Have Your Passports Ready
 How ironic that on July 4th, the American Independence Day, that I should board the Limnos V, a 53 foot twin screw catamarin at 7:00 AM and depart St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) for a 80 mile ocean voyage to the isle of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. This far off and secluded island is actually under the control of Britain and therefore requires a passport and immigration procedures. The crew of the Limnos V, consisting of the captain, a sea veteran of some 25 years was not only quite capable but knowledgable about the many islands and cays we passed on our journey. The first mate and second mate, were likewise capable and catered to ever need of the 21 passengers aboard including serving ample amounts of food and spirits whilst making sure everyone was safe and content. Friendly and jovial, they pointed out, "the more liquor you consume, the more fish you will see later while snorkeling!" (I tried to oblige)
After several hours cruising and hearing about points of interest, we finally saw the British colors flying ashore on Virgin Gorda. Actually, the island did not look all that different from all the others we had passed and we would have perhaps not even known the difference except the vehicle license plates were different and our passports collected. The captain informed us that we would be here for several hours and while we were exploring the island, he would be intensly busy on the boat, preparing a sumptuous feast for our return. Dockside, we all boarded an open-air taxi which wisked us to the farthest reaches of the island where we came to a place called "The Baths".
A most unusual place, The Baths, is a place where huge boulders, the size of buildings, lay atop each other in a haphazard fashion. And it is through the crevices, (and I DO MEAN, crevices) that you MUST climb, crawl or slink...sometimes in waisthigh sea water to effect the end of the journey. But what an end that awaits the persistent, if not flexible traveler. After approximately 30 mintues of crawling and squeezing, you arrive at the most beautiful, pristine, and sugar-fine sand secluded cove and beach where the water shimmers with shades of blue and aqua. So pristine is this beach, that by law, even small dingys are not allowed to beach here. And the view, what more can I say that this photo does not? Here, I found myself in a paradise unsurpassed in beauty and tranquility as gentle waves lapped the shore and brilliant white canvas sails on sailboats moored further out contrasted with the bluest of skies. I could only sit in awe of true beauty, as most did. 
As in all good things, our brief but memory enduring visit to The Baths came to an end and we once again made our way back to the ship. Here we ate a most delicious (and promised) lunch, then set sail back from whence we came. But this was not to be the grandest of stops...in fact, we made yet another stop at Norman Island. A rather non-descript island but the captain knew this place well. For you see, it was here that we anchored off shore, in approximately 60-100 feet of water and we were offered snorkeling gear. Once my mask and fins were in place, I dove off the back of the ship into the bluest of waters. There, as the bubbles dissapated, I found before me, no less than 10,000 different and colorful fish. As we swam around, the captain would launch a piece of bread or lettuce or tomato (they eat ANYTHING) into the water just near our masks and the water would literally boil with fish in a feeding frenzy. Colors of yellow and purple, stripped and solid, large and small, these fish schooled and seemed to enjoy our company. Furthermore, there were three natural caves carved into the side of the cliff into which, I also swam. As light gave way to darkness, the coral formations changed as did the tidal surge. What an experience! It was with great saddness that I left this place, climbing back aboard as the captain himself now offering me his "special rum punch". By the time we arrived back in the U.S. at St. John immigration, I doubt that anyone was feeling ANY pain, for the captain in his wise ways was correct...we did indeed have a most wonderful day and saw MANY MANY fish!
Today's Quote:
Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one’s bath like a lump of sugar.-Pablo Picasso
9:37:46 PM 
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