usvi-on-line
Gromit's S.S. Scatterbrained Trip Report - The End
Gromit's S.S. Scatterbrained Trip Report - The End
In case you missed them…
(sorry guys the URL link feature doesn't seem to be working so you'll have to cut and paste).
Day 1: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14882
Day 2: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14883
Day 3: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14890
Day 4: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14892
Day 5: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14930
Day 6: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14944
Day 7: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14952
Day 8: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... 3ac37e2993
December 16
Well, in the process of doing this trip report I realize that the number of pictures I took decreased rapidly as the journey progressed. Not sure if it was the rum, the relaxed attitude or just sheer laziness but I have like ZERO pics from this day. So once again I defer to the Vickirazzi for a visual journey of this last day.
After breakfast we dropped our mooring and headed toward STT and Frenchtown Marina. Our two days on STJ had been great ones full of the usual antics that only time on STJ can usher forth.
As we sailed across the Caribbean Sea, back to port, it became clear that our trip was rapidly coming to an end and we had a pretty heavy travel day ahead of us. We were all a little somber. It was indeed the S.O.W. : The Sail of Woe.
As we sailed past St. Thomas we spotted a little power boat bobbing helplessly in the ocean. There was a young man on a cell phone and he had the engine cover open.
Mr. Scubagirl, having not yet attempted a rescue this -- other than a hat -- immediately slowed and pulled alongside the young man and asked if he needed assistance trip (It’s a long story but the ScubaGirls usually can’t do a trip in the VI without having t rescue someone—it’s kind of a running joke).
We told him we were heading to Frenchtown and were in a time crunch to get the boat back on time so we couldn’t make any stops but we figured we could at least get him to land so he could get some assistance.
It was then that we spotted the name of the little boat. She was called the S.S. Minnow.
Now, far be it from me to judge one’s choice of name for their vessel, but at this point I’m thinking that someone defied the odds on this one and lost.
He gratefully accepted and we tossed him a line. Once he was secured, we were once again headed toward STT. After about 20 minutes the young man, who had remained on his cell phone in the boat, called to us and indicated that we could cut him loose because his friend was on the way and he pointed ahead and to the right.
We looked ahead and off of our starboard bow we saw a large dinghy racing across the water. It was slamming forcefully into the waves as the driver sped along and caught about 8 feet of air off one of the waves as he raced toward us.
We were beginning to think that we might be initiating TWO rescues, but apparently this dude knew what he was doing. It was insane!! We watched as he repeatedly bounced 6-8 feet in the air and drew closer.
Once we knew the SS Minnow had her rescue on the way, we continued on our way as if nothing had happened.
We headed into Yacht Haven Grande Marina (I think that’s where it was!) to fuel up.
Let me just say this. We were on a nice boat. But we were like a dinghy compared to some of the mega yachts that were at the dock fueling up. We were like the Clampets come to visit their rich neighbors.
It was fun to see so many yachts up close but CLEARLY there are some people out there with SERIOUS money -- and I am not one of them.
Once were fueled up we headed straight to Frenchtown to get checked back in. Once again CYOA was professional and efficient and took over to get us back into our slip.
At this point we decided to get some lunch Vicki and Mr. Vicki wanted to head into Charlotte Amalie to get lunch at Gladys’ Café and to walk around (a first for them). ScubaGirl and Mr. ScubaGirl needed to stay behind to get the boat checked in and we all had lunch together with CaptainJay. So we said our goodbyes to Vicki and Mr. Vicki.
After lunch hubby headed off to get a real shower and I decided to check out some of the other boats. Once we were all checked in, we said our good-byes to ScubaGirl and Mr. ScubaGirl. They too were headed into CA for a walk around. We had an earlier flight so we had to get to the airport. I was sad to see ScubaGirl and her hubby go, but as with all good things—they must come to an end.
I spent a few more minutes lingering on the boat and contemplating the previous week. I decided that I should write little notes to ScubaGirl and Vicki and thank them for such a wonderful birthday and such a fabulous trip. I had to admit that I had tears in my eyes as I reflected on the past few days.
