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Sailing trip report: Days 9 & 10 - Nanny Cay and STJ
Sailing trip report: Days 9 & 10 - Nanny Cay and STJ
Wow, it's taken me forever to get this installment out! It's been a crazy week; hopefully next week won't be so stressful. At least I've been able to to read my journal and look at the pictures - does wonders for the stress level. Anyway, I've finally finished this one, so at long last...
Day nine: Nanny Cay and finally, St John!
Capt Bob's alarm went off bright and early, but I was already up preparing the coffee. Technically the boat was ours until noon, but Bob and Carol had a 12:00 flight out of Beef island, so we would have to be back sooner. Honestly, I was ready to get back on solid ground - and to St. John!
The water was like glass this particular morning - it was beautiful! After quickly packing up the cabin, I sat at the bow and sipped my coffee, gazing toward Tortola and St. John. It was such a wonderful feeling to know that, although the sailing portion of the vaca was over, part two on St, John would soon begin! And I was thinking about how nice it would be to take a hot shower at Nanny Cay...
The first stop was the fuel dock at Nanny Cay, where we arrived a few minutes before 8:00. No one was there yet, so we tied up figuring someone would be arriving soon. Amy and I had laundry to do, so we went off in search of the laundry facilities - giggling to each other "We get to take showers and we're going to St. John!!!"
After awhile Amy started feeling a little woozy, she thought due to the hot laundry room. Now docked and on shore power (and AC), the boat was nice and cool, so she went back on board, sat down for awhile, and was amazed by the fact that she felt better immediately. Good old sea legs! If you have never experienced this phenomenon, it's a bit of a surprise the first time - you have the constant sensation that the land is rocking. At the very least it's rather annoying, worse yet, it can cause some people to feel sea sick.
I Fabuloso'd the counters and tabletop; Heather's mom and aunt arrived and relieved us of most of the leftover provisions (they were absolutely welcome to all of the bagels!) except for a few non-perishables and the remaining two bottles of wine (thanks Amy!).
Bob & Carol's taxi arrived - goodbye hugs and they were off to the airport. More hugs when Heather & Ray left us to spend their part two at Heather's aunt & uncle's villa on Tortola (note: we really must get to know H's aunt and uncle better!) Rod, Amy, Hubby, and I were the last to leave, our taxi to the West End arriving at 11:00. Bye Knot on Call and Nanny Cay - Hello St. John!
We were a bit early for the 12:15 ferry, so we bought our tickets, checked our bags, and wandered to a small grocery/lunch counter for a snack and drink while waiting.
Finally our Native Son ferry arrived, disembarked a huge load of passengers and goods (Saturday is apparently the day to shop on St Thomas), and we were free to board.
The trip from the West End to Cruz Bay was quick - only about 20-25 minutes. I wish I could say the same about U.S. Customs. There really weren't many people on our ferry - maybe 25 or 30, but it took at least 45 minute for us to clear, and there were still more people in line behind us. We swayed in place while the line barely moved - funny, I don't remember the island rocking like this before. Yeah, that whole ordeal could have gone much faster.
Finally through customs, we were on St. John at last! We dragged our bags to Cool Breeze, grabbed the Jeep (a brand new Wrangler with only 700 miles on the odometer!) and proceeded to cram 4 people and more bags into every free space available. So much for stopping at Starfish for groceries - that just wouldn't be possible this trip. I called the Fieldings to let them know were were on island, and we headed directly to Luna Vista.
Rod did a perfect job navigating the driveway for the first time. It really wasn't bad - just one sharp left turn that could be a bit tricky, but fine once you get used to it. Luna Vista was everything I had hoped and more, and I'm not just saying that because I had been living on a boat for a week. The villa was scrupulously clean and equipped with just about anything one could imagine for cooking, cleaning, etc. It is also very tastefully decorated with paintings by Shari Erickson (also available for purchase at Mongoose Junction), ceramics, etc. Also provided in the closet in the back bedroom are beach chairs and a cooler. And the kitchen was stocked with condiments and dry goods left over from previous occupants.
