Trip report 4/10 - 4/18...Long but with pics
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:16 pm
This was our 2nd trip to stay on island and we were both so excited we couldnt sleep. We had a 8:15 am flight out of Myrtle Beach and decided since we had enough points we would go the night before and get a room to save getting up at 3am or so and making the 2 hr drive..well..we were awake at 3:30...my fear was over sleeping and missing our flight.. At 5 am we were in Denny's having breakfast and soon it was on the the airport, so much for getting the extra sleep... Check in was uneventful and we were soon thru security...I like this airport its small and not alot of traffic...each time we have flown thru there it quick and easy. We barely caught a little nap and we landed in Ft lauderdale...the dreaded layover...we were there almost 3 hrs....time passed slow we had time to grab some lunch and do some people watching...By the time we finally boarded for STT I was sure there were some home sick eskimos in FTL I was sooo cold...I was almost tempted to buy a jacket. We landed on time and was soon on our way to Red Hook for the Ferry.
We had reserved a jeep with Conrads, grabbed it...and was on our way to Cinnamon Bay...we had decided we would camp this time because it was a cooler time of the yr. and the cottages on the beach looked great..we had looked at them a few times since we first saw them on our way to Little Cinnamon to snorkel over the plane on our last trip. We decided not to shop for food that night instead drove into town and had a burger at the Beach Bar. I decided to check in with my kids and make sure everyone was ok....they knew nothing of us going to STJ. We decided we would really really sneak away..and we did.
DAY 1
We woke up early about 5:30 am went for a walk on Cinnamon Bay, it was beautiful and so peaceful. We walked as far as we could, both right and left sides of the beach. Took a few pics and decided to go for breakfast at Donkey Diner we didnt get to eat there last time and also do some sight seeing on that side of the Island. We saw a few donkeys on the way over there...I managed to get a cpl shots of them. We had breakfast with the chickens all about our feet..(so now Im feeling guilty for leaving the kids, thinking how they would have gotten a kick out of seeing the Donkeys in the road and having the chickens at our feet while eating)..sigh..We debated whether to try going to Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur, but deicded we would try and if the road got too dificult we'd stop and walk in...or turn around..and much to my surprise the road wasnt really that bad...only a spot or 2 was a little washed out...in all honesty...I would have taken my mini van thru it..not bad at all. The bad thing about it...we didnt bring our suits or snorkel gear...not knowing we would for sure be able to make it all the way there...It was very pretty and only 2 other people on the beach...we took a few pics and decided to return the next day for a snorkel.
We ended up shopping at the Star fish market and going back to Little Cinnamon to lounge for the rest of the day. Hubby snorkeled over the plane and got a few more shots. The wing seemed to be covered more than it was last time. I tried getting in but the water was rough so I lounged on the beach while he took a cpl more shots underwater.
We grilled at the Cottage that night..we were in 8-C and had a nice view of the beach. I really liked the location of the cottages...one would have to be crazy not to...but we had to go into Cruz bay to call about the kids as our phones would roam on BVI when I turned them on...needless to say...I kept them off. I had read the cottages were damp and musty.. ours was not was dry and at night I got cool a cpl times and ended up putting a beach towel on me to stay warm...( surely there are no homesick eskimos on STJ )
DAY 2.
We decided we would take a hike up to Americas Hill and see the ruins there...we are early risers and was well on our way by 7am. The walk up is steep and felt for sure I was gonna have a stroke on the first leg. But once we were underway it wasnt too terribly bad lots of switch backs and turns but the Ruins are unique and must have been a beautiful place at their peak. I can imagine the view they had was gorgeous. Some one has done some clearing and some still needs to be done...but its so peaceful up there...and even the views threw the limbs is beautiful. I would recommend this hike.