After finishing each note I tucked them into their bags, where they would hopefully find them as they unpacked back at home. It was a wonderful journey made better by such wonderful companions.
Before long our lovely taxi driver came to get us and take us to the airport. We are always careful to get there really early because you never know about the lines. As it turns out there was no problem and no need for our usual porter (which can expedite your process if it’s crowded). There were zero lines.
Once again Delta screwed us on our baggage—for some reason their system wouldn’t let us check in on line with the number of bags we had and allow us to pre-pay. We had experienced this problem on the way down and the rep had assured us that she would make the appropriate notation on our reservation. But the ladies at STT refused to honor the notes. Not wanting to go postal at that point I just decided to give them their money with the promise that I WILL NEVER FLY DELTA EVER AGAIN. EVER.
They later reinforced my position by literally snapping Mr. Gromit’s LL Bean Duffel bag in HALF (breaking the ribs that contain the telescoping handle—seriously how do you DO that?) and assuring that our bags arrived at IAD well ahead of us later that evening. They were not actually on the conveyor belt with everyone else’s luggage from that flight. I just happened to see a large purple duffle bag from across baggage claim and a guy with a notepad. They had obviously been there for a long time without us.
Delta. NEVER.AGAIN. But I’m getting ahead of myself...
The flight from STT to ATL was fairly uneventful and hubby and I were lucky to score a vacant seat between us on an otherwise pretty full flight. Once at ATL we had plenty of time for dinner and the lounge.
Before getting something to eat we double checked our departure gate to make sure we were still leaving from the same terminal. Yep. Same terminal.
So we headed for Chili’s Too in that concourse for dinner. Had some margaritas, southwest egg rolls (to share) and chicken tenders for me (this was later to be my undoing as later that evening, after we had been home and in bed for about three hours I started to not feel so good and the next 24 hours were spent worshipping the porcelain God. I’m pretty sure Chili’s Too gave me food poisoning.)
Anyway after what seemed like a relaxing dinner, we headed to the Delta lounge. As we were checking in the lady says, "You know that your flight is leaving form another terminal, don’t you?”
We were like, we JUST checked it 45 mins ago to be sure. “Well it’s now terminal (insert whatever terminal she mentioned here).”
Fortunately we still had plenty of time so we said thank you and headed for the other terminal. Lesson here people... constantly check the boards!
Once we arrived in the NEW terminal and double checked our gate AGAIN to be sure, we settled into the nearest Delta Lounge.
It had been a long week and a long day and we still had another leg to go and a flight that didn’t leave ATL until 9:45 pm to Dulles.
I was looking a little rough around the edges to say the least. I was wearing tan capris, my navy blue long sleeve Foxy’s t-shirt, and my Keens with ankle socks (don’t judge, it was cold). I was tan as hell with minimal makeup and my hair was in complete disarray. I’m telling you… ROUGH.
So I’m slumped in my chair, feet propped up on my bag in front of me, when out of the corner of my eye I spot a familiar figure. In my post vacation haze it took me a moment, but I said to myself, “Self, that’s Governor Kaine (VA).”
I first met Tim Kaine seven years ago when he was Lt. Governor and our paths have crossed many, many times since. He recently married a classmate of mine from my Fellowship program at UVA.
He was one of the individuals that inspired me to focus my career in the public service arena. He is a very interesting man and nice as hell to boot. And I knew I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t at least say “hi.” He didn’t have an entourage of people with him so it wouldn’t be hard.
So on our way out of the lounge I poked my head in his direction and said, “hi.” he asked me what I had been up to and I told him that I had been sailing for a week which was the reason for my disheveled state. Although, admittedly, I did see a twinkle of jealousy in his eye.
We chatted a bit more and I thanked him for his service to the Commonwealth and told him that he had inspired me to run for local office in November, 2011 (yes, folks it’s true—despite what you make think about me based on these trip reports and on-line persona I am actually a very serious individual who, devotes most of her personal time –when not on STJ—to seriously serving my community in a variety of ways). Just don’t get me started on public policy, you’ll regret it.