I just love this kitchen - note the gas burners, all you gourmet chefs out there:
After Bruce and Jan gave us the low-down on the villa, I could see we were all set - except for one thing. All four of us were craving non-bagel food in the very worst way! This craving could only be satisfied by great big juicy cheeseburgers - Skinny's cheeseburgers! We dropped our bags and headed to Coral Bay for what proved to be the best tasting cheeseburger I think I've ever had. And beer. Ahhhh, Jimmy had it absolutely right! Cheeseburger is paradise...
Made sure to ring Howie's Bell
By this time it was the middle of the afternoon and we were in no hurry. We relaxed and rocked in our booth (will someone PLEASE stop rocking the island!), and chatted about our weeks' adventures. Amy and I were grinning from ear to ear asking each other "Have I ever mentioned how much I love his island???" We were so glad to finally be here. And not eating bagels.
A few beers later, we dragged ourselves over to Lily's for a few groceries and some wine and shrimp to snack on later. This island dog was napping in the roof of a truck parked at Cocolaba. He's got the right idea!
No big plans tonight - just return to Luna Vista to relax and gaze over the view and reminisce about all the places we had just visited . How completely perfect...
Day 10 - Down day on my favorite island
No plans today except to play it by ear. The morning was a bit damp and dreary, the first one like this so far. I wanted to go to Palm Sunday Mass, so after a tomato & cheese omelette breakfast, hubby dropped me off at Or Lady of Mt Carmel. Church was crowded today - I had to sit up in the balcony.
After an enjoyable service, I grabbed a cappuchino at Paradise Cafe then walked the beach for a bit. I just love to do this, especially in the morning. A family of beach chickens were scratching away. Lucky chickens!
After finishing my coffee, it was time to check out St. John Spice. Ruth was in and we chatted a bit - it was great to finally meet you Ruth! I bought some grill rub and jerk spice for dinner later. Hubby showed up with Rod and Amy and we puttered around town a bit. I saw a hook bracelet I loved at Freebird Creations, so I am now the proud owner
At Mongoose the guys bought some huge yummy Deli Grotto sandwiches. They liked them so much, they bought some croissants to make manly-man sandwiched to take with them on their fishing trip with Gone Ketchin the next day. After lunch, the guys went upstairs and stalked poor Cheech until he finally opened the Tap Room doors. Slightly embarrassed, Amy and I left to do a bit more shopping. A little while later, we felt obliged to apologize for our husbands' behavior, so we went back upstairs and joined them for a beer. I really enjoyed the VI Summer Ale. It seems to me that Kevin and Cheech have a found a fabulous niche. Guys, if you're reading, I hope our husbands didn't smudge up your windows too badly by pressing their noses against them.
The last item on our down-day agenda was the forum get-together at the Beach Bar. I was nice to finally put names to faces: Ruth, RickG, Christine, and girls, JC & hubby, Cypressgirl & Little Cyp, Capt Jay & Deb, Iowa Guy, Kirk, Ali, Pia... I felt as though I was in the presence of celebrity, in a sense - hard to explain, but very cool. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you all
We had to leave the group to meet back up with Rod & Amy (we only had one jeep this trip); headed back to the villa to relax with a glass of wine and the awesome view. Luna Vista overlooks Norman Island and The Bight so I couldn't help but wonder what was going on over at the Willy T - when I closed my eyes I could almost hear the music...
Day nine: Nanny Cay and finally, St John!
Capt Bob's alarm went off bright and early, but I was already up preparing the coffee. Technically the boat was ours until noon, but Bob and Carol had a 12:00 flight out of Beef island, so we would have to be back sooner. Honestly, I was ready to get back on solid ground - and to St. John!
The water was like glass this particular morning - it was beautiful! After quickly packing up the cabin, I sat at the bow and sipped my coffee, gazing toward Tortola and St. John. It was such a wonderful feeling to know that, although the sailing portion of the vaca was over, part two on St, John would soon begin! And I was thinking about how nice it would be to take a hot shower at Nanny Cay...
