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Trip Report Chapter 1 "Getting There"
Trip Report Chapter 1 "Getting There"
Hello folks, here is a report for our first St John visit from 11/29 through 12/7.
A quick intro for us…..
My wife Tracie & I both just turned 40 this year, and have a 2 ½ year old son. We live in the burbs of Massachusetts about an hour west of Boston. Our son Tyler was being cared for by both of our parents during our 9 day vacation, which was WELL needed.
I have been following this forum for close to 5 years (I know, pathetic), dreaming of someday finally getting to St John, and we finally made it happen. Thanks to this forum, as our first trip was simply magical. Hopefully this report will help others in their planning, and hopefully for the veterans, it just gives you a STJ dose. There have been some amazing trip reports on this forum over the years, and if mine has 1/10 of the entertainment value of others, you’ll hopefully enjoy it without falling asleep at your desk.
11/29 Our travel day.
The alarm went off at 3:45am, and believe me, it hurt. I generally don’t sleep much before an anticipated trip, but for some reason I was in REM stage 4 when the alarm went off. No problem, it was after all vacation, and I quickly snapped to attention, and was ready to roll after a quick shower. We booked a van service to pick us up from home for the ride into Logan which is just shy of an hour. Traffic was light. The weather was rainy & cold, and both of us were dreaming of that island warmth. Our flight on USAir was scheduled for 8am, and we arrived just before 6am. We usually run into mobs of people at Logan, but the place was almost like a ghost town. After checking our one suitcase curb side, we breezed right through security. They pulled us aside due to the way we packed our lotions in our carry-ons, but everything went smooth. The flight to Charlotte was uneventful, but on time, which is always a good thing. We were supposed to meet our forum folks in Charlotte at the gate for the leg to STT. We did meet Sitter & Hubby, and had a nice chat. I must have had a very relaxing vacation as their real names have escaped me (sincere apologies guys!!). Vicki H was also supposed to be there, but we never did hook up.
The flight from Charlotte to STT was about 3 ½ hours, and again, boring. The best part again, was that is was pretty close to being on time, and we touched down around 4pm. It was very windy, so the landing was interesting to say the least!! Next, is what I consider one of my fondest memories of any island vacation, and that’s stepping off the plane, and having the hot blast of tropical air hit your face. I’m at this point starting to feel like I’m on the road to island time. From reading others reports, it sounded like STT airport was a complete cluster (you know what). It was actually very easy. We were there only plane at the time, and had our checked luggage in hand within 10-15 minutes. We went outside, and hopped into a taxi for the Charlotte Amalie ferry. We were at the ferry dock within 10 minutes, and were ready to finally get to our final destination. Again, all went smooth, and we were on the last leg of a very long day. The ferry was $10 per person, and $2 per bag. Yes, they charged us for our carry-ons. The sun was setting when we pulled away from the dock, but the warm air felt like heaven. Being that it was quite breezy, the ocean was a tad rough, and we just bounced our way to Cruz Bay. By the time we got there, it was dark, and also raining. Being that we had just come from a very cold & rainy Boston, it didn’t phase either one of us.
The Gallows shuttle was waiting for us on the dock, and we hopped right in, and off to Gallows we went. Check in couldn’t of been any easier, and within minutes we were inside the condo holding each other with gigantic smiles, saying “We’re Finally Here”.
The condo was very nice, and everything we needed. We plopped our bags in the bedroom, and stepped onto the back porch. We stayed in unit 9A, which is an ocean side lower. Our unit was right in front of the pool, and the ocean of course just beyond. The pool area was lit up beautifully, (more on that in a minute). We were starving & very tired, so we decided to hit Zozos on site for dinner. Zozos was perfect. We had table on the balcony, which has soft lighting, and just a very relaxing atmosphere. Our server Carlos was spot-on! He was charming, funny, and really knew how to make you feel like you were important. We of course ordered cocktails, and almost had tears in our eyes as we looked across the table at each other, knowing it was only the beginning of an amazing trip. The calamari appetizer was excellent, and the lobster tails for entrees even better. The rain was pouring off of the awning, and it was just a very special night. Holding hands across the table, and staring into each other’s eyes, it just doesn’t get much better…..or does it?
