Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI

It had been quite swelly in the bay for the last couple of days but we had managed to get a spot in the middle of the bay which due to the shape of the bay was not affected. However, we could see the swell breaking over the reefs on each side of the bay. There was even someone surfing on it this afternoon, rather them than me, I can’t imagine it’s too comfortable when you come off.

Puerto Rican Fishing fleet remain through Easter (spot the group drinking in the water where it is cooler on the left)

Mike arrived this afternoon from Road Town on Jeannius. We’d already arranged that we would go to the barbecue at one of the beach bars that he had recommended for the live music. Having spent holidays in the BVIs for several years as well as chartering here for a season, when we contacted him to say we were arriving he gave us recommendations for all the best spots last week.

We met Mike and headed to the bar at about 6.30pm after being warned by Mike that it got busy. Luckily as Mike is a local we were ushered in to a good table. The barbecue was really good value at 15$USD a head and a choice of two from ribs, fish or chicken (or any two of them). The food was really good and came served with a delicious rice and vegetables.

The live music is from Steve, the bar manager and George making up the ElmTones (the bar is the Elm) and any other regular who wishes to join in. Tonight they were accompanied by quite a good guy on bongos and an utterly dreadful guy on wooden blocks whose rhythm was really out! The atmosphere is great and Steve and George clearly have alot of fun doing it, both are very talented and they play old favourites like Brown Eyed Girl, Diamonds on the Sole of her Shoes and Night Nurse (apparently after a request some weeks ago from Jean). There is much banter with the locals and general amusement from the Elm tones including changing lyrics to include regulars or each other in the songs etc. A really good night out, infact after planning to head off to the Turks and Caicos on Thursday / Friday we are now planning to delay to see Jean and come back again next week!

The Elm tones and accompaniments (note the diamonds in the soles of their shoes on the wall above a present from an artistic local!)