2 weeks on STJ too short ~ Day 1

islandjo2010 · Post by **islandjo2010** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:04 pm

June 24, 2010 JD and I slept until 7am. The kids each had their own room downstairs and were still asleep. We decided to let them sleep in…they were pretty tired from the previous long travel day and we knew they would be crabby if we woke them too early. Not to mention, it was nice having a bit of time to ourselves! We sat on the deck, enjoyed the view and island sounds as we planned our first day of exploring Beautiful St. John! The kids didn’t come up until around 10:15am. They had a small breakfast and by the time we got all packed for the day, our swim suits and sunscreen on, it was lunch time! We went to Skinny Legs to grab something quick since it was near by. They didn’t have much of a menu but the sandwiches were good. We took the north shore route into Cruz Bay to checkout the view and try to decide which beach to go to…such a hard choice on the first beach to visit…they all looked wonderful to us! We needed to stop by Connections to pick-up the 3 packages I shipped down ahead of time and I wanted to go to Star Fish Market to buy groceries for dinner. Provisions in hand, we went back to the villa to drop off the groceries and now we are finally off to…drum roll…Cinnamon Bay! Even with the clouds, it was truly a beautiful beach! We walked a bit, admiring how beautiful it was and found a perfect spot to park our cooler and beach chairs, then we all got in the water and snorkeled around. We spotted several fish and were having a lot of fun but after just a couple of hours, the kids were ready to go to another beach! We headed to Hawksnest Bay…another gorgeous beach! We all enjoyed the snorkeling…many colorful fish, sting rays and our son spotted a star fish! We headed back to the villa around 5:30pm. The kids swam in the pool while JD grilled their favorites, hamburgers and hotdogs! I cut some cantaloupe and pineapple and made a salad. It was so nice eating dinner while enjoying the spectacular view from the villa! After dinner the kids were ready for the hot tub! Who would think that in June, it actually would feel nice being in a hot tub on St. John, but it did feel good that evening with the cool mountain breeze! We really didn’t want to get out, but it was time for showers and the kids needed to get to bed! It wasn’t too much later and we headed to bed ourselves…Another day and another beautiful beach awaits tomorrow!

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msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:01 am

So far so GOOD!! We looooooove Cinnamon

Nancie-Pa · Post by **Nancie-Pa** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:28 am

IslandJo2010- You were so lucky to get 2 weeks on STJ! I love Cinnamon too because of all its conveniences (bathrooms,showers,cafe) and the archeological dig (interesting,educational) but really,who am I kidding,the beach is what its all about. Can't wait to read more about your trip to see how many beaches you got to. Nancie

BTW- Connie from Phillyburbs, I grew up in Wayne. Are you anywhere near there?

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 2:54 pm

Great start! It also seems you got a great picture of the ubiquitous "one horned butt fish" the official unofficial fish of STJ!

You have a gorgeous family, please keep the TR's coming. I've got over four months to go!

bnsilly · Post by **bnsilly** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:50 pm

Where did you stay and how was the layout for the kiddos?

islandjo2010 · Post by **islandjo2010** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 11:57 pm

Hi Everyone!

I have just finished typing Day 2...I hope to have photos added tomorrow so I can get it posted! I wish I had more time to write this report, I am a slow typer, but at least the memories of STJ are ALWAYS ON MY MIND!

Gromit ~ Yes, we had many sightings of the "One Horned Butt Fish"...the official, unofficial fish of STJ.

I wish I had just 4 more months until our next trip...I hope the time flies by quickly for you!

bnsilly ~ We stayed at Luminaria Villa in Upper Carolina on the Coral Bay side. We really liked the layout for the kids...Master bedroom upstairs and two bedrooms and bathrooms on the lower level with a tv area between the two rooms! The bedrooms were under one roof with interior access which was important to me. If you want, PM me and I would be happy to give you more details!

STJ dreams to all,

Jo

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