We left and hiked our way out which at times was as bad as getting in...and decided to head back to Little Lameshur for that snorkel. I was surprised when we arrived to see so many people there. It was nothing like the day before had been. The rocks in the middle of the bay was better for snorkeling than the rocks to the right...or at least I thought so...we saw different fish and hubby found a conch.. There must have been 25 people there...I was surprised to see so many. We saw a cpl deer on our way out as well. My mask started leaking due to a faulty purge valve...so the snorkel wasnt the best for me. We soon left and headed into Cruz bay after stopped at Skinny legs to grab a burger and replace my mask.We saw Ruth at the Beach Bar and said hi...She remembered meeting us before when we were there.. We ended up having dinner at the Cottage and taking a few photos of the sunset. I think this is hubby's favorite time to take pics. And of course we had to take a few of the stray cats..friendly little things...Little compared to ours...she weighs 16lbs at least 2 times the weight of these guys. And of course a drive later on in the evening to cruz bay overlook to make the phone call to the kids...
DAY 3.
We deicded to make this early part of the day Photo Op morning. We started out by taking the obligatory ones...Trunk, Caneel and all those on the North shore. We drove to Cruz Bay and took Centerline road, stopping to get a few shots on the way, ended up on East End as far as we could go. Past by Vies but didnt stop as she wasnt open yet. came back and went to Visit Catherine Berg and the ruins there as well. Curiousity got the best of us as we wondered if the Villas we could see at night from Cinnamon were on further out from the Ruins...so... here we go...all the way down the dirt road til we ran into the North Shore road...and yep...Id bet those are the one we can see at night...This is a rough road...we had to take it very slow in some places. We went into Cruz Bay and had lunch at Deli Grotto..The sandwiches were very good and reasonably priced...however they do not take cards...We figured that out at the last minute luckily we just enough cash. We left from there...did a little shopping and drove out past Chocolate hole as far as we could...I wanted to see parts of the island we didnt get to see last time...and believe me...we are racking up some miles on this jeep..We ended up going to try snorkeling at Cinnamon Cay but the water was rough and there were lots of Jelly Fish...so we swam back to shore. We had Dinner at the Tree Lizard tree restaurant that night...we each had NY Strip they were very good...and it beat having to drive all the way into Cruz Bay...with the exception of making the daily call to the kids. I decided I would tell the kids where we were....I had talked to them about bringing them to STJ...but right now I didnt feel like they would enjoy it and all I would hear is...Im Bored...and they have been on 2 Disney Cruises since we had been to STJ. So I told them where we were and they seemed to be fine with it...finally I dont feel guilty any longer...lol
DAY 4.
We decided we would snorkel Trunk and do it early before all the crowds decended on us. We love this snorkel as its one of our favorites....we saw a Turtle and lots of Parrot fish, Trunk Fish and of course Blue Tang. I had read somewhere that you go in to the water at the far right hand side of the beach...past the Lifeguard there is a beach there...and sure enough...its there...I also didnt know there is a house on past there as well. We always enjoy snorkeling trunk even with all the people...we love it...I think Trunk is one of the Most beautiful beaches Ive ever seen and its very special to us...Hubby proposed to me there in Sept 06' We did noticed there were Jelly fish and they seemed to be alot of them there as well..We headed back to the cottage for lunch and more sight seeing went to Annaberg and the school ruins..then on to the Francis bay trail and finally over to Francis later on in the evening for a snorkel as well...we swam from Francis all the way to Maho and saw several large Angel Fish both Queen and French along with a Barracuda and large schools of fish...It was a wonderful snorkel and a wonderful day. We grilled at the Cottage that night and made the ride into Cruz bay to call and check on the kids.
DAY 5.
We decided to snorkel Salt pond and to stop by Concordia on the way there...to kinds check things out and see what we thought about it...its looks very nice...and has wonderful views...so...on to Salt Pond .. we immediately saw a Turtle...followed him for a while....then not too long ...we saw 3 together...they were on the left side of the bay...the water here was rough and we didnt try going around the rocks we did go back to the right side of the bay...seems hubby picked up a guide of sorts....this little guy was swimming his a** off to stay in front...even when he dove down...the tiny fish would dive with him..I couldnt keep the seal on my mask for laughing so hard at this little guide swimming along with us...honestly...we have bigger fish at home in the aquarium. He stayed with us most of the snorkel until we got out of the water. He was cute...Id love to have brought him home...hehe...When we got out of the water...we noticed the camera had sprung a leak and the battery was wet...Joy Joy...how fun...the pics turned out ok...and out of the water it works fine..This is the 2nd time we have had a problem with this camera...we had tried to find an underwater housing for it before we left...seems Olympus discontinued them...so...now we have a problem...and our sail and snorkel is tomorrow on the Spree2.
