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Robin's Final Trip Report from May
-
Robin in NC
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:19 pm
- Location: Kernersville, NC
Robin's Final Trip Report from May
Okay, here it is, back by popular demand.
WE’RE SORRY, BY POPULAR DEMAND? THERE WAS NO DEMAND, AND IT’S NOT THAT POPULAR.
I can dream, can’t I? So when we left off, it was time to report on Thursday of our week. It was another windy day, and the reason why it was windy every day finally occurred to me. But you’ve already figured it out, haven’t you, Forum?
YES WE HAVE. WHEREVER YOU ARE, THERE IS AN EXCESS OF HOT AIR.
Actually, I finally realized that it was windy every day because we were up on the side of Seagrape Hill. Each day was put-your-glass-on-your-napkin-so-it-won’t-blow-away windy.
YOU AND YOUR DASHES.
No, see, they’re hyphens, a little shorter than dashes and –
STOP. NOW.
Sorry. Well, Thursday was a cruise ship-free day, so our gang packed up to go to Trunk Bay. But we made one stop first. Villallure had beach chairs as they promised – the smallest, most uncomfortable beach chairs made. Let me interrupt my normal routine to show you.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/77 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Shaz0 ... 5.JPG"></a>
See what I mean?
YEAH, THEY’RE PRETTY SHORT. KIND OF LIKE OUR PATIENCE.
So we went to Crabby’s and I rented a chair with a higher back. Made all the difference.
IF THE CHAIRS WERE SO UNCOMFORTABLE, WHY DIDN’T THE OTHER THREE IN YOUR GROUP RENT REPLACEMENTS?
Uh…well…Never thought of it like that.
OKAY, SO PRIMA DONNA AND HIS “SPECIAL CHAIR” WENT TO TRUNK. AND?
I’ve never seen Trunk so busy so early in the day. The parking lot was full, and cars lined the road as well. So we took this opportunity to try Cinnamon for the first time. All I can say is, “Wow!”
WE HAVE IT PRETTY WELL DOCUMENTED THAT YOU CAN SAY A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN THAT.
I loved Cinnamon. I haven’t been to all the beaches on the North Shore, but I’ve been to most now, and Cinnamon is my favorite. Gorgeous sand, exquisite views, and most of the services of Trunk without the crowds. I know it can be windy, but not the day we were there. Some folks can describe their time on the beach in wonderful detail, but our days are all pretty much the same . Jeff and Teresa snorkeled while Jeannie and I read and piddled in the water.
YOU DID WHAT???
We goofed off, why? Oh. Piddled. You must have young children, we haven’t talked like that in ages. So we went back to the villa for late lunch, then J&T decided to go to Salt Pond, because Jeff had a bee in his bonnet about it. They loved the snorkeling there. When they returned, they brought us a surprise.
LOBSTER ROLLS FROM THE TOURIST TRAP?
Oooh, I wish I’d thought to ask them. No, what they brought was a four-inch screw embedded in a tire. Fortunately, the tire sort of sealed around it, preventing an immediate flat, and the Suzuki XL-7 we rented from Dependable came with a full-size spare. We made the change, and then it was time for dinner.
GOSH, NOTHING KEEPS US ON THE EDGE OF OUR SEATS LIKE A GOOD FLAT TIRE STORY. HOO BOY, WHAT AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER.
For dinner we headed back to Shipwreck Landing, and the coolest thing happened – I ran into friends from my former hometown of Roanoke, staying up on the Coral Bay hillside for the week. They’re great people, and it was really terrific to catch up with them.
YEAH, YEAH, TELL THEM WE SAID HI.
Anyway, Shipwreck Landing. Jeff, Teresa, and I all had the New York Strip since Jeff’s was so good earlier in the week. And we weren’t disappointed. At $20, it’s probably the best food bargain on the island. Also on our earlier visit, we’d all loved the smell of the peanut-crusted curry chicken at the next table, so Jeannie ordered it. Believe me, it was as good as it smelled. I know, because I got a few bites.
