Up and at ‘em early!

Everyone is always excited on boat excursion days. Today we planned our trip with Capt. Mindy on her 31’ Grady White Gypsea Girl. No planning ahead, except for a stop at Soggy Dollar. Capt. Jason called and let us know he would be taking the wheel and would meet us at the National Park dock at 8:30. When we arrived at the dock, the day trippers were lining up for their rides. Capt. Jason was out in the middle and we called him over, boarded and headed out. Once again he asked our plans, but we were open for anything.

Our first stop would be just across from Hawksnest at Mermaid’s Chair. No other boats around. We have watched boats pull in here many times when we’ve been at Hawksnest. Capt. Jason used the time to fill out customs forms and we snorkeled in to Mermaid’s, then we figured out how to use the tower correctly.





Some plain jumps, other well, kinda crazy!





After an hour, other boats started to come in, so Capt. Jason suggested we give up our ball and go on over to JVD. We would check-in at Great Harbor and the head to Sandy Spit. Winds were stiff out of the northeast, so we took it slow, trying to keep dry. Didn’t work, but it didn’t matter either. We arrive a little wet, but ready for a great day in the BVI.

Time to check-in! It is always great to stop here, whether staying for a week or a day. One day we’ll do it on a sailboat, but for now this is the way to go.





Capt. Jason does the hard work while we stay at the boat. Think it’s time for a cold Carib and some photos. Parker checks to make sure no pirates are coming in and then the family photo.





Next stop Sandy Spit. We’ve stayed on JVD four times and have never ventured out to this little piece of paradise. What neat little island. I’m pretty sure I want to go back and just spend the day sitting here under a palm tree. We take the walk around the island, find a few pieces of sea glass and then find a spot under the that palm tree. The perfect setting for sipping a cold Carib. Maybe they should film a commercial here.
As Jen and I enjoy our time, we see the crew from a distance, all back on board the Gypsea Girl, doing the jumping thing again. I guess that’s what you do! We finished our time on the island as our bellies were ready for some food. We planned to go to B-Line, but as we went by, there were no signs of movement, so we headed to Taboo for island pizza.





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Always one of our favorite stops, Taboo has great pizza, if you’re willing to wait for a while. We order, grab a couple bottles of water and the guys head out to the Bubbly Pool. The tide is low, so we don’t expect much, but it’s always nice to check. A new sign and lifeguard ring great us, along with a peaceful trickle. No bubbles today.

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After the relaxing lunch, we still had a whole afternoon at White Bay. Quick trip around from Diamond Cay and we find this is where everyone has been all day. We slip in through the channel and see the only good space is down in front of One Love. We get anchored and everyone prepares for the side swim into the beach. We walk down the beach and we are greeted by our friends at Soggy Dollar.
We have stayed at Sandcastle before and always enjoy seeing everyone. Winsome and Mic are behind the bar and my fishing buddy Daniel is outback. We sit down and catch up.
The afternoon goes on, a Painkiller or two, a Banana Bender, I always enjoy this place and never tire of the views (and people watching). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> During the day the beach is alive, once the last boat leaves, it becomes a quiet peaceful part of the BVI. Really need to plan another week at Sandcastle, soon!

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All the big daytrip boats have left and we decide it’s time go as well. The ride back to STJ would be easy in the following sea. For some it would be a nice nap. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

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A day on the water always drains everyone, so a big lasagna had been prepared earlier and we would again take in the beauty of the sunset from our hillside deck. Not a bad way to end the day. We had a fantastic day with Capt. Jason and the Gypsea Girl is a great boat. We will definitely be back on board!

Tomorrow, Maho Bay and hopefully a turtle. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />