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Today was my day to get off the boat and make my way over to Red Hook so I could visit Cariga's again and take some proper pictures.
Peter took me over to the ferry dock at about 7:30am. The ferry that was supposed to leave at 8am didn't leave until 9:15am. Then we had to stop off at Cruz Bay, St. John to clear customs. Then back on the ferry to Red Hook.
I took a taxi from the ferry terminal to Cariga's and was glad to finally get there. I ordered a grouper, mashed potato and gravy lunch and told Doug, the bartender to keep the Buds coming.
I had the fortune of being there when the local Iguana population was being very friendly and came right up onto the deck, probably looking for a hand out. Doug says the owner discourages feeding but people do it any way. It makes a great photo op.
About 4:30pm I grabbed a taxi and headed back to the terminal. I asked the man at the Native Sun ferry counter if the 5:45pm ferry to West End was on time. He said rudely, "There is no 5:45pm ferry. It is late."
"So there is still a ferry going?"
"Obviously."
"Do you know what time?"
"I have no idea, man. I will make an announcement."
So I started to walk away.
"You have to check in man! I have to see your passport!
"I have a round..."
"I don't care what you have, man, I need to see your passport.
All this attitude from a customer service agent of the ferry company. I got more courteous treatment from the Customs people. This attitude is too common down here. They may fly the American flag here, but these people aren't Americans.
So I went over to the bar inside the terminal and had a beer while waiting for the ferry. It was about an hour late. One thing you learn down here is that schedules mean nothing accept you can be pretty sure nothing will be early.
The trip back was quite cool and pleasant. We were traveling East so the sun was setting over St. Thomas in back of us. As it got darker, the entire Red Hook end of the island, which is quite high was lit up.
When I arrived back at West End and cleared customs, I was on the opposite side of the harbor and the 20 minute walk around was dark, desolate and a little unnerving. Finally I made it to the marina area and ordered a bowl of Conch Chowder and a Red Stripe at Pusser's Landing. I thought Peter might come over for dinner but it was a little late. So after I finished, I bumbed a ride with a nice family in their dingy.
Back on the boat, Peter was just getting ready to watch another episode of House of Cards so I joined him. And then it was time to call it a day.
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