ARE YOU A “YOU GONNA EAT THAT?” KIND OF GUY?
No, but Jeannie and I usually give each other a sample of our entrees when we go out.
AWW, THAT’S SO SWEET. IN A VAGUELY CREEPY KIND OF WAY.
Now to Friday, our final day. We chose to try another new beach for us, Frances. We’d seen roosters and iguanas on the beach, but this was the first time we’d seen deer. They were standing down on the far right end of the beach, and left almost immediately. What a gorgeous beach Frances is, with or without deer. I’ll stick with Cinnamon as my favorite of the week, but everyone else preferred Frances. It was our typical beach day, several hours of snorkeling, swimming, and snacking.
AND SLEEPING. OH WAIT, THAT WAS US.
What I lack in savoir-faire I make up for in joie de vivre.
WHAT WE LACK IN FRENCH COMPREHENSION WE MAKE UP FOR IN DON’T GIVE A DAMN.
After leaving Frances, we drove up to the old Annaberg Sugar Mill. The stonework and history were interesting, though I have to admit I’m not much on visiting ruins. I enjoy history, but I find I’m not all that fascinated by how rum and sugar were made centuries ago. I’m just glad they’re still around today. Anyway, the views from the site were amazing. From Leinster Bay across to Tortola, just breathtaking.
We’d been thrown a bit of a curve for our last night’s dinner. Typically we’ve gone to the Equator at Caneel. I called Friday morning for reservations, and learned the Equator would be closed that night. Caneel was having a West Indian buffet instead. I was disappointed, because even though the Equator’s food may not be quite on the level of some of the island’s other top restaurants, we’ve always found it quite good. And there’s just something special about that setting and Caneel’s service. The buffet sounded intriguing, but I suggested we use our free night to try out the much ballyhooed La Plancha del Mar.
“BALLY HOO MAY CALL YOU…”
Ha, that’s Bali Ha’i. Anyway, we arrived during Happy Hour, so we got to take advantage of the half-priced appetizers. Jeannie and I shared delicious chicken and beef skewers. Jeff and Teresa had panko-crusted brie with strawberry coulis, which they proclaimed wonderful. For main courses, Jeannie and Teresa each got a scallops dish, but I didn’t do a good job of writing down the details. I believe Jeff had a pork entrée, and I had a steak, which was outstanding. For dessert, J&T shared pineapple foster, and I had a brownie waffle. The desserts were good, but probably not up to the standard the rest of the meal had set. For food quality, I’d put La Plancha on the same level as, say, ZoZo’s. The space is on the small side, though, and the tables are a bit close together for my liking. Not enough to dampen the experience, but compared to a comparably priced restaurant with outside dining and an expansive view, the ambiance wasn’t a positive.
The total of our bill was $131, not bad at all. And I notice in lining them up how similar were the amounts we spent at Shipwreck Landing, Lime Inn, Café Roma, and La Plancha del Mar. In my mind I’d considered Lime Inn and Café Roma to be on the moderately priced side – but they weren’t.
DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU’RE ORDERING, DOESN’T IT? AND WHETHER YOU DRINK?
True dat. Well, that ends the trip report, to your obvious relief.
WAIT – YOU’RE STILL THERE? OR AREN’T YOU GOING TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL DAY HOME?
That’s pretty boring, don’t you think?
WELL, ROBIN, IT’S NOT LIKE THE REST OF YOUR TRIP REPORT WAS RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. MORE LIKE ERNEST GOES TO ST. JOHN.
Okay, quick summary of the week. One monsoon. Two injuries. Three good tires. Four great beaches. Five wonderful meals. And I got to meet Ruth and Pia.
I might stay in the Coral Bay area again, but I got so I hated that drive across the island, so I think I’ll probably stay in the Great Cruz Bay or Rendezvous Bay area next visit. Don’t know when that will be, though. Definitely won’t be next year, thanks to the economy and because J&T have family obligations.
Thanks to you, Forum, for your patience with this format. And for playing your part so well.
