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.I
t 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.
t 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.
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.
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