January 29, 2004

Brewer’s Bay looks pretty calm this morning, so we zip down to see if we can snorkel or not. Yesterday we were so hopeful, but when we got down the hill, the waves were way too high. We get in and are sad to see that the shallows are covered in sand and silt – must have been from the big rains in November. There used to be tons of juvenile fish here along with different types of algeas and grasses. As we snorkeled along the reef and went further out into the bay, things cleared up and everything was in good shape. Saw tons of fish and pretty coral, sea fans and plumes. David spotted a ray. Relaxed and enjoyed the day. Hung by the pool later in the afternoon.

Went to Palm’s Delight for dinner. Both of us had the gingerwine sauce chicken. It comes with rice, cole slaw, and veggies – absolutely delicious – and what a great deal for $12.

January 30, 2004

Today the bay was the roughest we’d seen it this week, almost no sand showing on the beach and the water had washed up over the street by Niclole’s! As we drove by, there were substantial waves on the left side of the bay. Went back to Long Bay East. The water was up even here!

I snorkeled over at the left side of the beach. There’s an old snorkel trail there. Sadly, the reef isn’t in such great shape, but there are still plenty of things to see. I saw a large trumpet fish, some great anemones, massive schools of silverbacks, etc. I also saw a fish that was butt ugly, looked him up in my book once I got back to shore, and I believe he was a hog fish.

Beachcombing here is quite fruitful. All along the left side of the cliff is coral that’s washed up and I found some great shells and pieces of coral. Great area for exploring. Read and did lot’s of limin’ on the beach.

When we were leaving the beach, the police were there with a woman who had had her bag stolen and she was completely distraught. I don’t blame her one bit. We have been warned several times about thieves here, not to leave anything unattended and we heeded their advice. We felt very badly for this lady.

Went over to Trellis Bay and had a drink at The Loose Mongoose. There was a new store/shop there which sold Dolce Vita gelato and we enjoyed a dish while boatwatching in the bay.

Had dinner at Capriccio di Mare. Had a great meal and I had to have the t-shirt which read “Heaven is where the police are British, the cooks Italian, the mechanics German, the lovers French, and it is all organized by the Swiss. Hell is where the chefs are British, the mechanics French, the lovers Swiss, the police German, and it is all organized by the Italians.”

January 31, 2004

Down to the beach to go for a walk. Back at the house hang by/in the pool. Go down to Nicole’s for burger’s and pina coladas and then head back to Long Bay East. We have to go to the airport later to pick up our friends anyway, so we figured we might as well do some limin’ there and then have a two minute ride when it’s time to pick up Susan and Bill. David and I played the crab toss game for a while in the water and there were are bunch of local kids who played with us for a while too. The littlest one needed my help to get back up over the sand burm at the shore’s edge.

They’re not on the flight. Now what? Turns out the flight left Boston late and they missed their connection. Extra time waiting, but oh well. Then they have no luggage and it take over an hour to wait to file a claim. Served them up some rum punches while waiting, so no problem. Get them to the house to clean up and we go to dinner. Went back to Coco Plum’s. Had another great meal, and since it’s Saturday night, they have live entertainment which was very, very good. We would have stayed longer, but everyone was really tired.

Drove back to the airport after dinner and their bags are there. Lot’s of driving today!

February 1, 2004

Went into Roadtown to go to the Botanical Gardens. Susan and Bill really enjoyed this and so did we. We were the only people there. It was just gorgeous and we took tons of pictures. We wanted to make a donation before leaving, but couldn’t find a donation box.

Went to Rite Way and did some food shopping. Back to the house for lunch. Got some coconut ice cream which was made on St. Thomas, and boy was it good!

We’re all totally excited about going to the Superbowl tonight at the Jolly Roger. I made reservations yesterday and Lou said he’d put us right in front of one of the TV’s. We showed up at 7 and the place was packed. Good thing we had had a late lunch as it took a long time to be served, but the poor girls working were totally overwhelmed. No worries man! (Too bad not everyone there had the same attitude!) Susan and Bill brought each of us a Patriots t-shirt, so the 4 of us were all set with our Patriots shirts. We took a group photo at the house before we left and then one after the game was over – no worse for the wear!! We had such a good time. The pizzas we had were excellent. What a way to enjoy the superbowl! Plus we WON, so it was even sweeter!!!

February 2, 2004

Down to the beach in the morning. David and I try to snorkel, but it’s just too stirred up – almost no visibility. The water was just blissfull – stayed in ‘til I was a prune. Walked and beachcombed. Bill found some nice shells for Susan and a great piece of sea glass. Went up to have lunch at 3pm – where does the time go. Hung out and swam in the pool. Rum punches and next thing we knew it was 7pm.

