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Trip Info I put together for a Newbie (He called)
-
R&S from MI
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:13 am
- Location: Woodhaven Michigan
Trip Info I put together for a Newbie (He called)
Hi gang. I'm a forum junkie. I admit I read often and post little. My new years resolution is to provide our little family some of my views and post more often. Here is the deal, I helped a friend book a last minute trip to St. John this week for his wife. I also happen to be his manager. Like a good forumite I talk up the island all the time and have photos all over my desk.. I've jotted down my best thoughts of my 7 trips and some good stuff I've found here from you guys. He leaves Saturday and is staying in Frank Bay area at the Mahogany Tree villa. One of my favorites...
Here are my initial draft notes for his visit. What have I missed or what might be wrong.
St. John ....
It is "St. John".... Not "St. John(s)". I think St. John's is on the east coast of Canada.. Start the trip off right with the locals. Furthermore. Always great them with "Good Day", "Good Morning " , "Good Evening". These are great people. Being nice goes a long way when you need some help. They really want to share the island with people who appreciate and respect it.
Getting to the Island:
Just remember that you cannot get to paradise in a Taxi.... It is an adventure getting to the island. It rarely goes as planned; a delay between "Plane - Plane - Taxi - Ferry - Taxi" is bound to occur. It always helps to remember that it is 1,000 miles from Detroit to Miami, and 1,000 miles from Miami to St. John... you're a long way from home, this aint Florida. No Walmart's or golden arches here. This is a place of 4R's.... (Renew- Rest- Rum-Reflect). The order of preference varies day by day.
I have a golden rule that needs to be followed. When you get off the plane and find your way to the baggage claim area grab a cold one as you wait for your bags. Your vacation starts here and you must rewire at this point " you're on island time". Island time is not a bad thing, be patient, be polite and remember "Your cell phone does not work"... at least that is what you tell everyone at the office.... Really you might get some service, but the cell phone can only be used to call your greater in St. John to let them know you will be on the Cruz bay dock in 60 minutes or so depending on the ferry you choose. From this point forward no cell calls, no email, no schedules, no agendas. Your not in an all inclusive with buffets starting and stopping at certain times, or on a cruise ship with specific in port schedules. Most used a cruise ship to find this special place. Try no structure for your trip and see what happens...
Getting to Cruz Bay: (Airport to Cruz Bay)
Debates rage over taking a taxi to CA (Charlotte Amalie) or Redhook. Here is the deal, if you go into CA you have a shorter cab ride (20 minutes) and a longer boat ride (40 minutes) . From Redhook the opposite experience cab ride (40 minutes) and a boat ride of (20 minutes). If your stressed and cutting it close on time, do yourself a favor and just take the Redhook Ferry, they leave every hour on the hour. But if you hit the timing perfect and want to see a little more by water take the longer boat ride, and get a seat on the top deck and take in the cruise ships and hustle and bustle of St. Thomas with the warm winds blowing. If you take this route you won't be sorry. This one just takes great planning and perfect timing.
Other Notes on getting to the Island:
Taxi fare to Redhook Is $15 per person and $2 per bag I believe from the airport. Vans do not leave until full, just note that you might sit in the van for a few minutes as it loads. You might also get a tour of the island if the van drops off others at hotels along the way. Bottom line is it might take a little longer to get to Redhook then you thought based upon whom you get in the van with. You're on island time so chill out.
Ferry Schedules:
Passenger ferries operate between St. Thomas (Red Hook & Charlotte Amalie) and St. John (Cruz Bay).
From Red Hook to Cruz Bay:
6:30am
7:30am
8:00 , then every hour on the hour until Midnight
Rates: One-way, $6.10/Adults and $2.10/Children ages 2-11. Seniors are $2.35 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes. Telephone: (340) 776-6282, (340) 776-6412
Time: 15 to 20 minutes
From Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay:
9:00 am11:00 am 1:00 pm3:00 pm4:00 pm5:30 pm
Rates: One-way, $11.10/Adults and $4.10/Children ages 2-11. Seniors are $6.10 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes. Telephone: (340) 776-6282, (340) 776-6412
Time: 40 to 45 minutes
First Night Traditions
Everyone has a first night tradition when they get to the island.... Ours goes something like this.