We left Salt pond and stopped by Ship Wreck landing...I love this place...its one of my favorite places on the whole Island...the bananaquits were everywhere...flying around, they were so pretty...I tried to get a few pics...but at this point...the camera isnt wanting to cooperate...and I cant see what Im takiing...We headed back to the Cottage and got a shower...seems we had a few visitors come thru while I was hanging somethings out to dry...I was amazed at how tame the deer were. We made a quick trip to the market...took our neoghbors with us that needed a ride...stopped at Jumbie...for a bit...I so wanted to stay and Snorkel there...we grill out at the cottage and made the usual drive to Cruz bay at the over look to call the kids...so far so good.
Day 6.
We got up early...as usual...went to Deli Grotto for breakfast...they have great food and great prices...we were to meet Capt. Bob at 10 for our sail...we did a little shopping first while we waited...saw Ron and it was on the way to the Spree 2.
We enjoyed sailing with Capt Bob and I would recommend him...we brought our lunch, which was fine by us...I had no problem at all with it..he furnished drinks...soda, water and Beer....he took us to Little St James and to Christmas cove...he never made us feel rushed or in a hurry...We saw a Turtle on the back side of Little St James also a Trigger fish...lots of great coral...this is def a good snorkel spot...and of course...no underwater camera.....when we were thru snorkeling we sailed off the North Shore and sailed past some of the beaches there...something I had never done...I wanted to go to Denis but ..the swells were a little rough still but I sure enjoyed sailing by all the beaches...I wish I could have found a day sail that goes all the way around the Island. Maybe next time.
We were back by 4pm and off to JJTexas Toast for a quick drink...we ended up going to Royal Caribbean and purchasing another camera..ok...this time we will buy the housing when we are buying the camera...Sigh...Went back to JJ's for a burger and took some sunset pics from the Beach bar...we decided at the last minute to go to the Baths the next day on Bad Kitty...why not...we have a new camera and Ive always wanted to see the Baths....so back to the Cottage we go...this time I make the phone call to the kids before we leave so we dont have to come back out...lol
Day 7
We got up early...Im beginning to wonder...why cant I get up this early at home...:7...we had to meet at Maragarita Phils about 7:30 to get ready to go on this trip....It was interesting...and we really had a good time...the crew was GREAT..our first stop was in Virgin Gorda to clear customs and then it was on to The Baths...now the guy that sold us this deal said we would snorkel at The Baths...which we did not..apparently alot of others thought the same thing...everyone was preparing for a Snorkel there...We left after touring the Baths and headed to Pirate Bight for lunch...their normal Cooper Island stop was closed for the day. Lunch was good...and the water was beautiful. We saw the Wille T. but didnt visit. Then we were on to the Indians for a snorkel. We went around the rocks once and back on the boat heading to Jost and White Bay. I have always wanted to see the Baths and it is definelty something that one has to see to appreicate...those rocks are HUGE....White Bay was crowded more so that last time...I really enjoyed this trip and cant say enough good things about the crew...they are top notch....but all in all I felt a bit rushed...and wish we had just taken the ferry and only done the Baths...oh well...live and learn. Next time we have deicded no day sails...and hopefully no camera trouble...lol
We headed back to camp after clearing Customs in Cruz bay and began to pack and grilled our last meal there...to try and use some of the food we had bought...and of course finish packing to make to dreaded walk of woe the next day. We sorted thru what we didnt need and begin to give things to the neighbors we werent going to bring back...The neighbor on our right told us a burglary that had happened that day, her wallet was stolen from her cottage...the neighbors on our left had about 400 cash stolen from the lock box in the Cottage. They seemed to think it was one of the workers there...seems some of them had been out raking and was seen with a wallet...I checked our room and nothing was missing...I had left my Hook Bracelet lying in the open and the camera with issues was lying there...however we had not left any cash in the room...or cards...and from what we were told...that was all that was taken....I felt so bad for them....We very seldom carry alot of cash...Id rather hit the ATM and pay the fees...as to leave it...and have it stolen..
