Day Three – March 23, 2009 -Tortola and Virgin Gorda

Been up since 0330 to catch the early flight to Beef Island, where Cape Air lands on Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Cloudy and overcast. Reminded me A LOT of Juneau and the fantastic summers. The islands and southeast Alaska are all about cruise ship ports and tourist shops and a famous pub or saloon.

We flew in a in a Cessna 402 (more roomy than the C207’s I remember from Skag Air but this rotorchic prefers an A-star -although I’ll never turn down a flight.) Less waterfalls and a helluva lot warmer.

Landed at Beef Island, the airport for Tortola (attached to the big island with a bridge. Another similarity to southeast AK, Ketchikan Airport is on Gravina Island).

My de-virginized passport.


We were early for the ferry, but there were chickens to watch roam around the wharf. This kitty had the right idea – sleep when it’s this early.

Grabbed the John o Point Ferry over to Virgin Gorda (the Fat Virgin). Captain John sped us across the expanse of water and we were the first on the beach at The Baths. While KTO read her Dean Koontz book, I tested the water.

It was cold and the waves were stronger than I expected. Got knocked over a couple of times. Cut my foot and at one point was worried about not making it back to shore and breaking my hip again. But the blues and greens of the water was just like you see in the movies. Where the couples walk romantically in the twilight on the sandy beach. What they don't mention is how much work it is to walk on that sand. And how uncomfortable that sand in your shoes is. Not to mention if it gets in your shorts.

We had planned on spending the day at The Baths, but soon all of the snorkelers and sailboats came in and we decided to explore Road Town.

The ferry took us on the scenic route around Virgin Gorda back to Beef Island. Hopped a ride with Mike, a Cape Air pilot into Road Town. Had lunch at the obligatory “tourist pub” Pussers. Filled our bags with T-shirts, shot glasses and jewelry.

It was time to head back to the airport where we quickly scratched out a few postcards to stamp with the Queen’s postage while waiting for departure. So the lucky people whose addresses I remembered should get their cards in a couple of weeks.

Another return to the hotel in the dark. Don’t even remember what we did for dinner. I remember my feet hurting and being tired. And setting the alarm for 0630 for the drive to Fajardo and the Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise.

Monday, March 22, 2009 - Day Two –

This is the view from my balcony. Never did make it to the pool or the beach during the daylight.
It was nice that there were no bugs, I kept the glass door open while editing photos to warm up the room at night.

Let me introduce Hercules. Even though the Yaris was kind of cute and zippy, I decided that for my mid-life crisis trip to the islands, a Jeep would be more fun. So off came the top, map in hand and the mantra of “head west young women”. Katie and I were off the Rincon, a beach on the west side of the island. A few American songs on the radio. We didn’t make it to Rincon, but stopped at Isabella Beach. Only one little wrong turn down a one way and a little bump into a vehicle while backing up and being honked at.

The rock formations, the waves, the wind, the palm trees. It was wonderful. And best of all, unlike the beach in Mazatlan, there was no lingering scent of rotting fish flesh.

I was proud of myself, I only took a couple hundred photos. Thank god and Sony for digital cameras.

There was some interesting art and grafitti. So much artistic talent that goes to waste. If only that energy and passion could be harnessed.

And then there's the banyan trees. (I think that's what they are based on Wikipedia). Apparently the seeds of the ficus (fig) take root in a host tree and start growing over the structure of that tree.

So after a few hours of sitting on the beach, it was headed back to the hotel. A couple of wrong turns in the dark, but we made it. Big dinner at the hotel restaurant and planning Monday's travel plan. Stay tuned.....

Day One – Leaving Phoenix
03.22. 2009 0117 –Sunday-(Eastern Standard Time)

I apparently made the appropriate sacrifices to the Airline and Weather supreme beings. All flights on time. Luggage arrived as packed. No oversize seatmates. No crying children. I remembered all of the important things and made it all fit. Plus an extra bag to bring back the tourist loot.


I was prepared to be bored during the flight-packed a crossword puzzle book, a murder mystery, a “must read” classical novel (“The Picture of Dorian Gray”), and my laptop. But all I did was sleep. I’d been up since 1230 pm on Friday and worked third shift. Got off work and went to check in. Having the airport security badge is nice- straight to the head of the first class screening line.


Miami Airport – My feet and my camera bag. Waiting for the 757 to whisk me off to Puerto Rico

I did wake up for the island arrival. As the pilot began the final descent into San Luis Montano Airport, the shadow of the 757 was reflected on the woolly clouds and a pale rainbow encircled the shadow. Beautiful and magical. I considered it a good omen for the trip.

Finally relaxing at the Golden Sands Villa. Managed to navigate PR freeways and “calles” in the dark in the Yaris. Not going to mention how long it took me and how many wrong turns I made. The Villa is a subsidiary of the time share we inadvisably bought into a decade ago.. No properties were available (silly me making a spontaneous trip) so they suggested this place. It’s not bad. Not in the Cheena Hot Springs, Fairbank AK “rustic” category- (no phone, no TV)

Parking is interesting. It’s a construction site for a casino. The room is freezing. They want it kept at 65. And there was no way to adjust it. That’s like arctic cold. They advertised internet, but it’s not wireless, it’s through the TV. And $15 a night.

Can’t wait to really see the island in the daylight. Lots of strange birds in the darkness. And some new fragrant blossoms on the humid breeze.