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Trip Report August 4-11th
Trip Report August 4-11th
Hi Everyone! I have pasted my trip report that I posted on TA below. I don't contribute much, but really enjoy reading everyone's trip reports, so sharing mine is the very least I could do. Apologies in advance for the length!
Background:
Fifth trip to the islands for my husband and I. This year we celebrated our one year anniversary!
Day 1, August 4th: We arrived from Atlanta on time and took the 3:00 ferry from Red Hook. Nice guy from Courtesy picked us up, as well as a few others (busy!). We got our jeep, stopped at Starfish for some beverages and snacks and made our way to Coral Bay. We met our host at Skinny Leg's then rode over to Sailview. Wonderful place and delightful hosts! We were greeted with fresh cookies, fruit, cheese and crackers and dark n' stormies...which my husband is now trying to recreate at home. We unpacked and relaxed before deciding that dinner might be a good idea. We went to Aqua Bistro for the first time and were very pleased. We weren't starving so we decided to split conch fritters and a grouper entree. Both were great and the perfect amount of food. The risotto that came with the grouper was awesome- sorry I can't remember what kind it was! In bed early that night to the sound of the tree frogs.
Day 2, August 5th: Up and out the door between 8-9 am. I woke up early, around 6 am everyday when the sun began to light up the room. It was nice to be up early naturally and without an alarm- wish that could happen at home! We made coffee, had some yogurt and banana bread courtesy of our hosts and then started the day. We headed out to Salt Pond and hiked the Ram Head trail. Very cool hike that we both really enjoyed. Not very stenuous, but amazing views. There was a couple at the end relaxing in beach chairs they had brought; great idea right?! Turns out they had just closed on a house in St John the day before. We chatted with them a bit before leaving them to their peaceful lounge. After our hike we spent the rest of the afternoon snorkeling and relaxing at Hawksnest. A little bit crowded, but not terrible. Left there a little before sunset and popped over to the Beach Bar to share some Tuna Bites- I swear we've both been craving these for the last year. Where else is it okay to dip your tuna in ranch?! I really wanted to check out Motu, so we stopped by there too while we were close. Had a few good drinks there and chatted with a couple locals. Nice place and not crowded that evening....and they get my award for cleanest public bathroom! After those drinks it was beginning to become important that we eat an actual dinner
Headed back to Coral Bay and had a great dinner at Skinny Legs. I had a delicious turkey reuben and the Mr. had a burger with some kind of mango relish that he talked about for days.
Day 3, August 6th: This day was our one year anniversary! Again, we decided to start the day with a hike. We took the Maria Hope Road trail to Maho. It is on the opposite side of Centerline Road from the Reef Bay trail. We read that the trail wasn't maintained by the park, so I was a little nervous but it turned out fine. Probably took us about 40 minutes to get down to Maho and a little less to get back. Saw my first turtles of the trip at Maho that day- several of them! Not too many people at Maho, maybe ten at most. We only stayed until about 11 before making the hike back up. Next we got some sandwiches from Deli Grotto and had our lunch up at Peace Hill, where our wedding ceremony was one year ago! We sat in our chairs, enjoyed the breeze and took some pictures inside the windmill and talked about all the things that have happened over the last year. That afternoon we went back to Coral Bay to relax and clean up for our anniversary dinner at Ocean Grill (where our reception was held). They did not disappoint! Wonderful service and even better food! They surprised us with champagne once we were seated and even comped our dessert. Really had a great evening there and would 100% recommend them for big parties/receptions. We got the mango gelato with chocolate sauce and were pretty much in heaven.
