Interim Trip Report - 8/4-8/11 - RickG & the Rickettes

[RickG]

We're having a great week on STJ. The genips and tamarind are in fruit and we're enjoying them. We had a genip and desert flower infused rum at La Plancha last night and it was mighty good. We went back to La Plancha last night for a second time and it has become our favorite; everything is so very thoughtfully prepared.

Skytop, one of the Star Villas, is working out very nicely for us. It is one house back on Frank Bay, with a full view of the bay and St. Thomas. It might be a bit old school and dated for those that like the big new villas, but we love being able to walk to Cruz Bay and being on a sandy beach with good snorkeling. Banaquits joined us for breakfast today and yesterday we had an iguana. As for a/c, I'm normally not a user, but August heat has made me a believer.

Beaches have been Frank Bay, Gibney, Francis and Little Lameshur. Yesterday there was a strong east wind and Little Lameshur was perfect. The water at Lameshur seemed warmer than elsewhere. The beaches have not been crowded and we are glad we came in August instead of Easter week. If you walk down to Frank Bay at sunset you have to look for Ruth on her patio - what a great spot! Having Ruth and Ron welcome us to their neighborhood was great.

The girls did the Johnny Horn trail ride on Thursday with Dana at Carolina Corral. Christine and I popped up to Anchorage Aweigh to check out the new villa and meet forumite seagrape and her man. This villa has a great setting and will be a big hit with renters. The pool is beautiful and a lot warmer than I expected. Seeing a villa that was hand built by the owners and discussing all of the details and tradeoffs was a real eye opener. The photos on the rental site do not do it justice. I'll some post photos in our full trip report later.

See ya at the Beach Bar on Sunday!

Cheers, RickG

[mbw1024]

keep having fun guys! thanks for the report!

[sea-nile]

Sounds like fun! It is raining here....
Have a rum punch at the beach bar for me!

[JJShaw]

Makes me wish we had waited til this month or next to head down there...we were there the week of Easter...and it was crowded..Hope you all enjoy the rest of your trip...

[iowaguy]

Thanks for the report, Rick! Anxious to try Plancha del Mar on our next trip. Would be nice to be there in a quiet month, too.

[Pianogrl]

Sounds like a wonderful time on STJ....how could it not be??!!!!!
So glad all is well....thanks for the mid-trip report! Looking forward to the rest.

[bevm]

I posted a whole food porn page on La Plancha Del Mar. It's well worth the trip. Everything was impeccable. Please try it on your next trip!
Keep having fun Rick! I know you are!

[vav]

Enjoy Rick, It sounds like you are!!

[California Girl]

Thanks for the live update! Skytop sounds like a place I'd like. And you couldn't get better neighbors than Ruth & Ron!

[jayseadee]

Sounds like you're having a great time.

Can't wait to see your pics of Anchorage Aweigh, well, actually, I can't wait to see it in person. Seagrape's been great to deal with. They even gave us an additional discount - AFTER the contract was signed - kudos to them!

[bubblybrenda]

I'm sure you can handle a 2nd rum punch at the Beach Bar so have one for me too. Hmmm... I can taste it now.

[flip-flop]

Flipper is jelly, but Happy for You & the Rickettes!

[PA Girl]

I followed Seagrape's blog and loved it. It was interesting to read about their experiences compared to other's. I am so impressed that they did it themselves.

[seagrape]

Thanks for all the kudos. It was great that Rick G. and Christine stopped by! It was fun visiting with you two. You'll be on our blog soon. We just spent the last two days traveling home. Miss our beautiful little island already!

Seagrape

[ccasebolt]

Awwww, I love STJ in the summer! Have a blast!