Less newbie newbie's TR Part I

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:10 pm

The day before we left, we both left work early, drove to the "big city" (Buffalo) and checked into the Staybridge Suites. Their park and fly was only $89, and they have nice suites with a freezer for our meats and crab legs!
Enroute, on rural roads, we passed several cops and an ambulance. Soon after we arrived in Buffalo, we got a call from my brother, saying that my SIL and neice were in a terrible accident. They'd rolled 20 feet down a ravine and were both badly injured. UGH. There's always some tragedy pre-trip! We decided to hold off on our decision until morning, and were happy to wake up to texts that both had been discharged

. Injured but not so horrible. Thank God!
Our trip down was uneventful. I do recommend the Delta Travel Treats package. For $5 you get a really nice snack of salami, crackers, cheeses, chips, Mint Milanos, and dried cranberries. We bought two extra for beach snacks the next day.
We arrived early afternoon to glorious sunshine and warm breezes, SO excited to be back in paradise! Here's us on the ferry.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
St. John comes into view!
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0029.jpg" border="0" alt="First glimpse of St. John"></a>
A nice young man from Courtesy was waiting for us at the dock. We thought that Carribbean Villas was supposed to meet us there as well, but they weren't there. Courtesy drove us to their office, and we called them from the office. Curtis met us at Courtesy Car Rental, and escorted us to Cruz Views unit 1.
The patio is private. When we walked through the (locking) doorway, I teared up immediately. Holy cow, the view!
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0030.jpg" border="0" alt="The view made me tear up!"></a>
We were going to rent a cottage with no view. We didn't have a "view" from Cinnamon Bay, on our first trip, so I didn't know what we were missing. A view is now imperative!
To town for shopping! No parking in town, so Blaine drove around in circles while I ran up to meet St. John Ruth and Ron

. So good to meet you guys! I picked up some coffee and Cruz Bay Spice rub for tomorrow's dinner, and chatted for a few. Ruth said there was an earthquake that would have happened about the time we stepped into Cruz Views. I guess it was the earthquake that make my knees shake so. Nah, it was definitely the view. Next stop was Starfish and then to Candi's for ribs. They were every bit as good as people have said. Their sauce isn't a traditional BBQ sauce, but yummy. The fries were just perfect; thick and crispy on the outside, and velvety on the inside. Service was FAST. We had our dinners in less than 15 minutes. The portions were HUGE. The service was very friendly.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0034.jpg" border="0" alt="Great ribs, great price, friendly and FAST!"></a>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0035.jpg" border="0" alt="Did I mention huge portions???"></a>
As soon as we arrive "home," DickHead showed up. He has a special route all figured out, and was in and our throughout the week. We went to the pool for a little dip, then up to the deck for sunset.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0038.jpg" border="0" alt="Dickhead appears"></a>
DickHead is the resident condo cat. He (she?) is very affectionate and very hungry; not necessarily in that order. He does appreciate a fine sunset.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0052.jpg" border="0" alt="Dickhead can appreciate a beautiful sunset"></a>
Yes. Fine sunset! Ahhhhhhhhh........
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0043.jpg" border="0" alt="Sunset over Cruz Bay"></a>
I am a sun person. I'm up when it is, and go to bed when it isn't. That's not the moon, in this last pic, but I don't know how to get it out of the image. Anyway, this is what we saw when we headed in to bed.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/ ... G_0054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I wish I could figure out how to make the pics show up bigger, but I just can't. That's a little something to tide you all over until the big group gets back with the good pics

Tomorrow: our first visit to Trunk Bay and Francis.

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:16 pm

Yes, a view IS imperative. Which unit were you in at Cruz Views? I think it's the best deal on the island. Glad you enjoyed it and glad to see Dickhead is still alive and well.

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:19 pm

are you taking your images from thumb nails views or are you selecting each picture and then getting the code for that image?

tipsy · Post by **tipsy** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:21 pm

thank you so much Minde !! how wonderful !!! keep them coming..

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:24 pm

DELETED

Rachelle & Joe · Post by **Rachelle & Joe** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:31 pm

so glad your SIL & niece are going to b alright

Thanks so much for the pics !The view does make a differance IMO & I think Cruz Bay has the best sunsets ever ! looking forward to more pics ! ENJOY

toni · Post by **toni** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:32 pm

Minde-glad your relatives weren't hurt too badly. Great start on the trip reports-love seeing the STJ kitties

As to the photos-California Girl and Pia (and others!

) posted about www.tinypic.com I used it to post pictures on the offtopic forum and it worked great!

(Pia-hope you don't mind being quoted)

Per Pia:

UPLOADING PICTURES:

1: go to www.tinypic.com

2: browse for your picture

3: select the size you want - I chose the 'message board' option

4: Click 'UPLOAD NOW'

5: Select the top line of html code

6: paste the code straight into your post.

Voila! Images on the forum with no online picture hosting account.

msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:21 pm

Hey Minde! Thanks for your prompt trip report! Glad to hear your SIL and neice will be ok. Scary moment!
Love your view at Cruz Views~ It really makes a difference to chill on the deck and watch the sunset!
Great reporting so far & can't wait for more with hopefully bigger pics!

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:56 pm

All right Minde!!

Great start! I've checked out Cruz Views and have always been interested. I'm glad to hear your first-hand report!

XOXO · Post by **XOXO** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:31 pm

Yeah! You started your trip report!

The view is great! I use to think the view wasn't that important too but that changed after the first villa with a view!

Did you name the cat dickhead or is that the name everyone calls him?? I laughed at the picture of dickhead making himself at home and enjoying the view. Naughty in an endearing way.

I am looking forward to the rest of the report. i hope you had a great vacation!

GG

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:16 am

Thanks, Toni! Testing....
<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.tinypic.com/11hcw2s.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:11 am

Wonderful start to an undoubtedly well deserved wonderful vacation!!!
Thanks for the pix, and can't wait to read more about your trip.
Stay safe & have fun!!!
Smiles-
MJ

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