Day 3 - A Full Day at Sea

We are crossing into the BVIs today so we need to stop and clear customs in West End, Sopers Hole.  In order to time it out and miss the long waits with the ferry, B thought a slow start was best. 

Even so, Todd was up at 6, I followed around 7 and the rest came up in turn.  Breakfast was served at 9 and it did not disappoint.  There was egg and spinach ritatta, fresh fruit, bacon, apple turnovers, pina colada bread, toast, and some amazing potatoes.  We ate so well! 

Since Sammy’s hadn’t swam the day before, the girls decided to go for a quick swim after breakfast.  Scott threw some bread in the water to gather some fish.  

After that, we got underway and made the short trip across to West End, BVI.    

Once we arrived, we stayed on board as B ran ashore with our passports.  While we waited, Sammy and Cole did some writing, Luke called home and Faith drew.

B also made a quick run to the store for a special request for cereal and then we were off, officially welcomed in the British Virgin Islands.  It was about an hour to get to our next stop.  There were whitecaps in the Drakes Passage but it was still a beautiful day.  Because of the winds, we weren’t sure if we’d be able to stop at the Indians for snorkeling.  However, as we proceeded, the winds died down and the seas calmed. 

Once we arrived at the Indians, K served us lunch.  Shrimp sandwiches (or cold cuts) with a green pepper, tomato and cucumber salad along with Doritos.  It was delicious.  The girls took a quick dinghy ride with B because here they could really go fast. Then we jumped in to swim to the snorkeling area.  The Indians are several large boulders set at the mouth of a bay.  Lots of fish and animals congregate on and near the rocks and the pool that lies just beyond.   

We were only in the water about 45 mins but there was so much to see.  Lots of small fish including needle fish, parrot fish, blue tang, butterfly fish, sergeant major and bar jack.  It was great.

We then pressed on for the 3 hour trip to reposition to North Sound.  The seas were so calm and the ride was just beautiful.  We all spread out and did different things on board.  There was laughing, reading, card playing and a little napping as well. 

We arrived around 6 pm and the sun was low in the sky.  There were many impressive boats in North Sound and we loved taking it all in.  We found a ball for the night and B&K got to work on dinner.  A few of us took showers.  Dinner was ribeye steaks and baked potatoes with apple crumble ala mode.  

Each meal since Day 1, K has been struggling to provide enough rolls or bread.  We go through several baskets each meal.  Finally, we discovered the culprit.  Miss Faith LOVES bread.  So B has now affectionately named her “Bread Girl” and we all marvel at the amount of bread she can put away.  

We wrapped up with map time with B and made a plan for the next few days.  We also finished with the question of the day which Sammy won!  

Everyone was feeling pretty tired tonight after a full day of wind and sun and movement.  But we spent our last few hours talking, stargazing, practicing lines, and wrapping up some work. We all gathered in their kitchen and swapped stories with K&B before heading to get for the night. 

The weather has been perfect.  No rain (but we did get a rainbow as we pulled into North Sound earlier today). Tomorrows temps range from 77-79* - with the cool ocean breeze, it is always the perfect temp.  

So thankful for this place and our time together.

 

Day 2 - Welcome Aboard

Our rooms were beautiful at the Marriott Frenchmans Cove.  Each family had a two room villa with a kitchen, living room and dining space.  However, we weren’t there long to enjoy.

We met at 8:30 am for breakfast down by the pool. We had fun waiting for the food to arrive and enjoyed a variety of breakfast items: Pancakes, French toast, Breakfast Tacos, Omelettes and more.  Then we quick went up to pack up and check out.

Todd and Scott stayed with bags waiting for the bellhop while Annie and I went to the beach with the kids.

Annie and I settled in on the beach chairs.  Luke joined us to work on some reading.  Tyler and Cole went exploring and checked out some plants and animals in the shallow waters.  Todd and Scott made their way out to the floating platforms to relax and talk while Faith and Sammy went to a different one to jump like a trampoline.  It was fun watching everyone enjoy their time in different ways.

Once we wrapped up, we headed up to the lobby and got our bags before our driver Sobers arrived.  

We pulled into the marina right around noon and met Captain Brendan (B).  Sobers took care of our luggage while we were brought aboard to meet Karen (K)  We took a few minutes to get settled in. And then met up on the bridge for a safety briefing.

As soon as we were finished, we headed back down to the main level and enjoyed lunch - Asian noodles, with chicken, egg, and veggies.  After our tummies were full, we settled in for the ride to St John.

Todd and Faith braved it out on the bow and took some real good waves.  Cole decided to join and it wasn’t long before all three were drenched!

