Gromit's S.S. Scatterbrained Trip Report - Day 5
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:18 pm
Well kids, I am back from visiting the family for Christmas and back to the trip report grindstone as requested.
If you're just tuning in.... For days 1-4 please go to:
Day 1 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14882
Day 2 h[url]ttp://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/forum/vi ... sc&start=0[/url]
Day 3 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... 027#177027
Day 4 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0
At this point my pics will drop of dramatically in my TR simply because I just didn't take that many and by this point I was slipping deeply into Island slacker mode.
I know that Vicki kept taking photos though so I will defer to her for the pictoral evidence of our continuing adventures aboard the S.S. Scatterbrained.
Of course, I have plenty of stories yet to tell so I can only hope that my words will continue to do our escapades justice.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled program!
December 12, 2009
I awoke to the boat heading out to sea and a swift departure from the Bitter End. We were making sail for Jost Van Dyke and Mr. ScubaGirl wanted to make good time so off we went at the ass crack of dawn.
Overall I have to say that I slept incredibly well on the boat overall. There’s something about the swaying motion that literally and figuratively rocks you to sleep.
I have no idea what I ate for breakfast – and seriously why would you care what I had for breakfast? There’s only one breakfast on this journey that you all will get a crack out of and Vicki got a shot of it. I’ll let you know when we get to it. Of course you’ll probably be so grossed out you’ll know it when you see it.
We had hoped to meet up with Mr. & Mrs. CaptainJay on Jost today but alas the seas were not working in their favor and they texted us to indicate that we would have to invade Jost without reinforcements.
For the journey back to Jost our captain, Mr. ScubaGirl, hoisted the Jib and this was our first time truly under sail. At times I think we were going 7+ knots.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ke ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3Y ... 5.JPG"></a>
I actually liked sailing. A LOT. It was quieter without the engine and it was a pretty cool feeling to be slipping through the water and watching one island after another sliding past us steadily. I can understand why people get addicted to sailing. It’s a more complicated version of surfing.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ap ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3c ... 8.JPG"></a>
There’s something about harnessing the power of the wind and the waves to propel you through the water. And for just a brief moment in time you are connected with the all the power and fury that mother nature has to offer.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_z ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3e ... 9.JPG"></a>
But as I was often reminded on this adventure, one must not get lured into thinking that you are truly in charge of the elements. Mother Nature is like a college romance. Full of passion, and fumbling and full of promise but when you least expect it you can find yourself kicked to the curb. The main lesson here is to love the ocean but never lose your respect for it lest you get your ass kicked.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r6 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3f ... 0.JPG"></a>
At this point, with the seasickness behind me and my sea legs beneath me I decided that I really loved being out on the water and that I would definitely find myself doing it again.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cP ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3i ... 2.JPG"></a>
A friend of mine taught me a little trick to remember the order of the BVI: Ginger Cooper gave Salt Peter to Norman.
The GPS navigation system also gave us some help in identifying some of the other Cays and Islands we passed.
I can’t tell you how many times Vicki and I would see a little tiny, deserted beach nestled into the side of an island and say to each other, “Man, I bet THAT’s a really cool spot!”
Before long we found ourselves within sight of Jost Van Dyke. We had decided to spend two nights here and to celebrate my birthday on the 13th on Jost. Not a bad place to turn 38!
We anchored off White Bay and dinghied into Foxy’s for some shopping. After all I was on a mission.
You see, last December I had purchased a really cool Foxy’s shirt. It’s long sleeved and white with giant blue lettering across the back of the shoulders.
When I wore it at home, Flip Flop almost ripped it from my body she loved it so much. So I had sworn to her that I would get one for her if I could find it again. We had both checked Foxy’s when we were on Jost together in June but they didn’t have any (I realized that it’s a winter item).
Anyway I found it immediately and was VERY excited. I could return home and make Flip Flop VERY happy!
After grabbing her shirt and another one for me and Mr. Gromit in dark blue, we started to look around for a taxi.
For the first time in the history of Foxy’s there was not a single cab to be found. So I went to the bar and politely asked the bartender at Foxy’s to call a cab for us to take us to Soggy Dollar and he was really sweet about it (I love Foxy’s!) Within no time a taxi arrived and off we went to the Soggy Dollar bar.
Once we arrived at Soggy Dollar we hopped out of the cab and headed to the beach.
There were of course the usual cool people at Soggy Dollar and then there were the people who were working on TRYING to be cool. Being a not very cool person myself, I have learned that the more you try the worse it gets. Just relax people and let the coolness come to you. The more you try to work it the more ridiculous you look. Mic is the perfect candidate for coolness.
