_{photo by Don Herbert}

Christmas arrived in the islands just like every where else in the world. We ran into Santa on the beach and made sure to tell just how good we had been.

We strung our Christmas lights are across the back of the boat. We purchased a Norfolk Island Pine, decorated it and placed it in our cockpit. Domino and Jez like to nap near it.  I think they were hoping a little lizard might have come on board with the tree. I don't think Santa Minded a bit.

Our holidays began with the arrival of Bill and Dabney Hart and their friends Marianne and Steve Phillips on December 20th. We picked them up in St Thomas after their late flight from the states. Shearwater ferried them to Tortola where we checked into the British Virgin Islands.

Julie O'Neill arrived in Tortola on Christmas Eve. We all gathered at Fort Recovery where the Harts and Phillips were staying for a grand Christmas Dinner including party poppers filled with paper hats and games and favors.

We were lucky to have Julie onboard with us for 6 days. During that time we visited Yost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay, Leinster Bay and Cruz bay in St John, Peter Island and Virgin Gorda And Trellis Bay in the BVI.

It turned out that our friends were going home the same day as Julie. So, we planned a farewell dinner for all at the Last Resort on Bellamy Cay. Be sure to note the donkey pictures.