We get to the dock; find the property managers and get a ride to the villa as I mumble under my breath I still can't believe we packed all this shit. 7 trips later and the clothes still come home clean. My wife and 2 girls pack less every year, but we still bring to much. We get to the villa, get settled in and head out for dinner at the Beach Bar. From Mahogany Tree it is a short walk down the hill, past Gallows Point and past the cemetery along the beach front. This might seam creepy the first trip into town but it becomes part of the program after a few trips back and forth. Just watch the traffic at night. From this point forward remember you're here for the 4R's (Renew -Rest-Rum-Reflect). The Beach Bar will help you get on island time. When you have a beverage in hand that first night you can finally say you have officially arrived...time for a burger or a Tuna down under and a few more beers. The test the first night is if you can walk back up the hills to the villa. Too many drinks and the walk can be a bitch back to the villa...
Getting the Car & provisioning
The first morning I walk down to St. John Car rental and pick up the jeep. For reference St. John Car Rental is directly across the street from the beach bar. Driving back to Mahogany Tree is easy. I pick up the family and we head to Starfish Market to get groceries for the week We have coffee and eat breakfast in the villa every morning. Lunches are 70% eat on the beach / 30% going out. Dinners are 50/50 between cooking on the grill at the villa, and walking into town for dinner. Never any plans, but a day-by-day decision. We get to the beach by 10am most days, required to get that perfect spot for some afternoon shade. We leave the villa most days by 9-9:30am. Leave then and you should not have any problems finding a good spot to hang for the day. We tend to leave the beach around 3pm and head back to the villa for a drink, kids swim in the pool.
Snorkel Gear
Using the Beach Bar as a good point of reference, Low Key Water sports is located right next door. Pick up your snorkel gear here the first morning. If you're concerned about snorkeling, grab a vest or snorkeling belt as well. I do Ok without a vest, but Sherri and daughters (8 & 11) both like the vests for support.
Day One: North Shore Drive to Maho
After you provision for the week, I have a recommendation .. Take a drive out 20... You will see Hawksnest, Trunk, and Cinnamon, along the trek to Maho... Make it to Maho that first day and walk the beach end to end. Snorkel that first day along the right side of Maho out to the point and back. Save finding the sea turtles in the middle of the bay in the grass for the second day. On the way back home stop at another beach for a new perspective. Every beach has a new personality as I see it. Everyone has a favorite. Sherri & I and the kids love Maho, and spend the most of our time here. If I had to choose a second it would be Solomon. Picking a beach on St. John is like picking a favorite beer. I want to try them all....None are bad. Depends on the mood.
Day Two Forward: No agenda required
We have found that in our trips we simply have no agenda or plan to speak of. Bottom line is don't plan a ton and plan each day the night before with beverages in hand... I've found the best of plans are spontaneous and based on what you learned that day, and who you met and talked with at the Bar or on the deck of the Mahogany tree talking with others... After 7 trips though we spend most of our time at Maho and a few days exploring other areas. We try at least one new beach each trip. Or go back to a beach that we have not done in a couple of years. So many to choose from and just not enough days. Just another reason to plan the next trip back.
Beach Notes:
Half the fun is figuring out which beaches you like the best, and at times how to get to the damn places... Overall here are a few thoughts you might find useful on your first trip. Watch the hills and turns heading to route 20. Just warning it is an experience the first time.
Trunk Bay: Avoid this beach when cruise ships are in town. We like to end the day here after 4pm. Going here for a sunset one night works well also ....... The Other way to do Trunk is to get here early before the cruise ships and leave for lunch and head into coral bay if it gets to crazy and crowded. The sand at Trunk seams softer then any other. If you end up making a full day at Trunk, you can get lunch here as they have a concession stand. Even sell beer here.
Solomon & Honeymoon: You can park at Caneel Bay and walk to these beaches. Expect a 20 minute hike but worth it. Rumors of clothing optional beaches exist; I have not seen anything of the sort. Not sure if you call that good timing or bad timing.
