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Trip Report - 40th Birthday Trip
Trip Report - 40th Birthday Trip
Hey everybody. We just got back from our trip late last night. It was a great trip!! This was my 40th birthday trip with husband, daughter (almost 2) and mother-in-law (70).
We arrived on Saturday afternoon in time to get the 4pm ferry from Red Hook and picked up our Jeep and met Myrtle of Caribbean Villas for our short drive to Pink Conch. There is a STEEP driveway (my husband Jeff loved but my mother-in-law scared to death) but it really wasn't a problem. Pinch Conch is a beautiful Villa - the views are really incredible. We loved the pool, open air showers and the great location. Saturday it had rained (remnants of Erika) a lot but the bad weather was on its way out. Although we ordered a package from Katilady, Jeff decided to head over to the St John Market to pick up a couple things and then he threw a chicken on the grill and we ate and gazed over the beautiful views of Great Cruz Bay.
Sunday we spent the day at Trunk Bay which was wonderful. We got there pretty early and had our choice of spots but it filled up after too long. Jeff and I did some snorkeling but we pretty much just swam and enjoyed the views. Grandma was pretty awed by the views. So true – you can describe it and take pictures of it but there is nothing like seeing it in person and breathing it all in… Spent about 4 hours or so and then went back to the villa. Sunday afternoon Jeff and I went to the Starfish to load up on Groceries etc. Nice market – basically everything we needed. Jeff picked up some beautiful choice filets at the Starfish and we had a nice dinner and enjoyed the views and could hear the live music from the Westin.
We decided to take our BVI trip on Monday rather than on Wed (my birthday) since Capt Cleve of Local Flavor Charters recommended weather should be good after the storms of Erika had passed through. We met the Ben and Lynn Chill on our flight (what a coincidence!) and they were also heading to BVI on Monday. So we started our day with Capt Cleve about 8:30am and took a nice tour along St John - looked at homes in Peter Bay etc. Then made our way to Jost Van Dyke. It was before 10am and we walked along the beach down to Foxy's. Foxy himself was there. The bar wasn't even open yet – but he offered us a cold beer and this is my BVI birthday celebration so I am CELEBRATING. We hung out with Foxy and watched some of Foxy's home videos from his trip to Belgium and Grandma got her picture taken with Foxy... Very cool.
On to the Soggy... after a little less than graceful disembarkation from the boat for Grandma and me (the boat had moved a little deeper than when Jeff took our daughter off ) we arrived at the Soggy. And I had a Soggy gift certificate for my birthday so I needed to start using it. We were the first boat to arrive and since it was still morning I ordered a couple Bloody Marys for hubby and me from Mic.. wow these are yummy. We meet Ben and Lynn Chill and some of their friends. We had a GREAT time talking with them and sharing a number of drinks. You guys are awesome! We were having a good old time - and now on to painkillers for me. Yummy, yummy. We order some Conch Fritters and fries to hold our daughter and Grandma over until our late lunch. Hubby and I love the Soggy. Grandma is less impressed but Grandma is 70. After a good number of beverages for me and gift shop purchases we say goodbye to the Soggy and our new friends and make our way to Sidney’s Peace & Love for lunch. Lobster and lobster salad -- yum, yum! And a painkiller of course made by me behind the bar with a good dose of Pusser’s Rum. After lunch we finally head back to Cruz Bay around 4:30pm. Great birthday (not quite on my birthday) celebration. Back to the villa -- a couple drinks and snacks and to bed by 10.
Tuesday - Grandma decided to stay at the Villa for the day (yesterday was probably too much for grandma) so we packed up the cooler and headed to Hawksnest. Wow this is a great beach. The views are stunning. We picked a nice spot by some seagrape trees and settled in. This rivals Trunk Bay in our opinion -- for sure. After 3 or 4 hours we packed up and head out, we took a drive by Maho then up to Chateaux Bordeaux -- WOW what views.. Headed back to the villa, then got ready for dinner and went to High Tide. I wanted Rhumblines but they are closed on Tuesdays.
High Tide was very good though - the Seafood Diablo was great.