After a fabulous dinner, we headed back to the condo. Gallows had provided a small complimentary bottle of rum, and a couple bottles of Ting. We of course mixed up a couple of Tings with a sting, and headed out to the porch. The pool and Jacuzzi were lit up, and the lights of STT were twinkling. We both didn’t have to say a single word, and immediately went for our swim suits. Within minutes, we were sitting in the Jacuzzi with our cocktails, just staring at the lights of STT. Romantic isn’t the word, once again, we were simply in heaven!! The lights in the Jacuzzi changed color every few seconds, from green to blue, and from red to purple. Life is good. We did buy a few things like juice, eggs & water from the Gallows store so we survive the morning. After such a long day, our first few hours on STJ were everything we had dreamed of.
Well, I have definitely babbled enough for tonight, I really hope I didn't put you all to sleep!! I promise the next chapter of what we did each day will be a tad more entertaining....
A quick intro for us…..
My wife Tracie & I both just turned 40 this year, and have a 2 ½ year old son. We live in the burbs of Massachusetts about an hour west of Boston. Our son Tyler was being cared for by both of our parents during our 9 day vacation, which was WELL needed.
I have been following this forum for close to 5 years (I know, pathetic), dreaming of someday finally getting to St John, and we finally made it happen. Thanks to this forum, as our first trip was simply magical. Hopefully this report will help others in their planning, and hopefully for the veterans, it just gives you a STJ dose. There have been some amazing trip reports on this forum over the years, and if mine has 1/10 of the entertainment value of others, you’ll hopefully enjoy it without falling asleep at your desk.
11/29 Our travel day.
The alarm went off at 3:45am, and believe me, it hurt. I generally don’t sleep much before an anticipated trip, but for some reason I was in REM stage 4 when the alarm went off. No problem, it was after all vacation, and I quickly snapped to attention, and was ready to roll after a quick shower. We booked a van service to pick us up from home for the ride into Logan which is just shy of an hour. Traffic was light. The weather was rainy & cold, and both of us were dreaming of that island warmth. Our flight on USAir was scheduled for 8am, and we arrived just before 6am. We usually run into mobs of people at Logan, but the place was almost like a ghost town. After checking our one suitcase curb side, we breezed right through security. They pulled us aside due to the way we packed our lotions in our carry-ons, but everything went smooth. The flight to Charlotte was uneventful, but on time, which is always a good thing. We were supposed to meet our forum folks in Charlotte at the gate for the leg to STT. We did meet Sitter & Hubby, and had a nice chat. I must have had a very relaxing vacation as their real names have escaped me (sincere apologies guys!!). Vicki H was also supposed to be there, but we never did hook up.
The flight from Charlotte to STT was about 3 ½ hours, and again, boring. The best part again, was that is was pretty close to being on time, and we touched down around 4pm. It was very windy, so the landing was interesting to say the least!! Next, is what I consider one of my fondest memories of any island vacation, and that’s stepping off the plane, and having the hot blast of tropical air hit your face. I’m at this point starting to feel like I’m on the road to island time. From reading others reports, it sounded like STT airport was a complete cluster (you know what). It was actually very easy. We were there only plane at the time, and had our checked luggage in hand within 10-15 minutes. We went outside, and hopped into a taxi for the Charlotte Amalie ferry. We were at the ferry dock within 10 minutes, and were ready to finally get to our final destination. Again, all went smooth, and we were on the last leg of a very long day. The ferry was $10 per person, and $2 per bag. Yes, they charged us for our carry-ons. The sun was setting when we pulled away from the dock, but the warm air felt like heaven. Being that it was quite breezy, the ocean was a tad rough, and we just bounced our way to Cruz Bay. By the time we got there, it was dark, and also raining. Being that we had just come from a very cold & rainy Boston, it didn’t phase either one of us.
