Hi everyone….just want to share our trip report. If anyone has questions, I am happy to respond. <br><br>1st week – Sandcastle Resort on Jost Van Dyke<br><br>Our trip started precariously. When we arrived home from work on Friday, ready to finish packing, we had a message from American Airlines that our flight from Hartford to STT had been canceled due to the plane needing emergency maintenance. Luckily we were able to book on another flight which left Hartford one hour earlier and connected at Kennedy, NY. We were up at 2:15 AM! <br><br>This was our first time flying into St. Thomas instead of Beef Island. We had booked Smith’s Ferry Service by email. The taxi driver met us as soon as we got into the airport with a sign with our names, and we collected our bags and were on our way to the ferry in no time. We felt like our vacation really began as soon as we got on the ferry and took in the gorgeous views. The customs officials at West End were friendly, contrary to others’ experiences we had read about on this board.<br><br>We chose Sandcastle on Jost Van Dyke for our first week, figuring it would be completely relaxing with no decisions to make and nowhere important to go. We had read about it on this board. That was exactly what we got….it was HEAVEN. We enjoyed socializing with the other guests (there are only 6 units), and people watching during the day. There are plenty of options for things to do, but we were totally content to stay there and veg. Some of the younger guests went on a daytrip with “KC”, the bartender, in his powerboat to the Baths. We had been to the Baths a few times in the past, and opted out on going again. You could also rent a dinghy and explore small nearby islands and beaches, or rent a vehicle to see the rest of Jost Van Dyke.<br><br>We enjoyed the Soggy Dollar Bar…it felt like home almost immediately! Our accommodations were fine…very comfortable….we had one of the two air conditioned units. There were roosters nearby, but with the ac, they didn’t bother us. The other units were small, round cottages with jalousie type windows all around.<br><br>The staff at Sandcastle were totally accommodating and friendly, and we enjoyed chatting with them. The chef, Oliver, and kitchen staff prepared the most wonderful meals you can imagine. Breakfast for everyone was at 9, and dinner at 7. The dinner menu was posted each day near the bar, and we were asked to let the staff know our entrée choice by 4 p.m.(3 choices every day: a fish, a meat, and a poultry). Dinner always started with a delicious soup, then salad, then the entrée, and choice of dessert. The soups and salads were different every day, and all excellent. Nice choices of dinner music too. After dinner each night, we lounged in a hammock and enjoyed the sea breezes, rustling palm trees, and stars twinkling. <br><br>The beach at Sandcastle was awesome! Powdery white sand, no rocks, and just enough going on….busy during the day, and quieter in the early mornings and late afternoons/evenings. There are plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs.<br><br>Snorkeling was decent along the rocky west end of the bay. I was on the lookout for the “cute little lemon sharks” mentioned in an April trip report, and I did see a shark…not sure what variety, but I wouldn’t call it cute or little. It just glided past me and we looked each other in the eye…I’m sure it was just curious, as I was. We saw a gorgeous big sea turtle who stayed near us for a long time. Right along the beach in front of the resort we saw a couple of rays. And a fun snorkeling find….a soggy dollar!<br><br>We did the MAP plan and had five dinners at Sandcastle. One night we arranged for a taxi to take us to Great Harbour, where we walked around and explored, and then had a wonderful lobster dinner at Club Paradise. We were the only diners that night. The lobster was prepared West Indian style, and when I inquired how it was cooked, the smiling chef would only say, “in my special style WITH love!” We would definitely go there again…everything was great.<br><br>On Friday night, the Sandcastle kitchen is closed, and everyone went to Foxy’s in Great Harbour for their barbeque buffet, which was excellent. Bruce, one of the owners of Sandcastle, brought us in his pickup truck….a few of us sitting in the truck, and lots more standing in the back! The buffet included ribs, chicken, mahi mahi, plus every side dish you could want….Caesar salad, fruit, rolls, rice, baked beans, etc, etc. It was very popular…the most people we saw in one place in our whole 2 weeks, I think! There was a good band playing. Foxy was in the U.S. so we didn’t get to meet him. <br><br>2nd week-Cane Garden Bay<br><br>Saturday morning after our last breakfast at Sandcastle, we packed up and KC brought us in his boat to West End. In minutes someone from Denzil Clyne’s car rental place picked us up and we signed on for a vehicle…a hard-top 2-door with AC…$330 for the week. We had pre-arranged with them by email, and Sandcastle staff had called them to let them know our arrival time. We were at our next destination, Elm Beach Suites, Cane Garden Bay, in no time, being welcomed by Jackie.