What a nice trip this was. This will be something of a rambling trip report as I've actually lost track of what we did when and when you think about it......isn't that the point? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />


It was our longest stay in the BVI to this point and I smile at those who wonder how they can possibly spend a week on Virgin Gorda (or you name the island) and not be bored. I think there was a poster during out stay looking to take two day long daytrips to other ilsands out of Virgin gorda on a 4 day stay. Ah well, to each their own.

The cool thing about the BVIs, almost everybody has their favorite island and are right as rain. For us it is Virgin Gorda, but alas when we are on a boat off what the others consider their favorite-- I can well understand why folks differ. Tis a good thing.

Our arrival was "marred" by horror of horrors the six o'clock ferry from North Sound not running and it was too late for the Roadtown last ferry to Virgin Gorda. We "had" to wait at the Cyber Cafe for a couple hours and had what is truly an experience. The fish sandwich on fresh baked bread at this place is spectacular. "Wonderful", doesn't even come close to describing it. Jeremy is the consumate host but the lady that prepares that delicious sfuff is truly special. A few caribes and watching a "happy" wedding party board the Peter Island Ferry for a big wedding and it was time to mosey on up to the North Sound ferry office and head for the last ferry to Virgin Gorda of the day.

It is always a treat even though it's only been two years now to go into our condo at Virgin Gorda Village-- That action truly has the "we're home" feel that we sought. Bucks had delivered some beer, soda and groceries and Sandra or the great people at the complex had let them in and the drinks were cooling in the fridge. The first Caribe on the balcony with the tradewinds coming off the Atlantic was about the best way to end a long travel day.

We started from the beginning of "Lost" on dvds this trip--the tv serial that Brenda had watched a few episodes long ago and I had never seen. We became somewhat hooked on it and watched an episode or two most nights before konking out both at the condo and on the boat. Okay, we're not party animals most nights--deal with it. But we do play a mean game of kinky dominos as some know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

The days on Virgin Gorda all are kind of a fog now. There were some rainy ones, mostly normal BVI weather --a few drops of rain, some clouds, lots of sun. The island had been blessed with more rain than usual for this time of year right before our arrival and it showed. It was greener than I've ever seen it in May or June. The grounds at Virgin Gorda Village (used to be "Olde Yard Village" but was a new developement so I spose they thought the "Olde" gave the wrong impression) green, blooming and beautiful. It's like a tropical botanical garden that had grown a foot since we last were there in February. Kudos to the care that takes. All over the island the normal brown dry look for May and June was replaced with a green lush look. My sympathy for those who had to endure the rains and bad weather the week or two before our arrival.

Most days at the condo on Virgin Gorda, involved doing "not much". Which included either earlier or later in the day there was the few minute drive to Savannah Bay, our favorite spot anywhere. Usually we'd find our sea grape spot empty and set up there. Sometimes we'd snorkel; sometimes not. The snorkeling was very good on a couple of occasions with turtles and a singray and lots of fish. Always at Savannah bay we included a few beers and sodas-- a lot of paperback pages, a long while soaking in the crystal clear water of just the right temperature---AFTER you've been in there a few minutes-- with not a rock nearby to stub your toe. Much of the time we had it to ourselves (Sir Richard paid a lot more to do the same thing) Then we'd call it a day at the beach and return to the condo, often for lunch at the Village Cafe's pool or on our balcony looking at the surf breaking on the reef. The colors in the mid day sun with polarized glasses cannot be captured on film. Other times we'd take a left out of Savannah BAy and go up to North Sound and have lunch at Leverick or at the Fat Virgin.

Evenings had us about equally divided between eating at the condo or going out.

Venturing out during our stay we enjoyed two really fine meals at the upstairs restaurant at Leverick Bay. Continuously they seem to do an amazing job. Who woulda "thunk" of a mac and cheese with truffles like they do it? If it tasted that good I'd still be getting those Kraft boxes that were a main stay when there was more month than money left in the lean times. Truly wonderful along with the great entres and deserts.