Salt Pond Area: Interesting places on the south shore. Very arid area with cactus and more rocks on the beaches then the north shore. Some love these beaches more then the North Shore for the snorkeling options, and less people in some spots. This place is so different then the North shore. Almost like a different island. If you find yourself out this way watch out for pickers hiding in the sand in some spots. Experience talking here. If the North swells hit, this is a great spot for calmer waters. If you head this way stop at the Tourist Trap for a bite to eat and drink.
Jumbie: Tons of steps down, get there early for a parking spot or you're out of luck. First 5 or so cars in win.
Gibney: This is the spot of the famous gate. You will see cars parked all around a gate and cars parked along the road. Stunning beach. Another get there early or stop on the way home from Maho or Francis for a minute if a spot is free. Think 5-10 cars max here.
Cinnamon: Nice long beach, not as much shade as most. I think the trees at the end of the beach sticking out of the sand are a sight to see. Check out the cottages and tent camping here as well.
Places to eat: On a budget
Beach Bar: for great drinks and simple burgers and sandwiches. Tuna down under comes highly recommended by many. Try a pain killer here as well. Your walking home.
Banana Deck: my youngest daughters favorite place to eat. I've found the chicken sandwiches and salads to be really good. Casual eats are best here. I've found the high-end dishes to be hit and miss.
Rhumblines: my favorite. Pu Pu platters and spicy noodles and Pad Thai for me. Sherri loves the beef salad with adding in the Pistachio goat cheese from another dish. Great bar as well with swings to sit in at the bar. Great atmosphere. On a 2 week trip we have been known to have dinner here 4 times.
ZoZo's: Good eats at Gallows point. Hard for us to dine here with the 2 kids, but the one time we did it was great. The bar here is great to take in the sun set over St. Thomas. Come early and get a seat at the bar. You wont be sorry.
Lime Tree Inn: Casual dining, good food and good prices.
Skinny Legs: Coral Bay , great place to plan a lunch outing. Burgers are great
Deli Grotto: At mongoose junction good place to pick up sandwiches on the way to the beach.
Baked in the Sun: Another good sandwich place for the beach and great bread. In the same plaza as Starfish.
Tourist Trap: This is on my list for next trip, early reports say this place is good. South side of the island. Get a Drink Right , Drive Left house special..
Day Trips:
* Spend the day at Mongoose shopping and poking around, with a stop at Sun Dog cafe for lunch with a beer at the Tap room. (Best beer on the island)
* Go to Jost Van Dyke and visit Foxy, one of my most memorable days ever ...ever... Check the Ferry schedule from Cruz Bay - $60 per person
* Take the Ferry to CA and do some shopping, have lunch and head back.
* Stay at the villa and do nothing at all but lay in the sun, read and make blender drinks. I make these daily after spending the day at the beach. Villa has a blender.
Robs Blender special
Cruzan Mango Rum
Grand Marnier
Strawberry mixer
1/2 banana
Ice
Coming Home:
Plan on catching the Ferry 3 hours prior to your flight leaving. If you need more time on the island give me a call. I might be able to approve, cause I understand what is going through your head at this point. Maybe you can stay just one more week, thats it.... Have fun and best of luck to you and your wife.
Here are my initial draft notes for his visit. What have I missed or what might be wrong.
St. John ....
It is "St. John".... Not "St. John(s)". I think St. John's is on the east coast of Canada.. Start the trip off right with the locals. Furthermore. Always great them with "Good Day", "Good Morning " , "Good Evening". These are great people. Being nice goes a long way when you need some help. They really want to share the island with people who appreciate and respect it.
Getting to the Island:
Just remember that you cannot get to paradise in a Taxi.... It is an adventure getting to the island. It rarely goes as planned; a delay between "Plane - Plane - Taxi - Ferry - Taxi" is bound to occur. It always helps to remember that it is 1,000 miles from Detroit to Miami, and 1,000 miles from Miami to St. John... you're a long way from home, this aint Florida. No Walmart's or golden arches here. This is a place of 4R's.... (Renew- Rest- Rum-Reflect). The order of preference varies day by day.
