We arrived at dawn and once again were the only ship in
port. I was on a tour to see the main sights – The Best of Tortola. I boarded
the usual Caribbean style bus – open sided, very high steps and bench seats.
We first drove through the town as the children were going to school. Everyone
of them looked very smart in their uniforms and most said hello very politely
as we waited at one of the three traffic lights on the island. You do NOT want
to do this tour if you do not like heights. We drove up what seemed like 1 in 3
roads and round hairpin bends to Great Mountain for stunning views of all
the surrounding islands, as well as the ship.
Next stop was Cane Garden Bay.
Here we were able to walk along the beach, paddle or just sit and absorb the
warmth and scenery. There were artists’ workshops and the usual souvenirs as
well. Then up and down some more
hair-raising roads, past Carrot Bay etc to the famous Pusser’s Landing and
another rum punch! We had an hour here
which I felt was ample. It is very touristy with expensive shops and not a
great deal to see or do besides admire the floating real estate!
We then drove along the coast road back to
Road Town, past the mangroves which are being planted to help stop coastal
erosion, especially during hurricanes. Some of us got off the bus at the big
market before wandering back to the ship.
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| Cane Garden Bay |
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| Pusser's Landing |
The day was a lot less humid than
Antigua and there was a welcome breeze. Tortola appeared to be a more affluent
isalnd than Antigua to me. I spent the afternoon dozing in the shade on deck. Sailaway was delightful in the late afternoon sun, and those of us on the Observation deck spotted a turtle swimming close to the ship, as pelicans dived for the fish we disturbed!
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