December 20th 2012 Virgin Gorda

Miriam took the tour to the Baths and enjoyed great views atop the hills of the island. She walked among the large boulder-sized rocks. The ride in the open vehicle apparently provided some excitement. 

An early start today.  I left the ship at 7:30 for a two tank dive off of George Dog and Sandy Dog Islands, named for the sound of the monk seals that used to inhabit this area. Early sailors thought the barking was from rabid dogs but Columbus determined that they were from the seals. Sailors started slaughtering them for food until they exterminated the species here. Diving was great with colorful coral and large variety of fish. We saw turtles, lobster, green morays, huge school of blue tangs among many other fish.

Everyone was transported to another barbecue on Prickly Pear Island. Many water sports were available including kayaks, paddle boards, hobie cats, sailboats and diving platform. 

Back to our boat now for afternoon entertainment and dinner.  Deborah Boily again gave a concert of broadway tunes. Following dinner we enjoyed a staff variety show with a mix of music and comedy. Upon returning to our room we found a bottle of napa/sonoma cabernet with an apology from the hotel director responding to my complaint about noise from late returning tender. Crafts had been raised on to the ship at 1am immediately next to our cabin.