I can imagine this will get long-winded and filled with info on places and things seen by everyone here. But I was so excited to be there and experience everything, that I will tell you everything that is permanently imprinted on my mind. The count down to when I can return has begun! As you all have said...one trip there and I am forever hooked to the beauty and ambience of the island, wildlife, people and places!! Anyways...here we go!!

July 2nd, night of arrival. What a beautiful evening. We flew in on Cape Air, leaving San Juan at 8pm. The flight in the full moon and clear skies was only the single most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. (beside holding my newborn son!). We got to the Sugar Mill at around 10pm, ate some sandwiches that we had pre-arranged to be at our room on arrival, and walked to 5mins down the road to Bomba's Full Moon Party. What a blast! Felt like I was at a frat party again at college! Met up with a lovely couple (forgive me for only remembering their daughter Megan's name). He was a fellow TTOL and we hung out with them for the majority of the evening. Had some famous shroom tea and Bomba's punch. Not sure if it was the tea or massive sleepiness from 10hrs of flying, but we fell over to sleep at about 2am!!!

July 3rd. A wake up to beauty! A gorgeous view out of the room to Apple Bay and the white sand beaches. We had a lovely breakfast at the Sugar Mill and then took off for the hunt of Smuggler's Cove. Amazingly close to the hotel, and a just awe-striking! I am pretty sure that the book I brought to read on the beach was never opened. I was mezmerized by the beauty of the color of the ocean and the white sand. I was especially struck by the fact that there was NO ONE on the beach! We practically had this whole stretch if beach to ourselves!!! Got back to the hotel in the afternoon, cooled off and headed out to explore the island. I was not aware that the Indy 500 was taking place on the island roads! And OH my GOSH the steepness of the roads! Let the faint of heart be wary...I am deathly afraid of heights and had my first panic attack as we were on the way to Cane Garden Bay! I white-knuckled it pretty much every where we went!!!! Got back to the Hotel just in time to wash up for our first dinner at the Sugar Mill. can't say enough about how scrumpious the food was. The ladies serving the food were a pleasure and very friendly. Never remember being so happy about accomodations in my life! This is the place to stay! Went to Quitos, hoping to hear him play, only to find out that he would not be making an appearance. Big Disappointment, but we all move on!!! The bartender told us he would be there on Tues and Thurs, solo. We'll be back!!!!

July 4th: Got up for breakfast in the restaurant again and then headed for the search of Road Town and everything in between. Ended up at Sopers Hole for a little shopping and a little Painkiller at Pusser's. Left and went over to the Ferry docks to see what the times were for going to Jost and Virgin Gorda. On our way to Road Town, since the Virgin Gorda ferry leaves from there and we wanted to make sure we knew where we were going for later in the week. Ended up being BOMBARDED at the ferry docks by guys trying to sell us on Smith's ferry and the Fast Ferry. No one seemed to understand that we were not looking specifically for right that minute! Kinda felt like I was being pushed around a little. But oh well, it was fine. I was on vacation and could care less!!! Somehow ended up on the way to Skyworld.....and felt another panic attack approaching as we were almost creamed on one of the switchbacks by a ford p/u that was going WAY too fast on a wet road!! Made it to the top...alive...and got some great views! Of course dozens of pics! Ended up leaving there and going to Sage Mountain and having lunch up there, took in the views and then headed back to Long Bay. Definitely not as good as Smugglers, and a little bit rough surf, but still wonderful. Rested a little on the beach and then headed back to the hotel. Spoke with Sharon about getting our "trips" that were included in our package set up. Left and headed for Quitos for dinner. My husband had the most excellent blackened tuna that he has not stopped talking about! He is forever scarred by the taste and flavor. I, too, had a great dinner. Quite surprising, frankly, I was not prepared for such cuisine!!! Had a few Legends and we were on our way back to the hotel.