I have a golden rule that needs to be followed. When you get off the plane and find your way to the baggage claim area grab a cold one as you wait for your bags. Your vacation starts here and you must rewire at this point " you're on island time". Island time is not a bad thing, be patient, be polite and remember "Your cell phone does not work"... at least that is what you tell everyone at the office.... Really you might get some service, but the cell phone can only be used to call your greater in St. John to let them know you will be on the Cruz bay dock in 60 minutes or so depending on the ferry you choose. From this point forward no cell calls, no email, no schedules, no agendas. Your not in an all inclusive with buffets starting and stopping at certain times, or on a cruise ship with specific in port schedules. Most used a cruise ship to find this special place. Try no structure for your trip and see what happens...
Getting to Cruz Bay: (Airport to Cruz Bay)
Debates rage over taking a taxi to CA (Charlotte Amalie) or Redhook. Here is the deal, if you go into CA you have a shorter cab ride (20 minutes) and a longer boat ride (40 minutes) . From Redhook the opposite experience cab ride (40 minutes) and a boat ride of (20 minutes). If your stressed and cutting it close on time, do yourself a favor and just take the Redhook Ferry, they leave every hour on the hour. But if you hit the timing perfect and want to see a little more by water take the longer boat ride, and get a seat on the top deck and take in the cruise ships and hustle and bustle of St. Thomas with the warm winds blowing. If you take this route you won't be sorry. This one just takes great planning and perfect timing.
Other Notes on getting to the Island:
Taxi fare to Redhook Is $15 per person and $2 per bag I believe from the airport. Vans do not leave until full, just note that you might sit in the van for a few minutes as it loads. You might also get a tour of the island if the van drops off others at hotels along the way. Bottom line is it might take a little longer to get to Redhook then you thought based upon whom you get in the van with. You're on island time so chill out.
Ferry Schedules:
Passenger ferries operate between St. Thomas (Red Hook & Charlotte Amalie) and St. John (Cruz Bay).
From Red Hook to Cruz Bay:
6:30am
7:30am
8:00 , then every hour on the hour until Midnight
Rates: One-way, $6.10/Adults and $2.10/Children ages 2-11. Seniors are $2.35 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes. Telephone: (340) 776-6282, (340) 776-6412
Time: 15 to 20 minutes
From Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay:
9:00 am11:00 am 1:00 pm3:00 pm4:00 pm5:30 pm
Rates: One-way, $11.10/Adults and $4.10/Children ages 2-11. Seniors are $6.10 (VI Residents only, 62 years and up, proof of age must be shown). There is a charge of $2/piece for luggage/boxes. Telephone: (340) 776-6282, (340) 776-6412
Time: 40 to 45 minutes
First Night Traditions
Everyone has a first night tradition when they get to the island.... Ours goes something like this.
We get to the dock; find the property managers and get a ride to the villa as I mumble under my breath I still can't believe we packed all this shit. 7 trips later and the clothes still come home clean. My wife and 2 girls pack less every year, but we still bring to much. We get to the villa, get settled in and head out for dinner at the Beach Bar. From Mahogany Tree it is a short walk down the hill, past Gallows Point and past the cemetery along the beach front. This might seam creepy the first trip into town but it becomes part of the program after a few trips back and forth. Just watch the traffic at night. From this point forward remember you're here for the 4R's (Renew -Rest-Rum-Reflect). The Beach Bar will help you get on island time. When you have a beverage in hand that first night you can finally say you have officially arrived...time for a burger or a Tuna down under and a few more beers. The test the first night is if you can walk back up the hills to the villa. Too many drinks and the walk can be a bitch back to the villa...
Getting the Car & provisioning
The first morning I walk down to St. John Car rental and pick up the jeep. For reference St. John Car Rental is directly across the street from the beach bar. Driving back to Mahogany Tree is easy. I pick up the family and we head to Starfish Market to get groceries for the week We have coffee and eat breakfast in the villa every morning. Lunches are 70% eat on the beach / 30% going out. Dinners are 50/50 between cooking on the grill at the villa, and walking into town for dinner. Never any plans, but a day-by-day decision. We get to the beach by 10am most days, required to get that perfect spot for some afternoon shade. We leave the villa most days by 9-9:30am. Leave then and you should not have any problems finding a good spot to hang for the day. We tend to leave the beach around 3pm and head back to the villa for a drink, kids swim in the pool.