The first stop was the fuel dock at Nanny Cay, where we arrived a few minutes before 8:00. No one was there yet, so we tied up figuring someone would be arriving soon. Amy and I had laundry to do, so we went off in search of the laundry facilities - giggling to each other "We get to take showers and we're going to St. John!!!"
After awhile Amy started feeling a little woozy, she thought due to the hot laundry room. Now docked and on shore power (and AC), the boat was nice and cool, so she went back on board, sat down for awhile, and was amazed by the fact that she felt better immediately. Good old sea legs! If you have never experienced this phenomenon, it's a bit of a surprise the first time - you have the constant sensation that the land is rocking. At the very least it's rather annoying, worse yet, it can cause some people to feel sea sick.
I Fabuloso'd the counters and tabletop; Heather's mom and aunt arrived and relieved us of most of the leftover provisions (they were absolutely welcome to all of the bagels!) except for a few non-perishables and the remaining two bottles of wine (thanks Amy!).
Bob & Carol's taxi arrived - goodbye hugs and they were off to the airport. More hugs when Heather & Ray left us to spend their part two at Heather's aunt & uncle's villa on Tortola (note: we really must get to know H's aunt and uncle better!) Rod, Amy, Hubby, and I were the last to leave, our taxi to the West End arriving at 11:00. Bye Knot on Call and Nanny Cay - Hello St. John!
We were a bit early for the 12:15 ferry, so we bought our tickets, checked our bags, and wandered to a small grocery/lunch counter for a snack and drink while waiting.
Finally our Native Son ferry arrived, disembarked a huge load of passengers and goods (Saturday is apparently the day to shop on St Thomas), and we were free to board.
The trip from the West End to Cruz Bay was quick - only about 20-25 minutes. I wish I could say the same about U.S. Customs. There really weren't many people on our ferry - maybe 25 or 30, but it took at least 45 minute for us to clear, and there were still more people in line behind us. We swayed in place while the line barely moved - funny, I don't remember the island rocking like this before. Yeah, that whole ordeal could have gone much faster.
Finally through customs, we were on St. John at last! We dragged our bags to Cool Breeze, grabbed the Jeep (a brand new Wrangler with only 700 miles on the odometer!) and proceeded to cram 4 people and more bags into every free space available. So much for stopping at Starfish for groceries - that just wouldn't be possible this trip. I called the Fieldings to let them know were were on island, and we headed directly to Luna Vista.
Rod did a perfect job navigating the driveway for the first time. It really wasn't bad - just one sharp left turn that could be a bit tricky, but fine once you get used to it. Luna Vista was everything I had hoped and more, and I'm not just saying that because I had been living on a boat for a week. The villa was scrupulously clean and equipped with just about anything one could imagine for cooking, cleaning, etc. It is also very tastefully decorated with paintings by Shari Erickson (also available for purchase at Mongoose Junction), ceramics, etc. Also provided in the closet in the back bedroom are beach chairs and a cooler. And the kitchen was stocked with condiments and dry goods left over from previous occupants.
I just love this kitchen - note the gas burners, all you gourmet chefs out there:
After Bruce and Jan gave us the low-down on the villa, I could see we were all set - except for one thing. All four of us were craving non-bagel food in the very worst way! This craving could only be satisfied by great big juicy cheeseburgers - Skinny's cheeseburgers! We dropped our bags and headed to Coral Bay for what proved to be the best tasting cheeseburger I think I've ever had. And beer. Ahhhh, Jimmy had it absolutely right! Cheeseburger is paradise...
Made sure to ring Howie's Bell
By this time it was the middle of the afternoon and we were in no hurry. We relaxed and rocked in our booth (will someone PLEASE stop rocking the island!), and chatted about our weeks' adventures. Amy and I were grinning from ear to ear asking each other "Have I ever mentioned how much I love his island???" We were so glad to finally be here. And not eating bagels.
A few beers later, we dragged ourselves over to Lily's for a few groceries and some wine and shrimp to snack on later. This island dog was napping in the roof of a truck parked at Cocolaba. He's got the right idea!
No big plans tonight - just return to Luna Vista to relax and gaze over the view and reminisce about all the places we had just visited . How completely perfect...
