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STJ Quickie - 3/7-11
STJ Quickie - 3/7-11
NO, not that kind of quickie.
I found myself with an unplanned week off in between an old job and a new job.
DH suggested that I get away for a few days. Of course, he’s thinking something sensible like visiting my sister in Florida or my uncle in San Diego. Both seemed like pretty good options. But, for some reason I checked airfare and flight schedules to STT and found reasonable rates and non-stop flights every day of the week. With a couple of emails and a few more clicks of the mouse, I had a ticker with less than 14 days to go. I felt so “Ali”.
Non-stop Boston to STT was always a fantasy. Since we typically fly off-season, it’s not available. Well, it is quite the luxury.
I arrived in STT on Sunday at 1:15pm. Even with carry-on only and the taxi taking off immediately, we missed the 2pm ferry. It was grey and misty and COLD. I was happy to have my hoodie and never did take off the zippered legs of my pants.
As we pulled into Cruz Bay, it started to pour. For whatever reason, I had packed an umbrella – good idea – it came in handy. I grabbed my bags and ran from the dock down to Grande Bay.
The rain stopped and I could hear the music from the Beach Bar, so I headed over to see if any of the forumites were around. I looked around, but didn’t see anyone that looked like an Overman or darkanddiet or a 99, 86, #1 or Deuce, so I settled in the back by the stairs as I thought Seagrape may stop by off the 5pm ferry. Just as the ferry pulled in, the skies opened again and it poured all over again. Seagrape stopped by and we chatted for a few minutes and hoped to hook up later in the week. I ordered a Tuna Down Now to go, and headed back to Grande Bay (note to self: always bring the umbrella).
The rain continued and the wind was howling. It dawned on me that I might lose power, so I went in search for a flashlight. Found the flashlight and kept it handy. Put the iPod in the dock and relaxed with a good book.
I know many of you are thinking – oh, but crappy weather in St. John is still better than anywhere else. Well, I’m not of that camp. The thought of being in St. John (alone) with constant rain and chilly was a bit depressing. I read the next day on the forum and someone was wondering – “if it’s so coooold, why is everyone wearing shorts?” Well, because everyone says leave half the clothes behind – I left the long sleeves and long pants.
I woke up early on Monday morning and didn’t hear wind or rain. I looked out and although it was very cloudy and breezy, there was no rain (or sun).
As became, the morning ritual, I went for a long walk up and down the hills, then stopped at Jake’s for breakfast.
We hadn’t tried Jakes on our last trip. I think because we were still mourning Chilly Billy’s. But, since the weather seemed unpredictable, I though indoor dining would be best and dropped in.
Well, if you haven’t tried Jakes, you should. Great breakfast and just the nicest people.
Since it wasn’t raining, I figured it was a beach day, so I headed off to Trunk Bay. I thought everyone else would be doing the same, so was quite surprised when I was the only one in the taxi.
Due to surf advisories, there was no entrance fee to Trunk and hardly any people. Works for me. Settled in with the iPod and book and spent the day. No rain and a tiny sliver of sun.
Headed to the Beach Bar for happy hour and a snack.
Thought I’d try the new Surly Cantina for dinner. It was pretty quiet. The tacos were good, but nothing exciting. It was out of my eye shot, but I guess there were some topless young women doing belly shots down at the bar. Very surprising, since it was still fairly early – spring break on St. John?
I strolled down to Mongoose Junction hoping to grab a drink at the Gecko Gazebo and chat with Kim; however, they were 2-3 deep at the bar, so I passed. Ahhh – so this is the high season. Headed back to Grande Bay for the night.
Up again Tuesday morning and was happy to see a little more blue sky. Decided to walk up to the Cruz Bay overlook this morning – not a long walk, but a lot steeper than it seems driving.
Back to Jakes for breakfast
then taxied to Caneel and walked out to Honeymoon.
Well, I know Honeymoon is a favorite destination for the day trippers, but they usually stay out in the water and snorkel in droves. However, today, they were being dinghied on to the beach. Never saw so many people on Honeymoon – even more than the big forum gathering in November of ’08.
They eventually all left and things were back to normal. Well, until the huge family arrived with footballs and frisbees. Maybe it’s me, but footballs and frisbees just don’t belong on the beach in St. John.
Stopped at High Tide for a snack and Mango Daiquiri,
then the BB for a Mango Ale, then to Grande Bay for a mango nap.
Dinner was at Sun Dog Café – surf and turf spinach salad (forgot my food porn manners this trip).
Woke up to blue skies and sunshine on Wednesday – nice!. Took the ritual morning walk and back at Jakes for first breakfast.
(SRO down at the bakery)
School's in session here.
Met Ruth later on in the morning for second breakfast (LOL) at Mojo.
I had planned on taking the bus out to Coral Bay one day. Beaching at Salt Pond, then lunching at the Tourist Trap. However, the lazy’s took over and the ended up in a taxi back to Trunk.
So, all the people not at Trunk on Monday, were here today.
