There is nothing better than showing your family around the Virgin Islands. In late March Bill and Caroline came to St Thomas and stayed in a hotel. Their favorite tour we took them on was to St John's. They had a cruiser's type day using local transportation, going to "Skinny Legs Restaurant" and mingling with donkeys, chickens and goats. They even did some birdwatching and saw two local humming birds. Papa always has binoculars! Afterwards it was a luxury for Fran and Al to relax with them at the hotel. We wish they could have stayed longer.
Two days later the really wild visit started. The Landmessers flew in to St Thomas and we took them to the BVI. The weather was good and we hit all the highlights. The girls liked it all, the bubbly pool, the Baths, the clear water and the snorkeling. It was a whirlwind trip and every day was fun. Helen, Fran's sister, loves the boat so much this has been her third visit! 
The last night there was a Full Moon party at Trellis Bay. They redo their New Year's Eve party every month on the full moon. The fires, Jumbies and Fungi music on the beach create an atmosphere where you almost have to have fun. Fran is planning to have many more good times with her family, weather it be on this trip or back in the States!
And here's Captain Uncle Al relaxing after all the entertaining! We treated ourselves to two nights in a hotel room at Saba Rock. Fran calls it a mini-resort. The island is probably a total of 4 acres of land. A tiny beach with hammocks looks out onto the Atlantic and the restaurant overlooks North Sound, Virgin Gorda. No elevators, no lobby and no room service because the restaurant is only 500 ft away from your room. Now we are back on the boat and plan to leave soon to go south. We'll explore the Windward Islands and spend the summer in Grenada. It feels like another phase of the trip is beginning.
Thanks to everyone for the continuing good wishes, e mails and comments.
Our best,
Frances and Al