The Gallows shuttle was waiting for us on the dock, and we hopped right in, and off to Gallows we went. Check in couldn’t of been any easier, and within minutes we were inside the condo holding each other with gigantic smiles, saying “We’re Finally Here”.
The condo was very nice, and everything we needed. We plopped our bags in the bedroom, and stepped onto the back porch. We stayed in unit 9A, which is an ocean side lower. Our unit was right in front of the pool, and the ocean of course just beyond. The pool area was lit up beautifully, (more on that in a minute). We were starving & very tired, so we decided to hit Zozos on site for dinner. Zozos was perfect. We had table on the balcony, which has soft lighting, and just a very relaxing atmosphere. Our server Carlos was spot-on! He was charming, funny, and really knew how to make you feel like you were important. We of course ordered cocktails, and almost had tears in our eyes as we looked across the table at each other, knowing it was only the beginning of an amazing trip. The calamari appetizer was excellent, and the lobster tails for entrees even better. The rain was pouring off of the awning, and it was just a very special night. Holding hands across the table, and staring into each other’s eyes, it just doesn’t get much better…..or does it?
After a fabulous dinner, we headed back to the condo. Gallows had provided a small complimentary bottle of rum, and a couple bottles of Ting. We of course mixed up a couple of Tings with a sting, and headed out to the porch. The pool and Jacuzzi were lit up, and the lights of STT were twinkling. We both didn’t have to say a single word, and immediately went for our swim suits. Within minutes, we were sitting in the Jacuzzi with our cocktails, just staring at the lights of STT. Romantic isn’t the word, once again, we were simply in heaven!! The lights in the Jacuzzi changed color every few seconds, from green to blue, and from red to purple. Life is good. We did buy a few things like juice, eggs & water from the Gallows store so we survive the morning. After such a long day, our first few hours on STJ were everything we had dreamed of.
Well, I have definitely babbled enough for tonight, I really hope I didn't put you all to sleep!! I promise the next chapter of what we did each day will be a tad more entertaining....
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Jan&MikeVa
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:32 pm
- Location: The Chesapeake Bay
Oh boy, Scott you can write! We are in for a treat with your trip reporting. You didn't notice but you had me right there at the table with you guys, how romantic. Since I've met you guys, it's easy to picture you two sitting at ZoZo's,holding hands, with the rain coming down. And you're right, it sounds like one of those evenings that you'll always cherish.
I know your vacation only gets better (I have a little inside scoop
), so keep em coming.
Jan (akaCharlie)
I know your vacation only gets better (I have a little inside scoop
), so keep em coming.Jan (akaCharlie)
trip report
Wow! Your first day sounds great! We really liked Gallows and ZoZo's too. Weren't the sunsets spectacular?
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
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California Girl
We have stayed in 9A the last three years and just to let you know the rum and Ting is courtesy of Suite St John. We in fact store our snorkel gear in the owners closet in that unit. I think one of the best units in SSTJ's inventory. Back in 2007
And now tell me, couldn't that calamari been a dinner all by them self? You betcha um.
And now tell me, couldn't that calamari been a dinner all by them self? You betcha um.
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Berlingirl
- Posts: 499
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:09 pm
- Location: New England
Oh, totally loving your report...we stayed at Gallows in 9A also...LOVED it...didn't go to ZoZo's because we had our daughter and they had told us no kids allowed. I think it's a great condo and would love to return there...
Now on with your report...
Thanks, feel like i just left...
Now on with your report...
Thanks, feel like i just left...
Hoping for a USVI ticker in 2013!
Scott – You’re scoring big points with the ladies. Hope your wife doesn’t mind sharing you with all the women folk on this forum. And just when you thought chivalry is dead – Scott opens up with this. Good style Scott. OK, I’m not board and I’m ready for the next installment.
FlaGeorge
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"
"Swim Against The Current - Even a Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow"