Trip Reprot: Final Installment

Travel discussion for St. John
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sailorgirl
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Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm

Trip Reprot: Final Installment

Post by sailorgirl »

Days 5, 6 &7:

Why is it that just when you start to relax the days seems to fly by? After several days of dealing with lost luggage, no water, no power, we can finally settle in and its over. Day 5 dawns rainy and it stays that way. Not all day rainy, but on and off. We have a slow morning on the deck and then decide it might be a good day to do some "sight seeing". Load up the truck and head out over Centerline to the Annenberg ruins. On the way we stop at the smoothie stand, virgin smoothies all around, although we were offered " St. John Style", we declined. Walked the ruins at Annenberg, the school and the ruins across from Cinnamon. Got lots of nice photos and the newbies seemed to enjoy it. Tonight was the night we were making "Grandma Abrego's" enchilada's. A recipe handed down from my husband's Mexican grandmother. The recipe came to me through husband's German mother, so I've taken some liberties with it. 19 yo wanted to make a refried bean recipe. I swear she used every pot and pan and bowl in the kitchen, and of course cleaned up nothing. After the grown ups repaired the damage we set to making the
"enchie's". It was well worth it and they came out great. After the detritus had been cleared we poured more drinks and headed to the pool. Rain chased us in, so husband rigged something with the DVD and we were finally able to watch Borat. After many rum drinks it was kind quite hilarious. Movie over... and off to bed, but not before the newbies chant... What's the plan for tomorrow?



Day 6:

Hubby sensing Im about to blow with the planning stuff, makes an executive decision and announces today we go to Hawksnest Beach. Last time we were in St. John the beach was closed for renovation. I pack up a cooler with stuff I would like for me and mine and tell the newbies that they should thrown in anything they want. Hawksnest was a real surprise. I don't know but I had the impression it wasn't the best of beaches. Boy was I wrong. Although a little on the small side its a real pleasure not having to hump all the chairs and coolers in from the parking lot. The water was spectacular and frankly the snorkeling was the best we had all week. The combination of the reef being so close to the beach, shallow waters and abundant fish was hard to beat. We got some really spectacular pics. If I can figure out how, I will post some later. The one down side is no fresh water to shower off, but that's easily fixed by throwing a gallon or two in the back of the vehicle to rise the feet off. The day flew by and before we knew it, 4:00PM had rolled around. Back up to the Villa for showers and its our last night out in town. We head in and split up. The others wanted to do some shopping, so hubby and I headed for the beach bar for a pain killer. The others did their shopping, joined us for a drink and then we went off the Fish Trap for dinner. Service was good, in fact all week we had great service and "island time" was not in evidence any where. Food was OK, but reasonably priced ( for St. John) and that was a priority for this trip. The special was "New England Lobster"??? I passed, I'd rather have my Maine lobster in Maine ( Right MaryBeth). I never did get my Caribbean lobster... but there's always next time. After dinner we walked around a little. A " dance" was setting up in Sillman's lot, the 19 yo wanted to stick around, but it looked like it was going to be some time before it got rolling and hubby was not going to leave her on her own. We too dealt with the issue of the 19 yo drinking. At home the age is 21, so we talked about what to do and decided that the best compromise was to keep her close by and monitor the situation. Neither Hubby or I are big drinkers and it worked out ok. She would have drink before dinner and then maybe one or two with us by the pool. After dinner it was back to the Villa and the pool to finish off the last of the libations and begin packing up.

The Last Day:

Time to enjoy one last morning on the deck. We engage in the traditional last morning breakfast... cleaning out everything left over in the fridge, left over enchie's rice and beans, cereal, eggs, and hubby drinks the last beer. Well, it's noon somewhere he remarks.
Our flight is at 1:30 so we have plenty of time to get out and over to St. Thomas. Some last minute stops in town. I dropped off a bag full of stuff like shampoo, sun screen, bug spray, all the stuff banned from carry on, at Caribbean Villas which they agreed to hold for me until my "girl's trip" next month. I am determined to not check any bags next trip. We planned on the 10:00 AM car barge, pulled up about 9:40 and the 9:30 hadn't left yet. Trip to airport went smoothly and we got here by 10:45. No line at Delta, and a good thing, because the printer wasn't working and it took about 40 minutes to check in although we were the first on line. I posted separately that the AC seems to be working for the moment. TSA line was not too bad, about 30 minutes to work through customs and security.
The departure lounge was packed. Flight arrived about 30 minutes late and we were delayed additionally while they figured out a route around some bad weather. We land about 2 hours after schedule but we are home. Flight was about 1/2 full so there was room to spread out. We drop the 19 yo old at her Mom's, stop for some dinner and pull up at home about 10:00 Pm.

Lessons learned: Plan some alone time with hubby, get more than one vehicle, spend some time talking about expectations for the trip with everyone BEFORE we leave, try to figure out a way to resign from the "cruise director" role.

Never did get to the East End, Salt Pond, Miss Lucy's or the Beach Bar for Jazz Sunday, but are already planning the return trip. Maybe a bare boat charter, just hubby and me!
Xislandgirl
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Post by Xislandgirl »

Great report. I understand your "cruise director" comment. It is so hard to be the one that is always planning, you tend to feel like you aren't really enjoying your time.

Plan a trip with just the 2 of you. You deserve it!
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mbw1024
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Post by mbw1024 »

I'm with you on the lobter, Sailor girl. Great report, enjoy your next trip!
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sea-nile
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Location: Southeast Wisconsin

Post by sea-nile »

Great report!
I am glad that you are planning the next trip. It makes leaving easier, doesn't it?
sailorgirl
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Joined: Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:03 pm

Post by sailorgirl »

Hey Marybeth, ever been to a lobster shack called "Jordan's" in Ellsworth Me. We stop there very year on our drive to Eastport Me for the 4th of July. The best lobster rolls and blueberry milkshakes. Yumm can't wait for next year.
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jayseadee
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Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:16 pm
Location: New England

Post by jayseadee »

Great report.

Should any of our friends/family decide to join us, we'll know the right way to handle it.

Caribbean lobster is good, but it doesn't beat a "real" one from Maine :P

We recently had the best lobster roll at Red's Eats on Rte 1 in Wiscassett - Yummy!

Lucky for you to have your next trip ready to go!
janet
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mbw1024
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Post by mbw1024 »

sailorgirl wrote:Hey Marybeth, ever been to a lobster shack called "Jordan's" in Ellsworth Me. We stop there very year on our drive to Eastport Me for the 4th of July. The best lobster rolls and blueberry milkshakes. Yumm can't wait for next year.
No I haven't been there. Believe it or not I don't go for the lobster roll. The rest of my family is always comparing notes on them though! I will make a note of it.
I like my lobster right out of the shell with a bib around my neck! :)

Like this (teeth still in tact!)
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Nic in KC
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Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:45 am
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Post by Nic in KC »

Enjoyed your report! A boat charter with just you and hubby sounds like a very relaxing plan!
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