Day 4 (Aug 7th): We had a slower morning this day. Relaxed with our coffee and made sandwiches for the beach. Decided to take the Lind Point trail to Solamon. On the way into Cruz Bay we saw a hitchhiker, so we picked him up. Turns out he was bartending at Spyglass for the day and let us know about their great happy hour specials. We parked the jeep at the Courtsey lot and then headed to the trail. Perfect day at Solamon I saw some kind of enormous fish go after something right below me on the far left side- definitely startled me! We stayed here for a good part of the day, I even dozed off for a bit. Once our cooler was empty, we decided to hike back to Cruz Bay and try the happy hour specials at Spyglass- yummy tacos for so cheap! Had a few drinks there too and then stopped at Starfish to stock up on a couple more things. The rest of the night is kind of a blur...I think we ate something back at 'home' and went to bed pretty early.
Day 5 (Aug 8th): Did something new this day. Took the ferry over to JVD for the day. On the way out it was just us and one other couple on the whole ferry! I don't really recommend this, but I'm glad we did it: hiked the road from Great Harbour all the way over to Foxy's Taboo and then the bubbly pool. It was super hilly, hot and took us almost 2 hours (with a few wrong turns). Thank goodness we brought enough water with us! We fueled up at Taboo and the bartender called us a cab to take us over to White Bay. Soggy Dollar was so packed by the time we got there- must have been peak for all the charters. We relaxed for a little while then took our drinks to-go and walked the road back to Great Harbour. Stenuous, but not nearly as long as our earlier adventure! Got back with just a little time to get on the ferry.
I think we grilled some dinner back at Sailview that evening, and likely went to bed pretty early again.
Day 6 (Aug 9th): Another new activity! For the first time we rented a dinghy. So much fun! We got it for the whole day and had a blast. First we headed straight out to Waterlemon and then made our way back in from there. We had packed a cooler with lunch and drinks, so we tied up to a mooring around Cinnamon Bay and had a relaxing lunch while watching the turle heads poke out of the water all around us! We stopped to snorkle Maho (more turtles!), Hawksnest, Gibney, tied up to the dock at Caneel and had a drink at the bar, then beached the dingy on Honeymoon and hung out in the water. I loved driving the dinghy (rear steering, not center console) and the freedom to beach hop was awesome. We'll definitely do this again on future trips. The only problem was the lack of shade and trying to keep up with sunscreen application. My back got pretty toasted...but I should have known to cover up.
After we returned the digny that afternoon I really have no clue what else we did. Probably stopped somewhere in Cruz Bay!? For dinner we grilled again back at Sailview. I had frozen some meat and packed it in a cooler from home so we needed to eat in a few times.
Day 7 (Aug 10th): This was our last full day on island
We got out at good time in the morning and decided to check out Drunk Bay since we'd never been. Very hot hike, even though short. Looked around and I made a cute little coral person. Then we just wanted to explore a little, so we got in the jeep and drove to the far east end. Finally saw where Vie's is located (she was closed). Hope we can spend more time out that way next time. Our belly's started to growl pretty early, so we got to Tourist Trap just as they were opening. I had grouper tacos and the Mr. had the pork nachos- both were great! Super friendly and attentive service from Mo. I also had a boom boom to drink, was like dessert...and so good! I've been making them at home (1/2 banana, 2 oz rum cream, 2 oz coco lopez, 10 oz ice, blended). Not quite the same as enjoying it on STJ, but still delish! With full belly's, we decided to check out Cinnamon since we'd never seen the campground or spent any time on the beach. We hiked over behind the trees to Little Cinnamon (near the plane crash). For the most part, we were there alone and did some serious relaxing and some snorkling (as well as finishing our rum ).
We left in time to catch a nice sunset over at the Maho Camp restaurant. We split some chicken enchiladas (which also came with salad). The food was good and really inexpensive- makes me sad that we may never be able to go back there again.
That evening back at Sailview was time to start packing for our departure...booo.
Travel day (Aug 11th): Got packed up and ready early so we could have the rental car back to Cruz Bay. Courtsey kept our luggage while we wandered around looking for some more souvenirs. We stopped in for lunch at Ocean Grill. Again just as yummy as earlier in the week and excellent service. I had the a mahi sandwhich and don't recall what the Mr. had, but we both enjoyed our last meal! Took the ferry back with just enough time to get to the airport and wait in line. Was crowded as expected, but we had no issues. Uneventful flight back to Atlanta and now time to start planning for our next visit
Background:
Fifth trip to the islands for my husband and I. This year we celebrated our one year anniversary!
Day 1, August 4th: We arrived from Atlanta on time and took the 3:00 ferry from Red Hook. Nice guy from Courtesy picked us up, as well as a few others (busy!). We got our jeep, stopped at Starfish for some beverages and snacks and made our way to Coral Bay. We met our host at Skinny Leg's then rode over to Sailview. Wonderful place and delightful hosts! We were greeted with fresh cookies, fruit, cheese and crackers and dark n' stormies...which my husband is now trying to recreate at home. We unpacked and relaxed before deciding that dinner might be a good idea. We went to Aqua Bistro for the first time and were very pleased. We weren't starving so we decided to split conch fritters and a grouper entree. Both were great and the perfect amount of food. The risotto that came with the grouper was awesome- sorry I can't remember what kind it was! In bed early that night to the sound of the tree frogs.
Day 2, August 5th: Up and out the door between 8-9 am. I woke up early, around 6 am everyday when the sun began to light up the room. It was nice to be up early naturally and without an alarm- wish that could happen at home! We made coffee, had some yogurt and banana bread courtesy of our hosts and then started the day. We headed out to Salt Pond and hiked the Ram Head trail. Very cool hike that we both really enjoyed. Not very stenuous, but amazing views. There was a couple at the end relaxing in beach chairs they had brought; great idea right?! Turns out they had just closed on a house in St John the day before. We chatted with them a bit before leaving them to their peaceful lounge. After our hike we spent the rest of the afternoon snorkeling and relaxing at Hawksnest. A little bit crowded, but not terrible. Left there a little before sunset and popped over to the Beach Bar to share some Tuna Bites- I swear we've both been craving these for the last year. Where else is it okay to dip your tuna in ranch?! I really wanted to check out Motu, so we stopped by there too while we were close. Had a few good drinks there and chatted with a couple locals. Nice place and not crowded that evening....and they get my award for cleanest public bathroom! After those drinks it was beginning to become important that we eat an actual dinner
Headed back to Coral Bay and had a great dinner at Skinny Legs. I had a delicious turkey reuben and the Mr. had a burger with some kind of mango relish that he talked about for days. Day 3, August 6th: This day was our one year anniversary! Again, we decided to start the day with a hike. We took the Maria Hope Road trail to Maho. It is on the opposite side of Centerline Road from the Reef Bay trail. We read that the trail wasn't maintained by the park, so I was a little nervous but it turned out fine. Probably took us about 40 minutes to get down to Maho and a little less to get back. Saw my first turtles of the trip at Maho that day- several of them! Not too many people at Maho, maybe ten at most. We only stayed until about 11 before making the hike back up. Next we got some sandwiches from Deli Grotto and had our lunch up at Peace Hill, where our wedding ceremony was one year ago! We sat in our chairs, enjoyed the breeze and took some pictures inside the windmill and talked about all the things that have happened over the last year. That afternoon we went back to Coral Bay to relax and clean up for our anniversary dinner at Ocean Grill (where our reception was held). They did not disappoint! Wonderful service and even better food! They surprised us with champagne once we were seated and even comped our dessert. Really had a great evening there and would 100% recommend them for big parties/receptions. We got the mango gelato with chocolate sauce and were pretty much in heaven.