This was the only night I think we were awake til 10:30...most every night we were out by 9:30 or 10 at the latest..lol
Day 8.
We carried our luggage to the Jeep and had breakfast at the Tree LIzard restaurant...it was pretty good...and very decently priced...I think we paid about 8 pp. then we went to the cottage...said good byes to the neighbors and the local kitties...and made the last walk out of CInnamon we would make for this trip...we went to fill up the jeep however the station was closed....so we paid the Suttons 30 extra to fill it up....I kinda felt bad the jeep was dirty and it had been so clean when we picked it up...but we had sure put a few miles on it...we had already filled it up once from all our running and was down to a half tank again. We managed to out well over 200 miles on it the time we were there...we arrived late on friday the 10th....and the last 2 days...we had day sails...Im glad we werent paying mileage....but we loved seeing all the different parts of the Island. and had gone as far as we could go from end to end...( a few times I think)
We dropped our bags at Connections for 3 a bag and did a last little bit of shopping...We saw Ruth and Ron and she graciously took our pic and posted it so I could have it for a keepsake..They are indeed very sweet people...
Our flight back was alittle late taking off...and when we landed in Ft. Lauderdale we litterally had to run to the next gate...but we made it..it sure beat staying there almost 3 hrs and freezing like we did on the way down...guess the eskimos went home...LOL
I was a bit surprised at how much more crowded the Island was compared to when we were there last time..we were last there in June of 07...maybe it was just because it was Spring Break...Easter....or perhaps just because it was still the high season....
We havent even been back 2 weeks and of course Im looking at Villas and hoping to get back down next yr .. hopefully for Carnival and will bring the kids this time...I worry they will be bored and complain and then no one will have a good time...I keep reading posts about people that do bring their kids and they seem to enjoy it...but for this time...I needed to get away...and the kids had been on 2 cruises since we had been to STJ...Ive had a very stressful full yr...and pretty much at the last minute we decided to book and go for it...figured what the heck...we arent getting any younger...and we definetly needed a break from the day to day scene.
We truly love this little Island...and can see why so many do...I am always amazed at the ones that dont "get it" but...glad some dont...leaves more room for us that do..
There are too many pics to display them all here but they can be viewed here.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnjshaw/se ... 379597387/ Thanks for reading my report
We had reserved a jeep with Conrads, grabbed it...and was on our way to Cinnamon Bay...we had decided we would camp this time because it was a cooler time of the yr. and the cottages on the beach looked great..we had looked at them a few times since we first saw them on our way to Little Cinnamon to snorkel over the plane on our last trip. We decided not to shop for food that night instead drove into town and had a burger at the Beach Bar. I decided to check in with my kids and make sure everyone was ok....they knew nothing of us going to STJ. We decided we would really really sneak away..and we did.
DAY 1
We woke up early about 5:30 am went for a walk on Cinnamon Bay, it was beautiful and so peaceful. We walked as far as we could, both right and left sides of the beach. Took a few pics and decided to go for breakfast at Donkey Diner we didnt get to eat there last time and also do some sight seeing on that side of the Island. We saw a few donkeys on the way over there...I managed to get a cpl shots of them. We had breakfast with the chickens all about our feet..(so now Im feeling guilty for leaving the kids, thinking how they would have gotten a kick out of seeing the Donkeys in the road and having the chickens at our feet while eating)..sigh..We debated whether to try going to Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur, but deicded we would try and if the road got too dificult we'd stop and walk in...or turn around..and much to my surprise the road wasnt really that bad...only a spot or 2 was a little washed out...in all honesty...I would have taken my mini van thru it..not bad at all. The bad thing about it...we didnt bring our suits or snorkel gear...not knowing we would for sure be able to make it all the way there...It was very pretty and only 2 other people on the beach...we took a few pics and decided to return the next day for a snorkel.