Anyway, he was very encouraging and we shook hands and off we headed to catch our flight. Once again we scored our own rows and were able to catch some Z’s.
The one thing that utterly sucks about going to the VI in the winter is that you have to come BACK to winter. It’s the ultimate punishment.
Once we finally figured out the luggage situation and found our driver, we were headed toward home sweet home.
Gromit (our pup) was THRILLED to see us and we were glad to be home.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i9 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SwwNg ... 0.JPG"></a>
As previously mentioned, things went downhill rapidly from there. I woke up extremely ill at about 3:45 Thursday AM and spent the next 24 hours sick as a dog. I guess this is one way to avoid going back to the office after vacation but I don’t recommend it.
Poor hubby stayed home with me and worked from home. It wasn’t pretty. Trust me on this. Yet another reason my husband is a candidate for sainthood.
By Friday I was able to keep some fluids down thus avoiding a trip to the emergency room for dehydration. But then we heard the bad news that the Snowpacalypse of 2009 was fast approaching.
Of course our fridge was completely empty and Mr. Gromit had to brave the grocery stores with the usual Friday shoppers as well as the “oh-my-god-its-going-to-snow-and-we’re-going-to-be-snowed-in-for-days-so-we-have-to-get-bread-milk-and-toiletpaper” people.
So the poor guy had to do the grocery shopping by himself with the insane people because I was still at home in bed feeling like an elephant had sat on my head and I had done about 1,378 sit ups.
Then Saturday the snow storm hit. I have pictures of THAT. It was unreal. I don’t remember how much snow we got but it was a lot.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ki ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHm ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a6 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHr ... 8.JPG"></a>
At this point I was starting to feel more like myself and we decided to take Gromit for a walk. He was thrilled!! It’s weird to be walking through two feet of snow with a killer tan.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pq ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHt ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ns ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHv ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/20 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHy ... 1.JPG"></a>
Sunday rolled around and the storm ended and hubby dug us out. Monday everything was closed including my office.
So, you see, my 9 day vacation turned into a two week vacation in the blink of an eye. I don’t recommend getting food poisoning and enduring a massive snowstorm as a means to delay returning to the office after a great vacation, but hey, whatever works for you.
Epilogue
I learned a lot on this journey through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. While I love STJ, I also discovered a few places that are definitely worth a second look. Even after thirteen years of travel to this part of the world I learned a lot.
I also learned that I would definitely do another trip like this in the future and would probably be better at it now that I know what to expect (but isn’t this always the case no matter what you do?)
I think I built up a lot more confidence being on the water. I would also take a sailing class at home so I could build up my boating skills. Even if I didn’t use them, it’s nice to know what’s going on and why.
To be honest it’s really hard to bring such a fun trip report to a nice close. It really is. Because anything I could write at this point has probably already been said or could never truly do this trip justice.
I hesitate to call this a “trip of a lifetime.” Because if I do, I risk implying that I won’t do it again and that is simply not the case. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. And hopefully better next time.
For me a key part of a vacation is to take the time to look at my world from a different perspective and to experience life outside of my comfort zone.
When I do this, one of two things happen:
1) I realize that my quality of life is better than I thought it was and appreciate it more; or
2) I realize that someone else’s quality of life is better than mine and I need to reassess my priorities.
Either way I do try to take a little piece of my experience and try to integrate that into my everyday life. That way I feel like part of my travels stay with me. Maybe it’s a recipe I picked up or using some new spices in what I cook. Or maybe it’s the west Indian custom of smiling and saying good day to someone before I ask them a question.
All in all I know my life is all the more rich for my travels and for the people that I meet along the way.
A couple of years ago, when we were in Prague we caught a show on BBC called “The Long Way Round” one night when we were getting ready for bed. I think Mr. Gromit was doing his laundry in the bathtub or something.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0K ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SKCLk ... 2.JPG"></a>
Anyway, the show is about the Actor Ewan McGregor and his best mate Charley Boorman and their trip from London to New York the “long way around” via Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Alaska and the northern US and every country or state in between.