YOU’RE…WELCOME.
Now, for the pictures...
Ah, look at that nice comfortable chair:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NX ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Sha-Q ... 3.JPG"></a>
The restaurant at Cinnamon Bay:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Be ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkugL ... 2.jpg"></a>
Piddling in the water:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U7 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkufA ... 4.jpg"></a>
Wide, beautiful Frances beach:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MK ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skugk ... 6.jpg"></a>
Jeff at Annaberg, apparently looking for something to eat:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c7 ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuid ... 6.jpg"></a>
Beautiful Leinster Bay, back into Mary Creek (I think:)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x6 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkuiN ... 8.jpg"></a>
Windsurfer, taking off from right beside Annaberg parking lot:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K0 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuha ... 6.jpg"></a>
An old ruin. And, to his left, his wife and friends:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hA ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkuiE ... 7.jpg"></a>
Teresa and Jeannie, being chipper like Flipper:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kv ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skusa ... 2.jpg"></a>
The two couples at Donkey Diner for our "Breakfast of Woe." (Hmmm...something just not right about that phrase:)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tm ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skui9 ... 7.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rc ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuis ... 6.jpg"></a>
WE’RE SORRY, BY POPULAR DEMAND? THERE WAS NO DEMAND, AND IT’S NOT THAT POPULAR.
I can dream, can’t I? So when we left off, it was time to report on Thursday of our week. It was another windy day, and the reason why it was windy every day finally occurred to me. But you’ve already figured it out, haven’t you, Forum?
YES WE HAVE. WHEREVER YOU ARE, THERE IS AN EXCESS OF HOT AIR.
Actually, I finally realized that it was windy every day because we were up on the side of Seagrape Hill. Each day was put-your-glass-on-your-napkin-so-it-won’t-blow-away windy.
YOU AND YOUR DASHES.
No, see, they’re hyphens, a little shorter than dashes and –
STOP. NOW.
Sorry. Well, Thursday was a cruise ship-free day, so our gang packed up to go to Trunk Bay. But we made one stop first. Villallure had beach chairs as they promised – the smallest, most uncomfortable beach chairs made. Let me interrupt my normal routine to show you.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/77 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Shaz0 ... 5.JPG"></a>
See what I mean?
YEAH, THEY’RE PRETTY SHORT. KIND OF LIKE OUR PATIENCE.
So we went to Crabby’s and I rented a chair with a higher back. Made all the difference.
IF THE CHAIRS WERE SO UNCOMFORTABLE, WHY DIDN’T THE OTHER THREE IN YOUR GROUP RENT REPLACEMENTS?
Uh…well…Never thought of it like that.
OKAY, SO PRIMA DONNA AND HIS “SPECIAL CHAIR” WENT TO TRUNK. AND?
I’ve never seen Trunk so busy so early in the day. The parking lot was full, and cars lined the road as well. So we took this opportunity to try Cinnamon for the first time. All I can say is, “Wow!”
WE HAVE IT PRETTY WELL DOCUMENTED THAT YOU CAN SAY A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN THAT.
I loved Cinnamon. I haven’t been to all the beaches on the North Shore, but I’ve been to most now, and Cinnamon is my favorite. Gorgeous sand, exquisite views, and most of the services of Trunk without the crowds. I know it can be windy, but not the day we were there. Some folks can describe their time on the beach in wonderful detail, but our days are all pretty much the same . Jeff and Teresa snorkeled while Jeannie and I read and piddled in the water.
YOU DID WHAT???
We goofed off, why? Oh. Piddled. You must have young children, we haven’t talked like that in ages. So we went back to the villa for late lunch, then J&T decided to go to Salt Pond, because Jeff had a bee in his bonnet about it. They loved the snorkeling there. When they returned, they brought us a surprise.
LOBSTER ROLLS FROM THE TOURIST TRAP?