Snorkel Gear
Using the Beach Bar as a good point of reference, Low Key Water sports is located right next door. Pick up your snorkel gear here the first morning. If you're concerned about snorkeling, grab a vest or snorkeling belt as well. I do Ok without a vest, but Sherri and daughters (8 & 11) both like the vests for support.
Day One: North Shore Drive to Maho
After you provision for the week, I have a recommendation .. Take a drive out 20... You will see Hawksnest, Trunk, and Cinnamon, along the trek to Maho... Make it to Maho that first day and walk the beach end to end. Snorkel that first day along the right side of Maho out to the point and back. Save finding the sea turtles in the middle of the bay in the grass for the second day. On the way back home stop at another beach for a new perspective. Every beach has a new personality as I see it. Everyone has a favorite. Sherri & I and the kids love Maho, and spend the most of our time here. If I had to choose a second it would be Solomon. Picking a beach on St. John is like picking a favorite beer. I want to try them all....None are bad. Depends on the mood.
Day Two Forward: No agenda required
We have found that in our trips we simply have no agenda or plan to speak of. Bottom line is don't plan a ton and plan each day the night before with beverages in hand... I've found the best of plans are spontaneous and based on what you learned that day, and who you met and talked with at the Bar or on the deck of the Mahogany tree talking with others... After 7 trips though we spend most of our time at Maho and a few days exploring other areas. We try at least one new beach each trip. Or go back to a beach that we have not done in a couple of years. So many to choose from and just not enough days. Just another reason to plan the next trip back.
Beach Notes:
Half the fun is figuring out which beaches you like the best, and at times how to get to the damn places... Overall here are a few thoughts you might find useful on your first trip. Watch the hills and turns heading to route 20. Just warning it is an experience the first time.
Trunk Bay: Avoid this beach when cruise ships are in town. We like to end the day here after 4pm. Going here for a sunset one night works well also ....... The Other way to do Trunk is to get here early before the cruise ships and leave for lunch and head into coral bay if it gets to crazy and crowded. The sand at Trunk seams softer then any other. If you end up making a full day at Trunk, you can get lunch here as they have a concession stand. Even sell beer here.
Solomon & Honeymoon: You can park at Caneel Bay and walk to these beaches. Expect a 20 minute hike but worth it. Rumors of clothing optional beaches exist; I have not seen anything of the sort. Not sure if you call that good timing or bad timing.
Salt Pond Area: Interesting places on the south shore. Very arid area with cactus and more rocks on the beaches then the north shore. Some love these beaches more then the North Shore for the snorkeling options, and less people in some spots. This place is so different then the North shore. Almost like a different island. If you find yourself out this way watch out for pickers hiding in the sand in some spots. Experience talking here. If the North swells hit, this is a great spot for calmer waters. If you head this way stop at the Tourist Trap for a bite to eat and drink.
Jumbie: Tons of steps down, get there early for a parking spot or you're out of luck. First 5 or so cars in win.
Gibney: This is the spot of the famous gate. You will see cars parked all around a gate and cars parked along the road. Stunning beach. Another get there early or stop on the way home from Maho or Francis for a minute if a spot is free. Think 5-10 cars max here.
Cinnamon: Nice long beach, not as much shade as most. I think the trees at the end of the beach sticking out of the sand are a sight to see. Check out the cottages and tent camping here as well.
Places to eat: On a budget
Beach Bar: for great drinks and simple burgers and sandwiches. Tuna down under comes highly recommended by many. Try a pain killer here as well. Your walking home.
Banana Deck: my youngest daughters favorite place to eat. I've found the chicken sandwiches and salads to be really good. Casual eats are best here. I've found the high-end dishes to be hit and miss.
Rhumblines: my favorite. Pu Pu platters and spicy noodles and Pad Thai for me. Sherri loves the beef salad with adding in the Pistachio goat cheese from another dish. Great bar as well with swings to sit in at the bar. Great atmosphere. On a 2 week trip we have been known to have dinner here 4 times.
ZoZo's: Good eats at Gallows point. Hard for us to dine here with the 2 kids, but the one time we did it was great. The bar here is great to take in the sun set over St. Thomas. Come early and get a seat at the bar. You wont be sorry.
Lime Tree Inn: Casual dining, good food and good prices.
Skinny Legs: Coral Bay , great place to plan a lunch outing. Burgers are great
Deli Grotto: At mongoose junction good place to pick up sandwiches on the way to the beach.
Baked in the Sun: Another good sandwich place for the beach and great bread. In the same plaza as Starfish.
Tourist Trap: This is on my list for next trip, early reports say this place is good. South side of the island. Get a Drink Right , Drive Left house special..
Day Trips:
* Spend the day at Mongoose shopping and poking around, with a stop at Sun Dog cafe for lunch with a beer at the Tap room. (Best beer on the island)
* Go to Jost Van Dyke and visit Foxy, one of my most memorable days ever ...ever... Check the Ferry schedule from Cruz Bay - $60 per person
* Take the Ferry to CA and do some shopping, have lunch and head back.
* Stay at the villa and do nothing at all but lay in the sun, read and make blender drinks. I make these daily after spending the day at the beach. Villa has a blender.
Robs Blender special
Cruzan Mango Rum
Grand Marnier
Strawberry mixer
1/2 banana
Ice
Coming Home:
Plan on catching the Ferry 3 hours prior to your flight leaving. If you need more time on the island give me a call. I might be able to approve, cause I understand what is going through your head at this point. Maybe you can stay just one more week, thats it.... Have fun and best of luck to you and your wife.
Last edited by R&S from MI on Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:24 am, edited 3 times in total.
Rob & Sherri from MI
Excellent advice and agenda. You are a wonderful boss. I would only add that it is casual, casual, casual and re-iterate to bring half the clothes. Another tips is that they ATMS don't always work and to fill up the gas in the car the night before if they depart on a Saturday. When is he going?
My ticker is looking pretty good about now and it's frigid here in the northeast. Can't wait!
My ticker is looking pretty good about now and it's frigid here in the northeast. Can't wait!
NancyB
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snorkeler525
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:40 pm
- Location: Wellesley
R&S from MI - sorry but I had to edit out some funky characters that were messing up the RSS feed. I think I have it fixed now.
This is great - I also have a similar thing from Rick, and another one from a former resident. I really want to post all of this kind of stuff as content and/or as a special section/blog. I am going to be working on this soon. I have the publishing system in place now - I just need to gather all the material, etc. and post it. I was going to do it in a way where I would either ask users for their feedback and/or actually let them create/edit...
We did start a FAQ briefly but it was on the Caribbean forum: http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/travel ... m.php?f=32
Either way - I am working on something. I don't want to just post something like on the forum though as a long term solution - I would highly prefer it to be web pages and a portion of our site.
This is great - I also have a similar thing from Rick, and another one from a former resident. I really want to post all of this kind of stuff as content and/or as a special section/blog. I am going to be working on this soon. I have the publishing system in place now - I just need to gather all the material, etc. and post it. I was going to do it in a way where I would either ask users for their feedback and/or actually let them create/edit...
We did start a FAQ briefly but it was on the Caribbean forum: http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/travel ... m.php?f=32
Either way - I am working on something. I don't want to just post something like on the forum though as a long term solution - I would highly prefer it to be web pages and a portion of our site.
Anthony for Virgin Islands On Line
That's a great run-down. I'd add that if you take the CA ferry and sit on top, douse with sunscreen. 40 minutes in the sun will roast you, but you won't notice until it's too late because of the wonderful breeze.
We are always hungry when we arrive after a long travel day from the midwest and several of our crew are people who get very cranky when they're hungry. SO, I'd advise to carry on plenty of snacks to keep the crank monster at bay. And/or, consider eating at the Beach Bar before going to the villa.
We are always hungry when we arrive after a long travel day from the midwest and several of our crew are people who get very cranky when they're hungry. SO, I'd advise to carry on plenty of snacks to keep the crank monster at bay. And/or, consider eating at the Beach Bar before going to the villa.