They did the trip on BMW heavy bikes. They had a support team following but they did the trip ON the bikes over the course of several months. You get to see everything from the planning of the trip, to the stops along the way and even the serious disagreements.
They had bikes break down, parts fall off, roads end or disappear altogether into impassable rivers and met all manner of people along the way.
At some point towards the end of the journey, Ewan is talking to the camera and he said something that resonated with me. He said something to the effect of:
“People told us that this couldn’t be done. And there were times that I thought they were right. But we did it anyway. So many people are afraid to take risks or to go somewhere or do something they never have before for fear of the unknown. ‘What happens when we run out of road? What happens if we get lost? What happens if we get hurt?’ But the reality is that there are always people that will come out of nowhere to help you out. They will surprise you with their generosity and spirit. So take the journey. Take the first step and follow your gut.”
Granted I’m paraphrasing what he said but that’s what I remember and took away from it. If you get a chance to watch this series, I highly recommend it:
http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.php
They also did a sequel called the ‘Long way Down’ where they rode from the very northernmost tip of Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa.
All in all the adventures of the S.S. Scatterbrained (aka Island Sister) and her fearless crew were something to behold.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to spend a week with some amazing and wonderful people.
It was a week that I will not soon forget.
Thanks to all the Forumites out there for reading this lengthy TR. I hope your journey with me was worth it.
The end.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rA ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4e ... 3.JPG"></a>
(sorry guys the URL link feature doesn't seem to be working so you'll have to cut and paste).
Day 1: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14882
Day 2: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14883
Day 3: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14890
Day 4: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14892
Day 5: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14930
Day 6: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14944
Day 7: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14952
Day 8: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... 3ac37e2993
December 16
Well, in the process of doing this trip report I realize that the number of pictures I took decreased rapidly as the journey progressed. Not sure if it was the rum, the relaxed attitude or just sheer laziness but I have like ZERO pics from this day. So once again I defer to the Vickirazzi for a visual journey of this last day.
After breakfast we dropped our mooring and headed toward STT and Frenchtown Marina. Our two days on STJ had been great ones full of the usual antics that only time on STJ can usher forth.
As we sailed across the Caribbean Sea, back to port, it became clear that our trip was rapidly coming to an end and we had a pretty heavy travel day ahead of us. We were all a little somber. It was indeed the S.O.W. : The Sail of Woe.
As we sailed past St. Thomas we spotted a little power boat bobbing helplessly in the ocean. There was a young man on a cell phone and he had the engine cover open.
Mr. Scubagirl, having not yet attempted a rescue this -- other than a hat -- immediately slowed and pulled alongside the young man and asked if he needed assistance trip (It’s a long story but the ScubaGirls usually can’t do a trip in the VI without having t rescue someone—it’s kind of a running joke).
We told him we were heading to Frenchtown and were in a time crunch to get the boat back on time so we couldn’t make any stops but we figured we could at least get him to land so he could get some assistance.
It was then that we spotted the name of the little boat. She was called the S.S. Minnow.
Now, far be it from me to judge one’s choice of name for their vessel, but at this point I’m thinking that someone defied the odds on this one and lost.
He gratefully accepted and we tossed him a line. Once he was secured, we were once again headed toward STT. After about 20 minutes the young man, who had remained on his cell phone in the boat, called to us and indicated that we could cut him loose because his friend was on the way and he pointed ahead and to the right.
We looked ahead and off of our starboard bow we saw a large dinghy racing across the water. It was slamming forcefully into the waves as the driver sped along and caught about 8 feet of air off one of the waves as he raced toward us.
We were beginning to think that we might be initiating TWO rescues, but apparently this dude knew what he was doing. It was insane!! We watched as he repeatedly bounced 6-8 feet in the air and drew closer.
Once we knew the SS Minnow had her rescue on the way, we continued on our way as if nothing had happened.
We headed into Yacht Haven Grande Marina (I think that’s where it was!) to fuel up.
