Ahhhh……the BVI, what is it about them ?

January 6, 2016

   We woke at 3AM to make our 6:05 AM flight to St. Thomas via Miami.  Preparing for this lifestyle change seems to be getting easier, which is a little scary as we kept thinking “surely we have forgotten something very important”.  We rented a car the day before to leave at the airport, as last year Yellow cab was a near disaster,  returned our Comcast box,  forwarded the mail, cleaned the apartment - and managed to go out to eat at the Sewickley Hotel, our favorite pub, the night before. The flights were on time and smooth.  Then we got to the ferry terminal on St. Thomas.....actually nothing bad happened but the potential is so HUGE.  After purchasing tickets, the “bagman” - that name is actually printed on his shirt - comes around and very cheerfully takes your luggage out of your sight.  Will we ever see it again?  We proceed to the waterside waiting area, which is interesting - especially watching sea planes landing or taking off - but the most rivoting is watching them load the luggage on the ferry.  We were on the Bomba Charger, which has been around at least since the 1980’s, and it is known as the “fast ferry”.  The crew throws the suitcases from the dock to the boat (tip - do not put breakables in your suitcases),  and we watched to make sure ours did make it on instead of in the water first.  Then we board with absolutely no announcement that the ferry to Tortola is due to leave soon.  If you are not smart enough to hang around then “too bad”.  Also, there are no instructions re’ life saving equipment should the ferry get into trouble.  None.

   But, arriving at West End, Tortola, is still a thrill and the welcome at Nanny Cay Marina Hotel seems very genuine - we feel like we are at home!  Peg leg’s beach bar is the best we have been to and the same bartenders are there.  We get our usual - mango slaw for Sandy and chicken pot pie for Ray.  The pie is delicious and I wonder why I never try to make it.

    Before we left yesterday we were feeling nostalgic for Sewickley - the skies were crystal blue though the temps were below freezing -  but we realize again that a change in scenary is what makes us appreciate what we have.  And BVI scenery is amazing.

In the boatyard getting some bottom paint and hull polish.

  

What a morning view here at Nanny Cay.  I did not alter this photo at all.