Let me start by saying I spent several months before this trip ‘lurking’ on TTOL - getting every bit of info I could get from the ‘regulars’ here. You guys have a ‘language’ all your own - many times I didn’t understand what you were saying but many times, I would laugh until I cried - a big thanks to all of you! For those that are Captains and get to do this everyday, and for those of you that get to do this several times a year, I envy you - by far, this is the best thing I have ever done!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />

Bella Vita is a fabulous 46' catamaran with queen bedrooms & bathrooms - everything equal for my group - no one gets upset. We were picked up Friday night (7/8) at AYH in Red Hook. First thing, Captains Eddie & Lorrin asked “you guys feel up to going to Mahoe Bay, St. John and spending the first night there?” Are you kidding me? Let’s go for it.” We had spent many days on Mahoe Beach looking out at the boats and saying, “some day, we are going to do that.” We awoke Saturday morning and ran to the deck to say “yoo-hoo, our some day is here!” <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> to the people on shore.

Saturday (9th): After a delicious breakfast of mango pancakes, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> we set sail to Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke to check in at C&I before heading to White Bay. White Bay took our breath away - so beautiful. We spent our time in the water, talking to people we met on the beach while our little Honey Man played in the sand and water & met some friends of his own. Encountered some ladies there that like to swim and sun bathe without their tops. Oh Lord, hope our little Honey Man who is 6 ½ years old doesn’t see this and tell his Mom and Dad. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Lucy, you have some ‘splaining’ to do. We hit Soggy Dollar & the shops before we set sail to our next stop.

Norman Island: We sailed by The Bight - lots of boats there so we go onto the Caves. We opt out of going to the Willy T - figured Jace got enough sex education in for the day at White Bay. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> We snorkeled the Caves and our little Honey Man (Jace) was determined the Pirates had left some treasure there but we couldn’t find anything. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Sunday (10th): In the morning, Jace wants to try again for the buried treasure but we struck out again <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> - we did however see lots of fish - almost like being in an aquarium. We pulled up anchor to head to the Indians. As we get close, our Captain said all the mooring balls are full so we head to Pelican Island right across from the Indians. Just as we are about to tie up to a ball, someone leaves at the Indians - yeah!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Capt. Eddie hurries over to get the spot (well as much as you can hurry while maneuvering a big boat). This is a ‘must-do’ every time we come to the islands, always a favorite spot to snorkel. Brisk current here today and “Sha-na-na (a/k/a Ms. Thang too a/k/a Charlene) gets slammed into the ‘feathers’ and fire coral. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> She was a real trooper though - only thing that gets her out of the water is a Sting Ray! After another yummy lunch, we pull up anchor and head toward Cooper Island.

We did a ‘sail by’ Cistern Point (supposed to have good snorkeling here also) and anchored in Manchioneel Bay at Coopers. We were last at Coopers in 2006. Whoa-a-a- Mama - lots of changes here. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> We were told a couple from England purchased the island and had been doing extensive renovations to the restaurant and cottages. There was all new furniture, everything looked great and people were super nice in the little gift shop. As the sun set in the bay, all the boats have their little clear lights turned on their boats - it was absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful sunset - got some very nice photos! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Monday (11th): We head over to Spanish Town at Virgin Gorda to shop. We took the dinghy and tied up at the dock. The dock is at the top of my head. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> “Oh no”, I think - “where is high tide when you need it?” At just barely over 5 feet, I feel my heart start to race. I decided to let the spry ones in the group (Ms. Senior Thang - Peggy; Ms. Thang - Bev; Ms. Sista Thang - Nancy; Ms. Thang too - Charlene and Honey Man - Jace) go first. They are all up on the dock telling me to come on and I’m thinking, it sure would be nice to have Julia Roberts 44" of legs; heck, I would even settle for Inspector Gadget’s spring loaded shoes at this point. After much pushing and pulling, I am finally on the pier in an upright position! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Jim - Mr. Slow Poke Thang’s turn. Bam-a-lam!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hammer.gif" alt="" /> Well he is on the dock but in a prone position. I just know Capts. Eddie & Lorrin are thinking “where are we going to get a hydraulic lift to take care of this situation?” Ten minutes later, Jim is in an upright position <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> - thanks to all those extra, strong hands on the dock! I locate my must have item of the trip “What happens onboard - stays onboard” pirate flag that is flying on the Bella Vita. I do my little happy dance <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> and we head back to the dock to get back in the dinghy. Thank God, getting down off of it is somewhat easier than getting up on the dock! I know Eddie and Lorrin are relieved! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Back on the boat and we head to Mahoe Bay at VG - OMG!! We are in heaven - we absolutely love this area! It is so beautiful and a great anchorage - quiet, peaceful! We snorkel the reef here and Capt Eddie pulls Jace in the towable. That is one happy kid - if his grin gets any wider, his lips will split. Ms. Thang decides to go for a ride with Honey Man in the tube and comes back saying she thought she had signed up for the senior ride. Not to worry - a pain killer will take care of those aches and pains! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Soon, we head up into Leverick Bay/North Sound and fill the water tank. We anchor at Prickly Pear Island for the night. Another beautiful area - right across Eustatia Island and Necker Island. No sight of Sir Richard ! Guess they are getting ready for the wedding of Vanessa and Nick! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

More later!
Bissie