Having returned last week, it has taken me this long to unwind where I can sit down and maybe, just maybe put a few words down about our trip. The report will be in three sessions. The Trip down, Tortola Days and then the Windjammer Days. Well over a year in the planning this was to be our best trip yet, a celebration of being married for 30 years!! TTOL played a major role in all my decisions about places to stay and where to eat....enough of that for now..lets get going.<br><br>March 13 -- <br> My wife and I are headed down for 4 days in Tortola and then a Windjammer trip before returning to Tortola for a last night. We stayed at hotel close to the Detroit airport in an attempt to relax the night before, knowing it would be a long trip. The weather forecast called for light snow with variable temps..no problem. Up at 3:30 am I couldn't believe what I saw..a full fledged storm outside with freezing rain and snow. No problem...off to the airport..in line at 5 am for a 7 am flight on AA...waiting,,still waiting. Seems the storm had not only knocked out some computer nets, but AA people could not get to work..stress level rising rapidly!! We clear baggage check, get exit row seats and board with a cup of coffee from the Cinna Bun girl who has a bad attitude! Still snowing heavily..no problem, I'm on vacation. The engines ramp up and then back down..our capt, Ms. Sue says we must de-ice..we are in trouble. No problem 2 hours between the Miami flight to SJ and two hours between SJ and Beef Island. Seems this process takes longer that I thought and after a 90 minute delay we head away from the gate to the end of the runway. We stop..and Sue comes back and looks out at the wings..:"Safety check..lets go" The passengers are chanting "Go Sue Go." as we lift off..the last plane to leave the motor city for hours. Vacation has begun..but we will not make any connecting flights. Stress level rising again..I MUST GET THERE ! Arrive Miami as the SJ plane is leaving..rebooked for 2 hours later but won't make Tortola till late. Finally into SJ only to find the flight overbooked and over weight!! One hundred dollar vouchers for the later flight ..not the Reaper..get me there! <br><br>Finally we arrive at Beef Island after watching the islands racing by below me..the smell, the unforgettable smell of musty, dank salt air and a hot island night greet us as we walk across the tarmac. One more obstacle and then off to the Sugar Mill. Simply fill out the form like I have heard so many times on this site, and breeze right through. Then it happens.."Why are you leaving on the 23rd? Why aren't you staying till the 26th? Why? What is wrong with you?" What the hell did my wife put on that document? What is this customs official thinking. Now he has called over his partner..full body cavity search,,save me!! Then the smile that I have seen before..he knows he has me at his mercy..then the final question "If you are not staying for your wifes birthday on the 26th I hope you buy her something nice" I have been had and we all laugh..the stress is gone...and I have a customs official who has just made me promise to buy another gift. Out through the baggage check they are laughing and me with them " Need a Taxi mon?" "I'm looking for Calvin, heading to the Sugar Mill" "That's him there". "thanks." Cell phone firmly planted in his ear, the only one sitting on a chair he seems to be in command..no question. He quickly sizes me up.. "Sugar Mill huh..You are late Mr. Grimm. I have already changed your dinner reservations to 9....welcome to Tortola" I spy the mobile rum punch canteen across the street , pick up one for myself, my wife and a water for Calvin, the stress is gone.. I am home. Calvin has a new van befitting his stature in the transportation industry. He operates quite a few cabs, has connections with various charter companies and as we learned real soon, had friends in the entertainment field. Across the bridge and on to the coastal road, past Fat Hogs Bay, May Cove through Roadtown,the Botanical gardens "up there some place " say Calvin as we speed along, the rum punches doing there thing.. we are slowly sinking into island time. Past Fort Burt, Struggling Man's Place and Fort Recovery....on we drove. Talking about politics and cruise ships, raising kids and how to spend money on vacation, honking to all his friends and passing whenever he felt like it....he was the best. Waves pounding along the shore, the ride seems to last forever. We come a sudden stop and he says "Hang on we go up." We have arrived at Zion Hill Road and up we do go..and then down over a few speed bumps, slow down as we turn right at Sebastians and then we come to complete stop next to a well decorated shack.." Say hello to my friend Bomba..take good care of them when they come to visit". He is holding court among his cronies..the place is virtually empty but only tonite. We continue on a short distance until we arrive at the Sugar MIll..the sounds of laughter come from the dining room as Calvin unloads our luggage. " For you, the fare is only $30 for such nice people..welcome again to Tortola" A generous tip, a firm handshake and we part. Calvin back to parts unknown, my wife and I up the stone steps where we are greeted by Justin. " Welcome to the Sugar Mill..I have changed your dinner reservation to 9..see you then" Our room is one of only 24 and we overlook the flowering trees and circular pool. The lights from Jost flicker in the distance only 3 miles away. Our room is very nicely appointed. Fresh flowers, a bottle of their special rum and a chilled bottle of champagne greet us as enter. The view of Jost is fabulous as we freshen up and head down for dinner. What a menu...scallops,filet mignon, pasta..lamb..some body stop me ..I'm smokin! A fantastic dinner of lime baked scallops with fresh pasta for me and a rare filet for my wife. I had to pass on the encrusted rack of lamb until later. Our waiter, Lennox was the best and kept us laughing. Several glasses of wine with dinner, a nice walk on the beach and we are off to bed. We have arrived safe despite all the termoil, enjoyed a great first meal and look forward to the adventures that await us. We fall asleep with the windows open to sound of the waves crashing below and a cool island breeze parting the drapes........
