In the summer of 1964, the Hokin family visited Little Dix Bay and brought their 24' sportfisherman, REM, to explore the British Virgin Island's angling opportunities. They spent many days in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. The Sound was remote and quiet, much as it had been three centuries before, when the English pirates and freebooters, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, anchored in its shelter, planning daring raids.

The natural beauty of the Sound captivated the Hokins and during the sixties, they returned in the chartered ketch Tontine, and later in their own ketch, Alianora.

One year they found that a shorefront pub and five cottages, called Bitter End, clung to the unlandscaped hillside. Basil Symonette, a pioneer Virgin Island yachtsman, had built the place for charter captains and adventurous sailors. During construction, teenage circumnavigator and author of Dove, Robin Lee Graham, sailed into the Sound. He wrote, "Some people here at a place called The Bitter End are building a resort. They have found a really lovely spot and they've hauled in all the material they need." His stay turned from days to months as he lent a hand in the construction. The walls, windows and tiles he installed still stand in the resort's five original cottages.

Accommodations were rustic. Beds were made with paper sheets, and only cold water ran in the bathrooms. Evening lights were provided by an old diesel generator and water was collected on the roofs and stored in cisterns that doubled as cottage foundations. If visiting yachtsmen came for dinner, they were required to approach a long wooden pier and sound their boat's air horn. If Basil, the eccentric son of the last colonial governor of the Bahamas, felt sociable, he would respond by megaphone and the visitor would be allowed to come ashore and buy a meal. The evening would last until Basil would abruptly decide it was time for lights out and shut down the generator.

Bernice Hokin, right, with Lauren Hokin	Myron Hokin, right, with two of his grandchildren, Lauren and Justin Hokin	Justin Hokin as a tyke
Lauren Hokin as a wee lass	Lauren Hokin, left, and Celine Brill	Lauren, left and Justin Hokin

As Myron and Bernice Hokin became frequent visitors to the Bitter End during winter cruises in the Virgin Islands, they had many lively conversations with Basil. Bernice suggested that it would be nice to have a place to go ashore for a day or two, so during one conversation, Myron said that he would like to buy or lease an acre to build a cottage for himself and Bernice. Basil needed time to consider the proposition but promised an answer when the Hokins next called at Bitter End.

A few weeks later, the Hokins returned to find that Basil had decided against their offer. Instead he offered to sell them the whole place. The Hokins couldn't refuse. They realized that Bitter End would make a perfect family retreat.

In 1973, the Hokins became the new owners and Don Neal, the charter captain of their sportfisherman Reef Sampler, became the major domo. While none of them had any experience running a hotel, they had plenty of enthusiasm.

Granddaughter Ali with Myron	Granddaughter Dana	Granddaughter Ali
	With their grandchildren and picnic basket in hand, they explored the islands from Anegada to the Dogs. The surrounding reefs offered spectacular snorkeling and diving. Neighboring islands and cays had beautiful deserted beaches for shelling. The flats, reefs and offshore waters had abundant populations of bonefish and other game fish. The area was ideal for sailing, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and beachcombing. As their interest and familiarity with the islands grew, so did their desire to share their experiences. All excursions the Bitter End offers today are inspired by these family outings.
Boardheads, Richard and son Justin, 1984?

British Virgin Islanders were just as excited as the Hokins to share their love for the islands and sea. With their help through the years, the Hokins have been fortunate to share their retreat and create a special place for many to enjoy.

Architect Peter Brill, who gave up the world of city skyscrapers for a sunnier life sailing the Caribbean, worked with Myron to design Bitter End's breezy buildings and cottages. The entire resort is intended to be organic, comfortable and beautiful. Bitter End still generates its own electricity, collects and distills its own water, utilizes solar power and uses treated grey waste shower water to irrigate the hillside gardens.

The first postcard	Back of the first postcard	Reef Sampler