Updates...

Key Bay, Peter Island

Dec. 28

  Our Swiss friends, Esther & Dan introduced us to Key Bay a few weeks ago. We snorkeled around the point during our last visit and found the reef teeming with life.  Shortly after we arrived here today, we went ashore to explore.   No trails were apparent along the beaches, but we were able to weave our way through part of the shady vegetation, finding many hermit crabs underfoot.  We made our way back to the beach and followed it for about a half mile over large deposits of beached corals and huge rocky outcrops, some strikingly tinted rich shades of burgundy or jade.                                     . 

       The cruising guides describe this quiet anchorage as having a small area with good holding for a few boats .  This evening there are eight boats anchored here, as Christmas through New Year’s is the busiest charter week of the year.

Diamond Cay, Jost Van Dyke

Dec. 29

    For years we’ve heard about the annual Old Year’s Day Party extravaganza at Foxy’s.  So we made a plan to attend this year since we’re in the neighborhood.   Our plan entailed us anchoring in a smaller anchorage away from the crazies making their way in and out of Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke, where Foxy’s is located.  Diamond Cay has always been a quiet place to stop to enjoy the best of JVD natural beauty, so we anchored there two days before the party. 

   This trip we took a walk up the steep, steep road (Most roads in the BVI are at a 45% grade!) toward Great Harbor.  We also found a new bakery near Foxy’s Taboo Restaurant and a short trail to follow right on Diamond Cay- sadly there were building materials staged at the point.

SURF’S UP!

Dec. 30

    When a heavy weather system traverses the northern latitudes during this season, (i.e., the states get snow/sleet/rain dumped on them), it sends “Christmas winds” to the Caribbean.  The Christmas winds made the Bubbly Pool and the sandbar path to the Little Jost Van Dyke’s Brothel extra breathtaking! (We only recently learned that there was a brothel nearby when we saw it marked on a map at Taboo’s Bar, but it is no longer operational.)    Our customary trek along the beach, through the mangrove, and up over the rocky island goat path to the Bubbly Pool was well worth it.  The surf rushed in with increasing force while a few tourists bobbed around in its natural Jacuzzi effect.  The sandbar between JVD and Little JVD appeared perfect for surfing and a few kayakers attempted to take advantage of the breakers. 

*Becky, the striped rock pile you left was nowhere in sight.