had been using and some shirts for Griff. I toyed with the idea of getting my hair braided, but decided I would wait until I could get it done on the beach for less than $80.00. The town definetly caters to the cruise ships (4 were in harbour today including the Queen MaryII). Main street consists only of jewellery stores for gold, silver, diamonds and other precious gems. As well right at the cruise ship dock there is another mall with all the same shops. Needless to say we have not been shopping there - we both bought sandals at Payless. Lots of Canadian sailboats in the harbour. The marina near where we are anchored (Yacht Haven Grande) is filled with mega-yachts, however, we have yet to see one leave or enter!