Moon Handbooks, Virgin Islands

I've just finished dinner with one of my most fantastic friends, Jennie. In search of some tasty fare that could be considered unique to the upper 48, we went to Sine Irish Pub. We each indulged in a delicious meal that included the pairing of a Shepherd's Pie with a pint of Guinness. The Irish Nachos were also quite delicious. After we chinked our pints and wished for a happy voyage, we dove into one of the awesome parting gifts I received from Jennie, a copy of Moon Handbooks, Virgin Islands.

What an awesome handbook for anybody travelling to the Virgin Islands! I've reviewed my copy of Frommer's (which is sort of nice), but the Moon version is TEN TIMES BETTER! If I were to list all the reasons why the Moon version is superior, I'd have to write a separate post. Let me just summarize by saying the maps are much more detailed, the hikes more well-defined, the local events better highlighted, and the material more educational. I actually just learned about "The 1733 Slave Rebellion" and discovered I'd be wise to bring along a pair of binoculars for some bird-watching at Francis Bay Pond. I am interested in reading more of the handbook whenever I find some more free time. Perhaps I could read more about sugar making, hiking, local attractions, and the paradise-themed beaches during the 6 hour plane trip to Seattle, or on the return flight home, or on the flight to St. Thomas. Lots of upcoming flights.

Another delightful gift from Jennie was a bottle of Dr. Bronner's magical soap. It's a Hippie themed 18-in-1 cure-all cosmetic remedy sure to keep the nose hairs at attention. I've now become the proud owner of the Eucalyptus scented variety and more specifically, I hear it can be used for body wash, shampoo, deodorant, house cleaner, demon eradicator, and mosquito repellent. I'm not sure about the demon eradicating part of it, but the label seems to hint at some kind of religious and beast-defeating powers. I'll be happy if it spares me from Dengue fever and itchy arms and legs. If I also smell nice, that would be good too.

Just 48 hours until departure for my training in Mt. Rainier. I'll fly out of DCA around 7am (EST) and arrive in Seattle around 1:30pm (Pacific). The Wilderness First Aid training I'll get at Rainier will be a nice review but I'm still tempted to be a huge nerd and study my Wilderness Medicine Institute Handbook while on the plane and in the airports. Then again, US Airways may very well have an awesome in-flight movie, in which case, I'd be happy to enjoy the provided entertainment and/or spend some more time reading this handbook!