We ended up shopping at the Star fish market and going back to Little Cinnamon to lounge for the rest of the day. Hubby snorkeled over the plane and got a few more shots. The wing seemed to be covered more than it was last time. I tried getting in but the water was rough so I lounged on the beach while he took a cpl more shots underwater.
We grilled at the Cottage that night..we were in 8-C and had a nice view of the beach. I really liked the location of the cottages...one would have to be crazy not to...but we had to go into Cruz bay to call about the kids as our phones would roam on BVI when I turned them on...needless to say...I kept them off. I had read the cottages were damp and musty.. ours was not was dry and at night I got cool a cpl times and ended up putting a beach towel on me to stay warm...( surely there are no homesick eskimos on STJ )
DAY 2.
We decided we would take a hike up to Americas Hill and see the ruins there...we are early risers and was well on our way by 7am. The walk up is steep and felt for sure I was gonna have a stroke on the first leg. But once we were underway it wasnt too terribly bad lots of switch backs and turns but the Ruins are unique and must have been a beautiful place at their peak. I can imagine the view they had was gorgeous. Some one has done some clearing and some still needs to be done...but its so peaceful up there...and even the views threw the limbs is beautiful. I would recommend this hike.
We left and hiked our way out which at times was as bad as getting in...and decided to head back to Little Lameshur for that snorkel. I was surprised when we arrived to see so many people there. It was nothing like the day before had been. The rocks in the middle of the bay was better for snorkeling than the rocks to the right...or at least I thought so...we saw different fish and hubby found a conch.. There must have been 25 people there...I was surprised to see so many. We saw a cpl deer on our way out as well. My mask started leaking due to a faulty purge valve...so the snorkel wasnt the best for me. We soon left and headed into Cruz bay after stopped at Skinny legs to grab a burger and replace my mask.We saw Ruth at the Beach Bar and said hi...She remembered meeting us before when we were there.. We ended up having dinner at the Cottage and taking a few photos of the sunset. I think this is hubby's favorite time to take pics. And of course we had to take a few of the stray cats..friendly little things...Little compared to ours...she weighs 16lbs at least 2 times the weight of these guys. And of course a drive later on in the evening to cruz bay overlook to make the phone call to the kids...
DAY 3.
We deicded to make this early part of the day Photo Op morning. We started out by taking the obligatory ones...Trunk, Caneel and all those on the North shore. We drove to Cruz Bay and took Centerline road, stopping to get a few shots on the way, ended up on East End as far as we could go. Past by Vies but didnt stop as she wasnt open yet. came back and went to Visit Catherine Berg and the ruins there as well. Curiousity got the best of us as we wondered if the Villas we could see at night from Cinnamon were on further out from the Ruins...so... here we go...all the way down the dirt road til we ran into the North Shore road...and yep...Id bet those are the one we can see at night...This is a rough road...we had to take it very slow in some places. We went into Cruz Bay and had lunch at Deli Grotto..The sandwiches were very good and reasonably priced...however they do not take cards...We figured that out at the last minute luckily we just enough cash. We left from there...did a little shopping and drove out past Chocolate hole as far as we could...I wanted to see parts of the island we didnt get to see last time...and believe me...we are racking up some miles on this jeep..We ended up going to try snorkeling at Cinnamon Cay but the water was rough and there were lots of Jelly Fish...so we swam back to shore. We had Dinner at the Tree Lizard tree restaurant that night...we each had NY Strip they were very good...and it beat having to drive all the way into Cruz Bay...with the exception of making the daily call to the kids. I decided I would tell the kids where we were....I had talked to them about bringing them to STJ...but right now I didnt feel like they would enjoy it and all I would hear is...Im Bored...and they have been on 2 Disney Cruises since we had been to STJ. So I told them where we were and they seemed to be fine with it...finally I dont feel guilty any longer...lol
DAY 4.