As crowded as a beautiful Saturday in July at Good Harbor Beach. I walked way left and was able to find a nice spot –
until the spring breakers arrived with their footballs and frisbees. Just wrong!
Stopped at the new Spyglass for today’s drink and snack. I hadn’t been up in this space since it was Pussers. I forgot how nice it was up there.
Since there was actual sun today, I thought there might be a chance for a nice sunset. So I headed down to Frank Bay to watch
and then dropped in on Elaine Estern's Wednesday soiree at the Coconut coast studio.
Dinner was another Tuna Down Now at the Beach Bar, then back to Grande Bay to pack. That;s the only problem with quickies – they’re quick.
Went for my final walk and breakfast at Jakes.
Strolled around doing some last minute shopping and shooting,
then headed out on the 11:15am ferry to CA
Knowing that my DH was waiting at home, the WOW wasn’t bad at all.
The flight home (non-stop) was bumpy as hell. And just like I was greeted in STJ with rain and “cold”; I found the same at home.
So, until the next time (which is pretty soon).
I found myself with an unplanned week off in between an old job and a new job.
DH suggested that I get away for a few days. Of course, he’s thinking something sensible like visiting my sister in Florida or my uncle in San Diego. Both seemed like pretty good options. But, for some reason I checked airfare and flight schedules to STT and found reasonable rates and non-stop flights every day of the week. With a couple of emails and a few more clicks of the mouse, I had a ticker with less than 14 days to go. I felt so “Ali”.
Non-stop Boston to STT was always a fantasy. Since we typically fly off-season, it’s not available. Well, it is quite the luxury.
I arrived in STT on Sunday at 1:15pm. Even with carry-on only and the taxi taking off immediately, we missed the 2pm ferry. It was grey and misty and COLD. I was happy to have my hoodie and never did take off the zippered legs of my pants.
As we pulled into Cruz Bay, it started to pour. For whatever reason, I had packed an umbrella – good idea – it came in handy. I grabbed my bags and ran from the dock down to Grande Bay.
The rain stopped and I could hear the music from the Beach Bar, so I headed over to see if any of the forumites were around. I looked around, but didn’t see anyone that looked like an Overman or darkanddiet or a 99, 86, #1 or Deuce, so I settled in the back by the stairs as I thought Seagrape may stop by off the 5pm ferry. Just as the ferry pulled in, the skies opened again and it poured all over again. Seagrape stopped by and we chatted for a few minutes and hoped to hook up later in the week. I ordered a Tuna Down Now to go, and headed back to Grande Bay (note to self: always bring the umbrella).
The rain continued and the wind was howling. It dawned on me that I might lose power, so I went in search for a flashlight. Found the flashlight and kept it handy. Put the iPod in the dock and relaxed with a good book.
I know many of you are thinking – oh, but crappy weather in St. John is still better than anywhere else. Well, I’m not of that camp. The thought of being in St. John (alone) with constant rain and chilly was a bit depressing. I read the next day on the forum and someone was wondering – “if it’s so coooold, why is everyone wearing shorts?” Well, because everyone says leave half the clothes behind – I left the long sleeves and long pants.
I woke up early on Monday morning and didn’t hear wind or rain. I looked out and although it was very cloudy and breezy, there was no rain (or sun).
As became, the morning ritual, I went for a long walk up and down the hills, then stopped at Jake’s for breakfast.
We hadn’t tried Jakes on our last trip. I think because we were still mourning Chilly Billy’s. But, since the weather seemed unpredictable, I though indoor dining would be best and dropped in.
Well, if you haven’t tried Jakes, you should. Great breakfast and just the nicest people.
Since it wasn’t raining, I figured it was a beach day, so I headed off to Trunk Bay. I thought everyone else would be doing the same, so was quite surprised when I was the only one in the taxi.
Due to surf advisories, there was no entrance fee to Trunk and hardly any people. Works for me. Settled in with the iPod and book and spent the day. No rain and a tiny sliver of sun.
Headed to the Beach Bar for happy hour and a snack.
Thought I’d try the new Surly Cantina for dinner. It was pretty quiet. The tacos were good, but nothing exciting. It was out of my eye shot, but I guess there were some topless young women doing belly shots down at the bar. Very surprising, since it was still fairly early – spring break on St. John?
I strolled down to Mongoose Junction hoping to grab a drink at the Gecko Gazebo and chat with Kim; however, they were 2-3 deep at the bar, so I passed. Ahhh – so this is the high season. Headed back to Grande Bay for the night.
Up again Tuesday morning and was happy to see a little more blue sky. Decided to walk up to the Cruz Bay overlook this morning – not a long walk, but a lot steeper than it seems driving.
Back to Jakes for breakfast
then taxied to Caneel and walked out to Honeymoon.
Well, I know Honeymoon is a favorite destination for the day trippers, but they usually stay out in the water and snorkel in droves. However, today, they were being dinghied on to the beach. Never saw so many people on Honeymoon – even more than the big forum gathering in November of ’08.
They eventually all left and things were back to normal. Well, until the huge family arrived with footballs and frisbees. Maybe it’s me, but footballs and frisbees just don’t belong on the beach in St. John.
Stopped at High Tide for a snack and Mango Daiquiri,
then the BB for a Mango Ale, then to Grande Bay for a mango nap.
Dinner was at Sun Dog Café – surf and turf spinach salad (forgot my food porn manners this trip).
Woke up to blue skies and sunshine on Wednesday – nice!. Took the ritual morning walk and back at Jakes for first breakfast.
(SRO down at the bakery)
School's in session here.
Met Ruth later on in the morning for second breakfast (LOL) at Mojo.
I had planned on taking the bus out to Coral Bay one day. Beaching at Salt Pond, then lunching at the Tourist Trap. However, the lazy’s took over and the ended up in a taxi back to Trunk.
So, all the people not at Trunk on Monday, were here today.
As crowded as a beautiful Saturday in July at Good Harbor Beach. I walked way left and was able to find a nice spot –
until the spring breakers arrived with their footballs and frisbees. Just wrong!
Stopped at the new Spyglass for today’s drink and snack. I hadn’t been up in this space since it was Pussers. I forgot how nice it was up there.
Since there was actual sun today, I thought there might be a chance for a nice sunset. So I headed down to Frank Bay to watch
and then dropped in on Elaine Estern's Wednesday soiree at the Coconut coast studio.
Dinner was another Tuna Down Now at the Beach Bar, then back to Grande Bay to pack. That;s the only problem with quickies – they’re quick.
Went for my final walk and breakfast at Jakes.
Strolled around doing some last minute shopping and shooting,
then headed out on the 11:15am ferry to CA
Knowing that my DH was waiting at home, the WOW wasn’t bad at all.
The flight home (non-stop) was bumpy as hell. And just like I was greeted in STJ with rain and “cold”; I found the same at home.
So, until the next time (which is pretty soon).
janet
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
Have been enjoying your little pics on FB, that having a little TR is nice.
Thanks
When I lived on island, peak time did not bother me. Now that I am off island, I like 'off time'.
I still love Nov and this will be my first time in late April since leaving island.
Thanks
When I lived on island, peak time did not bother me. Now that I am off island, I like 'off time'.
I still love Nov and this will be my first time in late April since leaving island.
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
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Berlingirl
- Posts: 499
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:09 pm
- Location: New England
OMG...Totally Jealous...
a solo trip...can you tell I'm a stressed working MOM???
I wouldn't know how to act...alone...and going where I want to...and ordering what I want...what heaven.
Plus you got tuna down...twice!!! The one time in our trips I ordered it the usual person was off and I got the horrid little dish of ???. I will try again next trip to order if my DH agrees to go back to the beach bar...it was a bad scene all around that trip there...
Anyway, thanks for sharing...a girl can dream or live through others trips......your trips looks to die for!!!
a solo trip...can you tell I'm a stressed working MOM???
I wouldn't know how to act...alone...and going where I want to...and ordering what I want...what heaven.
Plus you got tuna down...twice!!! The one time in our trips I ordered it the usual person was off and I got the horrid little dish of ???. I will try again next trip to order if my DH agrees to go back to the beach bar...it was a bad scene all around that trip there...
Anyway, thanks for sharing...a girl can dream or live through others trips......your trips looks to die for!!!
Hoping for a USVI ticker in 2013!
This was my second Grande Bay rental. I had a 1BR unit in the upper building (D302). The units are your typical condo - good size bedroom, reasonable living room and galley kitchen. The outside space varies with each unit. The balcony on this one was small, but decent enough to stay outside and enjoy the view. I love the Cruz Bay location. The pool is finished; I didn't use it. There is a small fitness room in the admin building, as well; which I would have used if the rains came back.byado18 wrote:WOW!
How did you like Grande Bay? What unit? How did you book it?
Thanks for a burst of STJ!
I rented through Kim Morris (dinghyjoe@earthlink.net). There are also several units available through vrbo.
janet
Janet, sounds like a great little getaway! Don't you just love last minute trips; there's no waiting! (Works well for we impatient ones.) So, are we going to like staying at Grande Bay next month? Before you know it, we'll be off on our sailing trips. STJ soon come. Sorry you had some bad weather but it seems like you made the best of it! Till next time... Ali~
STJ - I "get it"
quickie
Good job Janet! So sorry we couldn't hook up. Finally getting better. Today we rented a tandem kayak from Crabby's, put it on top of our truck and headed for Hurricane Hole. Our friends joined us and it was beautiful. We saw tons of starfish and lots of fish in the mangroves. Things in Coral Bay are just the same. Did enjoy Inner Visions on Thursday.
May your sailing trip be wonderful! Happy Birthday!
Seagrape
May your sailing trip be wonderful! Happy Birthday!
Seagrape
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aroobagirl
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:58 pm
- Location: Fairfax, VA
(or the expense account).