I’ve chartered boats in the Virgin Islands almost every year for the past 12 years and enjoyed a variety of experiences on each trip. I’ve cruised with small groups, large groups, with kids, without kids, you name it, I’ve signed up for it.

“They’re calling for ten footers outside of Man O’War cut,” I reported back to my friend Mark Mitchell, “but we gotta get going!”

“George, are you sure?” he cautioned on the other end of the line from Ft. Lauderdale, “that’s heavy stuff.”

Day One-Ketchikan, Alaska

 I’m glad it was raining and slightly chilly when I stepped off the plane in Ketchikan, Alaska to join the fleet of Grand Banks' making their way north. For more than a month, I was anticipating this cruise and for an east coaster like me, the topography, overcast skies, and smell of wilderness and sea were different enough to stir an inner child-like excitement. Ah, we’re on an adventure I thought, while taking the ferry from the airport to the mainland.

“Hot dogs! Get your all beef dogs here!”

“Soda soda! Beer here!”