Too much of a good thing?

I had some internet problems so I couldn't post them and then I forgot until now:

by Rebecca Newell on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 2:07pm

Tortola BVI

IS there such a thing as too much good stuff? This seriously is an amazing vacation- today I watched the boys surf while I got my tan on then Jonny and I decided to go on a little drive over to Soper's Hole in the West End of the island and got some ice cream at the harbor plus a few necessities. We talked about just buying a catamaran and sailing the islands and living on a boat for a few years. No wonder people give up all their success to become boat captains out here.

Arrival

We had a really hard flight- we couldn't sleep because it was so uncomfortable and they don't give out pillows anymore or have those head rests that fold to your face. BUT we are finally here! Upon arrival we were met by Game On! Inc. staff with our rental car ready and waiting. We got a Suzuki Grand Vitaris 4 door 4WD for a ridiculously cheap price of $40 a day. Then our next stop was for the grocery store to buy food- it was super expensive and I don't recommend going anywhere where there arren't prices on everything- we got charged $6 for a gallon of water. Then we finally arrived at the Apple Bay Surf Villas greeted by the owners who are staying in the bottom villa. This is more of a beach front surf shack than a "Villa" but whatever it will do the trick especially if these trade winds do the trick. I love Tortola so far- talking to a few of the locals, seeing all the beautiful bays and the crystal clear water is just amazing.

Travel Shopping

Even though I have traveled to a few more countries than the typical American I am STILL an over-packer just like my mom, she wants to make sure she has EVERYTHING for the "just in case" moment. My husband on the other hand is the usual light packed surfer who wears the same 2 pair of boardies and the same 3 T-shirts for a month long trip. I think I have finally found a balance but I still need all those little girl-y things that are necessity.
A list of the most important things to bring:

1. Bug repellent- "OFF Family Care smooth & dry" is what I will be using.
2. Sun Screen- Neutrorgena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 or Equate version.
For my face I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45 or similar. My husband uses Shisedo face stick in dark or clear usually and sometimes he uses Zinka stick for his soft lips ;)
3. Surfboard wax- Tropical
4. Snorkel/mask and fins when the waves aren't pumping unless you want to pay $35 rental per day.

5. A personal item and/or a carry on. Your carry on can be up to 22"x14"x9". Your personal Item can be a briefcase, laptop bag or similar item such as a book bag or tote that does not exceed 36" in length width and height and must fit under the seat. REMEMBER (ladies) if you are bringing liquids in your carry on the bottles must be under 3.4oz. and the bag you carry it in must be clear and no more than 8"x8"= 1 liter per passenger. (I will help you by showing you the neccesities I carry on a little later.)
6. Camera/Camcorder- I recommend bringing both and having your surf buddy (or surf widow) film you while you surf. Also, you guys can do a little photojournalism to capture your trip.
I personally will be bringing my Canon digital SLR camera, Fujifilm FinePix XP10 / XP11 point and shoot camera that is waterproof to 10ft., and our new addition Sony HDR-CX550V camcorder.
7. Laptop & external hard drive (make sure to download all your movies onto the hard drive before you go).
8. Don't forget all your chargers ;)
9. Shampoo/Conditioner and all other toiletries like toothbrush, razor, & deodorant. I hear tea tree oil keeps the mosquito away so I will be using Organix tea tree oil and conditioner.
To Be Continued...

The Plan

My husband Jonny and I have been saving up some money for a while for a new truck. Out of the blue one day Jonny asked how I felt about just waiting on a new car and actually live out our young lives and travel like we wanted to. At first I wasn't sure then I thought it was probably a good idea since we hadn't been out of the country for 3 years (since our honeymoon).  He and his cousin Chris had been scheming to do a surf trip to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Once they had me in I was easily persuaded to do the trip planning. Chris had a buddy who had been to Apple Bay, Tortola recently told us about a place to stay so I contacted the owner and set up our dates, airplane tickets and a rental car.