Today we make our trip pilgramage to Smuggler's Cove, the first BVI beach we fell in love with.
When we arrive, we find only six to eight other people on the beach. We head to the shaded area under the palms and sea grapes just to the right of the parking lot. The ladies are just beginning to set up their bar and gift shop area, two couples sunning, another in the water snorkeling.
Gary decides to walk the beach. When he returns, I'm surrounded by an extended family, who had traveled to the BVI for a wedding the night before. I can see the laughter in his eyes. The drill here is if you support the bar, the beach chairs are free. Within the first 10 minutes, four Bushwackers, five Pina Coladas, six Heinekens, and ample virgin portions guarrantee the bar this will be a banner day.
The highlight for the visiting kids and adults at Smuggler's was seeing a local walk from the water with a lobster in his hand. Some of the adults first thought it was a crab (put on your glasses). The highlight for us was watching newbie snorkelers gearing up before they were in the water and walking down the beach with fins on and legs going out to accommodate the gear, masks on but fogging up, and already using their snorkels for breathing. Keeping a straight face is very hard.
Finally around two o'clock (unbeknowst to us right before the heavens decide to open up) we decide to head back to Casa Allamanda. In honor of the Belmont Stakes, on the way back to the villa, we stop at Brewer's Bay new equestrian center to visit the petrified ponies. No, we didn't over indulge at Brewer's Bay. There are actually statuesque ponies in a fenced area of Brewer's Bay. Why are there ponies there. Have no idea, but see the photos.
We enjoy some pool time after the afternoon showers, then ready for the Trellis Bay Full Moon Party. We arrive early, take in the sights, and enjoy listening to the band. The barbeque brings back memories of our time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines---curried goat, stewed chicken, mahi mahi, island provisions (mixed vegetables), roast potatoes, and slaw. Jeremy and crew keep busy refilling the food trays and keeping cups filled.
Later, a spirited steel drum band entertains the crowd. Gary videotapes the action and all of a sudden announces the moon has gone away. Not a good sign. Within seconds, raindrops begin to fall, first lightly, then hard. We head for cover to protect the camera. By this time it's after 9 p.m. After 15 minutes, we decide to forgo the Mock Jumbies and fireballs and head back to Brewer's Bay. I won't go into detail, but driving in a heavy rain, at night, up and down the mountains isn't for the light hearted. Needless to say, both of us were happy when we arrived back at Casa Allamanda.
The rain continued during the night. If fell long and hard, mixed with thunder, something we'd never heard before in the BVI. Gary went out to the patio during one of the showers and remarked on how the wind was howling around the house. Had I been less tired, I would have joined him and added a blanket to the bed. Very cool, very nice. Looking forward to more island explorations via water in the morning. Night, night!
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