Well, here we are on the final day of 2012, and what a wonderful week we've had in the Caribbean! Sailing amongst the islands of Tortola, Norman, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda, we've lucked out with absolutely glorious weather, demarcated by favorable and refreshing winds, cerulean-turquoise waters, and absolutely stunning sunsets.
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| At the harbor in Virgin Gorda at sunset |
In addition to a few hikes that afford amazing aerial views, most of our days have been occupied simply by lazing around the boat and diving into the pristine waters :) Snorkeling also offers a few delights - in addition to the usual fare of lumpy coral, fish of myriad colors, and sharpened urchins, just two days ago I spied a shark! I had just approached a school of fish circling a rock spire when all of a sudden this two- to three-foot grey shark wound its way into view. Transfixed with excitement and, yes, fear, I maintained my distance at 20 meters and after a lengthy observation (one-sided, I hope!), I swiveled and retreated.
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| Views from above the Bitter End (Virgin Gorda) |
Breakfasts and lunches typically consist of delicious French pastries discovered by Pam, and we've frequently motored ashore for happy hour, delighting in the plethora of island drinks. At the Willy T, the floating bar on Norman Island, we sampled the typical rum-and-pineapple Painkiller; Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke offered various creamy concoctions; on Saba Rock (Virgin Gorda) we had my personal favorite, the rum-liqueur-amaretto Bushwhacker (truly delightful!)
Tonight for the New Year celebration, we'll be at Trellis Bay, which promises to have flaming balls of fire illuminated against the water as well as fireworks, so hopefully we're able to herald in the new year in style!
And, with that, I will conclude today's inclusion. In just three days, I will well and truly be in Berlin - I can hardly wait! (Though, I'll admit, I will have a devilish time adjusting to the frigidity after the tropics of BVI) Best wishes to you all!
