CRUISE: DAY 4

TORTOLA

Breakfasted on two fried eggs, croissant, yogurt, orange slices. Then walked around Deck 7 viewing magnicent scenery: island all around, covered in green hills, but not palm trees like Samana. Cruised among all these islands that must have provided many havens for pirates. Ate again pancakes and berry sauce and whipped cream after morning stroll. Shame on me! So much for the diet.

Tortola appears more affluent, turquoise waters leading us into populated harbor. Buildings are solid structures with tile roofs, boats plying the harbor, roads carved into the hillside. Pulled into pier at 9:30 am.  North Shore and Pussars Landing tour: We jumped on an air conditioned bus rather than the open air vehicle and rode in comfort up winding  mountainous roads to some high elevation for view of surrounding islands and sparkling sea. Cooler air at summit where a restaurant and gift shop provide fare for visitors. More scenic vistas unfolded as we wound our way through forested hillsides to lovely Cane Bay Beach, truly a place to spend some time. White sand, aqua water, a beach bar, native shop and restaurant attract beachgoers. Restrooms and changing facilites are available. Vegetation drier than Samana, not so tropical although we did spot coconut palms, bananas, oleander, bougainvillea, and sea grapes. Also saw cactus in the hills. Drove back up mountain to see painted mural on wall telling history of island. Stopped at a popular ramshackle bar called the Bomba Shack. A better stop was Pussar’s Landing, a yacht basin with shops and a restaurant. I ordered a rum punch, and it was delightfuli sipping the drink while sitting outdoors watching the water. we bought rum cakes and a souvenir mug in the logo store. Into town for shopping at a native spice store and crafts market but not much else to do there. We made the right choice in taking a tour on this scenic island.