Our B.V.I. Adventure

On Friday night, we took Cristall and Will to the Jolly Roger so they could enjoy the fresh Anegada Lobster for which the BVI is known.  They loved it!  Jolly Roger grills lobster during season and serves a yummy seafood pasta as well.  It is all delicious!

There was a live band on Friday night, so we just had to hit the dance floor!  I have to admit, my 5-month-pregnant-self felt a little funny out there bustin' a move...ha!
And lastly, here's a great shot of the boys.  (And no, they didn't color coordinate their Skittles-inspired shorts!)
Tomorrow we're off to Virgin Gorda!!!

So after nearly two weeks of sniffling and sneezing, coughing and wheezing, Michael and I ventured out for a day on the water.  It was exactly what we needed to get over this sickness that's been ailing us lately. 

Michael wasn't sure he was going to feel like wakeboarding, but once we were out there, he got right up.  He even attempted to "high-five" a mooring ball with the board.   (Look for it about 40 seconds in...)



Louise and I went for a swim while the guys took another round on the wakeboard. This is James catching some air:
 And Graham with a hand grab:
We ended with lunch on Cooper Island, which was delightful as always.  Thanks to Louise and Richard for another great day on the water!  A day in the sun and saltwater was definitely the best way to get rid of the cold that wouldn't go away!

Amex in hand, we headed for the USVI on Day 353.  Normally, this means catching a ferry from either Road Town or West End, but our friends Louise and Richard elected to take their boat, Lady Sol since the conditions were so perfect.  Flat water and no wind made for a smooth (and more importantly dry) trip!
We "cleared" through Cruz Bay on St. John. This means we went through Customs there and got the necessary paperwork for the boat, which allowed us to legally motor in US waters.  We grabbed a coffee at a charming little bakery and headed for Red Hook on St. Thomas. 

Check out this member of the welcoming committee there...yikes!  He gave me quite the startle!  I think it's a he...
 We hitched a ride on the open-air "dollar bus" - Charlotte Amalie bound!
We enjoyed a yummy lunch at W!kked in The Galleria at Yacht Haven Grande.  The shops there include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, BCBG, just to name a few! 

The big winner of the day, however, was K Mart, yes K Mart.  When you live on an island where a generic microwave costs upwards of $250, it was fiscally responsible of us to shop there and stock up on essentials, from scotch tape to "toilet rolls."  :)
The most gorgeous part of day came as the sun was setting over St. Thomas. 
While boating in the dark isn't necessarily what any of us had in mind when we started out, it was a beautiful view.  We had to go back through Customs in the BVI and settle up with the Duty Officer before navigating the Sir Francis Drake Channel, again, in complete darkness. 

Richard did a stellar job as "captain" and returned us safely back to the docks at Nanny Cay.

You know, after writing this, I'm amazed at the energy expended in the name of retail.  While it was the most enjoyable day, don't get me wrong, I just think about the lengths people (in this case, us!) will go to when it comes to shopping.

SO, if a short car ride happens to separate you from a mall or shopping center, will you do me a favor?  Savor that convenient little drive, free parking, and selection of stores stuffed with the latest and greatest!

Reciprocally, we will savor the sunshine and warm temperatures this holiday season while many of you are bundled up and scraping ice from your windshields so you can take aforementioned trip to the shopping mall!

Merry Christmas!

In the afternoon we accepted the kind invitation from our new friends, Louise and Richard to join them for an afternoon of wakeboarding!  Michael loves this sport and until now, he hasn't had the opportunity in the BVI.  Louise and Richard, both from England, have lived in the BVI going on three years now, but just recently started wakeboarding.  You wouldn't know it though - just watch them go!  First up?  Louise!

Michael picked it back up as if no time had passed from his days on Lake Holiday...
This next shot is the only one I caught of any of the wakeboarders in mid-air!  This was actually the last run of the day - Richard finished strong!
Oh, and you might  be wondering - where are the photos of yours truly weaving in and out of the waves?  Unfortunately there are none.  There are several embarrasing videos of me attempting to wakeboard.  I did manage to get up two of the seven attempts, but it was short-lived.  Maybe next time? 

Here's one last shot...love the sun in this one.  That's Michael on the board.