Sunday, July 29, 2012

Block Island, RI



Two weeks ago Tracy and I along with Friends LBB and Monika headed about 3 hour North East of NYC to a place called Block Island. We'd heard of it referred to as the Bermuda of the North and having had good experiences at both Shelter Island and Martha's Vineyard, our expectations were high.


It was a semi mission getting there. An Amtrak to New London and then a ferry. We ran into a disaster two days before when we found out Amtrak wont allow dogs on the train. We'd booked dog friendly accommodation and the island is very dog friendly itself so that was very disappointing. C'mon Amtrak, get with the times. If you can fly with a mutt you should be able to at least take it on a train.


We stayed on the main street in Old Harbour with a deck which must have been designed for chardy hour. We spent the two days exploring the different beaches and found the water to be sensational. it was a little fresh but it was extremely clean and clear. A stark contrast from Jones Beach a week before it.


We did go on an adventure out of the town to the South Light house. This stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean and was pretty cool (for a light house).


We ate at the National hotel on both nights and had breakfast at the same cafe. It was thoroughly invigorating to get out of the rat race and I would really recommend visiting this place.....but just make sure it's in summer.


One of the light houses on the way out of New London

There was a guy on the left hand side playing guitar for all the other boats

View from the Balcony of the National Hotel

The mandatory Lobster roll photo. 6.5/10.


Some of the more unique car park lines I've seen.












One funked up Mini van


LBB and Monika on da hour








Some before and after shots at the beach.







Sunday, July 22, 2012

Day 3 - British Virgin Islands

Today we jumped in a little cat style boat and headed over to the British Virgin Islands. We stopped in at an island called Joost Van Dyke to clear immigration. From there we jetted round to a little atoll called Sandy Spit. It was pretty amazing and straight out of a magazine. This tiny speak of sand in the middle of the other islands. It really is a spectacular part of the world.

After a swim and lounge on the sand we headed to one of LBB's friends places for lunch. The spot was called Taboo and the food was delicious. Thanks Tess.

After lunch we headed back to Cruz to clear US immigration then dropped the boat off and went for an afternoon swim. Turtle beach is by far our favorite spot and it was amazing to watch the sunset from the water.

It's been a fantastic holiday and we're both very relaxed. A big thanks to Paul for his hospitality at Caneel Bay and skippering and LBB for setting us up.

The cabins just behind my head are where we stayed
 
Joost
 
Sandy Spit
 
Tracy loving life
 
Could be worse spots to moor for the evening.

 

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Day 2 - St John, USVI

We finally found our perfect Carribean island spot today. What was meant to be a disaster weather wise ended up being a classic day on the island. Today comprised of a sleep in followed by breakfast. From there Tracy went for a massage while I went for a quick snorkel. Tracy then joined me and we went and hung out with some turtles. That got a bit draining so we headed to our fav beach to read our books. We did more snorkeling and then got burgers delivered to the beach. We then stopped by yet another beach to float on the lilos before heading back to out pad for chardy hour on the deck. Tonight we're heading into Cruz for dinner. Better get some sleep tonight. Busy day of sailing over to the British Virgin Islands tomorrow!