Two times, lucky! 

Virgin Gorda is our second stop in the British Virgin Islands, after visiting Jost Van Dyke yesterday. And it’s my second attempt of actually doing something here. On a previous cruise we were meant to stop at Prickly Pear, a national park on the island, for our Beach Barbeque, but because of the swells making the entrance between islands difficult, the Captain made the tough decision to anchor off the main city of Spanish Town and it meant that we had the beach BBQ on deck instead. Hardly the same ambiance. This time, thankfully, the weather, winds and seas cooperated.

This morning we had one of those “core memory”excursions on Virgin Gorda to an area called “The Baths” in Devils Bay. This area has rock structures which are unique to this island in the BVI and unique to this part of the island. They are massive boulder-type formations and the way the boulders have been scattered along the edge of the bay creates interesting caves, tunnels and pools. 

Our transportation was different on this island. Our busses didn’t have skinny aisles, or small seats, but rather was bench seats for 4 across, with no sides! There was a roof to keep the Caribbean sun off thankfully, but the sides were open to let the breezes through. It allowed for great scenery viewing but some of the curves were a little unsettling. I forgot to take pictures of the buses. I really have to get a better photographer.  

We did the usual Kodak moment stops, a coupe of times on our way over the back of the island and down the other side. We were able to have a look at Spanish Town as we crossed the island at a skinny park to get to the National Park. Our driver pointed out one of the nearby islands that has some wind turbines on it and we were told that Sir Richard Branson owned that island and another and that he could often be scene riding his bike on Virgin Gorda. Given the hilly island, he must be in very good shape! If you have a cool $60,000 you too could stay at a deluxe room on the island.  

Once arrived we started this adventure with an easy hike down to Devil’s Beach from where our buses were parked on a small hill. In no time we reached a beautiful beach, and started our adventure through the huge boulders to get to the next beach area. 

What came next was was not a normal lazy walk on the beach. There were some areas we could walk along with the beautiful sand under our feet, others where we had to wade in knee deep water and some where we had to climb or descend stairs, or climb across rocks using a rope to help. It felt a little bit like being Fred in the Flintstones!  

The water was crystal clear and pretty much body temperature so it was really comfortable. The name for The Baths comes from the pools of water in various spots that seemed like bathing areas, and also the geological term for the boulders which is ”batholith”.

The light in the various sections of the caves formed by stacked boulders was so soft and magical, it gave everyone a lovely glow. We could see patches of blue sky overhead at some points and at others we were in a completely enclosed space. Some of the chambers had an ethereal or cathedral feel, and it reminded me how awesome it is to spend time in nature, whatever its form. 

After about 20 – 30 minutes, we reached the next beach safely, and were able to enjoy the beach, stop for a drink or shop. However, those that intended to swim were disappointed because the red flag was flying. It was pretty rough in the unsheltered areas with a bit of an undertow. 

All in all it was an awe inspiring activity and I’m so glad we challenged ourselves to do it. I had a “Thank you, Braxton” moment once again when I was able to manage the physically challenges easily. That will keep me motivated for another few months of training. 

After the compulsory and congratulatory (we made it through The Baths) rum punch or “baby juice” (without the rum) we climbed on to our buses and took a different route back to the tender dock. Enroute we stopped at another scenic view point. This time the overlook had a spectacular view of an almost deserted white sand beach. We were told that this was one of only two public beaches which are accessible by car. But on a beautiful day, there were only a handful of people enjoying it.At the end of the beach there was a modern home with a patch of bare land slightly up the hill from it. Our guide told us that the owners of the home purchased the home and property above them when it came on the market and they tore down the house that was on the property to put in a heliport.  

We went by tender directly to Prickly Pear Park for a beach barbecue set up for us by the amazing staff at Windstar. They set up a wonderful lunch including chicken, burgers, fish in foil, salads, and all the fixings. They also set up a full bar, have massages on the beach you can book and they bring the water toys over from the ship (kayaks, SUPs, etc).

We had enough sun this morning so we spent a little time at the pool in the shade once back on the ship, but then the ritual shower/nap/trivia/port talk took us to the time for the farewell reception, hosted by Captain Maren.

We have really been enjoying one of the performers on the ship, a violinist, and he played some iconic tunes for our enjoyment before Captain Maren introduced his whole team from the engine room to housekeeping to the wait staff and the deck crew. The stage was packed. They got a standing ovation from the packed house, and it was clear they were all a little taken aback. The Captain said they have never received such an overwhelming response and thanks from the passengers. They deserved it. They work so hard and provide us with special care wherever they are stationed on the ship. Your table and seats in the bar area now in the sun, just a minute we’ll move the table and chairs for you. Want another English Breakfast tea in a take away cup, no problem. Want a cookie to go with that, or a scone with jam and whip cream? Nothing is too much trouble. 

Then it was dinner in the main dining room for the last time on this cruise and unfortunately our favourite server’s section was already full because we dilly-dallied speaking with our entertainment manager in the lounge. But we went to his section to say good bye after our dinner and got big hugs from him and his assistant server.

Today was an awesome day as it always seems to be when I’m around or on the water. (BTW, Wait til tomorrow’s post! ) 

And then there were no more excuses, I had to pack because suitcases had to be out by 6:30 and customers started at 7:45 in the morning.