My husband and I have been hanging around in the USVI’s and BVI’s for about 10 years now, always land based, with some day sailing. We finally got a chance to join a Flotilla this past November. Our group had three 50’ cats from Voyage.

Day 1
Arrive in Sopers Hole one day early, for a sleep over on the boat. Our boat is parked right beside Pussers, very gorgeous, but not clean, so they gave us two rooms (for 8 people) up above the Voyage office. Oh well, all is fine and the rum is flowing.

Day 2
The entire gang finally arrives– they roll in on the last ferry (flight delayed) so we stay one more night at the Sopers.

Day 3-8
A charming blonde boy drives our boat out of Sopers Hole, steering with his feet. It was fun to watch him do this so easily. Off we go. Our goal: “Don’t scratch the gel coat”!

I quickly realize that I have six very sweet, eager men on my boat who want to do everything regarding the boat, so there is not much else to do than tend the bar. Now here’s the part where it gets hazy... and I have looked thru my coozies and t-shirts, but the exact order and days are not clear, maybe you experts can figure it out for me? I have listed my most vivid memories in no particular order.

Dolphin on our bow
I ate a fresh lobster cooked on a grill, cab took us to a pretty beach, surf is up
Painkillers in a little bitty white cup, guy with very long dreads wants to take a picture with us.
One place had nice showers and a pool, a man roped us in Cowboy style on the docks.
A nice buffet, then dancing. I remember a man dancing with the rope on a pole. “These dinghies all look alike”
Fed a remora left over steak, watched the fish off the back of the boat for hours with a flashlight. “Is that a bird or a bat that keeps swooping down into my light?
Climbed thru some big rocks, rough getting in and out on to the beach, my Keens are too heavy so I take them off and promptly cut my foot on the reef.
A small ferry took us to a little island for dinner, lots of tarpon.
A gorgeous sunset, one t-shirt says Cooper Island, one hat says Willy-T, one coozie says The Bight
Indians and more Caves, giant barracudda is following me, those are big teeth.
Big day of sailing, swells and big wind- 12 knots. “Can we do that again?”
There’s another Pussers, and another pool “I like this bar”

Day 9
The saddest day of all- wake up and sail back to Soper’s. Here comes blondey out to get us. We gave away lots of provisions to the lucky boat next to us, and to the Voyage guys.

We did our very best to stimulate the BVI economy, and as always, we found the islanders to be shy, kind, and fun-loving. It took my about two days to slow down to their speed, but once I got there, I wanted to stay. I am happy to report we did NOT scratch the gel coat, and we never EVER missed a mooring ball. I never thought about work, email, facebook, television, or even this TTOL forum. The ONLY thing I missed by being on the boat, was that delicious Ginger Wine Chicken from Palms Delight.

To all the TTOLers who have helped me over the years with planning, logistics, and packing, thank you. I finally get what the hub bub is all about. As you can see by my ticker, I am coming back next year. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />