It went fast...
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:18 am
This was a last minute, “can we pull this off?” kind of trip with few pictures and much relaxing in familiar and favored places while meeting some new faces. Briefly…
Monday, October 26
was a typical travel day… arrived just before dark at our villa - Casa Bueno on Bordeaux Mountain http://www.vrbo.com/251116 and were warmly greeted by property manager, Marc Miller (bushman1 on VIOL – if you wish to inquire about the garden items), who brought along some delicious limes, mint, and bananas still on the stem. Four o’clock mojitos with a view… each day… priceless!
Dinner was at Skinny Legs… burgers of course.
Tuesday, October 27
started with soaking up the incredible view.
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Closeup view of Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole from Casa Bueno
Beach pick of the day was Little Lameshur… terrific lunch at the Tourist Trap – lobster roll was perfect… shopping stops at Lily’s and Love City Mini Mart.
Dinner choice was La Plancha del Mar in Cruz Bay where we both relished the seared mahi-mahi with spicy tomato basil puree and butternut squash polenta. Add in several glasses of their sangria and a shared key lime crème brulee for a fine experience. Despite being quite busy, owner Jason had time for a quick chat….
Wednesday, October 28
the East End was calling… drove into Dreekets Bay Estates… up and up… quite a view.
Lunch was with Vie and daughter serving up garlic chicken plus Johnnycake and beans, rice and meat sauce… delicious! Then we walked all the way across the road to the beach… life is good. I searched for sea glass – no blue, but green and amber - while my partner snorkeled.
Aqua Bistro was the place for dinner… the grouper special and mahi from the menu pleased us very well.
Thursday, October 29
we quickly made our way to Maho Bay… only ones there for a while. Walking down the beach I recognized Lynn and Ben Chill, and we shared a few moments – great to meet both!
Villa gravity in the afternoon seemed a daily experience and was welcomed heartily. The deck at Casa Bueno lended itself to naps so, so easily.
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
View from the deck of Casa Bueno
The Donkey Diner had just re-opened and we like their pizza, so down the mountain we went. Pia’s hubby was picking up their dinner, and we exchanged a few words and good wishes on their current project.
Friday, October 30
the sun had made its mark on us. A trip to Cruz Bay was in order… visiting the shops, lunch at the Grotto Deli, quick stop at Starfish, and making the trip home by North Shore road. Roadwork is no problem there at all. We found the roundabout to be easy to maneuver as well and an improvement to the intersection.
Saturday, October 31
we strolled out to Leinster Bay, stayed a few hours and took a repeat look around the Annenberg ruins. Football followed… Iowa and Indiana - then Florida and somebody….
Not wishing to confuse the Jumbies, we grilled steaks and stayed home for Halloween.
Sunday, November 1
a trip to Jost Van Dyke by ferry was the plan… our first time to the BVI. Heavy rain followed us to Cruz Bay and we had to decide… stood by the post office watching one of the hens with chicks, waiting for a bit of blue sky to appear. The ride over to Jost was quick… after waiting for the customs official to arrive we took a short walk to downtown Great Harbor. Following some hearty muffins and coffee at Christine’s Bakery we walked on down to Foxy’s… petted the dog, bought the tees, checked the sloop, smoked the Cubans and had some conversations before returning to the ferry dock and jumping on a taxi to White Bay.
We stopped at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar first; Ivan was actually in the taxi we took and he gave us some hints on the taking the path over to the Soggy Dollar Bar and for calling a cab when we were ready to leave. Kind, friendly and helpful folks found here.
Jost Van Dyke by lprof, on Flickr
Ivan's Stress Free Bar
After some time with my feet in the surf at Ivan’s, the path was found and followed over to the Soggy Dollar. Flying fish and many painkillers were consumed while sitting in the shade and people watching. I noticed some VIOL PKs were on the drink board….
Before meeting the taxi, we ventured on to the end of the beach… White Bay - a fun, fun place.
Caught the ferry back to Cruz Bay – the small one… a little rough… sea spray is OK.