Wednesday - Birthday day! Stormed last night and woke to amazing views of pink and blue clouds over the bay. Coffee, some gifts for me and then to Cinnamon Bay for the day. At first hubby and Grandma were not too impressed by the site of the facilities (nothing was open and it is a pretty long walk when you have a bunch of stuff) and there were little red bugs -- but we found a good spot on the beach -- we were the first or second to arrive. What a great swimming beach. It was wonderful for our daughter for walking and swimming and so crystal clear blue water. How can you even rank these beaches? They all have their unique and wonderful attributes. Headed to the villa in the afternoon, dip in the pool then clean up for dinner. Hubby arranged for a taxi to pick us up and drive us out to dinner and back so we could drink martinis without worrying about driving. Grandma stayed to babysit our daughter Grace and off we went to Happy Fish. Can you say AWESOME?! Especially the 2 chef specials Jeff ordered and coupled with martinis? Are you serious? Yeah, love this place.
And Larry and the other chef from STT (sorry can't remember his name), super cool. After martinis couple glasses of wine for me and drinks for Jeff, we head back in our taxi (Leon), then birthday cake and candles -- Jeff ordered yummy cake from Baked In the Sun bakery at Starfish Market building. More wine then to bed by 10pm. Great birthday!
Thursday - a little low key (after the martinis etc the night before) do a little shopping in Cruz Bay but it is just too hot for Grandma and Grace and Grace isn’t at all into shopping and too much breakable stuff. We took them back to the Villa and Jeff and I did some shopping at Mongoose Junction than had lunch at the Sun Dog Café. The pesto chicken sandwich was outstanding. Back to the villa for pool time, then we made a Mexican fiesta for dinner and pina coladas and early to bed.
Friday – Sept 11th. Last full day already. Grandma decided to stay at the villa again today so we packed up the cooler and to Hawksnest. We love this beach. First to arrive and get settled in a fantastic shady spot. Suddenly we hear beautiful singing like a gospel choir coming from the shelters behind us. A group of locals in their 60s and 70s or so singing song after patriotic song (America the Beautiful, etc) in remembrance of 9/11. After a while, a number of the ladies in the group came out to wade in the water. They were lovely and we thanked them for the wonderful songs. Our daughter kept waiving and saying hello to the ladies. It was a really special day. We started to get a little hungry so packed up and went down to the Beach Bar for some Shrimp and Chips, Tuna bites and Nachos. The food was really good in particular the shrimp. Back to the villa for afternoon swim in the pool and shrimp Caesar salads for dinner.
Saturday – We got packed up and had one last swim in the pool. Then took the Ferry to Charlotte Amalie. Had our driver hold our bags and had lunch at the Green House. Then a little shopping and to the airport and home at 1am this morning.
Wonderful trip overall.
Great villa, super weather, wonderful island. We actually rested on this trip and didn’t stay up one night past 10pm (but we did have a toddler and grandma so this is much different than our previous vacations just the two of us). I still had my share of fun (and painkillers etc!) and it was a super 40th birthday. I think Grandma had a nice time too (she’s never been anywhere – this was only her 2nd airplane ride and the last one was over 35 yrs ago) although she was definitely out of her element a bit which presented challenges of their own.
We LOVE St. John!! Joked often about cashing it all in and making the move. Oh to dream…. Now to start saving our pennies for the next trip…
Lisa & Jeff
We arrived on Saturday afternoon in time to get the 4pm ferry from Red Hook and picked up our Jeep and met Myrtle of Caribbean Villas for our short drive to Pink Conch. There is a STEEP driveway (my husband Jeff loved but my mother-in-law scared to death) but it really wasn't a problem. Pinch Conch is a beautiful Villa - the views are really incredible. We loved the pool, open air showers and the great location. Saturday it had rained (remnants of Erika) a lot but the bad weather was on its way out. Although we ordered a package from Katilady, Jeff decided to head over to the St John Market to pick up a couple things and then he threw a chicken on the grill and we ate and gazed over the beautiful views of Great Cruz Bay.
Sunday we spent the day at Trunk Bay which was wonderful. We got there pretty early and had our choice of spots but it filled up after too long. Jeff and I did some snorkeling but we pretty much just swam and enjoyed the views. Grandma was pretty awed by the views. So true – you can describe it and take pictures of it but there is nothing like seeing it in person and breathing it all in… Spent about 4 hours or so and then went back to the villa. Sunday afternoon Jeff and I went to the Starfish to load up on Groceries etc. Nice market – basically everything we needed. Jeff picked up some beautiful choice filets at the Starfish and we had a nice dinner and enjoyed the views and could hear the live music from the Westin.
