Emilie, Jost Van Dyke, Painkillers, and Jumping Off Docks

We're up and out the door early today to pick up Emilie at Nanny Cay. Emilie is a 24' Contender, which will be our transportation to Jost Van Dyke and points in-between.

Priscilla is at Island Time awaiting our 7:30 a.m. arrival. A quick check of the boat and final briefing, then we're on our way to Soper's Hole to pick up ice since the marina at Nanny Cay doesn't open until 8:30. On top of that, today is a national holiday--The Queen's Birthday--so not sure if the 8:30 a.m. time will be a later opening time.

We pull into Soper's Hole. Gary jumps off and goes into the store for ice. Two bags later, we're headed for a day adventure. The initial plan was to go to Monkey Point for some early morning snorkeling, but the prevailing winds make it a bit snotty, so we opt to head for Jost Van Dyke first, then possible Sandy Cay for late afternoon snorkeling.

We pull in to White Bay and only three or four boats there. We set our anchor, stow all our needed things in a dry bag, jump overboard and swim for shore. Gary stays with Emilie a while longer to ensure the anchor is indeed set.

Because there is no depth finder on the boat and we are required to keep the boat in at least 10-feet of water, Gary anchored out further than the catamarans. Fortunately he did this because as the day grows older, more boats head in and they try to get as near shore as possible. The vessels that were there when we arrived, were a bit nervous as the day trippers and other boats arrived. Fortunately, we didn't have as much worrying to do.

After taking in the beautiful sights of White Bay, we head into the Soggy Dollar for a painkiller for me and a Heineken for Gary. Bartender Nick was a gracious host and had everyone laughing. A few photos, especially of the soggy dollars hanging behind the bard, then a few drinks later (for me), Gary heads back to Emilie to bring her closer to the shore so the swim isn't as far. We load up the boat and head for Great Harbour to hit Foxy's.

As we're arriving at the government dock, a spot opens up on the end and we gracefully motor in and tie up. No swimming in required for this spot. We walk over to Foxy's and order a Foxy's Punch (followed by a Friggin' in da Riggin') for me and a Bushwacker for Gary. Within a short period of time, the place fills up and Foxy makes an appearance! He cracks a few jokes, poses for photos, and has the crowd laughing. After enjoying a second drink and conch fritters, we decide to head over to Diamond Cay to Foxy's Taboo for lunch.

The dock at Foxy's Taboo is easy to tie up to and even more fun to jump off, as Gary would witness when we were ready to leave. Darren greets us in the restaurant and promptly takes our drink order. Another Friggin' in da Riggin for me and other greenie for Gary. Darren is intrigued by the Coastal Angler Magazine he spots on the table and Gary gives him a copy and tells him more about it. Before long, Darren is wearing Gary's Coastal Angler hat and is sitting at the bar reading the magazine. I think Darren will be our first CAM BVI representative. :)

After a lunch of pizza and a Foxy's Taboo Salad, we head for the dock. Influence by two young mermaids, I join them in jumping off the dock, while we make Gary take photos. Too much fun. Gary was a little concerned about safety but realized we were all safe and the water very deep.

Once I boarded the boat, we were off to Sandy Cay for a quick swim and snorkel. Four o'clock snuck up very fast. Our run to Nanny Cay with current wind and sea conditions would be at least 30-45 minutes, so we loaded up, secure all items aboard and off we went.

We arrived back at Nanny Cay with 15 minutes to spare. Priscilla was on the dock and helped us refuel. We only used 16 gallons of fuel. WOW! Guess we did more limin' than cruisin'.

She inspected the boat, found it in the same condition in which it left and wished us a wonderful vacation. Gary and I were proud to not have joined the Tree of Shame, which is a tree that holds all the props dinged or damaged by past renters.

We headed back to Casa Allamanda. After showers, we warmed up the last of the past sauce, ate, did some reading, then it was early to bed. A day on the water, in the sun, and enjoying rum concoctions is hard work.

Day Four - Soper's Hole, Wali Nikiti, and Scrub Island

Today we headed to Soper's Hole to say hi to Debs and Scott at their new Island Surf and Saillocation. Their new 'office' is air-conditioned and very comfortable. Gary had fun checking out some of their new long boards. They were off on a morning delivery so we said a quick good-bye and promised to stop back another afternoon for happy hour.

It was then off to Island Time at Nanny Cay to arrange for a boat rental. We completed our paper work, did our pre-trip briefing and checked out Emily, the 22-foot Contender the boat we've been assigned. We rented Emilie last year and she's a fine vessel. We'll be able to pick her up early due to a boat delivery, so this year I'm lobbying for us to sneak in a trip to Monkey Point for early morning snorkeling, then over to Jost Van Dyke.

Afterwards, we headed back to Casa Allamanda for some limin' before heading over to Trellis Bay in the mid-afternoon to hook up with Chef Davide for a trip to Wali Nikiti on Scrub Island.

Everything in the Caribbean, as Gary and I learned from a year of managing a resort in the southern Caribbean, is about the boat. Observing the supplies on the dock being loaded aboard the Scrub Island Resort boat, and others headed for Virgin Gorda, really brought back some memories. We later shared with Chef Davide that the frozen food order for our resort only came once a year. He was amazed!

Chef Davide finally appeared on the dock and we took the next boat over to Scrub Island. Scrub Island Resort is very beautiful and it's hard to describe the architecture--it's definitely not classic Caribbean. Lots of natural materials have been used and it appears as they've spared no expense. Available slips were plentiful, but I expect over time that will change. While almost complete, they are still running Cat-6 on the docks and doing some concrete-tile work here and there. The bi-level pool area is certain to be a favorite, and the interior bar is very beautiful. The bar's top in this room is made from beautifully polished petrified wood. Very elegant and classy. A private dining room sits off the main dining room and a conference/ball room area will be a great attraction for corporate events and I'm sure weddings.

Ceasar, who helps Davide at Wali Nikiti, picked us up at the resort. Davide drove to Wali Nikit, pointing out Scrub Island Resort villas under construction, as well as the resort's desalinization plant and back up generators. Running a resort on a private island takes a lot of planning and resources.

Davide and Cele's home-Wali Nikiti is magnificent! Pictures don't do it justice, but here's a link to the one's we captured.

Davide and Cele had elements of the house created before it was even built. The imported wood, art, architecture, open-air living, color scheme and hundreds of other special touches make the home a work of art itself. Definitely a one-of-a-kind-home. Thank you for the tour Davide and may you and Cele enjoy many wonderful love filled years in Wali-Nikiti.

After departing Wali-Nikiti and Scrub Island, we headed towards the opposite end of Tortola--West End for cocktails and appetizers. Why? We love watching the bare boaters who come in after a day of sailing. Some are all smiles, others are grateful to be back on land, and then there are those who continue the drinking olympics. Pussers West End is great for people watching.

Afterwards, we travel back to Casa Allamanda for a light dinner, some reading, and then off to sleep. All the fresh air, sunshine and 'traveling the island' sure does tire us out!

Here's a link to photos of Scrub Island Resort: