usvi-on-line
Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Trip Report 4/18/13 – 4/29/13, Part 1
Hi, Everyone!
I have been remiss over the last couple of years and have not done trip reports. So, I am trying to redeem myself by getting back “on board”.
Our first trip to “the islands” was back in 2005. We have returned every year, except one. In 2008, we strayed and ventured to Barbados – for a change in scenery. Only to miss our Virgin Islands even more.
Since 2009, we have been throwing Virgin Gorda into our Virgin Island mix. This year, we returned for the 4th year in a row to Guavaberry Spring Bay. This year we did 6 nights Virgin Gorda and 5 nights St. John.
Our trip began on Thursday, April 17th. Awake at 5:00, picked up for the airport at 6:00. Easy ride into Logan. Very happy to be on Jet Blue’s NONSTOP leaving at 9:45 and arriving on island a little before 2:00. How great is that? We are SOOO lucky.
We boarded and taxied out. Pilot informed us that we were 3rd in line to depart. The only question was whether or not we would make it into the air before the President came into “our” air space. He was arriving momentarily to attend the service being held for the Boston Marathon bombing victims and survivors. Selfish, as most of us were, we were hoping to get airborne before he got too much closer. As luck would have it, we were able to take off on time.
Funny thing happened on the fight. We were in the air for just about an hour or so, and the pilot came on the speaker and announced that we would arrive in STT in an hour and 45 minutes. (That would have been having us landing at 12:45 not 1:45.) He then, kind of quickly, came back on and said “that would be 2 hours and 45 minutes. Don’t worry, I fly the plane better than I tell time”. We did all get quite a chuckle out of that one.
Smooth flight – love Jet Blue. We had our choice of 3 movies on our own “little” screen. Word of advice, “don’t” ever start to watch that “second” movie, cause odds are you will land ten minutes before the end of the movie…. Argh!!
Landed a little after 1:30. Have to remember in the future to sit on the LEFT side of the plane to get a better view of the coast line. De-planed. No rain – WooHoo!! Headed straight to the “ticket counter” to ask for a Customs Form. Sometimes, they hesitate a bit – but, we have been doing this for the last couple of years. It is SOOO helpful to be able to fill out the form BEFORE arriving at airport on the dreaded date of departure.
Headed to the BIG, CLEAN restrooms beyond the ticket counters (in the opposite direction from going to Baggage Claim). Love getting those shorts and flip flops right on. This is probably the “best find ever”. A couple of years ago, I was in line at the SMALL restroom in the baggage claim area, and a service worker there told me about the ones on the “other side/beyond” the airline counters. My life hasn’t been the same since.
Luggage arrived quickly. Took one of the taxi vans to the International Ferry dock in Charlotte Amalie. I actually had a moment of choking up a bit, when we were driving out of the airport and I saw the flags at half staff. I asked the taxi driver if that was for Boston, and he said, “Yes”. It was odd, it kind of took “that moment” to really touch my heart and reflect on the extent of the tragedy and, also, the extent of the support from places beyond the borders of Massachusetts.
Checked our suitcases at the Speedy’s ferry counter. Then headed upstairs to Petit Pump to grab our first Painkillers of the trip and a little lunch. To our surprise and delight we spotted our new friends Joan and Mario seated by the rail. They would be going over to Virgin Gorda on our same ferry.
They graciously asked us to join them. We met Joan and Mario last year on Virgin Gorda through our forumite friend Maggy. Joan is a treasure. She is actually the author of an amazing book entitled, “Virgin Gorda – an Intimate Portrait”. Wonderful history and photos (that she took) describing the island. A “must have” for Virgin Gorda lovers.
Ferry left at 5:00. Caught a little shot of those cute ruins, as we were heading out.
There were only 8 of us on the ferry. VERY choppy ride. That was a surprise, as it has never been that bad before.
Still love passing St. John and seeing those lovely beaches that we would see and enjoy later on our trip.