We decided to head straight for Gertrude’s to grab a beach chair for the day and drop our stuff so we could have all hands free to get drinks!
As for the chairs this is one of the best bets for a day on Jost. Just grab a chair and within a few minutes someone will come out to collect some cash from you. For $5 the chair is yours for the day and in my mind this is totally worth it.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JL ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4T ... 4.JPG"></a>
It was at this point, walking towards Soggy Dollar that I was telling Vicki about my last visit to Jost and the fact that I was offered weed about 13 times. I don’t know what it is about me that makes guys on Jost think that I am a pothead, maybe it’s the little hippie dress I like to wear or the braids, but they seem to come out of the woodwork and zoom in on me.
Anyway, Vicki was literally in the middle of her sentence saying something to me like, “I have NEVER been offered weed on Jost. Nev…” She hadn’t actually gotten the word “never” out of her mouth when this guy stopped in front of us and said, “You smoke?”
Vicki looked at me with the biggest eyes and I just started to laugh hysterically. There was nothing more to be said at that point.
Trying not to pee our pants from laughing so hard we sidled up to the bar to grab a few drinks. Painkillers were of course a priority – even if it was only 10 am. Hey there’s JUICE in a Painkiller! Mic of course was as bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever and mixing drinks up 8 at a time.
After we had our drinks in hand we started to head back and I immediately I spotted Captain Brandi with a couple of his customers just outside Soggy Dollar. I think his customers thought we were all crazy, especially when Capt Brandi introduced me to them as “Gromit”.
Word to the wise people, choose your USVI-On-Line screen name carefully. Because you carry it with you for life. In fact, before you pick one, stand on your front porch and scream it out loud as people walk by. Depending on the number of crazy looks you get you know you’ve got a winner.
I had met Capt. Brandi in the flesh in June and can spot him from a mile away now. He’s the guy that looks like a movie star on any beach or in any sailing vessel. He’s tanned, in shape and as handsome as the day is long. Vicki had never actually met him before so I made the appropriate introductions.
Apparently Capt. Brandi has had his video camera permanently attached to his right hand much like a pirate acquires a hook. And he wields his camera much like said pirate would bandy his hook as a weapon.
Capt. Brandi was like, “Gromit!! I have to get you on video!” I looked like hell but I acquiesced and with Mr. Gromit and Vicki flanking me on either side, the camera started to roll.
It was at this point that it became clear that neither Vicki nor Mr. Gromit had any intention of saying anything and just stood there like two deaf, mute, in-bred cousins (no offense to in-bred cousins).
So, in an effort to avoid complete embarrassment I ushered forth my inner MTV video host skills and just started talking. If I sounded like a complete and utter idiot I can’t even blame the alcohol because I hadn’t actually started drinking at that point.
In future, if Brandi points that thing at me again I’m doing a shot first for some liquid courage.
Sure enough, Brandi ended up putting that little gem on the forum the next day!
After our 15 minutes of fame were up, we headed back to our chairs for some much needed land based R&R.
I think Vicki drank her weight in painkillers that day and I wasn’t too far behind.
Land. Blessed land and sand! We drank and talked and just generally kicked around.
At some point I had grabbed another painkiller from Mic and was trying to settle into my chair and managed to spill my drink completely.
I looked like a three year old who just dropped her ice cream. My bottom lip jutted out and I was annoyed.
Buzzed already, I was too lazy to walk alllllll the waaaayyyyy back to Soggy Dollar for a replacement (ok-- it was like 300 feet but it SEEMED liek REALLY far away at the time). I just figured I would wait until I couldn’t stand it anymore and I just laid back and tried to relax.
Well before I knew it, Mr. Vicki showed up with two drinks in his hand – and one was for me!!! Awwwwww!!!!! Points for Mr. Vicki!!Apparently he saw my drink tragedy and took pity on me. I was once again a happy camper.
It was a gorgeous day and the people watching was at its finest. I am always amazed at people’s bathing suit choices. Mind you, I am not judging body TYPE. In most cases I assume this can’t be helped and being a rather fluffy girl myself I am not so body dismorphic that I think I look like Heidi Klum -- or Vicki -- for that matter. But I am a firm believer in wearing a suit that suits your body type as best as it can.
I guess on one hand you have to give props to those girls who are comfortable enough in their bodies (even at 250 lbs) to wear a bikini (snaps to you ladies if this is the case) but honestly I think a different bathing suit choice would actually LOOK MUCH BETTER. I’m just sayin’.
