Here is part 3:
6/28/06
Today we scheduled a tour on The Breakaway. As soon as we boarded, we realized we were if for a great day. The crew, Kevin, Jackie and Lindsey we offering us brinks and fruit and nut bread. I was the first in the boat to have a Painkiller. They sure didn’t skimp on the booze but I figured that maybe because it was 8:00 in the morning, my body was a bit shocked to deal with it. The boat headed out for the British Virgin Islands. The boat ride took about 45 minutes to an hour. The music was playing, were eating and getting to know our Shipmates. David, a local guy on a perk, let us in on some of the secrets of St Thomas. We want some jewelry and the place he promised the best pricing and quality is a small place named JC Jewelry on Main Street. He said the owner (name escapes me) looks like “Tattoo” from the TV show. He said to ask for him and tell him we are friend of David. Our first stop just down the St John shore where captain Kevin told us the “rules/ program” of the day. There was a huge estate being built on the hills on shore and all anyone knows, it is being built by “a 32 year old guy who is gay”. Two houses to the left of it was Kenney Chesney’s home. It was great seeing the beaches of North Shore St John for the water. We soon arrived at Virgin Gorda BVI to stretch or legs a bit and shop while the ship crew cleared us through Customs. I picked up a nice gear bag/backpack for our snorkel gear and a T-shirt. My wife found a great apron she could not live without.
We soon reboarded to go to the Baths. The Baths represent the fascinating attraction of the British Virgin Islands with exotic pools, hidden rooms and grottos formed by giant boulders strewn across the white sand beaches. The destination is like nothing you have ever imagined. It is typically referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. We all got into the water and swam to shore. It is great the water is about 85 degrees. I made it much easier for my wife to get in! The crew led us on a 50-minute tour of the baths but the crowd of people kind of ruined it. I would love to spend some time there when it is not so crowded. Following Virgin Gorda, we anchored at Diamonds Reef. We were able to snorkel in these UNCROWDED waters where there are hundreds of colorful fish and spectacular reefs. This snorkel location was one of the most beautiful places I have snorkeled. We were there about one hour and the reboarded. By now the pain killers and beer was flowing steadily. After spending time snorkeling the coral reef, the Captain and Crew will greet you with an assortment of fresh fruits. We had a minute to sit back, relax, refresh your drink and have some of the delicious fruit. After we unwind, our next stop was Marina Cay. At Marina Cay we had lunch at Pusser’s Restaurant. It is a “Drop Dead Gorgeous” place for a restaurant. We highly recommend their Caribbean Salad. I had mine with grilled shrimp and my wife with grilled chicken. The Breakaway crew has the routine down pat. The passed out menus on board, took everyone orders and phoned in the order. When be arrived, the orders were served hot as soon as we sat down at our reserved tables. No time was wasted here!
Next Stop, the island of Jost Van Dyke and the Soggy Dollar Bar. This island is only 4 miles long, population less than 200 and is known for its "barefoot" lifestyle. Some us swam in and some used the various flotation devices provided by the crew to get into the beach. There is no dock at this stop so all guests had to swim ashore and buy their drinks with their "soggy dollars", thus the name. We managed to get to shore and immediately I went to the bar. This is the place that invented the “PainKiller”. I found a cap and t-shirt that I could not live without but my poor wife found nothing. We were the first to swim back to the boat because we wanted a spot on the upper part of the boat where the shade and view was better. Of course, more drinks greeted us. Then it was time to head back to the US Virgin Islands. As soon as we were underway, the Jackie came around serving delicious shrimp Cocktail to us all. IN St John we all had to get off and go thru Customs but it was quick and easy. WE said good-bye to our new friends form around the East Coast of the US and headed to our resort for a shower.
Tonight was the start of the carnival. We went to town and ate dinner at this great little BBQ place on the corner not far from the Customs place. It was superb. Try it out!
The music was going and the drinks were flowing. It was a bit too loud for me. I got a beer and we hung out listening to the music and watching the folks that call Cruz bay home. What great people. Then ---- suddenly the sky opened up and for 5 minutes it rained harder that I have ever seen. My wife had her new sandals and didn’t want them ruined so we headed to find a “Taxi” to take us back to the Westin. We were glad to be home form a long but great day!