Jost Van Dyke

Continuing the trek westward from Virgin Gorda, the next destination was Jost Van Dyke in the BVIs. Having visited and sailed the British Virgin Islands many times in the past, a decision was made to forego Tortola and some of the other islands in favor of Jost Van Dyke.  Getting into Jost Van Dyke is dependent on the wind and weather as sometimes the anchorage is too rough to make it in.  Luckily both wind and weather smiled this time and the hook was dropped in the bay not far from the famous Foxy’s Bar.

 

Foxy’s has been a fixture on Jost Van Dyke for almost a half century and has grown in size over the years.  It is known as the most popular bar in the sailing world and New Year’s Eve parties here can draw over 10,000 people.  Foxy himself has sung and played his guitar for the crowds for many years, but is mostly retired now simply holding court near the bar where he sits on a chair and has his photo taken with the tourists.  One of the staff told me that Foxy has a throat ‘problem’ and doesn’t sing any more except for an occasional request. At almost 75, Foxy deserves any retirement he can have.  The bar itself is littered with things people have left behind including business cards, articles of clothing, license plates, flags, signs and a few ‘unmentionables’.

 

People come from all over the world to visit Foxy’s and he has even been mentioned in a Kenny Chesney song, ‘Somewhere in the Sun’ ….”wish I was there tonight, on Jost Van Dyke, sipping on some Foxy’s fire water”...  Foxy’s Fire Water is Foxy’s own brand of island rum which can be purchased along with hats, t-shirts and everything “Foxy” at the Fox’s Den, the gift shop next to Foxy’s.  Oh, yeah, Kenny owns an island somewhere in the sun here and makes an occasional foray into Foxy’s causing quite a stir when he shows up.

Among the items left behind by different folks, I found some things left by people from Ohio, so this next photo is for Brandon and Sarah, yeah, I know, “Go Buckeyes!”

 

There isn’t much else on Jost Van Dyke, a few small restaurants and an inn or two but it certainly has the island laid back vibe. Don’t try to eat lunch after 2:00 because all the restaurants’ kitchens have closed and won’t open again until 6:00.  Guess the beach is just too inviting in the afternoons or siesta time or just working on your jeep as we found the owner of one place doing.  

 

There are nice beach chairs and some lovely rope hammocks along the beach for anyone to use to chill out for a while and the water is clear and warm for wading or swimming.  Kids were playing and fishing on the dinghy dock and just enjoying themselves, like everyone does on JVD. This is the islands, mon, nuttin’ be in a hurry.

                            

I shot this photo of a little boy on the dock who I thought was too cute with his curly hair.

 If you get to the BVIs, be sure to visit Foxy's!!