March 13 – Here – There - and It Seems Everywhere in the BVI.

We awoke on Freaky Friday (March 13) to find that we were anchored of Jost Van Dyke between White Bay and Great Harbor, the perfect place for all the fun activities we had planned for FT’s birthday on one of our favorite beaches … White Bay. Home to the Soggy Dollar and Seddy’s One Love Beach bars, White Bay is home to one of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean. FT and I awoke early as usual and were in the Office, our usual spot for breakfast when we were joined by DJ and DH’sDH. FT was not a happy camper because we were not going to be having the Champagne and Caviar Splash on Jost van Dyke due to the uncooperative ocean.

We waited for the purser to return to the ship from Jost where she was clearing customs for the ship and it passengers and crew, and then set sail for Peter Island our alternative location for the C&C splash. We went through the cut between Tortola and the Thatch islands on our way to the Sir Francis Drake Channel, when we passed Sea Dream I anchored at Soper’s Hole, Tortola. As we made our passage we heard the ship’s horn sound warning one of the many sailing vessels in the channel of our approach. The funny thing was that the horn went on and on and on and on. We later found out that it had been stuck.

Unbeknownst to me on our sail, CAD Mary, HM Stephane and DJ had a quick meeting to revise plans for one of FT’s last surprises. (Part of the decorations I had shipped to the captain ahead of our sailing were four pink flamingos, a bird that FT really enjoys. The plan had been for them to be arranged around a beach chair when we arrived at Jost.) They decided to have the birds great us on the dock as we landed at the Oceans 7 Beach Club on Peter Island. They also arranged for a champagne toast on the beach. After a quick tender ride we were greeted on the pier by the flamingos. FT thought that they were indigenous to the pier but we explained to her that they were for her birthday. She was really amused and loved the birds. We picked up the flamingos and used them to stake our loungers along the very short and rocky beach. The plan had been to return home with them, but costs were such that two of them are spending their life in San Juan, courtesy of a nice young man at the airport. We were soon approached by the wonderful wait staff offering Painkillers or Rum Punch. They were quickly followed by HM Stephane who appeared with six plastic champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne which we used to toast FT’s and jbcjtc’s milestone birthdays.

The physical facilities at Ocean 7 Beach Club were wonderful. There were enough tables and chairs under cover for all to be seated at lunch, which was a good thing as the skies opened up poured rain just before noon. The surfboard laden with caviar and the accouterments was moved under cover as well. While we did not have the usual service in the surf guests still had a wonderful time and rapidly consumed the caviar. The beach barbecue menu was fantastic as always with prime rib, grilled shrimp, barbecued ribs, many different salads and wonderful desserts. Of course the champagne was flowing as well.

After a wonderful lunch, we reboarded the yacht and rested at the pool until we weighed anchor and headed back to Jost where CAD Mary had made arrangements for the shop at Foxy’s in Great Harbor to stay open until 6:30 p.m. so those of us who wanted to could shop. FT made her first visit in three trips to the islands, but was still disappointed that we missed White Bay and the Soggy Dollar. Even DJ went ashore with us. We made the short walk along the sandy road to Foxy’s and visited the shop, and bar, before returning to the ship to prepare for dinner and the usual cocktail party.

For a change, DJ’s DH and DJ arrived at the cocktail party before us. We learned that CAD Mary had announced that in honor of FT’s birthday “The Eagles Farewell Concert from Australia” would be shown in the Main Salon after dinner. Since FT and I missed the first announcement it was repeated for her benefit upon our arrival. (FT is an Eagle’s junkie, having traveled all over the US last year to their concerts. This year’s musician of choice is Keith Urban.)

DJ and her DH ordered a bottle of Pommery Champagne from Frank to celebrate FT’s birthday. We then learned that the four of us had consumed ALL of the Pommery that were on board that week. Much to her chagrin FT was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” and presented her with a chocolate cake which DJ had arranged from the pastry chef, at my request. It was delicious and the perfect ending to a surprise filled day. After a short visit to the TOY and the piano bar we turned in anticipation of our last full day tomorrow aboard the wonderful Sea Dream II.