As we docked, we discovered that bchbum82 were also on board. Nice to have met you and thanks guys, for letting us go ahead of you through customs… sorry that you two youngsters were too tired to join us old folks at the forum gathering….
VIOL Travel Forum members are a pretty cool bunch. We enjoyed meeting and seeing all of you at the Beach Bar. Thanks to Shopper 3 for the armbands (ours had become orange and blue Gator colors by morning) and the custom name tags – very clever.
augie’s warm and welcoming greeting was so nice; shared some thoughts on Blacksburg with Jorge, caught up on Ruth and Ron’s project and found everyone very congenial and very happy to be on St John. UF Prof watched as Captain Jini moored the "Dream Weaver" in Cruz Bay, fond memories of a past sail in his eyes.
After more painkillers, food had to be found… chose the Banana Deck, enjoyed the meal, and especially enjoyed some talk with our waiter, Josh. The trip back to the villa was a dash through the rain… just as the day had begun, but what a good, good day it was!
Monday, November 2
Francis Bay was cloudy, so only a short time was spent there before moving on to a favorite place – Salt Pond Bay. The day passed quickly and happily there… perfect conditions, yet a bit crowded. The trip up the hill was not as bad as the thought that packing to leave would soon come. A stop at the Big Belly Deli for lunch and a final stop at Lily’s, and we were back to Casa Bueno for chill time…. Just as we started our stay, we had burgers at Skinny’s for dinner. This was the night of the November full moon – amazing it was!
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Sunrise
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Sunset
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Full Moon Arising
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Full Moon
Tuesday, November 3
Out of the villa by ten, car gassed and turned in by ten-thirty… time to visit with Ruth – what a lovely person you are; I so value your friendship. Yes, the chicken hat is still there!
Lunch in the park, then the travels continued in a mostly typical way. Both flights were in early and without woes. How often does that happen???
It was another wonderful trip in paradise; thanks to all who played a role… hope to see you next time.
Edited November 6 to add link to Casa Bueno pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridalin ... 746426462/
Monday, October 26
was a typical travel day… arrived just before dark at our villa - Casa Bueno on Bordeaux Mountain http://www.vrbo.com/251116 and were warmly greeted by property manager, Marc Miller (bushman1 on VIOL – if you wish to inquire about the garden items), who brought along some delicious limes, mint, and bananas still on the stem. Four o’clock mojitos with a view… each day… priceless!
Dinner was at Skinny Legs… burgers of course.
Tuesday, October 27
started with soaking up the incredible view.
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Closeup view of Coral Bay and Hurricane Hole from Casa Bueno
Beach pick of the day was Little Lameshur… terrific lunch at the Tourist Trap – lobster roll was perfect… shopping stops at Lily’s and Love City Mini Mart.
Dinner choice was La Plancha del Mar in Cruz Bay where we both relished the seared mahi-mahi with spicy tomato basil puree and butternut squash polenta. Add in several glasses of their sangria and a shared key lime crème brulee for a fine experience. Despite being quite busy, owner Jason had time for a quick chat….
Wednesday, October 28
the East End was calling… drove into Dreekets Bay Estates… up and up… quite a view.
Lunch was with Vie and daughter serving up garlic chicken plus Johnnycake and beans, rice and meat sauce… delicious! Then we walked all the way across the road to the beach… life is good. I searched for sea glass – no blue, but green and amber - while my partner snorkeled.
Aqua Bistro was the place for dinner… the grouper special and mahi from the menu pleased us very well.
Thursday, October 29
we quickly made our way to Maho Bay… only ones there for a while. Walking down the beach I recognized Lynn and Ben Chill, and we shared a few moments – great to meet both!
Villa gravity in the afternoon seemed a daily experience and was welcomed heartily. The deck at Casa Bueno lended itself to naps so, so easily.
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
View from the deck of Casa Bueno
The Donkey Diner had just re-opened and we like their pizza, so down the mountain we went. Pia’s hubby was picking up their dinner, and we exchanged a few words and good wishes on their current project.