Let me just say this. We were on a nice boat. But we were like a dinghy compared to some of the mega yachts that were at the dock fueling up. We were like the Clampets come to visit their rich neighbors.
It was fun to see so many yachts up close but CLEARLY there are some people out there with SERIOUS money -- and I am not one of them.
Once were fueled up we headed straight to Frenchtown to get checked back in. Once again CYOA was professional and efficient and took over to get us back into our slip.
At this point we decided to get some lunch Vicki and Mr. Vicki wanted to head into Charlotte Amalie to get lunch at Gladys’ Café and to walk around (a first for them). ScubaGirl and Mr. ScubaGirl needed to stay behind to get the boat checked in and we all had lunch together with CaptainJay. So we said our goodbyes to Vicki and Mr. Vicki.
After lunch hubby headed off to get a real shower and I decided to check out some of the other boats. Once we were all checked in, we said our good-byes to ScubaGirl and Mr. ScubaGirl. They too were headed into CA for a walk around. We had an earlier flight so we had to get to the airport. I was sad to see ScubaGirl and her hubby go, but as with all good things—they must come to an end.
I spent a few more minutes lingering on the boat and contemplating the previous week. I decided that I should write little notes to ScubaGirl and Vicki and thank them for such a wonderful birthday and such a fabulous trip. I had to admit that I had tears in my eyes as I reflected on the past few days.
After finishing each note I tucked them into their bags, where they would hopefully find them as they unpacked back at home. It was a wonderful journey made better by such wonderful companions.
Before long our lovely taxi driver came to get us and take us to the airport. We are always careful to get there really early because you never know about the lines. As it turns out there was no problem and no need for our usual porter (which can expedite your process if it’s crowded). There were zero lines.
Once again Delta screwed us on our baggage—for some reason their system wouldn’t let us check in on line with the number of bags we had and allow us to pre-pay. We had experienced this problem on the way down and the rep had assured us that she would make the appropriate notation on our reservation. But the ladies at STT refused to honor the notes. Not wanting to go postal at that point I just decided to give them their money with the promise that I WILL NEVER FLY DELTA EVER AGAIN. EVER.
They later reinforced my position by literally snapping Mr. Gromit’s LL Bean Duffel bag in HALF (breaking the ribs that contain the telescoping handle—seriously how do you DO that?) and assuring that our bags arrived at IAD well ahead of us later that evening. They were not actually on the conveyor belt with everyone else’s luggage from that flight. I just happened to see a large purple duffle bag from across baggage claim and a guy with a notepad. They had obviously been there for a long time without us.
Delta. NEVER.AGAIN. But I’m getting ahead of myself...
The flight from STT to ATL was fairly uneventful and hubby and I were lucky to score a vacant seat between us on an otherwise pretty full flight. Once at ATL we had plenty of time for dinner and the lounge.
Before getting something to eat we double checked our departure gate to make sure we were still leaving from the same terminal. Yep. Same terminal.
So we headed for Chili’s Too in that concourse for dinner. Had some margaritas, southwest egg rolls (to share) and chicken tenders for me (this was later to be my undoing as later that evening, after we had been home and in bed for about three hours I started to not feel so good and the next 24 hours were spent worshipping the porcelain God. I’m pretty sure Chili’s Too gave me food poisoning.)
Anyway after what seemed like a relaxing dinner, we headed to the Delta lounge. As we were checking in the lady says, "You know that your flight is leaving form another terminal, don’t you?”
We were like, we JUST checked it 45 mins ago to be sure. “Well it’s now terminal (insert whatever terminal she mentioned here).”
Fortunately we still had plenty of time so we said thank you and headed for the other terminal. Lesson here people... constantly check the boards!
Once we arrived in the NEW terminal and double checked our gate AGAIN to be sure, we settled into the nearest Delta Lounge.
It had been a long week and a long day and we still had another leg to go and a flight that didn’t leave ATL until 9:45 pm to Dulles.
