Trip Report July 26 thru August 5th

[Hawaii]

Hi all, I will try to make this report much shorter then two years ago. This was our second trip with our family which included myself, hubby, son (16) and daughter (12). We flew American Airlines non-stop out of JFK which was alot cheaper flying out of Philly or even Newark and they had no non-stops when I booked from the other two places.

Our flight landed on STT around noon and we were checked in to Best Emerald Beach for one night by 1:00. This was a first staying on STT the night before. It was a nice break but not sure I would do it again once was enough. Everything was fine at hotel, bar, meal , etc. just love STJ.

We took the ferry the next day around 11:00, got our jeep from STJ Car Rental and headed to Starfish. Did some shopping and by that time our greeter was at our jeep waiting for us. Took us to our villa Bay Rum Breeze (absolutely fabulous villa) relaxed and had sandwiches. Just relaxed at villa for rest of night.

I won't bore you with details of our daily activities because I can't remember the order anyway The beaches that we did visit were Maho, Francis, Little Lameshur, Vies Beach, Honeymoon, Hawksnest, Cinammon. I think that is it.

I did walk over to Soloman by myself as the rest of the family did not want to go. Beautiful beach but would not recommend walking there in flip flops. This trip we took our time and relaxed more at the villa. Instead of two beaches a day usually just did one. This trip we found the water not as clear and very rough for snorkeling on some days. Honeymoon beach we tried to snorkel but was too rough so my husband and I came back. It turned out to be a great day as the kids just played in the water for a couple hours and did not fight

Lets see places we went for food or drinks included our first meal out at Shipwreck. Banana Deck, High Tide (drinks and apps.), Tap Room (drinks), Aqua Bistro (drinks and apps.), Miss Vies - best conch fritters and a first time visit as she was closed last time. Skinny's - for drinks. I am probably forgetting something but as of right now that is it. All of our meals were good, tap room was just ok, really was not impressed but wanted to try the beer.

We took a boat trip out with Captain John again and of course a great day.

Had some smoothies from the smoothie stand and they are soooo good!!!

My daughter and I did the Reef Bay Hike both ways and also went to see the Petroglyphs, we had a great time. We took lots of water but still almost ran out I had to make sure to take it easy on the way down. This was something my daughter really wanted to do and she did great keeping up with me as I am in pretty good shape. The rest of the day was spent shopping and relaxing at villa.

If I can figure out how to post pictures again I will do that this week if I get a chance.

This was an outstanding trip and very much needed. It was great being able to spend time with the family and just relaxing. It probably won't be at least another two but more like three years till we get back Our 16 year old son is talking about bringing friends to STJ in three years when he graduates. He said he will come the first week with his friends and then we can come the second week . I think he gets STJ. He is already asking questions on where he should stay.

Well, thanks to all you wonderful forum friends for again helping me with all my questions.

Take care.

Lisa

[54b]

Thanks for the trip report and congrats on earning your Reef Bay hiking badge...extra points for doing it in the middle of summer. No doubt that was one humid trip back up the gut...

[mnfun2bme]

Thanks for the trip report. Glad you were able to relax and get the much needed family time!
I think most of us could use a lesson picture thing. I vow to learn before December so I can post nightly.

[Hawaii]

54b I was thinking of you on the way down as my daughter was drinking more water then I thought I did have a couple of painkillers the night before I conserved what I drank so we would have enough on the way back up. We had just enough and it was awesome felt great. I will try to post a picture if I can figure it out.

Also, just an observation we did see alot more bees this trip then two years ago. They were all over the island. The only reason is my husband is allergic so we notice the bees. He carries his epie pens but a couple times had to move away from the trees. Captain John also said he noticed alot more this trip.

On the boat trip our 16 year old son did get stung by he thinks a jelly fish. He had an allergic reaction with first burning, then back and leg pain and then the shakes. We went and had lunch and by the time lunch was over he was feeling better. It took about 1 - 1/2 hours before he felt better. Anyone ever had this type of reaction??

[Cecile]

Hi Lisa,
thanks a lot for your Tripreport. Great fun. We will be visitting the VI in November for the first time, looking forward and hope through this Forum to get a lot of informations untill than.
best regards
Cécile

[PA Girl]

Glad to hear you liked BAy Rum Breeze.

When we did the Reef Bay trail in February, we also went through more water than I expected and we only went down.

[54b]

54b I was thinking of you on the way down as my daughter was drinking more water then I thought I did have a couple of painkillers the night before I conserved what I drank so we would have enough on the way back up.

Nice...I made my peace with the Reef Bay trail this last trip (June). My friend is a marathon runner and rather than jog the Leinster to Francis road again, she decided doing the Reef Bay trail up and back would count as her workout one day on the trip (about a 5 mile round trip). I'm not exactly what you'd call, "fit," but did I sleep in that day and take a pass....of course not. Quinnes mas macho...this guy!!!

It was fine and actually kind of fun. We did it in about an hour and even jogged the part from the Petroglyph turn-off down to the bay and back. It's actually amusing because you spend the whole time avoiding the tree roots rather than thinking about the heat. (I'm sure most forumites are rolling their eyes reading this thinking, "what. an. idiot.") And that's okay. I wouldn't recommend doing it this way, but it was good exercise.

I will say though, I definitely felt the ghost of Reef Bay Hiking Past visiting me on that last quarter mile straight up to the trailhead. I got that nervous knot in my stomach, had a little cold sweat going, and started mumbling "where's the escalator...where's the manager...this is no way to run a Virgin Island." I don't care if you are the Stairmaster Master, that climb is a serious #*$&$%&!!!!

Good times.

[Hawaii]

54b - I am quite impressed!! My daughter and I started around 7:30 and returned around 11:00. We did do the trail to the Petroglyphys and took many pictures along the way. When we got down to the bottom took more pictures and my daughter swam for about 20 minutes or so. You must have really been moving along unlike your last hike Good for you. On our next trip we will pick out another hike but not sure any hike on STJ will be as steep as this one. I think I almost tripped twice over the stumps on the path - very graceful!! Thanks for the trip report on the Reef Bay Hike as it really did make me laugh as I was walking along thinking about your hike back up

[inuny]

I did the reef bay hike on Thursday (down and up). This was my second time. I had some bad back problems last fall, so I was a bit worried. There was a walking stick branch left by the hike entrance. I used it-very helpful.

It took about an hour down and a little more time up. We swam a bit at the beach.