Forgot to mention in the first "installment" that when Belinda and I went to CGB that first Tuesday, we saw our friend, and inspirational businessman, "One Love" with a full tent of wares for sale! He recognized us from last Fall, or at least acted like he did <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> and proceeded to place his hands on our heads and gave us his "blessing" for a happy anniversary and safe trip home when the time came <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> Gotta LOVE IT!

Also on Tuesday, went to North Shore Shell Museum for lunch. REALLY had aprehensions on doing this since the building looks a little "cluttered" and not sure if it was open or closed. But, met Egbert Donovan who took us upstairs, put a bottle of rum on the table and steered us toward his "Special of the Day - curried chicken". Before we got that far, I asked Egbert if he took credit cards since I didn't have much cash. He smiled, said no credit cards but not to worry if I didn't have enough cash he trusted me to come back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> INCREDIBLE. Frankly, lunch was just ok but the conversation was invaluable! Egbert talked of his island, rowing a boat to STT as a young man to work, and of his love for the children of Tortola and what he does to help them become better adults. We heard about his "sailing club" and how the children collect shells to make things to sell for their club. We told him when we first met him that we were there for our anniversary. As we started to leave he came back to our table and gave Belinda a small "bouqet" of shells made by his students! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Very Proud Man <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Thursday 4/22 OUR ANNIVERSARY

Woke up to more clouds <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> and were having second thoughts on making the effort to get to Anegada but decided to give it a try to get to Trellis to catch the North Shore Express by 8:15 AM to hook up with Double D on VG. As we made the mad dash to Trellis (40 minutes from Carrot Bay through Roadtown to Trellis-not bad) the clouds started to break <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Made the ferry, found DD and proceeded to Anegada. Seas were 4 - 5 ft. which made for a bouncy ride on a smaller powerboat. Couldn't move from upper to lower once we were underway. Knuckles were sore for days from the deathgrip I had on the pole. First time on this island and well worth the trip! Took the taxi tour, saw the Settlement, no flamingo's, and then to Loblolly Bay and Big Bamboo! OUTSTANDING lobster, snorkeling, and beach.

Made it back to Coconut Point in time to shower and go to Sugar Mill for our "special" dinner. Food was VERY good, service VERY good, the only less than positive was we were seated in a row of 6 two top tables so close together you almost hit elbows with the person next to you. Funny was when two of the servers came out toward us singing "Happy Anniversary" but stopped at the table next to us as that couple looked totally shocked <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> The duet quickly realized the error and sang to us <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Friday
SUNNY again! In fact, with the usual overnight/early morning shower, it was sunny the rest of our trip. Went to Smuggler's, bar OPEN <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />met Bob's son Matt and grandson Matt the latter of which runs the bar. Nicely done <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Swam, snorkeled(sp?) and watched in utter amazement as a young woman snorkeled over the reef to the east of the bar, apparently got scared at being over the CORAL and STOOD UP with fins on the coral and started to walk all over trying to get to deeper water <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drown.gif" alt="" /> Her husband thought this so funny, he started taking pictures while the rest of their group got a big laugh out of it.

Went to Rhymer's for lunch. GREAT grilled snapper plate w/veggies, slaw for $10! That night went to Sebastain's for dinner, had outstanding Stewed Conch and sat right by the rail looking at the surf <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> Uschi came by to say high and we later joined her on the patio at Sebastain's and talked and drank wine until well after midnight <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> GREAT Fun!!

Saturday
Went to LBBR for b'fast and spent from 11 - 4 back at Smuggler's. Walking in off the beach, NOT on the coral, we snorkled and saw an incredible number of all type fish. Had a snack at Pusser's then to Quito's that night but he was closed for a private party <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Mad.gif" alt="" /> so darn, we HAD to go back to Palm's Delight for Gingerwine Chicken and be served by Isaac and Sonny.

