Another lurker out from the shadows

[mujz]

I have been reading this message board for months now, eagerly awaiting the daily beach pictures and loving the trip reports. Our family (husband,me,19 y/o,and15y/o) are leaving for our first visit to St.John next week. I am so excited, and have learned so much from y'all - thanks. I have been accused of being addicted to this forum, and they don't know what I will do when I return, but I know I will be back, and hopefully share our experience.

I have several questions. Is it reasonable to take the CA ferry on Saturday @ 3p.m.? Our flight is scheduled to arrive @ 1:57. It just seemed to make more sense to go to CA after reading the posts here. We are going to STJ because we love to hike and snorkel. Can we leave our hiking boots at home? Our villa rep told us we could hike in sneakers on island. Where can we rent snorkel gear for the week?

Finally, I would love to take a day trip to the BVI. Which island do you recommend for first trippers? My kids are concerned about seasickness, so which method is most desirable to avoid seasickness? I would love to sail, but have not booked a trip due to their hesitation. Will be be able to book a trip when we are down there? Thanks in advance for your help, and for all of the invaluable information you have shared. My only concern is that I will not want to come home.

[waterguy]

The ferry should not be a problem. You don't need hikeing boots a pair of tevas is all I wear. You might want to think about NHII because I've found people don't get as sea sick when they are going faster and you won't have to spend as much time on the water.

[California Girl]

I can only answer a couple of your questions, but hope it helps. It's reasonable for you to take the 3:00 from CA. You'll have plenty of time as it only takes a couple of minutes from the airport to the ferry dock by taxi.

As to seasickness, I can attest to the fact that both Bonine and Dramamine work excellently for me. I take 2 about 1/2 hr. ahead of getting on a boat and I haven't gotten seasick (and believe me, I am very prone to motion sickness!).

[obsessedmuch]

Welcome to non-lurkdom!

I hiked in Keens (like Tevas) and was just fine. I think sneakers would be fine but if you swim or snorkel at whatever bay you might hike to, they might be a pain to put back on.

After having tried all three "modes" (ferry, a sail and a powerboat)out on those waters and to the BVIs I'd agree that the powerboat is best to avoid seasickness. Even if the water is choppy, you're there faster and have less "rocking" time out there to upset the tummy.



Look what you all have done to me...

[LC]

Don't worry about the ferry from St. Thomas - cabbies there are great.
As for day trips, I second the vote for power boats...you're going too fast to get seasick. And that's coming from someone who gets sick sitting in the harbor.
New Horizons II does a fabulous trip. We've used them twice, it's a great trip, and you get to see several places. Have a great time!!

[b-as-u-r]

Hope you and your family have a great first visit to STJ. Some of the other forumites have addressed your questions, so I'll address your concern: yes, it's inevitable, you will not want to come home. Welcome to our world. Ali~

[flip-flop]

My husband gets really seasick but is an avid diver and snorkeler. His trick is to take dramamine if he knows it will be a long trip out and to jump in the water at any chance he gets. Once he gets in the water the motion sickness goes away.

He's blown chunks a couple of times but hey, its worth it to him. Also, I always have spearmint gum with me. Just ask Gromit. It works for a powerful wicked hangover too.

[Bandit]

Hi Mujz...and welcome to the Forum. Now I've been known to drink a bit too much but I can't seem to decipher your name. I'm sure it's something simple like the first initials of your Gold Fish's names or something like that. I didn't have much trouble figurin' out Pete, VickiH, or Flip Flop but Mujz calls for some help. Thanks in advance.

Love Lindy

[cypressgirl]

Poor Lindy never knew he was going to be so famous; his own avatar and all.

[cypressgirl]

I meant to add a

[sea-nile]

Mujz,
Welcome to the forum!
Will you be at the Banana Deck at 4:00 on Sunday?

[Kentuckygirl]

You won't want to come home!!!!!

[chicagoans]

You have shown remarkable restraint, coming out of lurkdom just a week before your trip! I've been blabbing away for a few months here, and I'm not going until December.

Have a wonderful trip and post a trip report to tell us about it!

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

Bandit, KC, Lindy...

Too funny.

Marcia (Mrs. Pete)

[Bandit]

Bandit, KC, Lindy...

Too funny.

Marcia (Mrs. Pete)

And Pete's jealous I didn't use his instead. Oh well.