I can't believe I drove there!

Trip Start Jan 31, 2007

Trip End Feb 07, 2007

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Flag of Virgin Islands British Cane Garden Bay, Virgin Islands British
Thursday, February 1, 2007

Despite the time difference, I woke up early and headed down the hill to the grocery store. Since I had my own kitchen, I planned on making most of my meals in the comforts of home (how optimistic I always start!). The grocery store (I can't remember the name) does have the basics to make simple meals with, but don't believe the travel sites that tell you that you will find everything you need. I also remembered to follow Donna's advice- enter every business with a hello, good day, etc. and you will be more welcomed. Breakfast foods, water for the beach, sandwich basics, and some fruit made it back to the apartment. Note- if you stay at Agape and get the top apartment like I stayed in, it is a very steep walk up that hill. The first day it's a little rough, but by the end of the week, it was a lot easier. Wear good shoes to give you more traction too!

My rental car was being delivered this morning, and as I waited it, Donna reviewed the island map she had drawn, along with her dining and activities suggestions. After checking out possible day excursions, I had decided a trip to Brewer's Bay, about a half hour drive from Cane Garden Bay, would be my goal. As we were discussing the drive, the Jeep arrived and we got the paperwork taken care of. I used D&D Car Rental- reasonable price and the Jeep was in excellent condition, compared to some of the other stories I heard throughout the week!

I took off around noon, with my hand drawn map in hand. The minute or two spent driving on the flat part of CGB was a breeze, but I found myself quickly navigating the steep hills and sharp turns. I knew I had to make a Y turn at some point, and according to my map, it looked like it wouldn't take that long. Unfortunately, I took that turn incorrectly three times before finding the right one! Imagine having to back out, going down a hill, and watching for traffic the opposite of what you expect. My hands were getting a little sweaty! Once I found myself on the not main road (which only differed in the width) I found myself nonstop hoping there would be no one else on this road, because I wasn't going to hug the outside of a steep curve. I guess at this point I should explain that while mountain and hills are pretty, just looking down makes me ill. Good thing I'm currently 1000 feet above the ocean! I reach the highest point of my drive with the mantra, I can't do this, repeating through my head. Yet I keep driving. As I start my descent into Brewer's Bay, I realize how close I am to shore and how little distance there seems to be. I ride my brakes down the rest of the way, constantly wiping one hand on my legs as it's almost impossible for me to hold on to the steering wheel at this point! I haven't been so glad to park a vehicle in a very long time!

Brewer's Bay is a great secluded spot with plenty of palm trees, a wide swath of beach with chairs to rent, and Nicole's Bar. I had the grilled fish sandwich & fries at lunch- it was delicious. There is a covered patio to enjoy lunch on, or even escape from the sun should you need a break. The beach was quiet- I was one of only ten or so people there the entire day. I had also brought my own chair, so I don't know how the rental worked. Unfortunately, I left my snorkel gear behind, so I didn't get to test the water out. However, the water was a little rough so visibility wouldn't have been that great anyway. A quick dip to cool off was about all I did that day.

Donna had suggested I drive the opposite way out of Brewer's Bay to catch some more scenery. As I studied the map, I realized it wasn't to scale, but it sure seemed a lot longer than the way in. So I retraced my steps. Aside from meeting a car on the road meant only for 1 1/2 cars (thank goodness I was on the inside), it was a pretty uneventful trip home. But I was quite content to walk down to dinner that night!

BTW- if you are ever in CGB on a Tues/Thurs evening, check out Quito's. He performs solo those nights, and he is a wonderful performer (you will have a chance to buy CD's) but performs with his band on others. The bar area is popular with locals and tourists alike, especially on the weekend. The BVI's aren't a late night partying island, though. Things seem to shut down pretty much between 11 and 12.

St. John's hotels

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