Day 10 - Down day on my favorite island
No plans today except to play it by ear. The morning was a bit damp and dreary, the first one like this so far. I wanted to go to Palm Sunday Mass, so after a tomato & cheese omelette breakfast, hubby dropped me off at Or Lady of Mt Carmel. Church was crowded today - I had to sit up in the balcony.
After an enjoyable service, I grabbed a cappuchino at Paradise Cafe then walked the beach for a bit. I just love to do this, especially in the morning. A family of beach chickens were scratching away. Lucky chickens!
After finishing my coffee, it was time to check out St. John Spice. Ruth was in and we chatted a bit - it was great to finally meet you Ruth! I bought some grill rub and jerk spice for dinner later. Hubby showed up with Rod and Amy and we puttered around town a bit. I saw a hook bracelet I loved at Freebird Creations, so I am now the proud owner
At Mongoose the guys bought some huge yummy Deli Grotto sandwiches. They liked them so much, they bought some croissants to make manly-man sandwiched to take with them on their fishing trip with Gone Ketchin the next day. After lunch, the guys went upstairs and stalked poor Cheech until he finally opened the Tap Room doors. Slightly embarrassed, Amy and I left to do a bit more shopping. A little while later, we felt obliged to apologize for our husbands' behavior, so we went back upstairs and joined them for a beer. I really enjoyed the VI Summer Ale. It seems to me that Kevin and Cheech have a found a fabulous niche. Guys, if you're reading, I hope our husbands didn't smudge up your windows too badly by pressing their noses against them. The last item on our down-day agenda was the forum get-together at the Beach Bar. I was nice to finally put names to faces: Ruth, RickG, Christine, and girls, JC & hubby, Cypressgirl & Little Cyp, Capt Jay & Deb, Iowa Guy, Kirk, Ali, Pia... I felt as though I was in the presence of celebrity, in a sense - hard to explain, but very cool. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet you all
We had to leave the group to meet back up with Rod & Amy (we only had one jeep this trip); headed back to the villa to relax with a glass of wine and the awesome view. Luna Vista overlooks Norman Island and The Bight so I couldn't help but wonder what was going on over at the Willy T - when I closed my eyes I could almost hear the music...
Last edited by ccasebolt on Sun Apr 13, 2008 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
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California Girl
It takes me about a day and a half to 2 days to get my land legs after a week on the water. I can't imagine getting off the boat and then immediately flying home. We usually plan a week or 2 on STJ after the boat. My hubby would like to stay longer on the boat but I'm more than ready to get off after a week.
I've enjoyed your reports. I'm in serious countdown mode.
I've enjoyed your reports. I'm in serious countdown mode.
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Kentuckygirl
- Posts: 1903
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Kentucky
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Glad you guys are enjoying my Loooooong report - my pleasure! Only one more installment to go, I think...
Rick - the dog looked a bit reddish, so maybe...
Diana - I was ready to get off after a week - the guys could have stayed on the boat indefinitely though I think. And I find sea legs to be very annoying - thank goodness no worse than that!
Jim - hoping to make it to the Boston get-together...
Liamsaunt - no, didn't eat the pineapple (it was the only one), but it sure was tempting!
Rick - the dog looked a bit reddish, so maybe...
Diana - I was ready to get off after a week - the guys could have stayed on the boat indefinitely though I think. And I find sea legs to be very annoying - thank goodness no worse than that!
Jim - hoping to make it to the Boston get-together...
Liamsaunt - no, didn't eat the pineapple (it was the only one), but it sure was tempting!
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
I've loved reading all of your reports and was so shocked when I realized that you stayed in Luna Vista. I'll be there in Aug. Alan and I actually stopped by one morning during our Spring Break trip and Bruce gave us a tour of their home (above the rental). There were renters at that time so we could not see the property. Were you still there? It would have been around March 20. I was a little worried that the view from the porch of LV might be a little blocked by vegetation, but I see it was not. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed and fun report. I can't say the same for myself. 
It was fun meeting you at the BB.
It was fun meeting you at the BB.