At some point Vicki started to get a little hungry (imagine that!) and we decided to hit Gertrude’s for some snack items. Now I can absolutely report to you that Gertrude’s has THE BEST WINGS on Jost (I had wings at Gertrude’s and One Love to compare-- it's a tough job but somebody's got to do it!).
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3P ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4H ... 8.JPG"></a>
Gertrude's wings are coated in flour and spices, fried to perfection and served with fries for a very modest snackable price. Plus the ladies there are as sweet as can be.
Vicki had the roti.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SI ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4J ... 9.JPG"></a>
Gertrude’s also does a "pour your own" thing. You order your drink and they just put the liquor on the bar with a cup of ice. You pour your liquor and they add the rest. My kind of bar.
We had arranged a meet-up time with our taxi driver to take us back to Foxy’s – sometime before dark.
He showed up as promised and we all piled into his car.
Of course I managed to spill a Red Stripe in his vehicle. Which I immediately cleaned up and apologized profusely. Of course this was not exactly a pristine vehicle. It was quintessentially Jost. I think my favorite was the fact that the entire back of the driver’s seat was completely ripped out so that only the springs were visible and the driver had crammed about a hundred of those pine shaped air fresheners in between the coils. These were probably here because too many stupid tourists had spilled beer in his vehicle.
Once back at Foxy’s we did a little more looking around and then radioed to the boat for Captain ScubaGirl to come and get us.
The walkie-talkie radios were a great item to have on the trip. We could leave on the boat and then radio to the boat when we needed to. Very convenient.
While we waited at the dock we could see that Foxy’s was setting up for their big BBQ. I posted a review of this from our overnight on Jost in June and have to say if you are on Jost overnight and Foxy’s is doing their big all-you-can-eat- in-one-pass BBQ it is not to be missed.
Sadly we already had plans to have dinner on the boat that night and since we were running out of days we needed to eat some more of the food we had on board. Again I have no idea what we ate that night. I was truly deep into island mode.
With a day on Jost behind us and another to look forward to, I was one happy camper.
After all, I was going to turn the big 3-8 tomorrow and had a giant lobster dinner to look forward to!
It was indeed another GREAT DAY!
Tomorrow: Birthday shots and champagne, lunch at One Love, Birthday wishes from Mic and the Soggy Dollar; a day at the beach and my new recommendation for the best place on Jost to score a REALLY GREAT lobster dinner!
If you're just tuning in.... For days 1-4 please go to:
Day 1 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14882
Day 2 h[url]ttp://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/forum/vi ... sc&start=0[/url]
Day 3 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... 027#177027
Day 4 http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sc&start=0
At this point my pics will drop of dramatically in my TR simply because I just didn't take that many and by this point I was slipping deeply into Island slacker mode.
I know that Vicki kept taking photos though so I will defer to her for the pictoral evidence of our continuing adventures aboard the S.S. Scatterbrained.
Of course, I have plenty of stories yet to tell so I can only hope that my words will continue to do our escapades justice.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled program!
December 12, 2009
I awoke to the boat heading out to sea and a swift departure from the Bitter End. We were making sail for Jost Van Dyke and Mr. ScubaGirl wanted to make good time so off we went at the ass crack of dawn.
Overall I have to say that I slept incredibly well on the boat overall. There’s something about the swaying motion that literally and figuratively rocks you to sleep.
I have no idea what I ate for breakfast – and seriously why would you care what I had for breakfast? There’s only one breakfast on this journey that you all will get a crack out of and Vicki got a shot of it. I’ll let you know when we get to it. Of course you’ll probably be so grossed out you’ll know it when you see it.
We had hoped to meet up with Mr. & Mrs. CaptainJay on Jost today but alas the seas were not working in their favor and they texted us to indicate that we would have to invade Jost without reinforcements.
For the journey back to Jost our captain, Mr. ScubaGirl, hoisted the Jib and this was our first time truly under sail. At times I think we were going 7+ knots.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ke ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3Y ... 5.JPG"></a>
I actually liked sailing. A LOT. It was quieter without the engine and it was a pretty cool feeling to be slipping through the water and watching one island after another sliding past us steadily. I can understand why people get addicted to sailing. It’s a more complicated version of surfing.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ap ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3c ... 8.JPG"></a>
There’s something about harnessing the power of the wind and the waves to propel you through the water. And for just a brief moment in time you are connected with the all the power and fury that mother nature has to offer.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_z ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3e ... 9.JPG"></a>
But as I was often reminded on this adventure, one must not get lured into thinking that you are truly in charge of the elements. Mother Nature is like a college romance. Full of passion, and fumbling and full of promise but when you least expect it you can find yourself kicked to the curb. The main lesson here is to love the ocean but never lose your respect for it lest you get your ass kicked.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r6 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3f ... 0.JPG"></a>
At this point, with the seasickness behind me and my sea legs beneath me I decided that I really loved being out on the water and that I would definitely find myself doing it again.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cP ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI3i ... 2.JPG"></a>
A friend of mine taught me a little trick to remember the order of the BVI: Ginger Cooper gave Salt Peter to Norman.
The GPS navigation system also gave us some help in identifying some of the other Cays and Islands we passed.
I can’t tell you how many times Vicki and I would see a little tiny, deserted beach nestled into the side of an island and say to each other, “Man, I bet THAT’s a really cool spot!”
Before long we found ourselves within sight of Jost Van Dyke. We had decided to spend two nights here and to celebrate my birthday on the 13th on Jost. Not a bad place to turn 38!
We anchored off White Bay and dinghied into Foxy’s for some shopping. After all I was on a mission.
You see, last December I had purchased a really cool Foxy’s shirt. It’s long sleeved and white with giant blue lettering across the back of the shoulders.
When I wore it at home, Flip Flop almost ripped it from my body she loved it so much. So I had sworn to her that I would get one for her if I could find it again. We had both checked Foxy’s when we were on Jost together in June but they didn’t have any (I realized that it’s a winter item).
Anyway I found it immediately and was VERY excited. I could return home and make Flip Flop VERY happy!
After grabbing her shirt and another one for me and Mr. Gromit in dark blue, we started to look around for a taxi.
For the first time in the history of Foxy’s there was not a single cab to be found. So I went to the bar and politely asked the bartender at Foxy’s to call a cab for us to take us to Soggy Dollar and he was really sweet about it (I love Foxy’s!) Within no time a taxi arrived and off we went to the Soggy Dollar bar.
Once we arrived at Soggy Dollar we hopped out of the cab and headed to the beach.
There were of course the usual cool people at Soggy Dollar and then there were the people who were working on TRYING to be cool. Being a not very cool person myself, I have learned that the more you try the worse it gets. Just relax people and let the coolness come to you. The more you try to work it the more ridiculous you look. Mic is the perfect candidate for coolness.
We decided to head straight for Gertrude’s to grab a beach chair for the day and drop our stuff so we could have all hands free to get drinks!
As for the chairs this is one of the best bets for a day on Jost. Just grab a chair and within a few minutes someone will come out to collect some cash from you. For $5 the chair is yours for the day and in my mind this is totally worth it.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JL ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4T ... 4.JPG"></a>
It was at this point, walking towards Soggy Dollar that I was telling Vicki about my last visit to Jost and the fact that I was offered weed about 13 times. I don’t know what it is about me that makes guys on Jost think that I am a pothead, maybe it’s the little hippie dress I like to wear or the braids, but they seem to come out of the woodwork and zoom in on me.
Anyway, Vicki was literally in the middle of her sentence saying something to me like, “I have NEVER been offered weed on Jost. Nev…” She hadn’t actually gotten the word “never” out of her mouth when this guy stopped in front of us and said, “You smoke?”
Vicki looked at me with the biggest eyes and I just started to laugh hysterically. There was nothing more to be said at that point.
Trying not to pee our pants from laughing so hard we sidled up to the bar to grab a few drinks. Painkillers were of course a priority – even if it was only 10 am. Hey there’s JUICE in a Painkiller! Mic of course was as bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever and mixing drinks up 8 at a time.
After we had our drinks in hand we started to head back and I immediately I spotted Captain Brandi with a couple of his customers just outside Soggy Dollar. I think his customers thought we were all crazy, especially when Capt Brandi introduced me to them as “Gromit”.
Word to the wise people, choose your USVI-On-Line screen name carefully. Because you carry it with you for life. In fact, before you pick one, stand on your front porch and scream it out loud as people walk by. Depending on the number of crazy looks you get you know you’ve got a winner.
I had met Capt. Brandi in the flesh in June and can spot him from a mile away now. He’s the guy that looks like a movie star on any beach or in any sailing vessel. He’s tanned, in shape and as handsome as the day is long. Vicki had never actually met him before so I made the appropriate introductions.
Apparently Capt. Brandi has had his video camera permanently attached to his right hand much like a pirate acquires a hook. And he wields his camera much like said pirate would bandy his hook as a weapon.
Capt. Brandi was like, “Gromit!! I have to get you on video!” I looked like hell but I acquiesced and with Mr. Gromit and Vicki flanking me on either side, the camera started to roll.
