Wow...I can't believe its been three months since we got back <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> And another eight months until we return <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

This was my 11th trip to the BVI and my wife's 2nd. We decided that we wanted to "island hop" in a land-based way. Took Spirit from LAX to STT...everything one might expect from a discount airline, but at least we got there on time. Ferry over to Tortola and a quick ride to Sebastians for our first two nights. After being in the air/water for about 20 hours, two rum punches and a wonderful dinner was a great way to begin our trip. Meals at Sebastians have always been good, but this year I believe was the best ever...the conch stew was the best I've ever tasted...and I've tasted a LOT of conch in my day.

Spent a day walking around...showed the wife Long Bay...had a nice swim...and even got down to Bomba's for a few drinks in the evening. Many thanks to Uschi and her staff for getting us in the island spirit immediately.

On Monday, we took the ferry over to Jost for three days at Ivan's guesthouse. Some small difficulties when we arrived...Charlene had not been told by her sister we were coming and the unit was not ready. Grabbed two beers, went for a swim, and then headed down to the Sandcastle for a fantastic meal. Ivan's downstairs unit is pretty basic, but it's clean and you can't beat the location. Over the next two days, we hung out at the Soggy Dollar, headed over to Ali Baba's for some "damned good rum punch" and even had a really nice meal at Foxy's. The food there has also improved a great deal over the years; I was espeically impressed considering how late in the season we were there.

Our one glitch occured the last night when both power and water went out at Ivan's. The water wasn't a major issue, but since I use a CPAP machine to sleep, the lack of power was gonna be a problem. Reluctantly, we left Ivan's a day early and were able to get a room at the Sea Crest for our last night. They were very accomodating, considering that they had closed for the season.

Thursday brought us by ferry to CGB, which my wife had not yet visited. Four nights at Myett's...Valerie is a wondeful hostess...sorry we did not get to mett Kareem on this trip. More swimming, snorkeling, reading trash novels, and general lounging occupied our days. On Friday night, we got to see Quito's last performance with the Edge for the season. I've seen them play many times and I can honestly say this was the best show ever. Three hours without a break <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Took the wife to visit Soper's Hole and Roadtown where we did some of the "tourist" things. Reluctantly, after four days, we headed home, landing in FLL 100 miles ahead of a hurricane. Of course, Spirit lost our checked bag, but we've come to expect that.

No real negatives, except for the unexpected power/water issue at Ivan's which I chalk up to "just one of those things.

Tons of positives, especially the wonderful people we continue to meet and share some conversation and perhaps a drink with every time we visit. Our 22 year old son is getting married next month and we're already making plans to take the newlyweds on our trip next summer. Can't wait