TR with pics (finally) - STJ with kids Nov 23-Dec 1, pt 1
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 4:05 pm
I've never been so late getting a trip report written, but with Christmas and all...
Here is a little background. This was our third trip to St. John, but our first taking the kids. I'll refer to them as 1,2, and 3 (oldest to youngest). Oldest is a girl, age 16, then 2 boys, ages 14 and 8.
We have missed a connecting flight before, which led to missing an entire day of vacation. In an attempt to avoid that happening again, we flew the first leg one day, stayed at a hotel near the airport, then flew the second leg the following day. Everything went smooth, and although this probably wasn't necessary, it worked great for us. We are usually up at 3:30am and exhausted by the time we reach St. John. This way, we were able to sleep in and arrive semi-refreshed.
I also wanted to get to St. John asap, so we made arrangements with Christopher taxi and Dohm's water taxi, so we wouldn't have to spend much time waiting with 3 anxious children. (Mom and Dad weren't anxious at all
)
We quickly arrived on St. John and met our villa rep, Lisa, who had picked up the boxes we had shipped to Connections. We then picked up our vehicle (wrong one, but we were able to switch it out the next day), and headed to our home for the week, Cinnamon Tarn in Catherineberg.
After a nice tour of the villa, we went to Skinny Legs for the first of several times this trip. We all had burgers, except #3, who had a hot dog and some key lime pie. Everything was great, as always. My favorite there is the blue cheeseburgers!
We returned to the villa, played a game (Taboo), then turned in early.
Thursday, November 24th (first full day)
We woke up early, had breakfast in the villa, stopped briefly at Maho then went on to Salt Pond to hike to Ram's Head
The boys were going to snorkel Blue Cobblestone, but someone had left their snorkel gear in the Jeep, so they didn't last long taking turns with one set. Dad and #2 mudded and salted themselves up at the salt pond, then we all spent a little time hanging out at Salt Pond beach but got hungry and decided to try the Tourist Trap.
It was Thanksgiving day and we were watching the Macy's parade eating fish tacos, mahi sandwiches, coneys, and nachos, yum!
We went to Francis, and it was so crowded. I didn't know until later that the locals have a big event there on thanksgiving day. We managed to find a nice place to ourselves over by the rocks towards Little Maho. We all tried to snorkel, but it wasn't too clear.
The boys enjoyed the rocks, but it started to rain. We were planning to eat in, so we decided it was time for happy hour and cooking time. The rain stopped, so we grilled steaks, and had fries and salad.
Our dinner spot.
A little relaxing, then time to crash.
Friday, November 25th
Good morning!
I had checked the cruise ship schedule and knew that today would be a good day for Trunk. We ate breakfast in the villa, packed lunches and drinks, and were on our way.
Trunk really is a beautiful beach. It's never been my favorite, but to have it all to yourselves....wow!
It doesn't take much to entertain my boys.
After several hours, more people showed up and we decided it was time to move on. Child #1 had a project for school that she decided she could do down there with photographs and information on some of the ruins.
We went back to the villa for a while, then out to Island Blues. The food was excellent and we had fun, however they were definitely on island time!
Next up, Solomon and Honeymoon, then boat day with Captain John Brandi!
Here is a little background. This was our third trip to St. John, but our first taking the kids. I'll refer to them as 1,2, and 3 (oldest to youngest). Oldest is a girl, age 16, then 2 boys, ages 14 and 8.
We have missed a connecting flight before, which led to missing an entire day of vacation. In an attempt to avoid that happening again, we flew the first leg one day, stayed at a hotel near the airport, then flew the second leg the following day. Everything went smooth, and although this probably wasn't necessary, it worked great for us. We are usually up at 3:30am and exhausted by the time we reach St. John. This way, we were able to sleep in and arrive semi-refreshed.
I also wanted to get to St. John asap, so we made arrangements with Christopher taxi and Dohm's water taxi, so we wouldn't have to spend much time waiting with 3 anxious children. (Mom and Dad weren't anxious at all
)We quickly arrived on St. John and met our villa rep, Lisa, who had picked up the boxes we had shipped to Connections. We then picked up our vehicle (wrong one, but we were able to switch it out the next day), and headed to our home for the week, Cinnamon Tarn in Catherineberg.
After a nice tour of the villa, we went to Skinny Legs for the first of several times this trip. We all had burgers, except #3, who had a hot dog and some key lime pie. Everything was great, as always. My favorite there is the blue cheeseburgers!
We returned to the villa, played a game (Taboo), then turned in early.
Thursday, November 24th (first full day)
We woke up early, had breakfast in the villa, stopped briefly at Maho then went on to Salt Pond to hike to Ram's Head
The boys were going to snorkel Blue Cobblestone, but someone had left their snorkel gear in the Jeep, so they didn't last long taking turns with one set. Dad and #2 mudded and salted themselves up at the salt pond, then we all spent a little time hanging out at Salt Pond beach but got hungry and decided to try the Tourist Trap.
It was Thanksgiving day and we were watching the Macy's parade eating fish tacos, mahi sandwiches, coneys, and nachos, yum!
We went to Francis, and it was so crowded. I didn't know until later that the locals have a big event there on thanksgiving day. We managed to find a nice place to ourselves over by the rocks towards Little Maho. We all tried to snorkel, but it wasn't too clear.
The boys enjoyed the rocks, but it started to rain. We were planning to eat in, so we decided it was time for happy hour and cooking time. The rain stopped, so we grilled steaks, and had fries and salad.
Our dinner spot.
A little relaxing, then time to crash.
Friday, November 25th
Good morning!
I had checked the cruise ship schedule and knew that today would be a good day for Trunk. We ate breakfast in the villa, packed lunches and drinks, and were on our way.
Trunk really is a beautiful beach. It's never been my favorite, but to have it all to yourselves....wow!
It doesn't take much to entertain my boys.
After several hours, more people showed up and we decided it was time to move on. Child #1 had a project for school that she decided she could do down there with photographs and information on some of the ruins.
We went back to the villa for a while, then out to Island Blues. The food was excellent and we had fun, however they were definitely on island time!
Next up, Solomon and Honeymoon, then boat day with Captain John Brandi!
