New Year's Eve, or as they say here in the Caribbean, Old Year's Day. Jordan and I got up at 6am to take a 6:45am taxi to Sapphire Marina for an all day motor boat tour of the BVI. We visited "The Baths" at Virgin Gorda first which is about a two hours by boat from St Thomas. I've added a with April and Jordan picture and without while traversing the "walkabout" we did at the Baths. The Baths are located 1.2 miles south of Spanish Town, the largest settlement on the island. "The Baths" are a unique playground, for anyone limber enough, because of of a unique geologic formations made of giant granite boulders and saltwater filled pools. Some naturalists call it the "eighth wonder of the world". From there we motored to Marina Cay, a small island off of the east end Tortola. We had lunch at Pusser's, which has not only a beach restaurant and bar, but a small store. I did not buy anything as I pretty much live with island surroundings every day. After we got back on the boat, there was so much rocking, that I re up lunch. Haven't gotten seasick for years! From there we motored about half a mile to a portion of the coral reef that is just off Tortola. I stayed on the boat while Jordan snorkeled with the group. There was an older man who also had no desire to snorkel so we stayed on board and talked. He lives in Maryland near Annapolis with his wife. His kids are all grown with kids of their own. He would love to retire in St Thomas but his wife told him if he moves down here, he moves by himself so he just comes to visit. From the snorkeling adventure, we motored 45 minutes to Jost Van Dyke, our last stop. We had a drink at the "Soggy Dollar" Beach Bar, which got it's name from Americans who would swim to shore and pay for drinks with their "soggy dollars". I thought they were kidding, but when we arrived at Jost Van Dyke, we did indeed have to swim to shore or stay on the boat. I saw some of the larger sailboats had small dinghies attached to them so people could motor in, but otherwise there is no dock or water taxi service here. So, no choice but to jump in and swim ashore! There was already a LOT of partying going on as this is New Years Eve. We stayed for about an hour and then headed back to the USVI. We had to stop at St John, which is the Point of Entry for the USVI by boat. We went thru customs, then got back on the boat to return to St Thomas. It rained for ten minutes while we were on Jost Van Dyke and it turned cold (if you can call 70 degrees cold, lol). There were 2-6 foot swells on the Atalntic while we motored back so the captain had to slow the boat down so the ride was not rougher than it already was. A taxi driver named O Neal was there to pick us up and take us back to Bolongo.
We took warm showers, then headed to the Lobster Grille. This is where all the festivities for New Years was to happen. We had a nice dinner of NY Steak, Blu Cheese mashed potatoes and green beans. We finished about 9:30pm and went back to our room where I promptly fell asleep! Being outside all day wears you out, not to mention the fact that I've had a noisy neighbor the last five days (Jesse, one of the kitchen chefs. Bolongo has been fixing a leak in his apartment so had him move to the resort until it gets fixed.) who has woken us up at 1 or 2 am every night when he comes back from partying. :-(.
Jordan woke me up at five minutes to midnight so we could join the merry making at the Lobster Grille. "how often do you get to celebrate New Years in the Caribbean", he said. And he was right. We got our party hats after we got to the restaurant turned dance party, our noise makers and counted down the New Year with all the guests and employees at Bolongo. Every one was very happy! Jordan and I danced and hugged a few people and wished everyone a Happy New Year, then headed back to our room about 1am. I have to work at 9am tomorrow!! Ugh!
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