Just back from a fantastic week at Long Bay, staying atop the ridge in Long View House. We enjoyed the pool, the sunsets, watching storms over Jost, coffee in the morning etc etc; all in complete seclusion! This was our first time in the BVI and it was everything we expected and more. What made this trip "interesting" though, was this: I broke my foot ten days before leaving, so spent the whole time on crutches! (I, for one, can vouch for the naming of Painkillers). While certainly altering our plans (no Anagada, Virgin Gorda, day sail), we managed to do a lot and have many great pictures and stories (pictures forthcoming). Here are some highlights: FLEW through all airports (American) w/great wheelchair service, sorry to anyone that the attendant bumped along the way - Last plane out of San Juan before they closed due to storm, no problems along the way at all. Watched lightening storm over Jost. Great snorkeling at Smugglers, so many fish and the reef is so close to shore. Also enjoyed the fresh margaritas there. Ate at Myetts in a huge rain/lightening storm, got pretty cozy. Good rum drinks. It was a scary ride home, roads were wet, muddy and the word steep doesn't even describe it! Drove to Brewers Bay the next day, the sugar mill ruins were cool. Watch out for cow roadblocks! Drove the ridge road to Roadtown, gotta remember to stay on the left! Ate lunch at Pisces at Soper's Hole, neat that you can use the internet w/lunch, sent the kids an email. Ate and relaxed at the house, such awesome sunsets! Snorkeled, ate again at Smugglers, went to Bomba's full moon party! Woohoo! Drank the tea, not a big deal. The whole thing was a riot. It was as if everyone was waiting for a parade (lining the streets etc), but the "parade" was the party itself! Josiah's Bay was our next beach, only two other couples there. Enjoyed burgers and the island's coldest beer at Naomi's Little Secret. But, the very best part was when three cows walked right by! We spent the afternoon making up "two cows walk into a bar.." jokes (okay, it was funny at the time). Spent the rest of the day at the "other" Long Bay (East End), which was gorgeous and completely deserted. Had a great meal at Coco Plums. Next day, Sopers Hole, Pussers, for painkillers I mean lunch. Swam at Cane Garden and went to Quito's for dinner and watched him sing from above (side note: Quito approached me at San Juan airport later in the week, remembering me because of the stupid crutches! We spent a few minutes chatting, he was very nice.) The next day, my husband needed to go to the ER at Peebles, due to a worsening ear infection. What a story! Actually, it was fine. We were there for three hours (the chickens kept trying to get in the ER tho), he was treated, got meds (which came in a brown paper bag!) and the whole thing was $15.00! I was thinking insurance, out of the country etc. I hung with the locals on the ER veranda, heard some great stories (I think). Ate at Sebastian's that night. We both liked it a lot and don't see it mentionned much on this board. They serve a shot of rum after the meal! We didn't feel as if we could go to Brandywine, Sugar Mill etc, as Clay could hardly chew, but look forward to those next time. My life changed the next day: I have fallen in love with Jost Van Dyke and will never forget the day we spent there. We are definately going to stay there as at least part of our next trip, I can't stop listening to Kenny Chesney either! Ferry to Bun's taxi. Loved Bun's tour of the "town", picked up his two kids (fell in love with BunyLady, age 2), best thing ever. Great time in hammock and water at Soggy Dollar, Debbie was a great bartender. In a strange coincidence, it turns out she and I were in the same class in kindergarten, but we didn't remember one another. Back to Foxy's in afternoon, loved it all. Absolutely fantastic day, and will be asking later about Sandcastle etc. Got some good food to go and watched another sunset from the pool (so sad, our kids are home studying for finals...). Next day ate a great breakfast at a little cafe in Roadtown, did some shopping at Sunny Caribe etc. Drank our last Caribes (til we get home, they are not a problem to get where we are), returned the jeep to Jerry's (recommend using Jerry, easy to deal with). It was really, really hot at the airport. Some minor stuff w/getting put on the wrong flight and the planes were running late. If it wasn't for my special speedy wheelchair service through customs, we would have missed our plane in San Juan. No problems though, back in chilly Boston and home to Cape Cod. A strange thing happened on the way home. I know it was late and we were tired, but both of us swore we saw mountains all around us, where there were none. Hallucination or wishful thinking? Thanks to all who helped us plan this trip. Of course we are already planning the next. Until then it's TTOL and Kenny Chesney. --- Beth <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

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