Have always caught a nice little sunset on the way over. Amazing how each time you see it, it still feels like “the first time”. (Teaser Alert: Better sunset shots to follow in upcoming days….)
Customs was a breeze, with just a few of us passengers needing to go through. Mahogany Jeep Rental was right there with our Jeep. Joan actually came over and introduced the Mahogany Jeep Rental owner Calvin to us. He had the pleasure of singing at their wedding when he was in a band called “Sensations”. How cute is that?
Arrived at Guavaberry. Got our hugs from Tina. That is one thing about staying at Guavaberry – you not so much are going back to “a place” – you are going back to “a family of new found friends”. Went to Rock Café and grabbed a take out pizza. Headed to Buck’s Market in Yacht Harbour for quick breakfast supplies. Then “home”.
The interior of the units are pretty much identical. All that you could possibly need.
Enjoyed our 4 cheese pizza. Thin crust and very tasty - even had chunks/globs of bleu cheese. Pretty neat. Clothes put away and lights out by 10:15.
Can’t wait to wake up in the morning and check out our view. So happy to be here!
Hi, Everyone!
I have been remiss over the last couple of years and have not done trip reports. So, I am trying to redeem myself by getting back “on board”.
Our first trip to “the islands” was back in 2005. We have returned every year, except one. In 2008, we strayed and ventured to Barbados – for a change in scenery. Only to miss our Virgin Islands even more.
Since 2009, we have been throwing Virgin Gorda into our Virgin Island mix. This year, we returned for the 4th year in a row to Guavaberry Spring Bay. This year we did 6 nights Virgin Gorda and 5 nights St. John.
Our trip began on Thursday, April 17th. Awake at 5:00, picked up for the airport at 6:00. Easy ride into Logan. Very happy to be on Jet Blue’s NONSTOP leaving at 9:45 and arriving on island a little before 2:00. How great is that? We are SOOO lucky.
We boarded and taxied out. Pilot informed us that we were 3rd in line to depart. The only question was whether or not we would make it into the air before the President came into “our” air space. He was arriving momentarily to attend the service being held for the Boston Marathon bombing victims and survivors. Selfish, as most of us were, we were hoping to get airborne before he got too much closer. As luck would have it, we were able to take off on time.
Funny thing happened on the fight. We were in the air for just about an hour or so, and the pilot came on the speaker and announced that we would arrive in STT in an hour and 45 minutes. (That would have been having us landing at 12:45 not 1:45.) He then, kind of quickly, came back on and said “that would be 2 hours and 45 minutes. Don’t worry, I fly the plane better than I tell time”. We did all get quite a chuckle out of that one.
Smooth flight – love Jet Blue. We had our choice of 3 movies on our own “little” screen. Word of advice, “don’t” ever start to watch that “second” movie, cause odds are you will land ten minutes before the end of the movie…. Argh!!
Landed a little after 1:30. Have to remember in the future to sit on the LEFT side of the plane to get a better view of the coast line. De-planed. No rain – WooHoo!! Headed straight to the “ticket counter” to ask for a Customs Form. Sometimes, they hesitate a bit – but, we have been doing this for the last couple of years. It is SOOO helpful to be able to fill out the form BEFORE arriving at airport on the dreaded date of departure.
Headed to the BIG, CLEAN restrooms beyond the ticket counters (in the opposite direction from going to Baggage Claim). Love getting those shorts and flip flops right on. This is probably the “best find ever”. A couple of years ago, I was in line at the SMALL restroom in the baggage claim area, and a service worker there told me about the ones on the “other side/beyond” the airline counters. My life hasn’t been the same since.
Luggage arrived quickly. Took one of the taxi vans to the International Ferry dock in Charlotte Amalie. I actually had a moment of choking up a bit, when we were driving out of the airport and I saw the flags at half staff. I asked the taxi driver if that was for Boston, and he said, “Yes”. It was odd, it kind of took “that moment” to really touch my heart and reflect on the extent of the tragedy and, also, the extent of the support from places beyond the borders of Massachusetts.