It was at this point that it became clear that neither Vicki nor Mr. Gromit had any intention of saying anything and just stood there like two deaf, mute, in-bred cousins (no offense to in-bred cousins).
So, in an effort to avoid complete embarrassment I ushered forth my inner MTV video host skills and just started talking. If I sounded like a complete and utter idiot I can’t even blame the alcohol because I hadn’t actually started drinking at that point.
In future, if Brandi points that thing at me again I’m doing a shot first for some liquid courage.
Sure enough, Brandi ended up putting that little gem on the forum the next day!
After our 15 minutes of fame were up, we headed back to our chairs for some much needed land based R&R.
I think Vicki drank her weight in painkillers that day and I wasn’t too far behind.
Land. Blessed land and sand! We drank and talked and just generally kicked around.
At some point I had grabbed another painkiller from Mic and was trying to settle into my chair and managed to spill my drink completely.
I looked like a three year old who just dropped her ice cream. My bottom lip jutted out and I was annoyed.
Buzzed already, I was too lazy to walk alllllll the waaaayyyyy back to Soggy Dollar for a replacement (ok-- it was like 300 feet but it SEEMED liek REALLY far away at the time). I just figured I would wait until I couldn’t stand it anymore and I just laid back and tried to relax.
Well before I knew it, Mr. Vicki showed up with two drinks in his hand – and one was for me!!! Awwwwww!!!!! Points for Mr. Vicki!!Apparently he saw my drink tragedy and took pity on me. I was once again a happy camper.
It was a gorgeous day and the people watching was at its finest. I am always amazed at people’s bathing suit choices. Mind you, I am not judging body TYPE. In most cases I assume this can’t be helped and being a rather fluffy girl myself I am not so body dismorphic that I think I look like Heidi Klum -- or Vicki -- for that matter. But I am a firm believer in wearing a suit that suits your body type as best as it can.
I guess on one hand you have to give props to those girls who are comfortable enough in their bodies (even at 250 lbs) to wear a bikini (snaps to you ladies if this is the case) but honestly I think a different bathing suit choice would actually LOOK MUCH BETTER. I’m just sayin’.
At some point Vicki started to get a little hungry (imagine that!) and we decided to hit Gertrude’s for some snack items. Now I can absolutely report to you that Gertrude’s has THE BEST WINGS on Jost (I had wings at Gertrude’s and One Love to compare-- it's a tough job but somebody's got to do it!).
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3P ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4H ... 8.JPG"></a>
Gertrude's wings are coated in flour and spices, fried to perfection and served with fries for a very modest snackable price. Plus the ladies there are as sweet as can be.
Vicki had the roti.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SI ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4ypwZiy7vU8/SzI4J ... 9.JPG"></a>
Gertrude’s also does a "pour your own" thing. You order your drink and they just put the liquor on the bar with a cup of ice. You pour your liquor and they add the rest. My kind of bar.
We had arranged a meet-up time with our taxi driver to take us back to Foxy’s – sometime before dark.
He showed up as promised and we all piled into his car.
Of course I managed to spill a Red Stripe in his vehicle. Which I immediately cleaned up and apologized profusely. Of course this was not exactly a pristine vehicle. It was quintessentially Jost. I think my favorite was the fact that the entire back of the driver’s seat was completely ripped out so that only the springs were visible and the driver had crammed about a hundred of those pine shaped air fresheners in between the coils. These were probably here because too many stupid tourists had spilled beer in his vehicle.
Once back at Foxy’s we did a little more looking around and then radioed to the boat for Captain ScubaGirl to come and get us.
The walkie-talkie radios were a great item to have on the trip. We could leave on the boat and then radio to the boat when we needed to. Very convenient.
While we waited at the dock we could see that Foxy’s was setting up for their big BBQ. I posted a review of this from our overnight on Jost in June and have to say if you are on Jost overnight and Foxy’s is doing their big all-you-can-eat- in-one-pass BBQ it is not to be missed.
Sadly we already had plans to have dinner on the boat that night and since we were running out of days we needed to eat some more of the food we had on board. Again I have no idea what we ate that night. I was truly deep into island mode.
With a day on Jost behind us and another to look forward to, I was one happy camper.
After all, I was going to turn the big 3-8 tomorrow and had a giant lobster dinner to look forward to!
It was indeed another GREAT DAY!
Tomorrow: Birthday shots and champagne, lunch at One Love, Birthday wishes from Mic and the Soggy Dollar; a day at the beach and my new recommendation for the best place on Jost to score a REALLY GREAT lobster dinner!