Bill had brought down some great sirloin steaks, so we grilled those and had some baked potatoes, veggies and a nice chianti. Watched a movie – quite the collection to choose from.

February 3, 2004

We agreed to get up and out at 9am today so we could do some stuff and still have time for limin’ later. We went to Bamboushay Pottery on Nanny Cay. Everything is made right there. Really nice stuff. There were these great dishes molded to sea grape leaves – I knew right away what it was. Had to have one of those. Then we went to the Old Government House Museum in Roadtown. It costs $3 to get in and we highly recommend it. Very interesting and really enjoyed hearing about BVI history and stories from the staff there. Enjoyed the small garden out back.

Went to Roti Palace for lunch. Yummy! Stopped in at Samarakind so Susan could look around and I checked on my hibiscus jewelry. My order was ready and when they opened the box, I was so excited – it came out just beautiful. I’d been waiting a year and a half for this and finally I have them – earrings and matching bracelet and pin. Susan buys a few things and then off we go to shop a bit.

David went to the bakery and got a slice of key lime pie and a slice of chocolate mouse cake and both were superb. This is a great little bakery!

Got back around 4pm and had rum punches and swam in the pool. We were too lazy to go down the hill to Brewer’s.

Went to Capriccio di Mare for dinner. Susan and Bill really enjoyed it. Great meal. I had a peach-camomile ice tea special and it was the BEST ice tea I have ever had. In all the times we’ve been here, we’ve never had dessert because we’re always too full.

February 4, 2004

Got up packed up the cooler and headed out to Long Bay East. We made a stop at the airport to see if we could find the little black dog who is in such terrible condition. We want to bring her all the steak scraps we have and a bowl of water. We didn’t see her, so off to the beach.

David snorkeled with me this time as Susan and Bill could watch the stuff on the beach. Had a great snorkel. The hog fish was there, so David got to see him. Then David tells me that he as a little juvenile fish swimming right in front of his mask. I don’t see him. David head for shore and then, oh, my, the little guy shows up in front of my mask. Zipping back and forth and looking right at me. He was playing and teasing! I’d reach my hand out and he’d zip away. I’d do a 360 looking for him and it looked as though he’d disappeared, then I’d paddle along and within 5 seconds he be back zooming in front of my mask – literally just inches from my mask. This game went on for at least 15 minutes and what’s amazing is he followed me a good 100 yards in to shore, right up to the turtle grass! I just couldn’t believe it. I think this will rank right up there with one of my best memories ever!

We all hang out limin’ on the beach. We stopped back at the airport before going back to the house to see if the poor little dog is there and we find her. She watches me very warily as I unwrap her meal about 20 feet from her and fill a bowl with water. She eats and drinks it all. I’ve got to try to see if there’s as shelter on island who could help this poor animal. I sit in the car and sob for her. Susan cried too.

Rum punches and a late afternoon swim in the pool. Got ready and go to Palm’s Delight for dinner. Susan and Bill absolutely love their gingerwine sauce chicken. I can’t bring myself to try anything else. A great time is had by all. Back to the house, we watch a movie and off to bed.

February 5, 2004

Weather forecast says showers today, so we decide not to go up to Sage Mountain today. We went to Arawak on Nanny Cay as we didn’t have time the other day when we went to Bamboushay Pottery. Nice shop. Then we went to the West End, so Susan and Bill could see Soper’s Hole. Went to the Jolly Roger for lunch. Spent the afternoon on the beach at Brewer’s.

Dinner at Brandywine Bay. Susan and Bill said it was everything that we said it would be.

February 6, 2004

We wished we had gone up to Sage Mountain yesterday and ignored the weatherman because today it’s cloudy sure enough a front comes in from the north and it blows like a monsoon and rains like crazy. We went up to Sage Mountain hoping that it would pass, but it doesn’t. It poured most of the day. We picked up a few things in the gift shop and chatted with a couple of school girls who are being watched by the shop keeper. They’re shy at first, but once they opened up, Susan and I had quite the conversation with these young ladies.

Hung out at the house and read. It was crappy out so I started the inevitable – packing to go home tomorrow L.

We had some baked brie and a nice pinot as a snack and then we did take out from Palm’s Delight for dinner. We didn’t feel like going out anywhere. Watched a movie and then off to bed.

February 7, 2004

Headed into Roadtown at 10 so Susan could do some last minute shopping before catching their flight. Got them a cab then we went to lunch. Had the same driver pick us up at ITGO’s car rental office to take us to the airport. I feed the last meal we have to the poor little doggie and then we check our bags and wait to depart for home.

Such a great time. It was Susan and Bill’s first trip to Tortola and they loved it! I’m sure they’ll be back, as will we.