I was looking a little rough around the edges to say the least. I was wearing tan capris, my navy blue long sleeve Foxy’s t-shirt, and my Keens with ankle socks (don’t judge, it was cold). I was tan as hell with minimal makeup and my hair was in complete disarray. I’m telling you… ROUGH.
So I’m slumped in my chair, feet propped up on my bag in front of me, when out of the corner of my eye I spot a familiar figure. In my post vacation haze it took me a moment, but I said to myself, “Self, that’s Governor Kaine (VA).”
I first met Tim Kaine seven years ago when he was Lt. Governor and our paths have crossed many, many times since. He recently married a classmate of mine from my Fellowship program at UVA.
He was one of the individuals that inspired me to focus my career in the public service arena. He is a very interesting man and nice as hell to boot. And I knew I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t at least say “hi.” He didn’t have an entourage of people with him so it wouldn’t be hard.
So on our way out of the lounge I poked my head in his direction and said, “hi.” he asked me what I had been up to and I told him that I had been sailing for a week which was the reason for my disheveled state. Although, admittedly, I did see a twinkle of jealousy in his eye.
We chatted a bit more and I thanked him for his service to the Commonwealth and told him that he had inspired me to run for local office in November, 2011 (yes, folks it’s true—despite what you make think about me based on these trip reports and on-line persona I am actually a very serious individual who, devotes most of her personal time –when not on STJ—to seriously serving my community in a variety of ways). Just don’t get me started on public policy, you’ll regret it.
Anyway, he was very encouraging and we shook hands and off we headed to catch our flight. Once again we scored our own rows and were able to catch some Z’s.
The one thing that utterly sucks about going to the VI in the winter is that you have to come BACK to winter. It’s the ultimate punishment.
Once we finally figured out the luggage situation and found our driver, we were headed toward home sweet home.
Gromit (our pup) was THRILLED to see us and we were glad to be home.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i9 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SwwNg ... 0.JPG"></a>
As previously mentioned, things went downhill rapidly from there. I woke up extremely ill at about 3:45 Thursday AM and spent the next 24 hours sick as a dog. I guess this is one way to avoid going back to the office after vacation but I don’t recommend it.
Poor hubby stayed home with me and worked from home. It wasn’t pretty. Trust me on this. Yet another reason my husband is a candidate for sainthood.
By Friday I was able to keep some fluids down thus avoiding a trip to the emergency room for dehydration. But then we heard the bad news that the Snowpacalypse of 2009 was fast approaching.
Of course our fridge was completely empty and Mr. Gromit had to brave the grocery stores with the usual Friday shoppers as well as the “oh-my-god-its-going-to-snow-and-we’re-going-to-be-snowed-in-for-days-so-we-have-to-get-bread-milk-and-toiletpaper” people.
So the poor guy had to do the grocery shopping by himself with the insane people because I was still at home in bed feeling like an elephant had sat on my head and I had done about 1,378 sit ups.
Then Saturday the snow storm hit. I have pictures of THAT. It was unreal. I don’t remember how much snow we got but it was a lot.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ki ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHm ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a6 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHr ... 8.JPG"></a>
At this point I was starting to feel more like myself and we decided to take Gromit for a walk. He was thrilled!! It’s weird to be walking through two feet of snow with a killer tan.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Pq ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHt ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ns ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHv ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/20 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/S0OHy ... 1.JPG"></a>
Sunday rolled around and the storm ended and hubby dug us out. Monday everything was closed including my office.
So, you see, my 9 day vacation turned into a two week vacation in the blink of an eye. I don’t recommend getting food poisoning and enduring a massive snowstorm as a means to delay returning to the office after a great vacation, but hey, whatever works for you.
Epilogue
I learned a lot on this journey through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. While I love STJ, I also discovered a few places that are definitely worth a second look. Even after thirteen years of travel to this part of the world I learned a lot.
I also learned that I would definitely do another trip like this in the future and would probably be better at it now that I know what to expect (but isn’t this always the case no matter what you do?)
I think I built up a lot more confidence being on the water. I would also take a sailing class at home so I could build up my boating skills. Even if I didn’t use them, it’s nice to know what’s going on and why.