Checked our suitcases at the Speedy’s ferry counter. Then headed upstairs to Petit Pump to grab our first Painkillers of the trip and a little lunch. To our surprise and delight we spotted our new friends Joan and Mario seated by the rail. They would be going over to Virgin Gorda on our same ferry.
They graciously asked us to join them. We met Joan and Mario last year on Virgin Gorda through our forumite friend Maggy. Joan is a treasure. She is actually the author of an amazing book entitled, “Virgin Gorda – an Intimate Portrait”. Wonderful history and photos (that she took) describing the island. A “must have” for Virgin Gorda lovers.
Ferry left at 5:00. Caught a little shot of those cute ruins, as we were heading out.
There were only 8 of us on the ferry. VERY choppy ride. That was a surprise, as it has never been that bad before.
Still love passing St. John and seeing those lovely beaches that we would see and enjoy later on our trip.
Have always caught a nice little sunset on the way over. Amazing how each time you see it, it still feels like “the first time”. (Teaser Alert: Better sunset shots to follow in upcoming days….)
Customs was a breeze, with just a few of us passengers needing to go through. Mahogany Jeep Rental was right there with our Jeep. Joan actually came over and introduced the Mahogany Jeep Rental owner Calvin to us. He had the pleasure of singing at their wedding when he was in a band called “Sensations”. How cute is that?
Arrived at Guavaberry. Got our hugs from Tina. That is one thing about staying at Guavaberry – you not so much are going back to “a place” – you are going back to “a family of new found friends”. Went to Rock Café and grabbed a take out pizza. Headed to Buck’s Market in Yacht Harbour for quick breakfast supplies. Then “home”.
The interior of the units are pretty much identical. All that you could possibly need.
Enjoyed our 4 cheese pizza. Thin crust and very tasty - even had chunks/globs of bleu cheese. Pretty neat. Clothes put away and lights out by 10:15.
Can’t wait to wake up in the morning and check out our view. So happy to be here!
-
ColumbiaSCTraveler
- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Columbia, SC
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Trip reports galore on the forum! YAY!
THANKS for sharing! Looking forward to future installments!
I'm definitely using "those" bathrooms from now on! (I've read about these a time or two before, but somehow, always forget once I land, and keep going back to the small bathroom by luggage claim. DOH!
)
THANKS for sharing! Looking forward to future installments!
I'm definitely using "those" bathrooms from now on! (I've read about these a time or two before, but somehow, always forget once I land, and keep going back to the small bathroom by luggage claim. DOH!
)Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
The picture of the 'ruins' you posted are of the building on Hassel Is. in the STT Harbor that housed a steam engine that powered a rail slipway to haul boats - it is being restored by the ST Thomas Historical Trust and the NPS - part of STT history when many ships were stopping at the coaling stations on Hassel Island.
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Nice! Isn't it great with a nonstop flight? Makes the travelling so much easier.
So, that's Cedar cottage, right? I know for sure it has a great view .
Can't wait o hear the rest and see your pictures.
So, that's Cedar cottage, right? I know for sure it has a great view
. Can't wait o hear the rest and see your pictures.
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Thanks for posting a VG TR, I keep hearing good things about it...
A life changing restroom, huh? Gotta put that on my bucket list...
A life changing restroom, huh? Gotta put that on my bucket list...
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Duly "busted".... Slight exaggeration there on the larger/modern bathroom. But, I do stress the word "slight"...!!! LOL
Happy Father's Day, all!!!
Happy Father's Day, all!!!
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
I am glad you got the picture thing figured out. Flickr really changed about a month ago and it took me forever to find everything again too.
Looking forward to reading more.
Looking forward to reading more.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
-
mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
Re: Trip Report 4/18/13 - 4/29/13, Part 1
Lovely! Looking forward to more!