OMG - <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Sorry for the delay in a trip report, fellow TTOL’ers, but work has consumed me since returning from our first and absolutely fabulous BVI trip!! THANK YOU all for your kind words, advice, suggestions and more! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Suffice it to say, we had an absolutely incredible sailing (& land) vacation on & around Tortola. We will certainly return next year now that we are hooked…. Participating in this forum assisted tremendously with our planning, as well as throwing some “caution to the wind”… Since our trip was considered an “off season” one, it may have enhanced our experiences, but here are a few observations from a newbie:
1) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" /> Great customer satisfaction with The Moorings - no complaints as we had a great 40.3 “Dream Weaver” that we got attached to in our week long sail. She sailed great, no maintenance issues. A couple (our inexperience) issues that were quickly remedied by our lead boat Captain & his reliable crew.
2) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Highly recommend a Flotilla the first time out. We were hesitant being around “strangers” who might ruin our vacation. Instead, we met some fantastic people, learned sailing tips from our knowledgeable Capt. & gracious crew and otherwise enjoyed the camaraderie. You still have plenty of “alone” time…
3) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> The food we ate was excellent everywhere we went - didn’t expect $40 pp, but enjoyed it all the same!
4) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> Our three day land stay at Lambert Beach Resort was spectacular. The beach is awesome, it was quiet, the pool was beautiful & refreshing. Just not that far a drive from town or around the island. We had a 4 wheel drive Montero and in the rain, proved to be a solid choice!
5) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> We found the locals casually friendly everywhere we went. If you respect their culture and lifestyle (don’t be a pushy tourist), you will enjoy it so much more..
6) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Watch out for rush hour - cattle will gather in the road in the most unexpected places!
7) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Last, but certainly not least we bought extra toilet paper & paper towels which we didn’t open. The Moorings (& others I assume) KNOW what they are doing when you provision with them!!
Highlights: <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
The sailing winds were awesome with a couple challenging squalls, pristine waters, incredible beautiful sea & landscapes and definitely some of the world’s most magnificent sunsets……
CANE GARDEN BAY - how breathtaking. Do not miss this mooring….We could have spent days there. One of our favorite places….
Great Harbour & White Bay (Jost Van Dyke) - Beautiful, quaint, quiet, white sand beaches…Foxy‘s &, Soggy Dollar t-shirts & hats are a must!
The Baths - did not spend enough time here, need to spend more!
Sophers Hole - the shops are delightful for any shopaholic!
Bitter End (BEYC) - Romantic, beautiful setting…. A definite place to return to and spend a few days sail boarding, kayaking, and more….
Eating - Road Town: The Lasagna House (great ambience & food), Maria‘s and The Pub; Anegada Potters By The Sea served a fresh & succulent Lobster dinner (as former Maine (USA) residents, it really was delicious!!), Pirates at The Bight - great seafood....
We had THE most delicious dining experience at The Turtle Restaurant (Lambert Beach Resort), with attentive service, delicious food, good wine... Thanks to Hurricane Emily skirting by some 200+ miles away, our dinner was interrupted with a severe thunderstorm, complete with a power outage.. Our waiter lowered the canvas screen walls to keep out the rain, lit more candles, and as we sat beachside watching the tall lightening silhoutted palm trees sway, our evening was one of the most romantic ever!
Finally, a few of our more than 500 photo’s have been posted on
http://community.webshots.com/user/lovelybuysHope you all enjoy these as much as we did taking them and experiencing the beauty & mystique of BVI..............
