? and ticker check :)

[VayCay]

Hello Forum,

The shorter the time frame to our trip the further away it seems! I cannot wait to make our first trip to STJ. We have never been to the VI or Caribbean, and are absolutely ecstatic about discovering a new place. It wasn't until I found this forum that i had ever HEARD or STJ!!! We've always talked about going to a place like STJ and actually once we remembered the USVI we were planning a trip to STT. So thank you for helping us discover STJ and persuade us to go there

Anyhow, my question involves a logistical problem. I've realized that in picking peace, quiet, and serenity of the Coral Bay side we have given up a lot of dining/nightlife options that are round on Cruz Bay side. So if we have a couple of drinks on the cruz bay side is it safe to drive back to coral bay (both in terms of the roads, and the police). Is there a BAC limit like in the states? I think i've heard people saying you can drive around w/an open beer, but i have yet been able to tell if that is forum banter, or actually permissible. lol...anyhow thanks forumites!

VayCay

[California Girl]

We stayed over on the Coral Bay side, too. I was the designated drive and the only drinker - go figure! If you have a couple of drinks in Cruz Bay, the drive back over to Coral Bay on Centerline is not any big deal. Since you're from Santa Barbara, you won't have any issues at all with the roads. You'll be like, "so what was the big deal about the roads on the forum?"

You can definitely drive with a drink in your hand, but BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR SEATBELT and NEVER park in a no parking/handicapped spot. That's another "go figure" one. It's great to stop at the smoothie truck and get a "St. John Style" smoothie for your drive to Cruz Bay (not that I advocate drinking and driving!)

[VayCay]

thanks California Girl,

I reallly appreciate the info, it's always a little nerve-racking being in an unfamiliar place so it's nice to have the insight of experts! Oh and TY for the confidence in driving the hills, we were a "little" worried when we were advised that a 4x4 is almost mandatory on the island. haha

Oh, and your pics are fantastic!!! I hope to have a nice collection when I get back. I'm planning to dedicate a whole morning/evening (ideal shooting times) with the new Canon DSLR. I know i'm gonna get a lot of great shots w/all the beauty STJ has, but I hope to get at least ONE shot that I can really blow up and hang to remember this trip by.

[pjayer]

We were told it was OK to drive with a beer as long as you weren't drunk, but it's illegal to drive while talking on your phone. That gave me a little chuckle.

[traveler22]

Right behind you

[California Girl]

we were a "little" worried when we were advised that a 4x4 is almost mandatory on the island. haha

You will definitely need a 4x4 if the road/driveway to your villa is typical of STJ! The main roads are not bad. There are a couple of switchbacks on North Shore Rd. that can be pretty challenging if the road is wet, but I did ok on them, even if I did spin the wheels a little bit

[crash]

I left a huge skid mark trying to get up a hill after a rain. Our friends were behind us in their Wrangler and they thought we were going to roll backwards so they bailed out in a driveway. But no problem mon. We made it and every time we drove by we admired our exceptional skid mark!! LOL!!