Sunday
Sat on the porch at Orchid, drank coffee, cooked bacon for a little snack, and just sat and enjoyed the great breeze, sound of the surf, and JUST being where we were <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> I actually started to read a book - Pirate Looks At 50. Decided to check out Lambert Bay, drove down through Roadtown and decided to stop at an ATM where we thankfully found we had left our beach bag/towels back in our room. Went back and decided to go to CGB instead since it was getting later. Drove into CGB and the place was FULL of safari busses. Kept going on to Brewer's. Great choice. Cheesburger's in Paradise at Nicole's, swimming etc. almost empty beach. Dinner that night back at Sebastain's because the food is consistantly very good, staff VERY friendly, AND they had live music! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/band.gif" alt="" /> Had great bbq ribs, Belinda had the Stewed Conch, several glasses of wine. (So who's counting?) and were invited to join Uschi at her table to hear the band AND her daughter Jessica sing with the band <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Tortola Idol may not be far off. Stayed late again. Uschi's definitely a BAD influence <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Monday
Morning rain for a bit, coffee on the deck, watch the sails all over horizon. Wonder if any TTOL'ers? Lunch at Myett's, love the staff/owners there, Karim, Sandman, Sonia, Judy, et al. Saw our friend Clem. Went to Jolly Roger for dinner and had a good time since we had never been.

Tuesday
Took a bag of laundry to Mr. Dawson's laundry in the small building behind the cemetary next to the "Sub-Post Office" near Coconut Point. Very nice man who did the bag for all of $4! This is just down from the "Low Budget Superette" which I would walk to for necessary items such as rum and coke <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" /> B'fast at Sebastain's, (Uschi how about a frequent users discount? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />) They make a mean omelete AND Bloody Mary. Beach again at Smuggler's all day. Dinner that night at Spagetti Junction. Met April and mentioned Manpot recommended them. Very hospitable, bought our first glass of wine. Dinner was awsome <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> love the atmosphere looking out over the harbor. We're back there for sure.

Wednesday
Rained HARD all morning until around noon. Sat on the deck and just watched the rain come in waves so thick you couldn't see more than a hundred feet out! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" /> Made a break for lunch around noon and went back to Rhymer's and for a change went to the beach in front of Sebastain's. The official dog of the house, Jazzy, was there. Since we had already met, it was no problem for Belinda to pay all of her attention to her four legged buddy and Jazzy didn't seem to mind <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/greendog.gif" alt="" />
Drove by the new Bannaqueet at Heritage Villa and met their young Chef Jason. Menu looks good, Chef Jason very enthusiastic. We'll try them next trip.
Since this was our last night here we had to go back to Myett's for dinner! Besides, Clem was there playing his steel drum! We both had the lobster dinner which was really good but in my usual vacation state, failed to understand that it was $22 per pound and of course both of our lobsters were 2 pounders <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/hungry.gif" alt="" /> They sat us at a table up front near the stage. Clem's son joined him on his own steel drums. What a treat. Judy was our server and was able to spend some time with us talking about Tortola and life on island. Got some great pictures of us all. Judy wears a candle on her head very well <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Thursday
Time to leave <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> but have to go back to work to pay for next year. We packed first thing so we could have a leisurely morning on our deck, checked out at Sebastain's at 11 AM, caught the 12:15 ferry to STJ, went through Custom's in about five minutes, and had lunch at J.J.'s Texas Coast in Cruz Bay. Caught the 2:15 ferry to Charlotte then to the airport for our 4:30 flight. Airport customs was an absolute pain. Rude personell, new construction with no idea where to go next but, hey we made it.

This was out third trip to Tortola in the past three years. We love this place and will continue to make this our preferred vacation home. If you take the time AND interest in talking with and getting to know those who live there, you quickly realize they are a very proud people with an admirable work ethic. Belinda and I feel like we've made true friends there. Thanks for sharing your home with us Uschi, Jessica, Mandy, Nikki, Clem, Karim, Sandman, Sonia, Judy, Nicole, Egbert, Matt, Isaac, Sonny, Nicole (even though you're a Yankees fan <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />) and everyone else we've met. See you in 2005 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" />