Oooh, I wish I’d thought to ask them. No, what they brought was a four-inch screw embedded in a tire. Fortunately, the tire sort of sealed around it, preventing an immediate flat, and the Suzuki XL-7 we rented from Dependable came with a full-size spare. We made the change, and then it was time for dinner.
GOSH, NOTHING KEEPS US ON THE EDGE OF OUR SEATS LIKE A GOOD FLAT TIRE STORY. HOO BOY, WHAT AN EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER.
For dinner we headed back to Shipwreck Landing, and the coolest thing happened – I ran into friends from my former hometown of Roanoke, staying up on the Coral Bay hillside for the week. They’re great people, and it was really terrific to catch up with them.
YEAH, YEAH, TELL THEM WE SAID HI.
Anyway, Shipwreck Landing. Jeff, Teresa, and I all had the New York Strip since Jeff’s was so good earlier in the week. And we weren’t disappointed. At $20, it’s probably the best food bargain on the island. Also on our earlier visit, we’d all loved the smell of the peanut-crusted curry chicken at the next table, so Jeannie ordered it. Believe me, it was as good as it smelled. I know, because I got a few bites.
ARE YOU A “YOU GONNA EAT THAT?” KIND OF GUY?
No, but Jeannie and I usually give each other a sample of our entrees when we go out.
AWW, THAT’S SO SWEET. IN A VAGUELY CREEPY KIND OF WAY.
Now to Friday, our final day. We chose to try another new beach for us, Frances. We’d seen roosters and iguanas on the beach, but this was the first time we’d seen deer. They were standing down on the far right end of the beach, and left almost immediately. What a gorgeous beach Frances is, with or without deer. I’ll stick with Cinnamon as my favorite of the week, but everyone else preferred Frances. It was our typical beach day, several hours of snorkeling, swimming, and snacking.
AND SLEEPING. OH WAIT, THAT WAS US.
What I lack in savoir-faire I make up for in joie de vivre.
WHAT WE LACK IN FRENCH COMPREHENSION WE MAKE UP FOR IN DON’T GIVE A DAMN.
After leaving Frances, we drove up to the old Annaberg Sugar Mill. The stonework and history were interesting, though I have to admit I’m not much on visiting ruins. I enjoy history, but I find I’m not all that fascinated by how rum and sugar were made centuries ago. I’m just glad they’re still around today. Anyway, the views from the site were amazing. From Leinster Bay across to Tortola, just breathtaking.
We’d been thrown a bit of a curve for our last night’s dinner. Typically we’ve gone to the Equator at Caneel. I called Friday morning for reservations, and learned the Equator would be closed that night. Caneel was having a West Indian buffet instead. I was disappointed, because even though the Equator’s food may not be quite on the level of some of the island’s other top restaurants, we’ve always found it quite good. And there’s just something special about that setting and Caneel’s service. The buffet sounded intriguing, but I suggested we use our free night to try out the much ballyhooed La Plancha del Mar.
“BALLY HOO MAY CALL YOU…”
Ha, that’s Bali Ha’i. Anyway, we arrived during Happy Hour, so we got to take advantage of the half-priced appetizers. Jeannie and I shared delicious chicken and beef skewers. Jeff and Teresa had panko-crusted brie with strawberry coulis, which they proclaimed wonderful. For main courses, Jeannie and Teresa each got a scallops dish, but I didn’t do a good job of writing down the details. I believe Jeff had a pork entrée, and I had a steak, which was outstanding. For dessert, J&T shared pineapple foster, and I had a brownie waffle. The desserts were good, but probably not up to the standard the rest of the meal had set. For food quality, I’d put La Plancha on the same level as, say, ZoZo’s. The space is on the small side, though, and the tables are a bit close together for my liking. Not enough to dampen the experience, but compared to a comparably priced restaurant with outside dining and an expansive view, the ambiance wasn’t a positive.
The total of our bill was $131, not bad at all. And I notice in lining them up how similar were the amounts we spent at Shipwreck Landing, Lime Inn, Café Roma, and La Plancha del Mar. In my mind I’d considered Lime Inn and Café Roma to be on the moderately priced side – but they weren’t.
DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU’RE ORDERING, DOESN’T IT? AND WHETHER YOU DRINK?
True dat. Well, that ends the trip report, to your obvious relief.
WAIT – YOU’RE STILL THERE? OR AREN’T YOU GOING TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL DAY HOME?
That’s pretty boring, don’t you think?
WELL, ROBIN, IT’S NOT LIKE THE REST OF YOUR TRIP REPORT WAS RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. MORE LIKE ERNEST GOES TO ST. JOHN.
Okay, quick summary of the week. One monsoon. Two injuries. Three good tires. Four great beaches. Five wonderful meals. And I got to meet Ruth and Pia.
I might stay in the Coral Bay area again, but I got so I hated that drive across the island, so I think I’ll probably stay in the Great Cruz Bay or Rendezvous Bay area next visit. Don’t know when that will be, though. Definitely won’t be next year, thanks to the economy and because J&T have family obligations.
Thanks to you, Forum, for your patience with this format. And for playing your part so well.
YOU’RE…WELCOME.
Now, for the pictures...
Ah, look at that nice comfortable chair:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NX ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Sha-Q ... 3.JPG"></a>
The restaurant at Cinnamon Bay:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Be ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkugL ... 2.jpg"></a>
Piddling in the water:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U7 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkufA ... 4.jpg"></a>
Wide, beautiful Frances beach:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MK ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skugk ... 6.jpg"></a>
Jeff at Annaberg, apparently looking for something to eat:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c7 ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuid ... 6.jpg"></a>
Beautiful Leinster Bay, back into Mary Creek (I think:)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x6 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkuiN ... 8.jpg"></a>
Windsurfer, taking off from right beside Annaberg parking lot:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K0 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuha ... 6.jpg"></a>
An old ruin. And, to his left, his wife and friends:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hA ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/SkuiE ... 7.jpg"></a>
Teresa and Jeannie, being chipper like Flipper:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kv ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skusa ... 2.jpg"></a>
The two couples at Donkey Diner for our "Breakfast of Woe." (Hmmm...something just not right about that phrase:)
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tm ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skui9 ... 7.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rc ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Qfnovw7ALSA/Skuis ... 6.jpg"></a>
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msgcolleen
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:33 am
- Location: Allen, Texas
Great reporting & lovely pictures! Especially the "old ruin"
Glad you enjoyed Cinnamon Bay! It's our first stop each year~
Glad you enjoyed Cinnamon Bay! It's our first stop each year~
I've got 2 tickets to paradise~Pack your bags we'll leave tonight!
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
Hey Robin, Great report, and I like your style! Must be a riot at your house.
Dont encourage him, we just got him to finsh up!!
Oh, O.K....uh mediocre report there Robin, sort of nice pictures.....
Awwww, come on, we were just joshin....go ahead, give the boy his accolades!
Whew! Anyway...very good Robin, hope I can return the favor soon! Check the ticker......
-Bert
Dont encourage him, we just got him to finsh up!!
Oh, O.K....uh mediocre report there Robin, sort of nice pictures.....
Awwww, come on, we were just joshin....go ahead, give the boy his accolades!
Whew! Anyway...very good Robin, hope I can return the favor soon! Check the ticker......
-Bert
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
Gawd those were pitiful looking chairs. Funny the nicest chairs we've gotten has been from the cheapest digs, Cruz Views 
Great report Robin.
I am beginning to suspect something going on at Salt Pond regarding flat tires. We have had one there so bad we had a complete flat. The trip before it was that night at our villa.
Loved the chair photo. Them's some small chairs!
I am beginning to suspect something going on at Salt Pond regarding flat tires. We have had one there so bad we had a complete flat. The trip before it was that night at our villa.
Loved the chair photo. Them's some small chairs!
"Sponges grow in the ocean...I wonder how much deeper it would be if that didn't happen."
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California Girl
-
Bob & Anita
- Posts: 611
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:20 pm
- Location: Charlotte, NC