England is here

Of course, you all probably know by now that Toddy and Suzie are from the UK. They've been around us long enough now that we've  been able to influence a more proper way of speaking and acting...like us. They have thought so highly of our influence that they invited Suzie's daughters over for some in-depth training. Unfortunately, we were only able to spend just a couple of days with them so, I believe, it is almost impossible to correct their mannerisms and customs in such a short time. We tried our best. Maybe we can spend more quality time with them later.


This cargo boat, finally, veered past us
since we had the right-of-way. He probably thought
might-makes-right....

 We met them all at Soper's Hole and brought them back to the boat on the dinghy. After a few moments of getting acquainted with the youngins', we were off! Toddy and I managed the sails and helmwork, setting a course for the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke. We started our fun day with a stop at Sandy Cay. No, it's not something named for me...there's just a lot of sand there. Many charter boats go there for a peaceful, uninhabited tropical island to visit. So picture this...about a dozen boats (each holding 4 or more rowdy, partially inebriated people) all anchor along the western edge of an island slightly larger than a city block. Sooo, that would mean there is usually 25 to 50 people walking, sunbathing, etc along 150' of beach. So much for uninhabited! There'd be less people in a YMCA pool on a Tuesday morning. I guess it's sunny and warm and everyone's on vacation...and happy that they're not freezing their hind ends off in the US right now.

Sandy Cay



Charlotte, Hannah and Suzie

I took the youngins' to the beach for a snorkle and the oldins' made lunch and relaxed with libations. It seemed that the beach snorkling and such was less than inspiring, because they were signalling from the beach to be picked up 1/2 hour later.


Our next stop Diamond Cay on the eastern end of Jost Van Dyke. A short dinghy ride later, we were on shore headed to "The Bubbly Pool". The trail to the pool takes you through some mangroves and sandy areas, then up along a rocky hillside past manchioneel trees (highly poisonous) to a hidden area on the northeastern shore of Jost.

Ohh, a-hikin' we-a-go

The Bubbly Pool

Just when they thought it was safe to go in...
a large wave came through the slot

  Everyone, had a great time then we headed back to the boat. After a short sail back to Soper's Hole, we grabbed a mooring and took the Americanized-ones back to the shore. Later that evening, we met at the "Jolly Roger Restaurant" for dinner, seated on the waterfront dock. Most everyone ordered bbq ribs...not me, though. Can't stand to get the sticky goop on my fingers...I ordered a cheeseburger (in paradise). We sure had a great meal, and the evening view along the waterfront was nice!



Suzie, Hannah, Karen, Charlotte, and others in the background

And, yes, Toddy and I were there also (lucky us...we were the ones the girls were smiling at).