We stopped for a quick minute in Christmas Cove to have a break from the waves and use the bathrooms.  Then K surprised us with some warm chocolate chip cookies.

Next, we continued on for appx 45 minutes (in much more comfortable seas) to St John where we grabbed a ball in Maho Bay.  

Even before Captain B gave us the go ahead for swimming, we saw several of the “locals”. This cove is well known for sea turtles and it did not disappoint. 

K served baked brie with crackers and fruit that we enjoyed before, during, and after the swim.  

 

 

B offered to take the group to another spot with likely more turtles, so 7 jumped in the dinghy to head in closer to shore.  Sammy and I stayed behind so she could work on Legos.

For supper, K served coconut breaded Mahi with coconut rice and a mango salsa.  She also had a chicken option for those who prefer.  We had a riviera salad and bread before and strawberry shortcake to wrap it up.  It was a wonderful meal, made better with lots of laughter and a gorgeous view. 

After supper we had a riveting game of Wordle with teams.  So fun laughing together.  Todd and Scott hung out on the bow and did some stargazing.  

Then Sammy worked on practicing her songs and lines for Annie Jr.  We enjoyed trying to keep up as she is far more rehearsed than the rest of us. 

We all kinda met up again on the bow on the boat under a gorgeous sky and relaxed with a last few stories and comments about the day.  Then headed in to go to bed.  I’m pretty sure everyone was asleep before 11pm.

It was am excellent first day.  We are a little pinker but our smiles are large!

Day 1 - Off We Go

Alarms went off at 3:20 am.  It was rough crawling out of bed but we are just so excited.  We met up at the American check in desk at the airport at 4:20.  Made it through security with only Annie having a quick tap down.  We sat down at our gate and settled in to wait for boarding.  Scott put together a Starbucks order and the boys went to pick up.  

While we waited, we heard from Luke that he was boarding his plane in Sioux Falls, SD.

The week before the trip, we received a phone call that there was issues with our seats.  Although 8 of us were ticketed first class, they only had 3 available seats on the plane.  Rather than switching to a different flight altogether, we agreed for Todd, Cole, Tyler, Sammy and I to flying coach instead.  

The five of us were split up.  Sammy and I in the bulkhead, Tyler and Cole a few rows behind and Todd in the exit from.  It was a three hours flight to Miami but only Cole and I got a nap.  Todd struck up a conversation with his seatmate who happened to be a childhood friend of Chuck Snoap.

Once in Miami, it started to settle in that we were actually on vacation.  We grabbed bathrooms and then sat at our gate.  We had a little under two hrs in Miami so it wasn’t long before we boarded. 

It was a 3-hour flight to St Thomas… this time all of us in first class.  This is a fun airport to land at.  Because the runway was extended out into the ocean, as you are coming down, it looks like you are landing on water.  As we approached, the sunglasses came out!

We had a decent want on the tarmac waiting for a gate.  Luke’s plane arrived only about 20 minutes after us but then he had a long wait on the tarmac as well.

As we de-boarded the plane, we walked down the steps into the beautiful 80* air.  Suns out, cool breeze blowing.  It honestly is the perfect temp for vacation!

Big Love was waiting for us with the van. So we loaded up and waited in the air conditioning until Luke’s bag was available.  Then we were whisked off to our hotel.  It was fun driving through town and recognizing the places we visited two years ago. We are staying at a new hotel this time and the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove Resort did not disappoint.

After check in, the bellhop took us and our bags to the room.   

There was a slight delay as the lock on our door wasn’t working but someone came quickly to fix it.  Then we took 15 minutes to change, and headed down to find the restaurant.  

It’s not far to the pool but because the resort sits on the side of a steep hill, we took three elevators down to finally make it pool side.  There were some great views along the way.

After we placed our order, the kids headed over to the pool.  The girls swam and the boys just talked.  Back at the table, the adults did too and I cant tell you how great it was just to relax, share stories and laugh together.  

The group ordered a variety of meals - Ribs, Burgers, Nachos, Jerk Chicken Pasta - Everyone seemed satisfied!  After we finished, the kids headed back to the pool.  While we waited for the check, we noticed them slink by like a line of shivering little ducklings as they made their way past the restaurant to the hot tub.  We joined shortly after.

It didn’t take long before the effects of a full tummy, warm water, and a big travel day took effect and we headed up to our rooms.  I don’t know about the Schmidts, but the Breens were full on pjs and snuggles by 8:30 pm.

Then Tyler had the idea to go for ice cream.  So he and Scott got dressed, texted the Schmidts and five of them headed back down by the pool for dessert.