To be honest it’s really hard to bring such a fun trip report to a nice close. It really is. Because anything I could write at this point has probably already been said or could never truly do this trip justice.
I hesitate to call this a “trip of a lifetime.” Because if I do, I risk implying that I won’t do it again and that is simply not the case. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. And hopefully better next time.
For me a key part of a vacation is to take the time to look at my world from a different perspective and to experience life outside of my comfort zone.
When I do this, one of two things happen:
1) I realize that my quality of life is better than I thought it was and appreciate it more; or
2) I realize that someone else’s quality of life is better than mine and I need to reassess my priorities.
Either way I do try to take a little piece of my experience and try to integrate that into my everyday life. That way I feel like part of my travels stay with me. Maybe it’s a recipe I picked up or using some new spices in what I cook. Or maybe it’s the west Indian custom of smiling and saying good day to someone before I ask them a question.
All in all I know my life is all the more rich for my travels and for the people that I meet along the way.
A couple of years ago, when we were in Prague we caught a show on BBC called “The Long Way Round” one night when we were getting ready for bed. I think Mr. Gromit was doing his laundry in the bathtub or something.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0K ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SKCLk ... 2.JPG"></a>
Anyway, the show is about the Actor Ewan McGregor and his best mate Charley Boorman and their trip from London to New York the “long way around” via Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Alaska and the northern US and every country or state in between.
They did the trip on BMW heavy bikes. They had a support team following but they did the trip ON the bikes over the course of several months. You get to see everything from the planning of the trip, to the stops along the way and even the serious disagreements.
They had bikes break down, parts fall off, roads end or disappear altogether into impassable rivers and met all manner of people along the way.
At some point towards the end of the journey, Ewan is talking to the camera and he said something that resonated with me. He said something to the effect of:
“People told us that this couldn’t be done. And there were times that I thought they were right. But we did it anyway. So many people are afraid to take risks or to go somewhere or do something they never have before for fear of the unknown. ‘What happens when we run out of road? What happens if we get lost? What happens if we get hurt?’ But the reality is that there are always people that will come out of nowhere to help you out. They will surprise you with their generosity and spirit. So take the journey. Take the first step and follow your gut.”
Granted I’m paraphrasing what he said but that’s what I remember and took away from it. If you get a chance to watch this series, I highly recommend it:
http://www.longwayround.com/lwr.php
They also did a sequel called the ‘Long way Down’ where they rode from the very northernmost tip of Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa.
All in all the adventures of the S.S. Scatterbrained (aka Island Sister) and her fearless crew were something to behold.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to spend a week with some amazing and wonderful people.
It was a week that I will not soon forget.
Thanks to all the Forumites out there for reading this lengthy TR. I hope your journey with me was worth it.
The end.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rA ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4e ... 3.JPG"></a>
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Re: Gromit's S.S. Scatterbrained Trip Report - The End
"I hope your journey with me was worth it."
Your journey was my pleasure. Absolutely!
Thank you for each word and every picture.
Your journey was my pleasure. Absolutely!
Thank you for each word and every picture.
... no longer a stranger to paradise
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LandLockedBeachLover
- Posts: 374
- Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:16 am
- Location: St. Louis, MO
I really loved reading about your trip, both from your perspective and from Vicki's. Sorry about the food poisoning, that stinks.
I don't think a sailing vacation is for me, but I sure like reading about them. Thanks for a great report.
I don't think a sailing vacation is for me, but I sure like reading about them. Thanks for a great report.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
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sailorgirl
- Posts: 1644
- Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm
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msgcolleen
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:33 am
- Location: Allen, Texas
What an ADVENTURE!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your love and passion of the islands with us! Thanks for taking me with you~I enjoyed every minute of it!
I've got 2 tickets to paradise~Pack your bags we'll leave tonight!
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
Re: Gromit's S.S. Scatterbrained Trip Report - The End
I don't know...seems like more of the beginning of the next adventure!Gromit wrote: The end.
Great report!
