Trip Report Part 2 - 2/23/07-3/9/07

[Tom In Mi.]

OK, where did we leave off.... Vibe charters. We chartered a power catamaran called VIBE with Captain Jordan. We had thought about just chartering a boat ourselves but decided we would be better off with a captain. This way we could drink and relax without worrying about where we were and the time, etc. I think this was a good plan. Jordan was great. Anything we wanted to do and/or go, time permitting, he was all for it. HIGHLY recommend him as well. After customs at Soper Hole, our first destination was Norman Island. We hung out for a bit then snorkeled the caves-VERY cool, even Cptn Jordan went with us. Tons and tons of fish, some big ones too and the caves were awesome. Next destination was the Willy T. When we got there we found out we had about 45 minutes to kill as they weren't open yet. Jordan then took us to a beautiful little beach about 3 minutes from the Willy. There was a little restaurant there but it was closed so we were the only ones on the beach. After docking and walking on the dock to the beach, we saw a HUGE stingray cruise right under the dock-COOl. Maybe it was just me, but the water in the Norman Island area seemed exceptionally clear, and a different beautiful shade of blue. On to the Willy T. When we got there it was around lunch time and the place was starting to rock. Boats pulling up left and right. We had a snack and a couple drinks before heading off. I'm sorry to say, but in my humble opinion, the Willy T is overrated. The website makes it appear much grander than it really is (just my opinion). Food was mediocre too. There just wasn't a lot going on there. When I mentioned this, sombody said that someone got badly injured when they jumped off the boat. Since that happened, they have toned things down quite a bit. Makes sense I guess. If it's true they probably got slapped with a huge lawsuit. From there we headed to Jost and the Soggy Dollar for some lunch and painkillers. Chicken Roti's for all! (although I do like Foxy's Rotis better) We tried a new painkiller-a nilla killer. Excellent-it's a painkiller with Vanilla Rum and I liked it (actually everyone in our group did) better than a regular pain killer. TRY ONE!! OK, I'm 99.9% sure (although not 100%) we had a celebrity sighting. Dennis Miller-yes, that Dennis Miller. Sitting at the bar at Soggy, nursing a PK. My friend spotted him in Soggy's little t-shirt shop looking for kids stuff. I saw a couple people whispering and looking at him, so we're not the only ones who thought it was him. I got a pretty good look at him and I'm quite sure. Nobody bothered him either (at least while we were there) which I thought was great. If anyone can confirm the sighting, let me know. We then headed back to Cruz Bay to complet our trip. It was a great day and the weather was perfect-can't beat that!! Did all the beaches except Trunk (too many people) this year, and all were beautiful in their own way... We just love the drive down Northshore Rd. In a weird sort of way, it reminds me of Northern Michigan. A couple days later we headed over to Coral Bay. With no particular destination in mind, we ended up at Vie's Snack Shack and Beach. My friends, this is one of the nicest beaches on the island (IMHO). The water is beautiful and snorkeling is good off to the right of the beach. There are about three nice spots (chairs provided) that are nicely shaded where a group of 4-5 people can sit comfortably, and there was probably about 15 people on the whole beach that day. She does charge $2.50 to enter the beach (She own's it), but for me, it was the best $2.50 I spent on the trip. We didn't eat at the snackshack, though I hear the food is good. We then stopped for lunch at shipwreck landing. Great place with an awesome view and a nice breeze coming from the water. Food is excellent too. If you get there you must try the Grouper Reuben-out of this world!!! It's made with slaw instead of kraut by the way. We spent one other day on the Coral Bay side just wandering around. Went to Skinny Legs for a burger and beer and hung out there for a while. I had heard mixed reviews of their food, but all our burgers and salads (we had Greeks) were great. Headed over to the Donky Diner cause I had to have a Donky Diner "Kickass Food" hoodie...(Tom just laughed-what else is new!) Didn't eat there but the food other people were eating looked good. Oh yea, FYI they don't take credit cards. Those are just some of the fun things we did this year, there are just to many to mention. As our trip came to a close we were really sad and hated to get back to reality. All good things come to an end, and now we look forward to next years trip. To those of you that have been and gone-hope you had as much fun as we did!! To those of you who are counting down the weeks (or days)-ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY! We look forward to living vicariously through your trip reports.

Tom and Lisa

ps: sorry for typos & spelling[/img]

[waterguy]

Sounds like you had fun great report

[iowaguy]

Thanks Tom and Lisa--nice report. Glad you liked Vie's---we enjoyed it on our recent trip, too.

[Kentuckygirl]

Thank you Tom!! We will definitely try to get to Vie's and have a grouper reuben at Shipwreck! Thank you for the report!!

[sea-nile]

I enjoyed the rest of you report.
Thanks for the ideas of new things to do.
Do you have any pictures?

[Tracy in WI]

Thanks for the fun trip report. With so many good reviews of Vie's Beach, we may just have to stop there one these times. Have to agree with you about Shipwreck Landing - it is one of our must do's for lunch - great view and food.

Thanks for taking the time to let us all know about your trip!

Tracy

[liamsaunt]

Sounds like a great trip!
We've eaten at Vie's, but have never used her beach. After all the great comments on the forum lately, we'll definitely be checking it out next trip.

[Maggy]

Thanks for sharing your trip.

I also like the snorkeling at the Caves. It's best when there are not too many boats there. I saw my first Moray at the Caves.

Now I also know that Vie's is a must on our fist STJ trip in April.

[RickG]

Great report, enjoyed the attitude.

Cheers, RickG

[flip-flop]

I love the Donkey Diner & will have to go in search of that "Kickass Food" hoodie! My husband will be amused too..but that's ok its my vacation and I'll spend if I want to

They have GREAT breakfast.

[cypressgirl]

I've never even thought about going to Vie's beach. A must do on my next trip. Vi's going to make some $$ from your report. I've been going to STJ for 15 years and have never made it to Vi's. Where exactly is it?

I agree with you about Shipwreck. Awesome place. They have a waitress that has been working there 14 years. It's so good to see her familiar face and she's a great waitress.

Thanks for the tip about Willy T. It was on my to do list for July, but now I might just skip it.

[chrisn]

Loved your report Tom. Thanks for taking the time! Great minds must think alike. Villa Capiz and VIBE. We also spent a day with Capain Jordan and had some good times. The vanilla-Painkilla sounds YUMMY! Will have to try that next time! Also love Donkey Diner. The hoodie sounds cute, I didn't see them. Glad you had great fun and was glad to hear about Vies Beach.

[Tom In Mi.]

cypressgirl - Vie's is out on the East end, you go past skinnylegs a mile or so and her food stand will be on your left and the gate to the beach is across the road. Plenty of lounge chairs so you don't need to bring a beach chair. She charges $2.50 per person for the use of her beach, at least I think it's her beach, if not she's got a good racket going. Anyway we thought it was worth the price. Also, if you get out there early enough there's parking on the left just befor her food stand. Don't worry you can't miss it.

[mbw1024]

what happens if Vie's is closed? does that mean you can't access that beach?

[Tom In Mi.]

what happens if Vie's is closed? does that mean you can't access that beach?

If thats the case she has a can or box (can't remember, too many beers)by the gate, it's an honor system deal.