July 5th: Our daysail on the Aristocat. We were heading to The Caves and The Indians for a little snorkeling and lunch at White Bay on Peter Island. John and Sandra (Owners/Captains) were such a pleasure and so hospitable! There boat was lovely and only made me wish I had a boat to enjoy as much as they enjoyed theirs! Almost made me want to come back and go bareboating instead of being a land lubber! The Indians were a true amazement. The beautiful sea-life and the reefs were phenomenal! I got thrown into a little reef when a big wave came thru, I have a bruise to remind me of the fun!!! Had lunch and stared in awe at the monstrosity that is Mr. Bill Gate's home being built on the hill overlooking the bay. As if the home here in Seattle is not large enough....I guess when you got it, you flaunt it. He knows how to do that!!! Did a little snorkeling there, saw a ray (no turtles..disappointing) and then off The Caves. That was the best to me! We fed the fish off the back of the boat and pretty soon there was not a spot that lacked a fin! They nimbled on my toes and fluttered me with fins! I was in heaven. When in was time to leave, they had to coax me back into the boat!
We were back on land at 5pm..tired and full of joy! Had another AMAZING dinner at the Sugar Mill.

July 6th: Up and out the door early on the Ferry to Virgin Gorda. OH MY GOODNESS....HOTTTT!!!!!!!! It was sweltering! Unbearably warm!!! We decided on Speedy's and were sadly disappointed to find that, unlike what we were told, the last ferry returned at 3pm, not 5pm. My hopes of having a late lunch, early dinner at The Rock was squashed. And of course we did not find this out until we had paid for the ticket and we were getting off the taxi at the Baths. Again....on vacation so it was not life-threatening! Hiked in the heat thru the Baths to the other side for some much-needed refreshment in the water. Again, amazing snorkeling and the sea life was to die for! A huge mistake of going when there was a Holland-America cruise ship in the bay at Road Town. It was a cluster and very difficult to enjoy with so many people. Went up to the bar at the beginning of te Baths and had some drinks in the shade. Hiked it back up to the restaurant, Top of the Baths, and had the most appetizing cajun chicken sandwich. The quality of food far exceeded any premonitions I had. We had not, at that point, had a bad meal anywhere! And the people were so nice and personable. After reading some postings before departure, I was prepared to not get very good "service" (bad term), but everyone was very nice and never a bad look or sour tongue towards us! Got back on the ferry to Tortola. Hit the small beach again, showered and headed over to CGB to have dinner at the restaurant next to Quitos. I should have held my tongue about bad food. It was not so bad that is warranted speaking badly about it, but it was not good either. To top it off, we went over to Quitos, hoping to see his solo act, and once again there was no Quito. Spoke to the lady in Jan's potpourri (next door) and she told me he was not going to be there at all that week. What a bummer!!!!! All the talk about his music and I was gonna miss out on it! Back to the hotel for some much needed rest!

July 7th: Up and on the way to Beef Island to catch our flight to Anegada on Fly BVI. Our pilot, Ruben, was a joy and made light of the the VERY small plane we were taking! Beautiful views and scenery the whole way there. Arrived at Loblolly for snorkeling around 10am. Again...the only ones on this BEAUTIFUL stretch of beach. We staked our claim on an umbrella for some shade, ordered our lobsters for lunch and just smoozed on the beach. And then we were bombarded. A boat brought over ALOT of people from the Bitter End and the umbrella we staked was soon overtaken. The first couple to try and move in on us was quite rude...laying there things on top of our beach towels and not evening saying anything. The next couple was much nicer. I must admit, I was a bit...short...with him in the beginning since I was still in awe from the first couple, but we shared our umbrella and had good conversations. Discussed Hinkley yachts (my bother works for them in SW Harbour) and all the other attractions we have and have not seen. Left Anegada around 3pm. Another dinner at the Sugar Mill. Not as awe-strikingly good as before, but it was still mentionably good.

July 8th: Our last day here. We had a lovely breakfast at Sebatians and then headed over to the ferry to jump over to Jost. Had a drink at Jolly Roger as we waited for the ferry. Got to Jost and headed to Foxy's. Another disappointment, no Foxy. Good drinks, though, and that was enough for me. Sat by the water for about and hour and then headed to the Soggy Dollar. Had a picnic packed by the Hotel (not that great), enjoyed the scenery. The cab driver picked us up and took us back to the ferry. Went for another refreshing swim at the small beach across from the hotel and then had our last dinner at the Sugar Mill. Back to the room to pack and say good bye to our comfy abode.

July 9th: Up and out the door at 7am to catch our flight out of paradise. It came up so slowly when we were waiting to get there and then it went by so quickly.

Aching to get back and need to save my pennies!!! Again, thank you all that helped me with places to go and see. I am forever hooked on these beautiful islands and I am missing them already. Oh, and for future reference...My favorite drink is a tie between the Quioto Legend and the Bush Wacker.

I miss them already!!!! Countdown to the return! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />