Bravo 1, Charlie 1, Foxtrot 1 & Sierra 1, Day 12: Fourth of July

Written by Mia Altenau

Edited by Meredith Evridge

Our founder and director, Mike, kicked off the fourth of July hoisting an American flag up as the sun rose over Hodges Creek Marina. Campers rose soon after, many of them sporting vibrant reds, whites and blues. The morning consisted of getting the divers ready and sending them off, then making final preparations on board. The fleet was preparing to leave docks again! Every boat received provisions of fresh fruits and vegetables, restocked their non-perishables, and topped off their water supply. Around nine AM, the fleet began dedocking one by one. Our medium-sized catamaran, Pom D’oh, led the pack on a long sail to Leverick. Leverick is a large, beautiful bay sandwiched between Virgin Gorda and Mosquito Rock. The journey from Hodges is a hearty ten nautical miles across the channel.

The fleet arrived by early afternoon and started a lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup, just as the divers returned. Everyone then hustled ashore to wander the local shops and restaurants. An air-conditioned Pusser’s store drew much foot traffic. Next campers headed back to boats very briefly to shower. Kids and staff dressed up for the first time in days, in preparation for tonight’s on-shore dinner and party. Fifteen minutes later, the fun began.

We feasted on grilled burgers and hot dogs, pasta salad, fresh greens and sliced watermelon. Dessert was ice cold coconut and strawberry popsicles. The highlight of the night was still to come: a lit dance floor serenaded by the much anticipated DJ Flava. 2000’s jams played all evening, and not a single foot could be still throughout the dance sesh. Two hours and innumerable dance moves later, campers returned to boats sufficiently ready for a full night’s sleep!