Friday, October 30
the sun had made its mark on us. A trip to Cruz Bay was in order… visiting the shops, lunch at the Grotto Deli, quick stop at Starfish, and making the trip home by North Shore road. Roadwork is no problem there at all. We found the roundabout to be easy to maneuver as well and an improvement to the intersection.
Saturday, October 31
we strolled out to Leinster Bay, stayed a few hours and took a repeat look around the Annenberg ruins. Football followed… Iowa and Indiana - then Florida and somebody….
Not wishing to confuse the Jumbies, we grilled steaks and stayed home for Halloween.
Sunday, November 1
a trip to Jost Van Dyke by ferry was the plan… our first time to the BVI. Heavy rain followed us to Cruz Bay and we had to decide… stood by the post office watching one of the hens with chicks, waiting for a bit of blue sky to appear. The ride over to Jost was quick… after waiting for the customs official to arrive we took a short walk to downtown Great Harbor. Following some hearty muffins and coffee at Christine’s Bakery we walked on down to Foxy’s… petted the dog, bought the tees, checked the sloop, smoked the Cubans and had some conversations before returning to the ferry dock and jumping on a taxi to White Bay.
We stopped at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar first; Ivan was actually in the taxi we took and he gave us some hints on the taking the path over to the Soggy Dollar Bar and for calling a cab when we were ready to leave. Kind, friendly and helpful folks found here.
Jost Van Dyke by lprof, on Flickr
Ivan's Stress Free Bar
After some time with my feet in the surf at Ivan’s, the path was found and followed over to the Soggy Dollar. Flying fish and many painkillers were consumed while sitting in the shade and people watching. I noticed some VIOL PKs were on the drink board….
Before meeting the taxi, we ventured on to the end of the beach… White Bay - a fun, fun place.
Caught the ferry back to Cruz Bay – the small one… a little rough… sea spray is OK.
As we docked, we discovered that bchbum82 were also on board. Nice to have met you and thanks guys, for letting us go ahead of you through customs… sorry that you two youngsters were too tired to join us old folks at the forum gathering….
VIOL Travel Forum members are a pretty cool bunch. We enjoyed meeting and seeing all of you at the Beach Bar. Thanks to Shopper 3 for the armbands (ours had become orange and blue Gator colors by morning) and the custom name tags – very clever.
augie’s warm and welcoming greeting was so nice; shared some thoughts on Blacksburg with Jorge, caught up on Ruth and Ron’s project and found everyone very congenial and very happy to be on St John. UF Prof watched as Captain Jini moored the "Dream Weaver" in Cruz Bay, fond memories of a past sail in his eyes.
After more painkillers, food had to be found… chose the Banana Deck, enjoyed the meal, and especially enjoyed some talk with our waiter, Josh. The trip back to the villa was a dash through the rain… just as the day had begun, but what a good, good day it was!
Monday, November 2
Francis Bay was cloudy, so only a short time was spent there before moving on to a favorite place – Salt Pond Bay. The day passed quickly and happily there… perfect conditions, yet a bit crowded. The trip up the hill was not as bad as the thought that packing to leave would soon come. A stop at the Big Belly Deli for lunch and a final stop at Lily’s, and we were back to Casa Bueno for chill time…. Just as we started our stay, we had burgers at Skinny’s for dinner. This was the night of the November full moon – amazing it was!
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Sunrise
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Sunset
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Full Moon Arising
Casa Bueno by lprof, on Flickr
Full Moon
Tuesday, November 3
Out of the villa by ten, car gassed and turned in by ten-thirty… time to visit with Ruth – what a lovely person you are; I so value your friendship. Yes, the chicken hat is still there!
Lunch in the park, then the travels continued in a mostly typical way. Both flights were in early and without woes. How often does that happen???
It was another wonderful trip in paradise; thanks to all who played a role… hope to see you next time.
Edited November 6 to add link to Casa Bueno pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridalin ... 746426462/
