Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Moving Day

Travel discussion for St. John
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jayseadee
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Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Moving Day

Post by jayseadee »

Sunday, November 15

Wow, it’s amazing how slowly the time leading up to vacation is and how faaaaaaast the actual vacation goes by. We’ve been at it for 1 week and could handle 3 more. Well, we have about 3 more days.

This was our last morning at Anchorage Aweigh. If you’ve been reading along, you probably gathered that we really like it here. It wasn’t much after 7am and I was out on the porch for one last look. The church bells started ringing (I guess Don’s awake now) and a few minutes later the choir was singing. I’m gonna miss it here.

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I guess land is becoming scarce out this way.
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We finished packing, loaded the car and away we went. As we were stopped at the dumpster, a herd of goats was coming our way.
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They must have been on their way to Sunday school.

I also have to mention the small T-shirt factory in the Town & Country center (across from Skinny Legs – I think it is Caribbean Clothing). They have some nice embroidered “stuff” and the owner is a peach. Don bought swim trunks earlier in the week. When he tried them on they were about 2 sizes too small. We were surprised to see her open so early on a Sunday morning so we stopped in to see if she had a larger size; she didn’t. She had some soft sided coolers which were a few dollars more than the shirt. I asked if we could exchange for a cooler and I’d just give her the difference. She said “why not just exchange for the cooler and call it even” . If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and check it out.

We were leaving quiet Coral Bay for the “big” city of Cruz Bay and Grande Bay. I received an email from Kim earlier in the week and she said we could check-in at any time. She’d leave the unit unlocked and the keys on the counter.


Grande Bay was grand. We had a 1 bedroom unit on the 3rd floor in the upper building (7th floor from the ground - yes there are elevators). Plenty of room in the bedroom and living area; kitchen had all of the necessities. Central A/C was a treat, ceiling fans in the living room and bedroom, 2 TV’s and a washer/dryer. The balcony was small, but had a grande view.

(excuse the mess)
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The units have 2 balconies; one facing the harbor; the other facing the back.
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They were still working on the pool, so we didn’t get a chance to see it. We liked it here so much, we’re planning to return next spring for a few days after a sailing week.

We “dumped” our stuff and headed back to C&C to return the car. We were a little late, but since the car was sand-less and had more gas than when we picked it up, there was no mention of a late fee.

Stopped at Mojo Café for some breakfast. This is a great little place. Don had a breakfast burrito; I had a bagel sandwich. Both were very good. This became the morning ritual for the next 3 days (enough of that cooking stuff).

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“Come on kids, Aunt Ruth is waiting for us “
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The plan for the rest of the day is Trunk Bay! No idea how many ships might be in, but I’ve been here for 8 days and have yet stepped foot on my most favorite beach. As we walked back to Grande Bay, I felt something – crap, it’s raining. The rain lasted long enough to chase most folks off the beach; it wasn’t crowded at all when we finally arrived.
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Don went out for a snorkel and came back with a good report. As soon as I got in the water, I heard some distant rumbles. OK, this snorkel isn’t happening. Some dark clouds inched closer, but we it didn’t rain again.
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I love, love, love Trunk Bay!
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I need a sherpa!
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The Beach Bar was next on the agenda. It was Sunday Jazz and the music was just starting.
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We sat and listened for a set or two and then moseyed back to Grande Bay to shower and change for dinner.

Dinner was Rhumb Lines (one of the few places open on Sunday). It was our first time here. I was a little leary eating alfresco with all of the rain, but hey. Don had Sing Steak 410; I had a Pad Thai special (beef, chicken, shrimp) toned down. Both were excellent and I was glad I had them go easy on the spice. I know I have been remiss with the food porn; I will make up for it in the next couple of days.

We were a little disappointed that the dessert menu was not as creative as the dinner menu and “settled” for an Oreo ice cream pie. The service was very good. We hung out for awhile listening to T-bird.

After dinner we strolled through town. I think this is what we like best about staying in Cruz Bay – just strolling. We missed this in Coral Bay. We ended up at the Gecko Gazebo. We had a good time chatting with Kim.
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If you’re looking for some place quiet to have a drink, this is the place. It may be busier during high season when the stores in Mongoose Junction stay open later, but in the off-season, you pretty much have your choice of bar stools.

After a couple of drinks, we decided to go in search of the Sunday night football game. It was almost 9pm – I don’t think we saw 9pm one night last week. We decided to just go back to the condo – we had 2 TV’s, plenty of beer and comfy chairs. It ended up being a sad night in paradise. :cry:

Tomorrow – Rain, Rain, go away!
janet
mindehankins
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Post by mindehankins »

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been jonesing for a trip report! That houseboat surprises me. How would you get that thing to St. John? Seems the ocean would be too much for it, but I know nothing about boats.
I can guess which balcony you spent more time on....LOL.
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mbw1024
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Post by mbw1024 »

great, great photos! so glad you enjoyed AA!
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sea-nile
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Post by sea-nile »

Thanks for the report! I have been waiting for this one!
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cypressgirl
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Post by cypressgirl »

Great photos, Janet!
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Bigcheeze
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Post by Bigcheeze »

Great pics...TY for taking the time.

Dave
Maggy
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Post by Maggy »

Great photos Janet. What camera do you have? I'm not sure, but didn't you buy a Canon Powershot D10? If so, did you like it? If not, forget that I asked just that question :lol: .

Karin
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silverheels
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Post by silverheels »

That "house" in Coral Bay was built there by a couple who had originally lived on a boat that he also built. They lived on the boat for a few years and then found a platform which they later built into a rather nice little "house". They are a very nice couple and she is very involved in the Art community on STJ. Your picture brought back many memories for me because we used to be anchored right next to them.
Your pictures were wonderful as well as your trip reports. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
designbyroe
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Post by designbyroe »

We saw that houseboat to when we were in Coral Bay. I thought it was cool.
I was wondering when someone would post pics of Grande Bay. Good TR
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There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
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jayseadee
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Post by jayseadee »

Maggy wrote:Great photos Janet. What camera do you have? I'm not sure, but didn't you buy a Canon Powershot D10? If so, did you like it? If not, forget that I asked just that question :lol: .

Karin
I did get the Canon D10, which we used primarily for underwater and rain. We also had my Canon Rebel and Don's Olympus E510.

Rosi - the unit we had at Grande Bay was very nice and comfortable. The ongoing construction didn't bother us. It is a good deal for $195/night.
janet
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XOXO
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Post by XOXO »

Very nice trip reports. I was looking forward to hearing what you think of Grande Bay. We will go there next year. I love seeing the "kids" go to sunday school and the chicks going to see Aunt Ruth!

Gina
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Ksea
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Post by Ksea »

So funny about the chickens going to see Auntie Ruth :D
You are right, what a Grande View you had from the condo.
Pictures are great, I will hate to see this report come to an end.
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seagrape
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Moving Day

Post by seagrape »

Hey J - So glad you were able to enjoy the church bells and the choir. That's my favorite thing about Sunday morning. I sing along and hope someday to actually go enjoy the service. Thanks for all the great trip reports. You have a way with words!

Regards,
Seagrape
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