Nick looked a little harried but as enthusiastic as always the last time we were there a day or so before the big poker run.

We enjoyed a great pasta and Mahi Mahi one evening at the Village Cafe.

We'd heard via the board that the Top of the baths were open for dinner and gave it a try. Cannot beat the location. It was good food as well. Some kind of encrusted snapper and it was delicious.

The Mine Shaft was it's usual great deal and the guy singing and playing that night was great and I"m sorry I don't remember his name.


On Virgin Gorda in no real order we enjoyed several great lunches at the Village Cafe at Virgin Gorda Village--still like Leverick has the best of cheeseburgers but they are now black angus and no longer Kobe--great though-- and at Leverick Bay (their chicken nachos are back) --one each at Mad Dogs, the Fat Virgin and the Bath and Turtle.

We left the island only once in our 10 days on VG. We went up to Anegada and spent a great day with Bill H and Di. After breakfast at Neptunes we spent the rest o the day at Cow Wreck. If there is a more idlylic spot for a beach bar, I just haven't found it. Anyway we enjoyed the heck out of the day -- Bill had checked with Belle and made certain she had some Conch Ceviche --my favorite island dish and one that I remember a year or two between "fixes". It did not disappoint. What a wonderful day with great friends.

A couple rainy days we got no farther than the balcony at the condo but that was just fine as well.

We picked up the boat last Saturday from TMM. Due to some minor aggravations between our two aging carcasses we had not been on a boat for about a year and a half and it sure felt good.

Two things stand out on a trip like this a for me. The view of the Atlantic at first light of the trip from the condo and passing the green can going out of Road Harbor and deciding which way we want to turn. There is nothing better for me than either of those experiences.

Seeing the crew at TMM for the first time in a long while was great. They are the hardest working folks I've been around and have the patience of job it seems. Truly great people.

The stops on the boat with absolutely no advance planning and no need to reconsider due to the weather/sea condition ---totally calm throughout for the only time I recall-- Great Harbor Peter, Soper's Hole, Diamond Cay, Vixen's Point in North Sound, Marina Cay, Trellis Bay.

Highlights-- Saw and were "played with" by a dolphin for a short distance between West End and Jost. Only the second time we've seen a dolphin down there and was a hoot.

Caught what I thought was a wahoo but after reviewing the board--appears to have been a King Mackeral. Not very big in comparison to Saildoggie's or the Mann strech 30 he attacked, but a lot of fun for us and the fillets were quite tasty that night.

We met up with some old friends on Tortola who took us to of all things a GREAT Chinese Restaurant. It is in FAt Hogs Bay --upstairs at the commercial building in the "Harborview Complex" It was absolutely GREAT. Even without my favorite Beefeater Gin--the Bombay Saphire martinis were super. The appetizers and entrees rivaled anything we've had in Chinese food in the states. The hostess/manager was superb as were the waitstaff. An incredible evening and a must do on our next trip. Fantastic. I'm sorry but I think the name is Kong Ming or something like that. If on Tortola and looking for some really good chinese food in a great location with a great presentation give it a try.

The week was over quickly and after turning the boat in we stayed at Marias in Roadtown our last night. Really nice place with dependable A/c which after unloading the boat is particularly welcome. Went over to Myetts at Cane Garden Bay and are glad we did. Met or renewed acquaintence with many of the folks from TTOL that we knew or I felt I knew. Mal and Candace,, Glenn A, my hero, Mike B of Jeannius and his lovely wife Jean, who will soon be going on the greatest of adventures, Capt. Rick and Kim, our friends Bill H and Di and of course Lucky and probably "ithers" I forgot. A truly great group in a great setting.

We had one last stop for a belated anniverary dinner (actually one of several but who is counting? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> --we'd made the reservation several days in advance. at "The Dove" in roadtown). We had not been able to make it there for a couple of years. That place like several the BVI is lucky to have is extra special. The food was just extraordinary and brought a fitting end to a wonderful time in a wonderful place.

It couldn't have been a better time. I hope everyone is as satisfied with their journeys to paradise.