<br><br>Elm Beach Suites is right on the beach almost in the middle of Cane Garden Bay….easy walking to everything else! Our room was on the second floor, with a small balcony, a large combination kitchen/living room, and large bedroom. Very clean and pleasant. The bedroom had a large window air conditioner that was more than adequate for cooling, although noisy. But no roosters bothered us! We didn’t mind any noise from the bars nearby either….I think the entertainment was largely finished by the time we were ready to sleep. I certainly wouldn’t say CGB is noisy at night, but maybe if you had open windows, you’d hear noise.<br><br>We unpacked and got settled, and then went to Riteway in Roadtown for some groceries. There are a couple of convenience-type stores right in Cane Garden Bay, too, but we wanted a better selection, mainly for breakfasts and drinks. As soon as we returned, it was time to hit the beach! <br><br>We enjoyed swimming in Cane Garden Bay, and snorkeled several times down at the west end mostly. Snorkeling is just OK. Better to drive to other beaches for that. One day we did see a huge group (I mean, millions!) of some fish I had never seen before (like silversides, only bigger, about 12”), all swimming towards us in a huge cloud. Suddenly we were in the midst of them, all swimming past us and around us. That was all we could see, and they were swimming with purpose! Then there was an open space, and suddenly we saw a huge tarpon (4-5’). Which explained why all the smaller fish were swimming away from it. Pretty cool. Also out in the bay, there is a buoy (blue and white I think) which marks a trap down on the bottom. Inside the trap were several unusual, beautiful fish, varieties I had never seen before. Never saw any turtles.<br><br>We ate Saturday night at Myett’s. Wonderful in every way. Very nice, smiling waitress. We had a lobster and their 28 oz. t-bone and shared. Came with grilled veggies and baked potatoes. Plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Can’t recall the entertainment, but it was enjoyable.<br><br>Sunday we snorkeled at CGB and generally were quite lazy. Went to the TTOL party at the Elm Bar & Grill, and met Carol and Eric Hill, “Manpot,” “Marylou”, and another man whose name escapes me. Had a great time. Those painkillers sure go down easy. And the Elm’s barbeque is great…pork ribs, chicken quarters, and fish plus coconut rice, coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob…all for $11. Reggie Georges was the entertainment….just great!<br><br>Monday was our shopping day in Roadtown. What a surprise to see the “Crafts Alive Market” all in cute little pastel painted buildings, instead of tents! Complete with attractively paved walkways and landscaping. And a water fountain in the plans too. I wonder if the ladies like the new improvements, since they are more isolated from each other now, but they certainly have the benefit of being protected from the weather. I bought a huge conch shell for $7.<br><br>We stopped at Midtown Restaurant for lunch and tried chicken rotis and sour sop punch…excellent. Picked up new sunglasses and some Caribbean greeting cards at the Sea Urchin and souvenir gifts at Sunny Caribbee…spice mixes and chutneys.<br><br>Back to CGB for more swimming and limin’. We weren’t too hungry for dinner so we had appetizers at Big Banana Paradise Club…..curried calamari (YUM!) and coconut shrimp. Good entertainment there…I think MJ Blues…it is difficult reconstructing each day since I took minimal notes on the trip.<br><br>Tuesday…snorkeling at Brewer’s Bay. Hadn’t been there since ’97 and I was happy to see the road much improved. Still not very wide, but I wasn’t nearly as terrified as in ’97!! Wonderful snorkeling, only a handful of people there. A few people using the campsites.<br><br>Back to CGB for more limin’. Then off to Jolly Roger for dinner. Great atmosphere there, right on the water with boats coming and going into Soper’s Hole marina. Excellent meal and service. Finished out the evening at Quito’s Gazebo with more TTOL people. <br><br>Wednesday we had breakfast at the North Shore Shell Museum in Carrot Bay. Egbert welcomed us to his wonderful restaurant and served us fantastic mango and coconut pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon and even a side of breadfruit “fries” (because I asked him about his breadfruit tree and he asked me if I had ever tasted it)…all of this plus coffee for $6. What a sweet man he is. We bought several of the shell wind chimes made by “his kids” in the program he runs. He also gave us a bottle of his special vinegar, flavored with herbs, scotch bonnet peppers, and garlic. Now that stuff will liven up any meal! <br><br>A family arrived after we finished eating, and next thing we knew, Egbert had us all playing fungi music. He gave everyone something to play, and he did melody on his guitar. Before we left, we made reservations for lobster dinner the following night.