Location: Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Today, we woke up promptly at 6:00 AM with “Bam Bam” being blared over the speaker; gotta start the day on a high note. Then, quick breakfast, cereal and fruits. Followed by quickly getting ready and getting on the dock for the hike. Mike, the head of AQ, briefed us on the hike’s rules and safety. Then, we embarked on the steep climb to the top. The steepest part was the first, where we were basically hiking straight up. It soon leveled out, but it was still a climb to the top. We hiked all the way up in two and a half hours but made it to the top nonetheless. The smoothie/convenience store at the top was cool, and despite the
half-hour wait, the man made the best banana coconut smoothies ever! We restocked on water and then made the descent down the three-mile road all the way back to Cane Garden Bay.
In Cane Garden Bay, we went to lunch at Paradise Lounge, where the song “Cheese Burger in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffet was written, according to Mike, so no promises. We stopped at Bobby’s Market to buy some much-needed snacks and other essentials, like a restock on body wash.
Then we boarded Gap Year and motor-sailed to a beach to compete in a sand castle competition! We all worked really hard, and we built a mini village with a castle. Sadly, we had to leave before the winner was announced, but it’s about the journey, not the destination, a lesson we all have focused on through this adventure.
We ocean-showered right before leaving for Sidney’s Little Harbor and then sailed off. Once arriving at Sidney’s, we had a little storm, but it passed quickly, and we proceeded into the Harbour. We stopped at the little store and bought souvenirs. Then it was dinner time! A cookout banquet with BBQ chicken, corn, salad, beans, and Cole slaw. Everything needed for a barbecue dinner. All that washed down with some ice cream and a hair braiding bonanza with people getting anywhere from 1 to a full head of braids (Don’t worry, they easily come out). With the DJ beats, dancing, and a full house of conversations, time flew, and before we knew it, we were back on the boat for the evening. It was definitely a full day!!!