Day 4 (Aug 7th): We had a slower morning this day. Relaxed with our coffee and made sandwiches for the beach. Decided to take the Lind Point trail to Solamon. On the way into Cruz Bay we saw a hitchhiker, so we picked him up. Turns out he was bartending at Spyglass for the day and let us know about their great happy hour specials. We parked the jeep at the Courtsey lot and then headed to the trail. Perfect day at Solamon
I saw some kind of enormous fish go after something right below me on the far left side- definitely startled me! We stayed here for a good part of the day, I even dozed off for a bit. Once our cooler was empty, we decided to hike back to Cruz Bay and try the happy hour specials at Spyglass- yummy tacos for so cheap! Had a few drinks there too and then stopped at Starfish to stock up on a couple more things. The rest of the night is kind of a blur...I think we ate something back at 'home' and went to bed pretty early. Day 5 (Aug 8th): Did something new this day. Took the ferry over to JVD for the day. On the way out it was just us and one other couple on the whole ferry! I don't really recommend this, but I'm glad we did it: hiked the road from Great Harbour all the way over to Foxy's Taboo and then the bubbly pool. It was super hilly, hot and took us almost 2 hours (with a few wrong turns). Thank goodness we brought enough water with us! We fueled up at Taboo and the bartender called us a cab to take us over to White Bay. Soggy Dollar was so packed by the time we got there- must have been peak for all the charters. We relaxed for a little while then took our drinks to-go and walked the road back to Great Harbour. Stenuous, but not nearly as long as our earlier adventure! Got back with just a little time to get on the ferry.
I think we grilled some dinner back at Sailview that evening, and likely went to bed pretty early again.
Day 6 (Aug 9th): Another new activity! For the first time we rented a dinghy. So much fun! We got it for the whole day and had a blast. First we headed straight out to Waterlemon and then made our way back in from there. We had packed a cooler with lunch and drinks, so we tied up to a mooring around Cinnamon Bay and had a relaxing lunch while watching the turle heads poke out of the water all around us! We stopped to snorkle Maho (more turtles!), Hawksnest, Gibney, tied up to the dock at Caneel and had a drink at the bar, then beached the dingy on Honeymoon and hung out in the water. I loved driving the dinghy (rear steering, not center console) and the freedom to beach hop was awesome. We'll definitely do this again on future trips. The only problem was the lack of shade and trying to keep up with sunscreen application. My back got pretty toasted...but I should have known to cover up.
After we returned the digny that afternoon I really have no clue what else we did. Probably stopped somewhere in Cruz Bay!? For dinner we grilled again back at Sailview. I had frozen some meat and packed it in a cooler from home so we needed to eat in a few times.
Day 7 (Aug 10th): This was our last full day on island
We got out at good time in the morning and decided to check out Drunk Bay since we'd never been. Very hot hike, even though short. Looked around and I made a cute little coral person. Then we just wanted to explore a little, so we got in the jeep and drove to the far east end. Finally saw where Vie's is located (she was closed). Hope we can spend more time out that way next time. Our belly's started to growl pretty early, so we got to Tourist Trap just as they were opening. I had grouper tacos and the Mr. had the pork nachos- both were great! Super friendly and attentive service from Mo. I also had a boom boom to drink, was like dessert...and so good! I've been making them at home (1/2 banana, 2 oz rum cream, 2 oz coco lopez, 10 oz ice, blended). Not quite the same as enjoying it on STJ, but still delish! With full belly's, we decided to check out Cinnamon since we'd never seen the campground or spent any time on the beach. We hiked over behind the trees to Little Cinnamon (near the plane crash). For the most part, we were there alone and did some serious relaxing and some snorkling (as well as finishing our rum ). We left in time to catch a nice sunset over at the Maho Camp restaurant. We split some chicken enchiladas (which also came with salad). The food was good and really inexpensive- makes me sad that we may never be able to go back there again.
That evening back at Sailview was time to start packing for our departure...booo.
