Day 443 – THE CARIBBEAN (BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS): Back in town


I do not know where the last few days have gone, but I know that they have been filled with many new developments…

Sopers Hole, The British Virgin Islands

We arrived in Sopers Hole bay in Tortola, the British Virgin Islands, very very early on the 5th of October. It was dark, of course, and we inched our way into the bay, and dropped anchor for the night. This is not where we were to drop the boat off, however it was the only close place to do our immigration matters come daylight.

Bright and early at 7am we were up and headed over to the immigration dock to go through the formalities. Steve and Ellie asked for three days on their stamp, and I got the 30 days I asked for. As usual, the immigration official was taken aback that I was ‘skateboarding half way around the world’. She asked the usual question I get asked in this part of the world. “How do you skate across the water?”. I still haven’t thought of a silly enough answer to such a silly question. Perhaps something along the line of “I had to sail because I couldn’t find the right sized inflatable wheels.”

Once checked into the country, we headed around to Nanny Cay marina – a short three miles. We were all very glad to arrive and be tied up to the dock. Time for sleep!

But not too much sleep. I had on my mind my replacement visa card which was supposed to have been sent from NZ. I had on my mind working out a way of getting the rest of the way up to the Bahamas to get my US visa to get to Florida. I had on my mind my distinct lack of funds at this present time due to the lack of said visa card. I have US$100 to my name right at this present time. This needs to last me about two weeks. I figure that’s how long it will take to get my visa card.

I am sure things will sort themselves out in the end.

And indeed they do seem to be sorting themselves out. Today (the 7th of October), I was introduced to Steve and Ellie’s good friends who live on Tortola, Lesley and Sara. We visited a few bars on the island, and consequently met people who know people who know people who need crew. The yachting network is a tight one here in the BVIs. It looks as though it will work to my advantage, and just tonight I have stumbled upon a lead that may end up in me having an opportunity to assist with a couple sailing up to the Bahamas later this month. Nothing certain yet, but things are looking positive, whatever the outcome of this lead.


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9 thoughts on “Day 443 – THE CARIBBEAN (BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS): Back in town

  • Mum

    As the old saying goes – it isn't what you know, it's WHO you know that counts. Hope you manage to yacht 'skateboard' your way to the US of A.

  • Aunty Les

    You could always say you couldn't find a wind-surf-board large enough or manoeuvrable enough for one person to skate across the ocean.

  • mahmoud

    some mad fool windsurfed to hawaii from mainland USA so you could have a crack at that record too. but seriously. dont. it'd suck. the scenery would get pretty boring after the first few months. and you'd get awefully skinny

  • Chris J

    Hi Rob,

    The best answer I have found to silly questions like "How do you skateboard across the ocean?", is "very carefully".

    The rest of your trip has been a testament to how "things sort themselves out in the end". I wouldn't doubt for a minute that that would change now. You will likely be skating across the southern US before you even know it…

  • Cousin Tim

    or knowing Rob, before we know it – next thing well be getting an update saying "sorry for the silence but I've just skated across 3 states."

  • Scott

    Rob: Boy, it's taking some time to land in the US, eh? Well, Florida should be starting to cool off by the time you get there–not a bad thing. Be well, get yer Visa, and get to the States. I want to start reading about your skating adventures.

    I'm in Santa Fe hanging out for a couple of days. I head south the day after tomorrow for more of the awesome desert. I'll post again tomorrow–lots of pics on the way.

    Cheers,

    Scott

  • tofa

    Hey bro, far too busy to email you at the mo. I got job in Sydney http://www.4design.com.au good times, living by the beach which is cool other than the 38 billion people that seam to have no jobs and pack it out it every hour of the day. Anyway next time you’re near a phone give me a call, or email me with your number and I ring you……

  • Andrew

    Hey man, this is Andrew we met at the bar in the BVI. I'm the reporter and part of the yoga crew. Lost your addy in the mix, sorry.

    You're only as stuck as you think you are, chief.

    You got some j. skills man: the photos and copy is solid!

    If you need anyt'ing I'm at (284)543-9247. If I get a bunch of calls from your Kiwi fans, so be it!

    guidance & blessings