We moved on to Jost Van Dyke (JVD) yesterday after two more nights anchored in Benures Bay on Norman Island. We had two great days with little wind so it made sense to stay put and enjoy the peaceful bay away from the crowds.  We snorkeled in several different spots.  The coral seems to be still recovering.  We found elkhorn, staghorn, fire coral, several hard corals including brain, lettuce, tube.  Fans and sponges were plentiful.  There are still zones of bleached (dying) coral with healthy next to it.

We are finding the area much busier this year so far.  The West end of Tortola, Sopers Hole and Great Harbor JVD were full.  We spent our first night at White Bay (JVD) one of our  favorite beaches.  30 yrs ago there was one beach bar with a few rooms, the famous Soggy Dollar Bar.  Its name was for the fact that the only way to get there was to swim into the beach with your soggy dollars.  Today there is a road from the town and there are multiple beach bars along it.  All the cruisers and day trippers from the US virgin islands descend on it daily but clear out at night.

The down side of this spot is exposure to northerly swells this time of year as demonstrated by the porch view.  It was a bit rocky but so beautiful that it was worth it, we think.

We continue our hikes.  Norman Island is an undeveloped mountainous island. Someone cut a system of narrow trails across the island which have become overgrown.  These make great paths to explore the island.  This time we did the eastern end of the island.  On JVD we had a great hike today up a 635 foot hill (mountain). The roads on this more developed island go straight up with no switch backs The views are incredible. Pictures don’t always reflect the true beauty.

The backgammon tournament goes on with 3- 2 in favor of the Captain.

We thought we would get this out while we still have cellular data.