Although we had several email exchanges with Katie’s mom and dad over the last couple of years, we had not yet had the opportunity to speak or meet in person. Since Brian and Katie were planning a visit, we thought it would be a great occasion to spend time with Dan and Robin too. I’m sure everyone was concerned that we could end up like a marine version of Meet the Fockers, but we got along famously from day one and had a wonderful week together.
The week began with Echo arriving in Road Town BVI where we had planned to meet Brian, Katie, Dan, and Robin as they arrived via ferry from St Thomas. It is easier to fly to St. Thomas then to fly to BVI. After some minor drama finding each other, we met in town, had some dinner at Pusser’s, and headed out the next morning for our week in the sun.
First stop was a short reach across the Drake Passage to Cooper Island. No photos, but we took advantage of Happy Hour at the Cooper Island Resort and returned to Echo for dinner. Next morning we headed east for a visit to the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda. The Baths are very popular and can be absolutely loaded with people when cruise ships are about. There is a marked trail that was so busy you could hardly move. 
We found a passage that got us out into another part of the area that was almost empty. As usual, 99% of all visitors stay on the path. With just a little extra effort, you avoid the crowds and enjoy.
The beach was absolutely loaded with European cruse ship tourists in teenie tiny swim suits. Dan popped a lens out of his glasses just from watching too hard.
After our visit to the Baths, we continued up to North Sound on Virgin Gorda. For the first night we moored by Saba Rock and had a nice dinner there. Second night we moved over to Leverick Bay for the night. At Leverick we caught a fun show by Michael Bean. Michael is a real showman who obviously loves his work. Brian and Robin competed in the conch blowing contest. Bowing to pressure Robin under delivered and was eliminated. Brian blew a 30 second honk and was crowned Conch King.
after North Sound we made our way south to Peter Island and tucked into a pretty bay named Little Harbor. This bay is a great spot to snorkel and everyone got in the water for a look around.
Sooner than anyone could imagine, it was time for Dan and Robin to head back towards home. We moved across Drake’s Passage to Road Town where they could catch the ferry and said so long until next time. Next time should be at the wedding!
As Brian and Katie had a few more days, we traveled from Road Town down to Norman’s Island to spend a night. The Bight on Norman’s is famous for a floating bar called Willie T’s where we had some cold ones. Also, some great diving is available at the caves and out at some rocks called the Indians.
Next stop, Jost Van Dyke. Out on the east end of the island is an anchorage at Diamond Cay an a cool little spot known as the Bubbling Pool. The waves crash into the pool and make a natural tub. In the morning we moved over to Great Harbor to check out of the BVI in preparation for moving over to the US Virgin Islands. After check out we visited one more spot on Jost known as White Bay. The beach was beautiful, but quite crowded with day trippers from cruise boats. There is a famous bar here called the Soggy Dollar where we consumed an obligatory Pain Killer.
Leaving Jost we headed across to Cruz Bay on St. John where we could visit US customs and check back into the US Virgins. By this time we had learned the sad news of the death of my mom and were making plans for a return to Detroit. We decided we would leave Echo at a marina on the east end of St. Thomas while we were in Detroit, so we left St John and got tucked in at the American Yacht Harbor.
Having one more day before we could return to Detroit, we arranged to rent a car and tour St. Thomas a bit. That day there were 6 cruise ships in the harbor and the island was loaded with people. We visited a beach called Meagan’s which, although beautiful, was wall to wall people and not very pleasant. We felt sorry for folks that only had this opportunity to see the beauty. Later we found another less crowded beach where we swam and wrapped up the road trip with some stand up paddle boarding.
Although our time time ended on a very sad note, we are so grateful for the wonderful adventures we had with our visitors. Dan and Robin are as wonderful as Katie and we can’t wait until our co-parent status is official!