from rags to riches

Everyone's dream vacation in the islands includes lots of rain, right?  Yeah, didn't think so.  The great thing about the islands is that for the most part a squall comes in and then blows over fairly quickly (in non-rainy season).  Don't get me wrong, sure there are days where all it does is rain but those days are few compared to the days where things breeze through.

Luck would have it that my first trip to the British Virgin Islands would be more grey and rainy than bright and sunny. 

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."
- Anthony J. D'Angelo

Even with all the rain, we still managed to have fun and have an amazing trip.  I guess we brought our own sunshine with us. One day in particular, the day seemed to make a 180. 

We were headed for Treasure Island aka Norman Island. For those that don't know, Norman Island is supposedly the inspiration for Robert Stevenson's novel, Treasure Island.  We had great plans for a hike, exploring the caves and hanging out at Pirate's Bight and the Willy T.  But nature had other plans... We woke up to overcast skies, it rained from the time we left base, through the whole passage to Norman and even after we arrived. It finally seemed to clear up by mid-afternoon, so we decided we would try to salvage the day and go on our hike.

There's a trail that starts near the path to the helicopter pad that not a lot of people know about. It's not well kept and after it's been raining for most of the day, none the less the past few days, definitely makes it a bit more interesting.  While making our way to the trailhead we ran into a local who we had just happened to ask about this trail and he lit up.  He told us that him and his son actually tried to mark it and clean it up some, so on our way we went with his help of exactly where the trail started. My friend had last made this hike 15 years prior with his family and he thought he had seen the trailhead on his last trip and was determined to try to hike it this time around.

After about 30 minutes of mud, rocks and dodging limbs and leaves, we made it to the top. The view was breathtaking and well worth the climb.  The skies had started to clear and you could even see the sun start to set.  You have a 360 degree view of the whole island.  If you can find the trailhead or a local that knows about this trail, this is a must do.

After heading back down the helicopter pad trail (it intersects with the other trail at it's half way point) and dingying back to the boat, we were in for a real treat.  A gorgeous pink and fire red sunset peaking through the clouds.  It came out of nowhere.  We honestly expected another cloudy night and to not see a sunset on this trip.  As we sat there watching it and of course taking photos, we started joking that the day had turned from rags to riches.

So Treasure Island is full of treasure, just not the kind pirates are after.  If you haven't had the chance to enjoy explore Norman Island, take a day trip or make sure to make it part of your sailing/boating itinerary.  There's plenty to see and do beside the Willy T, but do make sure you leave time to go at least grab a drink or five at the Willy T.