We decided to take our BVI trip on Monday rather than on Wed (my birthday) since Capt Cleve of Local Flavor Charters recommended weather should be good after the storms of Erika had passed through. We met the Ben and Lynn Chill on our flight (what a coincidence!) and they were also heading to BVI on Monday. So we started our day with Capt Cleve about 8:30am and took a nice tour along St John - looked at homes in Peter Bay etc. Then made our way to Jost Van Dyke. It was before 10am and we walked along the beach down to Foxy's. Foxy himself was there. The bar wasn't even open yet – but he offered us a cold beer and this is my BVI birthday celebration so I am CELEBRATING. We hung out with Foxy and watched some of Foxy's home videos from his trip to Belgium and Grandma got her picture taken with Foxy... Very cool.
On to the Soggy... after a little less than graceful disembarkation from the boat for Grandma and me (the boat had moved a little deeper than when Jeff took our daughter off ) we arrived at the Soggy. And I had a Soggy gift certificate for my birthday so I needed to start using it. We were the first boat to arrive and since it was still morning I ordered a couple Bloody Marys for hubby and me from Mic.. wow these are yummy. We meet Ben and Lynn Chill and some of their friends. We had a GREAT time talking with them and sharing a number of drinks. You guys are awesome! We were having a good old time - and now on to painkillers for me. Yummy, yummy. We order some Conch Fritters and fries to hold our daughter and Grandma over until our late lunch. Hubby and I love the Soggy. Grandma is less impressed but Grandma is 70. After a good number of beverages for me and gift shop purchases we say goodbye to the Soggy and our new friends and make our way to Sidney’s Peace & Love for lunch. Lobster and lobster salad -- yum, yum! And a painkiller of course made by me behind the bar with a good dose of Pusser’s Rum. After lunch we finally head back to Cruz Bay around 4:30pm. Great birthday (not quite on my birthday) celebration. Back to the villa -- a couple drinks and snacks and to bed by 10.
Tuesday - Grandma decided to stay at the Villa for the day (yesterday was probably too much for grandma) so we packed up the cooler and headed to Hawksnest. Wow this is a great beach. The views are stunning. We picked a nice spot by some seagrape trees and settled in. This rivals Trunk Bay in our opinion -- for sure. After 3 or 4 hours we packed up and head out, we took a drive by Maho then up to Chateaux Bordeaux -- WOW what views.. Headed back to the villa, then got ready for dinner and went to High Tide. I wanted Rhumblines but they are closed on Tuesdays.
High Tide was very good though - the Seafood Diablo was great. Wednesday - Birthday day! Stormed last night and woke to amazing views of pink and blue clouds over the bay. Coffee, some gifts for me and then to Cinnamon Bay for the day. At first hubby and Grandma were not too impressed by the site of the facilities (nothing was open and it is a pretty long walk when you have a bunch of stuff) and there were little red bugs -- but we found a good spot on the beach -- we were the first or second to arrive. What a great swimming beach. It was wonderful for our daughter for walking and swimming and so crystal clear blue water. How can you even rank these beaches? They all have their unique and wonderful attributes. Headed to the villa in the afternoon, dip in the pool then clean up for dinner. Hubby arranged for a taxi to pick us up and drive us out to dinner and back so we could drink martinis without worrying about driving. Grandma stayed to babysit our daughter Grace and off we went to Happy Fish. Can you say AWESOME?! Especially the 2 chef specials Jeff ordered and coupled with martinis? Are you serious? Yeah, love this place.
And Larry and the other chef from STT (sorry can't remember his name), super cool. After martinis couple glasses of wine for me and drinks for Jeff, we head back in our taxi (Leon), then birthday cake and candles -- Jeff ordered yummy cake from Baked In the Sun bakery at Starfish Market building. More wine then to bed by 10pm. Great birthday! Thursday - a little low key (after the martinis etc the night before) do a little shopping in Cruz Bay but it is just too hot for Grandma and Grace and Grace isn’t at all into shopping and too much breakable stuff. We took them back to the Villa and Jeff and I did some shopping at Mongoose Junction than had lunch at the Sun Dog Café. The pesto chicken sandwich was outstanding. Back to the villa for pool time, then we made a Mexican fiesta for dinner and pina coladas and early to bed.
Friday – Sept 11th. Last full day already. Grandma decided to stay at the villa again today so we packed up the cooler and to Hawksnest. We love this beach. First to arrive and get settled in a fantastic shady spot. Suddenly we hear beautiful singing like a gospel choir coming from the shelters behind us. A group of locals in their 60s and 70s or so singing song after patriotic song (America the Beautiful, etc) in remembrance of 9/11. After a while, a number of the ladies in the group came out to wade in the water. They were lovely and we thanked them for the wonderful songs. Our daughter kept waiving and saying hello to the ladies. It was a really special day. We started to get a little hungry so packed up and went down to the Beach Bar for some Shrimp and Chips, Tuna bites and Nachos. The food was really good in particular the shrimp. Back to the villa for afternoon swim in the pool and shrimp Caesar salads for dinner.
Saturday – We got packed up and had one last swim in the pool. Then took the Ferry to Charlotte Amalie. Had our driver hold our bags and had lunch at the Green House. Then a little shopping and to the airport and home at 1am this morning.
Wonderful trip overall.
Great villa, super weather, wonderful island. We actually rested on this trip and didn’t stay up one night past 10pm (but we did have a toddler and grandma so this is much different than our previous vacations just the two of us). I still had my share of fun (and painkillers etc!) and it was a super 40th birthday. I think Grandma had a nice time too (she’s never been anywhere – this was only her 2nd airplane ride and the last one was over 35 yrs ago) although she was definitely out of her element a bit which presented challenges of their own.We LOVE St. John!! Joked often about cashing it all in and making the move. Oh to dream…. Now to start saving our pennies for the next trip…
Lisa & Jeff
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msgcolleen
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:33 am
- Location: Allen, Texas
Bravo for doing your trip report while it's still fresh on your mind! Sounds like you had a wonderful 40th celebration in paradise! (I spent mine there too!)
Grandma rocks~
Grandma rocks~
I've got 2 tickets to paradise~Pack your bags we'll leave tonight!
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
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Jo Ann - VA
- Posts: 756
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:56 am
- Location: Virginia
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bubblybrenda
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:57 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
That's a great trip report.
I noted your affinity to Hawksnest. I've only been there once for a an hour or so. I know someone who says that Hawksnest is his favourite beach on all of St. John. I'll have to go back there and pay better attention next trip.
As you said, how can you possibly rate them anyways. They're all beautiful.
I noted your affinity to Hawksnest. I've only been there once for a an hour or so. I know someone who says that Hawksnest is his favourite beach on all of St. John. I'll have to go back there and pay better attention next trip.
As you said, how can you possibly rate them anyways. They're all beautiful.
~Brenda~
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
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chicagoans
- Posts: 1586
- Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: IL
Sounds like a wonderful trip! And how great that you had family time plus couple time -- really nice!
How did your daughter do on the boat to Jost? I'm debating whether or not to go on our next trip -- our kids are 10 and 12 and I'm not sure there would be much for them to do -- but I would love to go.
Happy belated birthday!
How did your daughter do on the boat to Jost? I'm debating whether or not to go on our next trip -- our kids are 10 and 12 and I'm not sure there would be much for them to do -- but I would love to go.
Happy belated birthday!
Yes, Grandma was a trooper. If I figure out how to post some pics, the pic of Grandma and Foxy is priceless..
And the 9/11 tribute was really inspiring -- I think the locals knew more of the words to those songs and sang them with more heart than we hear them sung over here sometimes...
Our daughter did great on the boat -- she feel asleep shortly after we departed and slept until we got to Jost. On Jost she had fun playing in the sand and water. Amazing how much fun toddlers can have with a plastic cup and some sand. Might not work so well for pre-teens though.
And the 9/11 tribute was really inspiring -- I think the locals knew more of the words to those songs and sang them with more heart than we hear them sung over here sometimes...
Our daughter did great on the boat -- she feel asleep shortly after we departed and slept until we got to Jost. On Jost she had fun playing in the sand and water. Amazing how much fun toddlers can have with a plastic cup and some sand. Might not work so well for pre-teens though.
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Tracy in WI
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:39 am
- Location: Wisconsin