Living off the sea......

During the past week, "Persephone" has teamed up with the crew of  "Chimayo" for an all out lobster safari.  In the USVIs you are permitted to use SCUBA gear and snares to capture the spiny critters.  Since last Tuesday, we have been averaging at least one dive per day, and on several days we have done double dives.  We have been diving so much, we had to get a special package rate for 25 tank refills  at the local dive shop (final cost was $5/refill).   As of yesterday, the count was 13 lobsters captured; the largest was snared by Mike (sv 'Chimayo') weighing 7 1/2 pounds !  Mike literally had to wrestle the beast into the catch bag. (None of us had a pot large enough to steam him !!)   Most of the tasty crustasions have been in the 3-4 pound range...not the small 2 pounders seen down island.  For the past week,  the menu has been 'lobster anything lobster everything'....lobster dips, lobster plain, lobster mac and cheese, and lobster hors d'oeuvres.  Sunday is 'pasta night' aboard 'Persephone', so Debbie made up homemade lobster ravioli for Sunday dinner.  Mike and Crystal  of  'Dancing Dolphin' are living and working on St. John to replentish their cruising kitty and joined us for dinner. Each of the boats brought a dish to share.  There was so much food, we were all stuffed as much as the ravioli !!   Thanks, Debbie !!  (It was a bit confusing as 'Chimayo's' guests are also conincidently named Mike and Crystal !!)

It hasn't been all hunting...last nite, we managed to enjoy a few sundowners on the beach at Francis Bay, St. John, USVI----->

From L to R:  Mike, Crystal, Bob, and Debbie of s/v 'Chimayo; Janice
and Steve of s/v 'Sailacious' and of course 'Diver Dave' 

THE CRUZATEERS