December Forumite Shout-Out

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:06 pm

How many folks are planning to be on island during the first two weeks of December, 2007?

We're going down 12/1 -11 and staying at Anole.

Not that I'm big into the "group thing" but I'd love to get an idea of how many folks will be around and possibly coordinate a Forumite Gathering.

It would be kind of fun if we wore our Forum T-shirts for easy spotting and sent a group pic to Anthony. I'm thinking both "before we start drinking" and "after we start drinking" shots would make it even more interesting!

Anyone game?

Bill in Va · Post by **Bill in Va** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:33 pm

Hey there. Sandie and I will be there. You will love Anole. WHAT A VIEW. We stayed there a few years ago. Had the bedroom next to the kitchen. The road going down towards Cinnamon was a little bumpy but a great short cut. Did I tell you about the view? Why not meet at the Beach Bar for Sunday Jazz or at Skinny Legs to ring the bell for Howie or both! Vie's beach could be another deal. Hey did I tell you about the view from Anole? Looking forward to meeting all..God bless...Bill

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 1:52 pm

Ringing Howie's bell is a must for me this trip. I knew him from the days on the old board and he was always a sweetheart to me. So I told hubby that this is a must. Although I have to admit we're at Skinny's most days for lunch anyway.

Let's see who else comes out of the woodwork!

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Wed May 16, 2007 3:14 pm

we are departing on the 2nd

ScubaGirl · Post by **ScubaGirl** » Wed May 16, 2007 3:34 pm

We're there from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7.
I think people are starting to catch on to the lower rates between Thanksgiving and Xmas. We couldn't book any boats later than the 7th of DEC.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 3:58 pm

Couldn't book any boats? Are you talking power boats or charters (sleep on)? Hopefully you don't mean power boats cause we want to rent one and make a day of it.

My birthday is on the 13th and we usually go somewhere. Just the way the weeks fell, we decided to do the 1st - 11th.

This year we'll just have to celebrate a bit early!

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:03 pm

I think the first week of Dec in the best time to go, but don't tell anyone! Just kidding. This will be our third trip and love the weather that time of year. Wow, should I book a boat this early for our trip. We usually do the group tour boats but was thinking since we have the girls going we would be better off renting boat and captain for the day. I was thinking of Fly away charters, but not sure yet.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:13 pm

DC Photo - this is our first time that we've gone down in December. We usually go April - July. I've been going down since '95

What do you like most about going this time of year? I've heard it's cooler. I was a bit worried when someone mentioned that ANole's pool doesn't get sun in the PM due to the time of year and the sun tracking, but then I found out that the pool is heated. SOme people have mentioned that it's cooler overall and less buggy. Also that the water is cooler.

I am hoping that it's also a bit less crowded since most people are getting ready for the holidays.

We really like going warm places for the pre-holiday season. It seems that residents make the extra effort to get into the holiday spirit even if it's 90 degrees outside. We've found this to be the case in the Keys and New Orleans.

I'd be interested in your (or anyone else's) thoughts on temps, crowds, bugs, etc on STJ this time of year.

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:34 pm

We have only gone in Dec. so I can't really compare to other months, but The weather was in the 80's risk of short brief showers and it was a little windy, I think they refer to it as the Christmas winds. The north shore can get some wave action, which I kinda like. Last year we stayed at a villa over looking Cinnamon Bay and we had a pool. The first year we used it a lot but last year the water was a little chilly for me. I thought it was supposed to be heated but it wasn't. The ocean water was near perfect, not too hot or cold. There was a small Christmas parade that was in Cruz Bay also there was this house that was decorated with so many lights it was near the National Park Headquarters I believe. Someone might know what I'm talking about. The beaches and bars are not that crowded, no need for reservations unless you want sunset views. I love going this time of year, helps having a vacation before the holidays and shopping. I try and do all my shopping while I'm down there so I can get unique gifts for everyone. Season starts on the 15th so all the shops and resturants are open. The only down fall with going this time of year is that it gets dark early. So start your days early to soak up the sun. Also, because it is more windy, we didn't get attacked by mosquitos that often. Hardly used any of the bug spray I bought.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:36 pm

Anole is overlooking Cinnamon Bay as well. Which villa did you stay at?

Jan&MikeVa · Post by **Jan&MikeVa** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:40 pm

Hey girl!

We'll be on Island sometime during that time, just don't know when yet. We know we want to be around on the 11th for Bill & Sandie's gathering (is it still a go Bill?). We're going to check out a couple of villas while we're on Island the end of this month.

Oh yeah, you will love the view from Anole. Did I mention that we stayed there and slept in the "BillinVa" suite?? That's the bedroom next to the kitchen. Hope you like cats because there is a resident cat(s) that enjoyed our company!

Here's a couple of pics:

Mike & "Snowflake"
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267 ... /anole.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

She brought her buddy "Sam" (he heard the food was good

)
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267/JHSMDS/Sam.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

The view from Anole
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267 ... 150116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Let's stay in touch!!

Jan (akaCharlie)

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:41 pm

oh my, that view

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:45 pm

Charlie!!!! Well, I am super allergic to cats, which of course is why they love me. SO they will have to keep their distance

Thanks for the pics. I read your review from a couple of years ago. Thanks!

We'd love to see you guys again!! We had so much fun with you on our boat trip.

We'll be doing the walk of woe on the 11th so we'll have to figure out some other time.

BTW - I'll be down in Newport News the wee-end of the 23rd. MY great aunt and uncle are having their 50th wedding anniversary and we're throwing a big "to do."

Hugs!

DCphoto · Post by **DCphoto** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:47 pm

We stayed at Cinnamon Bay estate. Those cats are the same cats we had at our Vila. Too funny they must make there rounds for food and affection. Very friendly. I fed them every day. The Villa owner keeps dry cat food there and asks that we take care of them while we are there. You will love the view. It is just amazing from up there. I'm going to miss it the most on our next trip. We bought a timeshare at the Westin. Your villa must be very close to CBE.

Jan&MikeVa · Post by **Jan&MikeVa** » Wed May 16, 2007 4:58 pm

DC Photo that is TOO funny about those cats! We are cat owners, so I really appreciated the two that showed up. They were so sweet and lovable! You're right, they know where to go and when........

Gromit when are you down this way?? The 23rd of May??

Mary Beth the view is awesome, it made up for no A/C and the cold pool!

Jan (akaCharlie)

Bill & Gromit - Skinny's and/or Vie's Beach sounds like a great time!!!

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