Hey TTOL,

Hope all is well with you and yours. I am so bad when it comes to writing trip reports, that this trip I decided to do a small one every few days. Hope it's ok with ya'll (and the mods of course). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Disclaimer: WARNING: boring, no mention of fancy foods, marvelous adventures. I'm dull and proud of it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Pre-BVI Trip Report - October 20-25

Direct flight from JFK to STT. Arrive in STT on time. It takes much longer than usual for the luggage to appear. Finally, it does and I'm of to Crown Bay for the ferry to Water Island. Decide to have lunch at Tickles restaurant right next to the dock. Small ferry comes and the captain aske me what in the world I have in my suitcases. (Oh yes, by the way I have two big bags and one small one plus my laptop). Arrive on the island (10 minute ferry ride). I'm staying at Water Island Campground for the first time. Paul picks me up, we load the luggage and we're off. The people get around via golf carts, and a few cars and trucks. You can't rent a car on the island. There are no buses or taxis and no supermarkets either. Paul shows me Honeymoon Beach which is not too far from the dock. We get to the campground and the views are so beautiful. Paul's wife Debbie gives me the tour of the place. There's a common kitchen and picnic area, common restroom and showers. Each camper has their own bin which includes all their own plates, silverware and drinking utensils as well as dishcloths. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Up some stairs, is the communications center which includes a tv and laptop for camper's use. Outside the communications is the hot tub. Yes, a hot tub. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Love it. Down the walk is my cottage. Inside is a sitting area, safe, my own private patio and queen bed. Debbie and Paul run a eco-conscious campground but it is truly a delight. Quiet, very private with all the comforts of home (well my home at least). When it was time to leave, I really wished I didn't have to leave, but next summer, I will be bringing two of my grands back to Water Island. Debbie and Paul are two very nice people and very helpful to a first time visitor. I should mention that Honeymoon Beach reminded me of Soggy Dollar. Day trippers (4 in one day), most who gravitated to Joe's Beach Bar (no food just drinks). Luckily, Debbie mentioned that it gets crowded in the afternoon, so I was able to get in some quiet time before the drunken boors arrived). Heidi's on the other hand, served food and drinks and it was much quieter on that end of the beach thank goodness. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />


BVI Trip Report - October 25-27

10/25

10:45 ferry to Crown Bay. Brunch at Tickles including my trademark Pina Colada. Taxi takes me to Tortola Wharf and as he leaves, I remember I left my laptop next to the front seat. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> I leave everything right there and ask one of my long time friends at the taxi stand to take me back to the marina. Ahh the driver is still there and he hadn't even noticed the laptop. Crisis averted. Back to the terminal, I decide to take the 3:30 ferry so I have time to head downtown for a while. Walk around, grab a newspaper, and go looking for a beach bag (I forgot mine). Smith's 3:30 ferry turns out to be the 4:00 ferry due to some late arrivals. Just a FYI. It was terribly and I do mean Terribly cold on the ferry both in front and in the back. I will have my jacket in hand when i go back. Arrive at WE. Taxi to Rhymer's, drop my luggage, hugs all around, and I sit down to get caught up. Off to Quito's and Britton tells us Quito is under the weather. I run into Mal and Big Jim. I also meet Mark who lives in Florida and is presently staying at CRC. We spend most of the night (well that is until they close), listening to an older man who pulled out his guitar and played music for a while. He sounded good too and said he had been playing for a long time. Off to bed. Good night Irene. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

10/26

Woke up, remembered where I was, turned back over and went back to sleep. Finally, I figured it was time to get up. Unpacked, watched some TV, did some reading and then it was time for happy hour and my fifty cent wings at Big Banana. Had a couple of nice passion strawberry daquiris and off to shower to head to Quitos. Turns out, he is still under the weather, so the Edge performed with a young lady with a beautiful voice. They had people dancing from the time they started until they stopped. Good night Irene. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

10/27

Same routine. Woke up, turned over and back to sleep. I wake up, blink and look at the time. OMG, it's 11:00. Then, I hear hear a knock on the door. Leona decided I should be up enjoying the BVI so she's come to wake me up. I told her maybe I had a few too many pina colada at Quito's last night. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> Food stand opens in the afternoon across the road, so I grab a couple of plates and some passion fruit juice. I decided I drank enough the last two nights so no drinking tonight. Eat a late lunch, and decide to finally work on this report. Hang out in Big Banana, have another passion strawberry daquiri (yes I know what you're thinking). Didn't I just write I wasn't going to drink tonight. Well, I did say that, but then the nice lady asked me so nicely if I wanted anything to drink, and before I could stop myself, I said yes another passion strawberry please. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> I haven't gone into the water yet, as the weather's been iffy (raining on and off), but hopefully tomorrow (if I get up and don't turn over) Off to bed for me TTOL. Good night Irene.

Sharon