First visit to St John

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:43 am

I was replying to a post just a minute ago and it brought back memories about our first trip and especially our first ferry ride.

I remember the first time we stayed on StJ. We flew in from San Juan. It was exciting to watch out the window of our small commuter plane when we landed at Cyril King. We arrived late (must have been about 7 or 8pm) and took a taxi to Red Hook. The streets seemed like a dark maze to me then. The Red Hook terminal was just a parking lot with a ticket booth where we waited for our ferry. It arrived like a lit carnival ride in the night. I think I will always remember that ride while watching the twinkling lights of StJ get closer under the flourescent lights of the old open-sided ferry. We seemed to be the only tourists on that ride. There was no terminal, no luggage check, No A/C, no windows (or perhaps they were all just open), no security gate at the StJ dock. We were young and embarking on an unknown journey. The journey got even more exciting following the owner from the dock to our villa (Woodrose) in the darkness. We were awed each day we ventured out to new parts of the island. Our first day we went as far as Fish Bay. It was close and the owner of Woodrose was building at the water and suggested it was a good snorkel. We saw eagle rays at what seemed arms length, we swam in schools of colorful fish, when we saw our first shark it was time for us to find dry land. I thought I would never get my wife back in the water. We got lost, made new friends, picked up hitch-hikers and learned more about the island everyday. I am sure that we landed one of our hitch-hikers in trouble. We picked up this older couple who were walking to Cinnamon from Leinster. They had been returning to Cinnamon Bay each year for many years. They insisted that we see the campground. I thought it was great to be able to camp in this paradise but my wife mentioned that it is nice to have a private hot shower each day. The camping wife agreed and asked how much we had to spend for a house. The look on her face when she found out that it was little more than what they paid for their yearly campsite was priceless. We drove over ridges with narrow cut-throughs on terrible dirt roads that got even worse when a rain shower made it a muddy mess for your trip back. That little rock with terrible roads, friendly people and few ammenities took hold of us that trip and hasn't let go.

parafins · Post by **parafins** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:29 am

Thank you for posting.It was a great read.Back on Oct.2nd,1994 my wife and I visited and stayed on S.T.J. for the first time.I alway's try to post on that day because it was so special to us.The island changed me forever!It seems like it change the both of you also.....

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:37 am

What sits most in my memory is that our first trip was before the internet became part of our lives. I remember calling RockResort to get a brochure mailed to me to plan our honeymoon!

Aside from the few pictures in the brochure and few tips from friends, we knew NOTHING about STJ and had no idea of what to expect.

The excitement of going someplace new combined with being blown away by how much we loved it when we reached STJ is a very strong memory. I remember calling my mom from a phone booth and telling her we arrived safely and how beautiful it was.

CBama · Post by **CBama** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:19 pm

I posted my first time on my first post...so if you have read just skip!!!

we were staying a week on St Thomas, it was pretty and we were having a great time...BUT when we took a day sail over to St John I found the paradise that I had been looking for....first time to snorkel so captain took us by dinghy to Hawksnest Beach...When we landed on that beach with the white sand and beautiful water...THIS was what I had been looking for in the Caribbean....it was breathtakingly beautiful....

Our whole family was amazed!! beyond words is my first thought.

so wish we had taken this sail earlier in the trip..we only had one day left...but we took the jeep over on car ferry and spent our last day on St John.. not near long enough!!!!

rpplano · Post by **rpplano** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:28 pm

Thanks toes, your memories made me smile. You certainly "get it." We came through STT on cruise ships a few times and always wondered what was over there on that "little island." Then we happened to mention it in front of some old friends who knew the answer. We've not vacationed anywhere else since then. Always dreaming about how to somehow move there...

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:33 pm

We, also, were first inttoduced to StJ on cruise ship stops. That is the reason we always make a pilgrimage visit to Trunk because that was the reason we decided to come and stay instead of just pop in and go.

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:32 pm

Good stuff. I road by STJ for years on the way to the BVIs. I finally decided to visit the green island of STJ. There's been a lot of very good times and friends there.

Cheers, RickG

snorkles · Post by **snorkles** » Wed Sep 21, 2011 4:48 pm

In 1992 I went to the caribbean for the first time. It was to St. Croix and I was married there. I will never forget the first time I put my face down in the water and fell head over heals in love. Unfortunately, it wasn't with my new husband and the marriage didn't last very long. But my love for the Virgin Islands has grown stronger over the years. While I was there I found a brochure for Maho Bay Campgrounds on STJ and kept in with me until I was finally able to go there in 1998. It was the most wonderful experience I could ever imagine. I know many people love the cushy experience at the Westin and places like that, but to me, it just can't compare with being out there under the stars with the tree frogs chirping and the cold showers and geckos watching as you read a book to your lover or the mongoose crapping on your belongings you left on the porch. It was amazing. I have been there 8 times and only stayed in a villa once. It just wasn't the same. However, I have now graduated in my old age to Concordia. I find the private bath room and running water to be a nice comfort. Although, I do think the area around Maho is nicer. I introduced this magical island to the love of my life and he feels as strongly about it as I do. We have been to many other places in the caribe but St. John will always be close to our hearts. In 3 weeks I will be returning with my son and his family. They have never been to the caribe before and I am looking forward to sharing this love with them. Unfortunately, my love won't be with me. I could have got a deal at the Westin cheaper than Concordia, but it just wouldn't be the same. See you Oct 6th!

Snorkels

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