Tortola, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are the peaks of a chain of dormant underwater volcanoes.  Tortola, the largest and most stunning, has lush green foliage covering its steep terrain all the way to the peak of Mount Sage (1,740 feet above sea level).

Stepping off the ship into this tropical paradise, it was hard to imagine what the island was like 350 years ago when the famed pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd took up residence here.  Later with the arrival of colonists from England, sugar plantations flourished.  Tourism now dominates its economy.

Today we traveled up Mount Sage in search of vistas that would give us breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding islands in the archipelago.   It was interesting to note that vehicles drove on the left side of the road, however most of the vehicles had left-hand steering.   (Typically steering is opposite the side of the driving lane so the driver is looking at oncoming traffic, not the shoulder of the road.)

This was one of the many spectacular views.

Expensive home seemed to be clinging to the mountain side.  From their vantage point, they had wonderful views of the ocean.

Hurricane damage from two-years ago was evident on some of the homes.  Notice this home is missing part of its roof.  Overall, Tortola is wealthier than many of the surrounding islands and most owners have already repaired their properties.

Like most of the Caribbean islands, fresh water is a problem.  Tortola has desalination plants that distribute fresh water via vending machines.  (An idea for Flint residents?)

After our mountain top visit, we descended to Cane Garden Bay to wet our whistle (rum of course). 

Then we spent some time relaxing on the palm lined beach of clear water and white sand. 

 As postcards say, "Wish you were here!"