I’m not certain when lights went out but I know we were all asleep before 10 pm.  

It was a fabulous day.  I’m just so thankful to be here!

2025 Blue Pepper with the Schmidts - The Plan

This year we asked the kids what they wanted to do for our big trip. Both were pretty quick to say they wanted to travel with the Schmidts.  So after some planning and consideration, we asked Todd and Annie if they’d be open to it.  We asked if they would consider a week aboard a catamaran in the US and British Virgin Islands.  And they agreed!

With Luke in college out of state, we really only had the week of his spring break to consider.  So we got to work finding a boat/crew that would accommodate us and our dates.  We found the Blue Pepper, a 60’ Fountaine Pajot Catamaran.  

This boat has a layout that offers 6 staterooms to accommodate up to 10 guests (the crew needs one).  This is slightly different than the boat we had two years ago and puts the galley on the main bridge so we can hopefully watch all the cooking magic!

The boat is crewed by B & K - Captain Brendan and Chef Karen.  We have already had some communication with them via text, phone and video chat and they seem delightful.

We’ll fly out of GRR with a 6:00 am flight on Saturday, March 1.  We’ll meet Luke, who departs from South Dakota in St Thomas, around 4:00 pm.  Then we’ll stay one night on the island before boarding the boat at noon on Sunday.  After our time aboard, we’ll spend another night on land and then fly home (our separate ways) on Monday March 10.

Day 7 - Heading Home

Well, we were able to get flights home today and everyone has stayed healthy.  However, they can only get us as far as Detroit and we had to split up.  The boys grabbed an early flight which will get them into Michigan around supper time, just in time for Tyler’s class tonight (which he’ll do at the airport).  Then Sammy and I will leave around noon which gets us to Detroit around 10:00 pm (the end of Tyler’s class).  Scott will rent us a car and we’ll drive home yet tonight.  That is if everything goes to plan and the expected snow storm doesn’t interrupt our flights.

I walked Scott and Tyler down to their car and said our goodbyes.  For some reason, sending them off without Sam and I feels really ominous.  But we are all ready to get home.  

On the walk back up to our room, my phone dings and I am notified that Sammy and my flight will be delayed.  Argh.  

But our car is already scheduled and I really don’t want to be stuck here any longer than we’ve been already, so we continue on with our plan to go to the airport.  

We had a decently long wait but we were a few miles closer to home.  Eventually we boarded and took off less than an hour after the scheduled time.  

Tyler and Scott made it to Detroit while we were in the air.  Tyler ended up finding a little corner to hunker down in and attended in class in AI/Machine Learning.  Scott headed out to rent an SUV, grab dinner and find some snacks for us on the ride home.  

The delay in our flight caused us to be coming in right as the storm was hitting but we landed without issue.  Tyler was in a separate terminal so after his class, Scott picked him up at the curb and then headed to our terminal to grab Sam and I.  Thankfully we sent the bags with the guys so we didn’t have as long to wait. 

It was almost 11:30 pm when we left the airport.  No one felt great but we were ready to get home.  Thank goodness Scott is confident driving in snow.  We pulled into the garage and walked in just after 2 am

It didn’t take long to find our pillows that night.  We were exhausted.  As Scott and I lay there in the dark, we took what felt like our first exhale in days.  And in that moment, we both just started laughing.  I’m not exactly sure what was so funny in that moment, or in the days prior, but it was just what we needed.

I wish the extra days would have been spent exploring and enjoying SanFran.  But am so thankful we could so easily stay back, and give Sam the space and time she needed to recover.

It was a great trip!  I’m so thankful we could share it together.

 

Day 5/6 - Change of Plans

Overnight, Sammy got sick.  I switched rooms with Tyler so I could be close and he could stay healthy.  Neither of us got much sleep so we spent most of the day resting.  Sammy spiked a fever this morning and didn’t eat much all day.  

So clearly, we are not heading home today.  We rescheduled flights for tomorrow.  But the fever didn’t go down until the early morning hours of Tuesday so we cancelled those flights too.  We’ll try again for tomorrow.

The girls stayed in quarantine.  Luckily I had my computer along so I could get some work done while Sammy slept.  The guys hung out with movies and then did a submarine tour that they didn’t previously have time for.  

It’s an unexpected extra few days in San Francisco!

Later on Tuesday, Sammy and I went for a walk to get some fresh air and stretch our legs.

Before you judge our appearance, remember that we were on a three day vacation… on the final day… all the laundry has been used.  Now we extended the trip an extra 3 days… there are no more clean options.  

We were a hot mess but it felt SOOO good to be out of our infirmary.  

Day 4 - Alcatraz & Science