<br><br>Then we were off to Smuggler’s Cove. Driving through Long Bay Beach Resort, we could see all the new villas that have been built on the hillside. Very quiet at Smuggler’s…only a handful of people. Missed seeing Bob Denniston, of course. We wondered what will become of the “hotel” and honor bar. We ran into a man from Maryland who is building a house nearby. He had spoken to Bob’s son, Matt, at the funeral, and Matt spoke of wanting to get it up and running again. The snorkeling at Smuggler’s Cove is good, but not as many fish as previous years we had been there.<br><br>Went to Palms Delight restaurant in Carrot Bay for dinner…first time, and it was excellent, as everyone on this board has said. We both had the ginger chicken. Reasonable prices, and attentive service. Sitting right on the water’s edge can’t be beat. The interesting thing is the waves come in there from two directions!<br><br>Back to CGB…had drinks at Myett’s and listened to a steel band. Then moved on down to the Elm and listened to Reggie Georges. There seemed to be tons of families (Americans) around, and little groups of teenage boys making the rounds of all the places looking for non-existent girls (the ratio just wasn’t in their favor!). We liked staying in CGB and just walking to our room when we were ready to call it a night.<br><br>Thursday we stayed in CGB and snorkeled. I saw a sea slug for the first time…wow. Huge. Green with intricate patterning. Did a little shopping in the various gift shops…Myett’s, Rhymer’s, the Elm, and Quito’s. <br><br>North Shore Shell Museum for dinner….what a completely relaxing, delicious meal ($30). We were welcomed by Egbert and his 2 ½ year old grandson, who followed him around like a little helper. The tables were set with brilliant red tablecloths, and decorated with several red hibiscus blossoms. <br><br>Started out with sour sop daiquiris ($4). Egbert did them in the blender and then set the bottle of rum on our table, (where it remained for the rest of our dinner!) and told us to add our own to our liking. A while later, he reappeared with a tray with soup and bread. Delicious steaming hot papaya soup. His grandson helped with the plate of bread….soooo cute! Mango bread that I’m sure was baked only hours before. Then our lobsters! Wow….they were huge!! He has his own traps. Then Egbert sat down with us, since no other customers came, and he loves to talk, and we loved listening and talking with him! Very interesting hearing about his life, and his thoughts about Tortola and how it’s changing. <br><br>On our last day, we went to Soper’s Hole and poked around. Got reacquainted with the wonderful woman who runs Caribbean Jewelers there. We’ve chatted with her on 3 trips, so she remembers us. She said they’re planning an expansion there, taking over additional space, and adding an internet café.<br><br>On our way back to CGB we planned to stop for lunch and a swim in the pool at the BVI Steak, Chop, & Pasta House, but they were closed, despite their sign and ad in the latest Welcome magazine saying they served lunch. They certainly do have a “killer view!” We would have gone back for dinner, except that we didn’t want to miss another chance to enjoy Elvet’s barbeque at the Elm.<br><br>Another swim and snorkel in CGB. Then we decided to pack some of our stuff before dinner. Another wonderful barbeque. We love the swings at the edge of the restaurant. So relaxing after a meal, while listening to Reggie Georges. I brought my disposable underwater camera and took the last picture of the sunset, and then inadvertently left it on a chair when we left. The next morning it wasn’t there, and the bar was locked and closed. No one arrived before we had to leave for our ferry and flight, so I left a note in our room and some money to cover the cost of mailing it back to me, if they found it. Sure enough, about 3 weeks after we got home, it arrived, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and with a sweet note from Jackie. Wow, we were totally impressed!!<br><br>Our trip home was fine….no problems. We really enjoyed the ferry ride, and people watching in the airport in St. Thomas. Kinda fun watching all the people just starting out their vacations.<br><br>We both agreed that this was our best BVI trip ever. It was nice to have the totally different experiences of the Sandcastle Resort and then Cane Garden Bay. We had been to many places in past years and didn’t feel any need to rush around and “see all the sights.” We had many wonderful conversations with the people of the BVI (and TTOL folk, too).<br><br>Can’t wait to do it all again!! <br>[Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image]