We decided we would snorkel Trunk and do it early before all the crowds decended on us. We love this snorkel as its one of our favorites....we saw a Turtle and lots of Parrot fish, Trunk Fish and of course Blue Tang. I had read somewhere that you go in to the water at the far right hand side of the beach...past the Lifeguard there is a beach there...and sure enough...its there...I also didnt know there is a house on past there as well. We always enjoy snorkeling trunk even with all the people...we love it...I think Trunk is one of the Most beautiful beaches Ive ever seen and its very special to us...Hubby proposed to me there in Sept 06' We did noticed there were Jelly fish and they seemed to be alot of them there as well..We headed back to the cottage for lunch and more sight seeing went to Annaberg and the school ruins..then on to the Francis bay trail and finally over to Francis later on in the evening for a snorkel as well...we swam from Francis all the way to Maho and saw several large Angel Fish both Queen and French along with a Barracuda and large schools of fish...It was a wonderful snorkel and a wonderful day. We grilled at the Cottage that night and made the ride into Cruz bay to call and check on the kids.
DAY 5.
We decided to snorkel Salt pond and to stop by Concordia on the way there...to kinds check things out and see what we thought about it...its looks very nice...and has wonderful views...so...on to Salt Pond .. we immediately saw a Turtle...followed him for a while....then not too long ...we saw 3 together...they were on the left side of the bay...the water here was rough and we didnt try going around the rocks we did go back to the right side of the bay...seems hubby picked up a guide of sorts....this little guy was swimming his a** off to stay in front...even when he dove down...the tiny fish would dive with him..I couldnt keep the seal on my mask for laughing so hard at this little guide swimming along with us...honestly...we have bigger fish at home in the aquarium. He stayed with us most of the snorkel until we got out of the water. He was cute...Id love to have brought him home...hehe...When we got out of the water...we noticed the camera had sprung a leak and the battery was wet...Joy Joy...how fun...the pics turned out ok...and out of the water it works fine..This is the 2nd time we have had a problem with this camera...we had tried to find an underwater housing for it before we left...seems Olympus discontinued them...so...now we have a problem...and our sail and snorkel is tomorrow on the Spree2.
We left Salt pond and stopped by Ship Wreck landing...I love this place...its one of my favorite places on the whole Island...the bananaquits were everywhere...flying around, they were so pretty...I tried to get a few pics...but at this point...the camera isnt wanting to cooperate...and I cant see what Im takiing...We headed back to the Cottage and got a shower...seems we had a few visitors come thru while I was hanging somethings out to dry...I was amazed at how tame the deer were. We made a quick trip to the market...took our neoghbors with us that needed a ride...stopped at Jumbie...for a bit...I so wanted to stay and Snorkel there...we grill out at the cottage and made the usual drive to Cruz bay at the over look to call the kids...so far so good.
Day 6.
We got up early...as usual...went to Deli Grotto for breakfast...they have great food and great prices...we were to meet Capt. Bob at 10 for our sail...we did a little shopping first while we waited...saw Ron and it was on the way to the Spree 2.
We enjoyed sailing with Capt Bob and I would recommend him...we brought our lunch, which was fine by us...I had no problem at all with it..he furnished drinks...soda, water and Beer....he took us to Little St James and to Christmas cove...he never made us feel rushed or in a hurry...We saw a Turtle on the back side of Little St James also a Trigger fish...lots of great coral...this is def a good snorkel spot...and of course...no underwater camera.....when we were thru snorkeling we sailed off the North Shore and sailed past some of the beaches there...something I had never done...I wanted to go to Denis but ..the swells were a little rough still but I sure enjoyed sailing by all the beaches...I wish I could have found a day sail that goes all the way around the Island. Maybe next time.
