Short Trip Report

[snorkles]

Trip Report Oct 6-10

This trip was a short, spur of the moment one which did not include my Sweetie. My son and his family had never had the opportunity to travel to the Caribbean and I so wanted them to be able to experience it. I had just found out that I was being laid off from my job at the end of the month (Sept) so I went to work on planning a trip. It was expensive but I so wanted them to see St. John. I have been to many wonderful places over the past 16 years with my Sweetie, but St. John was my ultimate destination.
I reserved a room at a hotel near the Atlanta Airport the night before our departure. My son, his wife and 14 year old son came over from Huntsville, Al. and we met at the hotel as we had an early flight out the next morning. It worked out really well because I also reserved a room for the night we returned because it would be a really late arrival. Also we were able to leave both vehicles at the hotel for free with shuttle to the airport. That is truly the way to go! For the price of parking two vehicles we got a room for 2 nights.

We got to the STT airport a little after 2:00 and took the wild ride to Red Hook and made the 4:00 ferry. Arrived in STJ and went to Hospitality Jeep rentals to pick up our 4 door Wrangler. Thomas was great and we got the jeep and rented some snorkel equip across the street and headed to the Dolphin Market to pick up some supplies. It was near dark when we arrived at Concordia. Cooked hot dogs in the cabin and got into bed early. We were all pretty tired. We got up early and headed out to Maho Beach. The newbies had their first dose of snorkeling and were pretty intimidated even though they all did really great. There was a large dark cloud of tiny little fish about 6 to 8 feet wide and a feeding frenzy going on with tons of huge Tarpons and Baracuddas. We hung out there for a while then headed to Cinnamon. It was beautiful there. We stayed there for a while, then headed to Hawksnest. That was their favorite spot. Ate an early dinner at Skinny’s then headed back to Concordia.

Saturday morning we headed to Waterlemon. I had forgotten how far it was or maybe how old and out of shape I had become. We hiked as far as we could go then headed out to the cay. They were a little freaked out about how deep the water was but being the troopers they were, kept trucking. Saw lots of small starfish on the way over but not a lot when we got out there. I was a little disappointed in the lack of marine life. Maybe we just went at the wrong time. I had made a gallon baggie full of ham and cheese sandwiches with chips, peanut butter crackers, etc. We were all thinking of the sandwiches on the way back to the beach but noticed about 7 mongooses (or mongeese) when we got back. Those crafty little creatures had teamed up and unzipped an insulated bag and devoured our sandwiches. It was funny except for the fact that we were starving. There weren’t many places open in Coral Bay due to the low season. Donkey Diner, Island Blues, Shipwreck Landing and Miss Lucy’s were all closed. Also, no gasoline in Coral Bay. Only the one gas station in Cruz Bay. We ate breakfast and some snacks at a little place next to the Donkey Diner called Clean Plate. It was ok but a little pricey for what you got. Had some great sandwiches at The Tourist Trap. Lots of friendly locals there and had great conversation.

Sunday was to be Trunk Bay and my grandson was really excited and looking forward to it. He had done a lot of research on the internet before we left. When we started walking toward the beach we heard the loud crashing of the waves. It freaked me out because I had never seen it like that before. The lifeguard said he didn’t recommend going into the water. He said it was due to the tropical storm whatever. We stopped at all the North Shore beaches and it was the same everywhere. He said the best bet would be on the other side of the island. We ended up going to Salt Pond. I had really forgotten how tough the walk back up the hill was from there. Walking back from Waterlemon was a piece of cake compared to that. It was absolutely beautiful there but like Waterlemon, a little disappointing with the marine life. Saw a couple of turtles.

That night we had dinner at AquaBistro. Everything was outstanding and compared to the prices we had paid for burgers and sandwiches, wasn’t that bad. Had to get up the next morning and get ready for the dreaded trip back home. All in all, a great “short trip” and now my son has been bitten by the STJ bug. He is already talking about going back. Mama needs to find a job first though. Our flight was delayed over an hour leaving Miami, we never knew why, and arrived back in Atlanta around 10:30. Glad I was able to share that with my family but really missed my Sweetie. Hopefully, we can plan a trip soon.

[msgcolleen]

Glad to hear about your short but sweet trip!
Those mongooses/mongeeses sure can be crafty
How did you and your family like staying at Concordia? The view is fabulous there!

[snorkles]

I love the tent cottages with bathrooms and running water, but I love the area at Maho Bay Campgrounds much better. Also, it is really way out there, especially when so many of the restaurants were closed while we were there. It is about as far as you can get from Cruz Bay and there is no gasoline there.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

I totally get this. We are doing a similar thing this summer. We will be there longer, but doing one week with the first child and possibly my mom, and the next with the other daughter and her hubby. Next year may not happen because of a seriously uncertain financial future. We are putting alot on the card and hopefully I will have a job next year to pay it off. Best wishes for the job, and glad you had a good trip!!!!!

[EagleRayLover]

we were on island for the same time - actually have video oft he feeding frenzy with the tarpon! We had good luck with our snorkels at Leinster/Waterlemon and Salt Pond. I think it's luck, patience, and being at the right place at the right time! Glad you got to enjoy your time!