Silver Cloud.

It was a toss up this morning whether it was the sound of a rooster crowing or Annie's cursing at said rooster that awoke me. Either way my slumber time was up.

Another day on St John and another beach, Annie is determined to take me to them all before we depart the island. Today it was Round Bay which of course included another drive on the steep and twisting roads.

Need I report that the beach was beautiful white sands and turquoise sea.......perfect! Annie did have a motive for selecting this beach as friends of hers who are getting married tomorrow had arranged for most of the wedding guests to meet at the beach for a pre-nuptial celebration.

The star of the day was no doubt the 110 foot, three masted, iron schooner Silver Cloud.  http://www.windspree.com/article/48-history-of-silver-cloud-in-coral-bay-harbor-st-john Built in Canada in 1899 Silver Cloud has led a chequered life as a fire boat in both world wars, running eyeglasses and supplies for missionaries between Canada and Haiti and a even a spell running drugs in the Bahamas.

The present owner and captain, Elliot Hooper found the then Helen S in Florida in 1987 and renamed her Silver Cloud. Elliot then sailed the Silver Cloud to St John and anchored her in Coral Bay. 

Silver Cloud was anchored 200 metres offshore and guests were either ferried out or could swim out to the boat. Annie and I decided to swim out as the sea was calm and inviting.

Once on board I was introduced to Elliott and given a quick tour of the stately vessel. Silver Cloud reeked of tales of the sea and stories long forgotten. Colourful semaphore flags fluttered from the mast as daredevils including Annie jumped from the bowsprite.

Annie and I decided to go for a snorkel to a group of rock formations 300 metres or so from the boat. The water today was much clearer so visibility was good. In the deeper water the seafloor was pristine toothpaste white with just the odd solitary fish. The highlight was floating above a group of stingrays resting on the seabed.

As I floated above the stingrays my thoughts turned to Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter who was impaled and killed whilst swimming above a stingray on The Great Barrier Reef. http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/6309/20140310/details-of-crocodile-hunter-steve-irwins-death-revealed-by-cameraman-video.htm With that in mind I ensured they were on the sea floor and not below me. We swam around the rocks where there were coral outcrops and a sprinkling of brightly coloured fish. Spiny sea urchins were scattered about the rocks and on the sea floor. After getting stung by one a few days ago I gave them a wide berth.
Annie and I headed for a small beach and rested for a while before making the long trip back to the Silver Cloud.

By now the boat was crowded with 30 or so people. Folks used the boat as a floating diving board whilst others floated in the water enjoying a cold beer. What a great life!

No doubt the highlight of the day was an impromptu performance in the water from the bride to be and some of her girlfriend guests. Some of these ladies competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics on the USA synchronised swimming team.   In no time at all they put together a routine that amazed everyone watching onboard. We were all stunned at what they could do in the water it was truly amazing.

Of course a couple of guys, including the father of the bride had to get in on the act and the girls formed a ring around the man, submerged on cue and then were able to toss the poor fellow high in the air. Fantastic!



Late in the afternoon the rains came and it was time to head to shore. What a great day on the Silver Cloud.

Once home there was a gentle knock on the door, it was a young local boy of 11 or so who wanted to come in and draw. Apparently this is a regular occurrence. Annie went and got him a sketchbook and pencils and set him up to draw. As it was dinner time he was invited to stay for dinner and devoured Annie's roast chicken with gusto. That was cool as well.