We were back by 4pm and off to JJTexas Toast for a quick drink...we ended up going to Royal Caribbean and purchasing another camera..ok...this time we will buy the housing when we are buying the camera...Sigh...Went back to JJ's for a burger and took some sunset pics from the Beach bar...we decided at the last minute to go to the Baths the next day on Bad Kitty...why not...we have a new camera and Ive always wanted to see the Baths....so back to the Cottage we go...this time I make the phone call to the kids before we leave so we dont have to come back out...lol
Day 7
We got up early...Im beginning to wonder...why cant I get up this early at home...:7...we had to meet at Maragarita Phils about 7:30 to get ready to go on this trip....It was interesting...and we really had a good time...the crew was GREAT..our first stop was in Virgin Gorda to clear customs and then it was on to The Baths...now the guy that sold us this deal said we would snorkel at The Baths...which we did not..apparently alot of others thought the same thing...everyone was preparing for a Snorkel there...We left after touring the Baths and headed to Pirate Bight for lunch...their normal Cooper Island stop was closed for the day. Lunch was good...and the water was beautiful. We saw the Wille T. but didnt visit. Then we were on to the Indians for a snorkel. We went around the rocks once and back on the boat heading to Jost and White Bay. I have always wanted to see the Baths and it is definelty something that one has to see to appreicate...those rocks are HUGE....White Bay was crowded more so that last time...I really enjoyed this trip and cant say enough good things about the crew...they are top notch....but all in all I felt a bit rushed...and wish we had just taken the ferry and only done the Baths...oh well...live and learn. Next time we have deicded no day sails...and hopefully no camera trouble...lol
We headed back to camp after clearing Customs in Cruz bay and began to pack and grilled our last meal there...to try and use some of the food we had bought...and of course finish packing to make to dreaded walk of woe the next day. We sorted thru what we didnt need and begin to give things to the neighbors we werent going to bring back...The neighbor on our right told us a burglary that had happened that day, her wallet was stolen from her cottage...the neighbors on our left had about 400 cash stolen from the lock box in the Cottage. They seemed to think it was one of the workers there...seems some of them had been out raking and was seen with a wallet...I checked our room and nothing was missing...I had left my Hook Bracelet lying in the open and the camera with issues was lying there...however we had not left any cash in the room...or cards...and from what we were told...that was all that was taken....I felt so bad for them....We very seldom carry alot of cash...Id rather hit the ATM and pay the fees...as to leave it...and have it stolen..
This was the only night I think we were awake til 10:30...most every night we were out by 9:30 or 10 at the latest..lol
Day 8.
We carried our luggage to the Jeep and had breakfast at the Tree LIzard restaurant...it was pretty good...and very decently priced...I think we paid about 8 pp. then we went to the cottage...said good byes to the neighbors and the local kitties...and made the last walk out of CInnamon we would make for this trip...we went to fill up the jeep however the station was closed....so we paid the Suttons 30 extra to fill it up....I kinda felt bad the jeep was dirty and it had been so clean when we picked it up...but we had sure put a few miles on it...we had already filled it up once from all our running and was down to a half tank again. We managed to out well over 200 miles on it the time we were there...we arrived late on friday the 10th....and the last 2 days...we had day sails...Im glad we werent paying mileage....but we loved seeing all the different parts of the Island. and had gone as far as we could go from end to end...( a few times I think)
We dropped our bags at Connections for 3 a bag and did a last little bit of shopping...We saw Ruth and Ron and she graciously took our pic and posted it so I could have it for a keepsake..They are indeed very sweet people...
Our flight back was alittle late taking off...and when we landed in Ft. Lauderdale we litterally had to run to the next gate...but we made it..it sure beat staying there almost 3 hrs and freezing like we did on the way down...guess the eskimos went home...LOL
I was a bit surprised at how much more crowded the Island was compared to when we were there last time..we were last there in June of 07...maybe it was just because it was Spring Break...Easter....or perhaps just because it was still the high season....
We havent even been back 2 weeks and of course Im looking at Villas and hoping to get back down next yr .. hopefully for Carnival and will bring the kids this time...I worry they will be bored and complain and then no one will have a good time...I keep reading posts about people that do bring their kids and they seem to enjoy it...but for this time...I needed to get away...and the kids had been on 2 cruises since we had been to STJ...Ive had a very stressful full yr...and pretty much at the last minute we decided to book and go for it...figured what the heck...we arent getting any younger...and we definetly needed a break from the day to day scene.
We truly love this little Island...and can see why so many do...I am always amazed at the ones that dont "get it" but...glad some dont...leaves more room for us that do..
There are too many pics to display them all here but they can be viewed here.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnjshaw/se ... 379597387/ Thanks for reading my report
Thanks for the great trip report and pictures! Will be there next week.