Just back from the sun. .

.A view from the boat - Click image for larger view

We have just returned from a wonderful couple of weeks in the Caribbean with friends. The first week was spent in the British Virgin Islands cruising aboard a 40 foot power catamaran. Highly recommended. We were able to make it to just about everywhere we wanted to go and the boat handled like a dream with no issues.  We flew from Boston to St Thomas and were greeted by a friend who treated us like royalty, thanks Kelly. The following day, after the sunset cruise the night before, and a great dinner, we caught the ferry to Road Town, Tortola, BVI and on to the charter company to get the boat. The Moorings is highly recommended as they were courteous and professional. We didn't get away from the dock until about 3 in the afternoon and set a course to Norman Island, and the adventure began.

Jost Van Dyke - Click Image for larger view

We cruised from Tortola to Norman Island, Peter Island Sopers Hole, Jost Van Dyke, Trellis Bay, the Baths, Leverick Bay, a quick stop at Coopers Island and back to Peter Island, returning to Road Town on Tortola to catch the ferry back to St Thomas. At each stop there was swimming and eating and exploring and new tastes and drinks and sights to see..so much crammed into so little time. Need to go back for a few months next time.

A page from the collection - Click image for larger view

From St Thomas we flew to San Juan Puerto Rico where we met up with more friends. A total of seven of us made our way to the ferry in Fajardo to travel the 17 miles to Vieques, an island off the coast of Puerto Rico. Now the ferry was the best bargain of the whole trip. Since we were all seniors we got our tickets at HALF PRICE!! It cost a dollar! Well, each way, so for the 7 of us it was $14 round trip. What the heck can you get for a dollar these days.

A small market - Click image for larger view

We stayed in Isabel Segunda - the major town on the island - which must have a total of about 20 streets and everything is in walking distance. We loved the island, great views, even better beaches and super friendly people. We  drove all over the island, toured the bioluminescence bay, walked the boardwalk in Esperanza and ate at great restaurants. We always ate well whether at a restaurant or cooked at 'home' -- special thanks to those who cooked, it was all so good. . . .

Media Luna, great beach down a long dirt road - Click image for larger view

So it was sad to say good-bye to such a special place and break up the little group that made our time special. Sunday morning we flew home from San Juan to arrive in temps that had the wind chill well below zero.  Ahhh it's good to be home. . . . . .

You can view all of my sketches HERE!