Jennifer
No 3" heels for the ladies needed - if you can't get your clothes in a carry on you won't need them on STJ - it is a casual island and you can wear the same t shirt and shorts multiple times and no one will care 
Oh, and tell her to leave the make up and hairdryer at home but if she must mascara and lip gloss are OK if you feel the need
Pia
Oh, and tell her to leave the make up and hairdryer at home but if she must mascara and lip gloss are OK if you feel the need Pia
Looks good--
But I would also add the need to apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 minimum) since they are 14 degress off of the equator and may not be used to how quickly you can burn or how badly. I see this all the time and I shudder.
Also the other biggie is BUG SPRAY (Bens in the orange bottle with the highest DEET they can live with) is best.
But I would also add the need to apply sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 minimum) since they are 14 degress off of the equator and may not be used to how quickly you can burn or how badly. I see this all the time and I shudder.
Also the other biggie is BUG SPRAY (Bens in the orange bottle with the highest DEET they can live with) is best.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
That is an excellent summary.
I would add Hawksnest Beach to the list. The snorkling is outstanding with grass areas and reefs withing feet of the shore. Even the newest snorkler can enjoy this. We have found the sea life to be abundant. When we were there in May we seemed to have found a Southern Ray convention. We saw 5 different rays including three together. Parking and restrooms are good. There is plenty of shade and picnic tables, and we have not encountered crowds.
You cannot overstate the need to get on "Island Time."
JIM
I would add Hawksnest Beach to the list. The snorkling is outstanding with grass areas and reefs withing feet of the shore. Even the newest snorkler can enjoy this. We have found the sea life to be abundant. When we were there in May we seemed to have found a Southern Ray convention. We saw 5 different rays including three together. Parking and restrooms are good. There is plenty of shade and picnic tables, and we have not encountered crowds.
You cannot overstate the need to get on "Island Time."
JIM
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R&S from MI
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:13 am
- Location: Woodhaven Michigan
Great additions - Thank You !!
I've added Bug Spray, ATM info , Hawksnest and Shopping tips. I reviewed this with him last night and he is all smiles ear to ear.... he is excited to get to the island Saturday (1-17).
Thanks again...
Rob
Thanks again...
Rob
Rob & Sherri from MI
-
Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
The Beach Bar on arrival
I agree with hitting the Beach Bar on the 1st day.
We usually walk into our place at Lavender and throw the bags on the bed. Walk to the Beach Bar and drink all our worries away and simply adjust to island time. Walk back to Lavender and just chill on the deck and crash for the night.
We schedule the car rental place for the next day as soon as they open.
The rest of the time, just go with the flow and end up where you end up.
MAN I CAN'T UNTIL MAY 15TH!!!!
We usually walk into our place at Lavender and throw the bags on the bed. Walk to the Beach Bar and drink all our worries away and simply adjust to island time. Walk back to Lavender and just chill on the deck and crash for the night.
We schedule the car rental place for the next day as soon as they open.
The rest of the time, just go with the flow and end up where you end up.
MAN I CAN'T UNTIL MAY 15TH!!!!
Life begins where the land ends!
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R&S from MI
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:13 am
- Location: Woodhaven Michigan
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
Beach Bar
Scary thought. Last I checked I had no brothers in Michigan. I think.R&S from MI wrote:Boston Mike,
We must be brothers, or it is a midwest thing. Same program land at the vill, the the beach bar. Get the car in the morning. Our next trip is April 7th..
Life begins where the land ends!
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bubblybrenda
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:57 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
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R&S from MI
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:13 am
- Location: Woodhaven Michigan
I got a call from my friend Friday asking if he could stay another week... Said he was not ready to leave. As a good friend and manager I told him he could stay another week. So know I have to look at his damn empty desk for another week knowing he is on the beach. From his phone call he gets it and I'm glad .. I wish him the best for week 2..
He is going to go car less week 2 with a trip to Jost, taxi to the beach a few days, and just hang..
He is going to go car less week 2 with a trip to Jost, taxi to the beach a few days, and just hang..
Rob & Sherri from MI