Conch Fritters and Skinny Dippers

One of my favorite things about running trips on SwimVacation is palling around with the crew and my  fellow guides. Saturday is changeover day for us, the first week’s guests are off the boat by 9:30am, and we set right to re-provisioning. First, we tally what’s remaining of the food and beverages and any gear that we were missing or has been lost or broken or made unwearable (like Heather’s shoes). Then we head to town for supplies, laundry and a conch fritter-heavy lunch. Faithful Albert does the driving. 

I like to walk the back streets of Road Town, along the row of colonial buildings that used to form the waterfront before fill was added to create most of the modern town. It’s not an easy walk: the sidewalk, where it exists, is very narrow and there are holes in the road and ruts and hazards everywhere, including cars and scooters bombing around a tad too fast for my taste. The old customs house, in particular, draws my eye. I believe it was built in the mid-1600’s, which means that it has survived dozens and dozens of hurricanes, fires, floods, and development projects. It has a hip roof and no eaves, so strong winds can’t find a purchase; there’s nothing to lift. Many of the buildings that survived Hurricane Irma in 2017, both old and new, are hip-roofed. 

Town was hot and tiring, so after we picked up our laundry (Heather had to pitch in on the folding part) we headed back to the yacht, sadly too late for naps. We unpacked the provisions and headed back to Trellis Bay, and a search for more conch fritters was successful. Another ferry back to the Yacht, and we spread out for a decent night’s rest. 

Morning brought new guests, with some familiar faces and some new friends. Susan, Kathy, Catherine, Patrick, Carol, Robin, Alison, and Ken.  Bags in room, a few speeches, and zoom we’re off sailing down the channel. We arrived in Privateer Bay, Norman Island, by 4:30, just enough time for a swim. I spied an octopus’ garden made obvious by all the strewn shells and bright white sand circle. The occupant was settled into a little cave formed by 2 rocks and some coral. It was mostly his eyes sticking out of the hole, but we all got a chance to have a good look. 

The sun set a little lower as we climbed back aboard, and the tall cliffs here glowed as if lit from behind.  Tortola Sparklers (rum, sugar, champagne), brie and crackers, a nice salmon dinner with a fancy sauce and yummy rice. This group is as hungry to swim this week as they are for Ali’s cuisine. Better rest up. Oh, and we have skinny dippers aboard!!!

Hopper