British Virgin Isles

The Arnold's weren't the first newlyweds to run their toes through the Tortola sand on the private beach just outside their villa at the Fort Recovery Estates on the British Virgin Island, and they won't be the last. In twenty-four short hours Jamie Hegwood's life changed forever. She left the steps of the Garden City home she grew up in at 8:00 AMM and by 8:00 PM.  she was Mrs. Arnold and found herself bumping along one of the "good" roads winding its way through the hilly coastline with her new husband, Nate.

The Arnold's enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the slow pace of this Caribbean paradise. They also appreciated the chance to experience the island on their own. As they recounted their experiences on Tortola and shared their photo's, one thing was evident-they can't wait to go back.

Even before landing on Beef Island (connected to Tortola, and the only place flat enough to land) they got a taste of Caribbean hospitality. "The pilot flew us all around the island, giving us a look at it," remembers Jamie.

Once their plane landed, they were greeted by a hot, humid breeze, and lots of chickens. "There were chickens running around everywhere," said Nate "and you could really smell the salty sea air." So much for formalities.

The first thing the Arnold's did was settle into their villa. "It was very romantic," said Jamie. "There were beautiful sunsets every night. Our resort was very secluded and we had our own private beach. The islands are very green and lush, surrounded by very blue waters and palm trees. It's a very tropical place, with little lizards running everywhere. There was one in our room when we got there, but it was dead. I think we stepped on it," she laughed.

"The people who ran our resort were wonderful.

there was a little old man who was the busboy, the waiter, and just about everything else, said Jamie. "He was the one that served our meals in our room each evening. He would bring dinner in one course at a time. Soup and bread first, then the main course, and finally dessert.

"Every morning Nate would go and get us English muffins, or homemade pumpkin bread and tea or coffee. It was delicious!"

Although there are not crowds of people, there is plenty to do. "There are Beaches of course, and lots of great restaurants," said Jamie. There's a national park, hiking, parasailing, swimming, sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. "You can rent fully staffed charter boats and visit the surrounding islands,"

"There is also a huge racetrack, but there are no horses on the island, so they bring horses in for a yearly horserace," added Nate.

Smuggler's Cove was the couple's favorite attraction. "It's a secluded beach on the other side of the island," said Jamie. Hmm, secluded beach... honeymooners ... why were we not surprised this was a favorite spot?

"There are lots of great restaurants ... not just on Tortola, but on the smaller islands too", said Jamie, who included trips to the island's quaint shops as definite "to-do7' activities. The "Sunny Carib was one I liked," she said. "It's a spice shop where they mix up their own spices for meat rubs and other things. You can get lotions and bath soaps there too."

The couple made a point to recommend a snorkeling trip to anyone visiting the Islands, particularly at a popular spot called "the Indians". The Indians are tall rock formations. "Definitely take the ferry to visit other islands," added Nate.

There is no golfing on the island, and only limited fishing. "Only the locals can eat the fish without getting sick," explained Nate. Any fish that is served in the restaurants is flown in from somewhere else.

Other island attractions are....

The Arnold's choose the British Virgin Islands for their honeymoon after researching a number of vacation spots on the internet, and because of a recommendation from their friend and former employer, Al Kaiser.

Kaiser, who owned the Drowsy Parrot, a coffee shop in Ypsilanti and worked as a Postal Worker, had chartered sailboats with friends a few years, and "liked it so much he just kept going, said Nate. "He took a class to learn how to captain a boat, and finally bought one," he said. Al retired and currently lives on his boat, a small catamaran, with his Amazon Parrot, "Baby".

The Honeymooners extended their vacation to visit their friend who treated them to a three day cruise to surrounding islands including Virgin Gorda and Norman Island. "It was a lot of fun, but really hot," said Jamie. On Virgin Gorda the Arnold's enjoyed the "Baths", which are huge boulders deposited by a volcano, making breathtaking caves and trails easy to access. "The boulders were so big, you felt miniature," said Nate.

Mad Dog's Bar, Jamie's favorite dining spot, is also on Virgin Gorda. It sits on top of a hill and overlooks the island. "It was all open air, with a nice breeze blowing-I loved it," she said. "They serve a great BLT for about seven or eight dollars."

For any who might be thinking of visiting, here are a few traveling tips. No need for visas or passports, just bring your birth certificate and photo identification. It's about a six hour flight from Michigan to the British Virgin Isles. Their busy season is from December to April, so if you want bargain rates, be sure to book your vacation from May to November. It's hot, humid and windy, so take plenty of sun block. Plan on renting a vehicle, and "you can't be afraid to drive on little teeny, one lane looking roads," said Nate. "And you'll have to watch for the cows, goats, chickens ... and speed bumps."

The water is safe to drink and the food is similar to what we eat in the states, with one big exception ... no fast food. The local women wear dresses, and the men wear shirts and casual pants or shorts. To plan your own romantic rendezvous first visit these we sites:

www.fortrecovery.com or call toll free 1-800-367-8455 www.bviwelcome.com, an online magazine provided by the BVI Tourist Board www. britishvirginislands.com, home page for the BVI