2/19 1:00PM On ferry to JVD met a couple who just got engaged and a couple with a 2yr old who jumped ship in Tortola. Apparetly they did not like the cruise ship (on a 10 night cruise from NYC thru the islands) and informed them that they were going to do things on their own. Got to JVD and caught Abe's taxi to Sandcastle ($5/pp). Arrive at Sandcastle around 2:00 and escorted to Cottage #4, very nice location right in the rear of the property, very private. Claire explained the workings and such and off to the beach.
It was your typical Sunday afternnon, lots of day trippers, crowded bar, and nothing but sun and surf. Crowds off by 5:00 PM to catch customs in St Thomas by 5:30 and place is cirtually empty now, very relaxing. Head to room for a break then off to a amazing 4 course meal by Oliver. In bed by 9:00PM

2/20 What? No rooster? Up for breakfast and off to beach for sun and snorkeling. Not as much day traffic but a small French cruise ship off shore starting to disgorge its passengers (Club Med 2 was ships name and only about 200 people total). Sand on beach is lie talc powder, water warm and calm. numerous trips for painkillers, carib (yes they just got a shipment, but that did not last long) and assorted other beverage. Back to room around 4:30 for rest then happy hour at 6:00 with the "regulars", Tom & Sue from San Francisco, Barb & Frank from Mystic, Joe & Donna from Nantucket, etc. Great group of people, lots of laughs then a gourmet meal from Oliver and bed.

2/21 up for breakfast, must have been late so just got coffee and painkillers. To beach with the French leaving the night before but being replaced with another small ship with "Saitn Thomas yacht Club" on its side, they disgorged to what appeared to be their own private beach place on far end by the "scar on the hill". Strolled down to snorkel, the views were great, sea turtles, tarpon, etc, currents started to get a bit tough towards the point so grabed wife in tow and got back to show for the usual, painkillers, etc.
Back to room for a break then happy hour and dinner. Sea Bass on menu tonight, never had before and it was spectacular!

2/22 7:00AM up to pack and get organized for trip home. Caught the 9:00 ferry to West End, Taxi to Roadtown, Taxi to airport by 10:45 for a 12:30 flight. Got bumped up to the 10:50 flight and in San Juan by noon. San Juan to Charlotte where we spent night and home 2/23 by noon, 20 degrees and overcast.

pictures up in a week or so.