Travel day (Aug 11th): Got packed up and ready early so we could have the rental car back to Cruz Bay. Courtsey kept our luggage while we wandered around looking for some more souvenirs. We stopped in for lunch at Ocean Grill. Again just as yummy as earlier in the week and excellent service. I had the a mahi sandwhich and don't recall what the Mr. had, but we both enjoyed our last meal! Took the ferry back with just enough time to get to the airport and wait in line. Was crowded as expected, but we had no issues. Uneventful flight back to Atlanta and now time to start planning for our next visit
Re: Trip Report August 4-11th
Great report...Thanks for sharing....Have a couple questions...
1. About dinghy day: I know some of Caneel's beaches are "private"...Did you just use a beach map to know which ones were ok to go to, etc.??
2. Dinghy day: Some have said it's hard to get into the dingy from the water, etc...What is the best way to do this?
3. Caneel doesn't mind public using their dock and going up for a drink? Don't want to get in trouble...
and finally..
4. Where on STJ has cute STJ tshirts/sweatshirts etc?
Thanks for any info
1. About dinghy day: I know some of Caneel's beaches are "private"...Did you just use a beach map to know which ones were ok to go to, etc.??
2. Dinghy day: Some have said it's hard to get into the dingy from the water, etc...What is the best way to do this?
3. Caneel doesn't mind public using their dock and going up for a drink? Don't want to get in trouble...
and finally..
4. Where on STJ has cute STJ tshirts/sweatshirts etc?
Thanks for any info
~Pam~
"Barefoot in the snow white sand
A bag of sea shells in her hand
She finally found a paradise it seems..."
"Barefoot in the snow white sand
A bag of sea shells in her hand
She finally found a paradise it seems..."
Re: Trip Report August 4-11th
stjchica, we actually didn't try going to any of the private Caneel beaches- we just tied up at the dock at the main beach. One of the employees actually helped us tie up correctly and drop the anchor...felt plenty welcome! We rented from Noah's and they had us watch a little video first and that didn't mention anything about staying away from any Caneel beaches, nor did he when he went over the map. Surely they could tell you though!
As far as getting in and out of the dinghy while in the water, I had no issues. I always had my fins on and did a big kick to propel myself upwards and then used the side handles to hoist myself up. I might not have looked graceful, but didn't find it too tough Hope that helps!
As for the STJ t-shirts...gosh there are so many places! Personally, I got a super soft fitted tee from the shop at Skinny's last year that is now one of my faves. But I guess it depends on what your looking for!
As far as getting in and out of the dinghy while in the water, I had no issues. I always had my fins on and did a big kick to propel myself upwards and then used the side handles to hoist myself up. I might not have looked graceful, but didn't find it too tough
Hope that helps!As for the STJ t-shirts...gosh there are so many places! Personally, I got a super soft fitted tee from the shop at Skinny's last year that is now one of my faves. But I guess it depends on what your looking for!
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EagleRayLover
- Posts: 1474
- Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:56 pm
- Location: St. John -WooHoo!!
Re: Trip Report August 4-11th
Sounds like a wonderful trip! Sometimes those foggy days that you have trouble remembering are the best!!! 
Leslie, Kids Night In Babysitting
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ColumbiaSCTraveler
- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Columbia, SC
Re: Trip Report August 4-11th
What a GREAT report!!!
Sad we didn't get to meet y'all this year....but there's always next year!
We've done a dinghy day in the past, and loved it. Didn't do one this year, but based on your report, it reminded me how much I liked it, so I think we'll be doing another next year. (And I was one of those with trouble getting in after snorkeling. I had NO fins. It was CRAZY hard. I'm sure we entertained whomever might have been watching the spectacle....
)
Happy (late) anniversary!
Sad we didn't get to meet y'all this year....but there's always next year!
We've done a dinghy day in the past, and loved it. Didn't do one this year, but based on your report, it reminded me how much I liked it, so I think we'll be doing another next year. (And I was one of those with trouble getting in after snorkeling. I had NO fins. It was CRAZY hard. I'm sure we entertained whomever might have been watching the spectacle....
)Happy (late) anniversary!