USVI-On-Line

Day 10: Sunday - EASTER, Honeymoon, The Grateful Shed & Pool & RUTH, the Beach Bar Gathering, and High Tide

Well this is it guys! It is all over but the crying. Our last full day has arrived, for realz. I am sad but determined not to think about it too much. I had started organizing and packing the night before when in walks my hubby, "You're packing, this is usually when the tears start. Are you ok?" I actually was ok, considering. The thing about nice long trips and all of the togetherness with the family is that eventually I begin to miss my doggy, my home, my friends, my mama I wouldn't say I am ever HAPPY to leave, but often I am ready. Usually because I know I'll be back!

Today it is Easter Sunday. Amazingly the Easter Bunny managed to find the kids way out in Coral Bay! (FYI - I had packed small goodies for them and supplies to make mini Easter baskets, however, I noted earlier in the week that Chelsea Drug had Easter Baskets and fixings as well. I didn't check the prices.)

Mini Flop's Goodies

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And Belly Flop's

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They were very excited

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We all had a quick breakfast and got ready to head to the beach. Lunches packed, swimsuits donned, we were off.

At dinner the night before we were discussing favorite beaches and Les reminded me about Honeymoon! YES. Honeymoon it is. Honeymoon is at Caneel Bay. You go through the gates, get your parking pass and head to the left (not the first left - that's for employees, the 2nd left). Park ... the lot was virtually empty. Usually it is full enough that all the spots are taken and we have to kind of create a space. It is Easter, so I assume most people were brunching while we were beaching.

Speaking of Brunch ... still on my to do list after 8 or 9 trips --- BRUNCH at Miss Lucy's and now I have to add Brunch at Concordia (Tourist Trap Cheryl says its very good). This trip we had two Sundays on island and we STILL didn't manage to make it. Oh well. The call of the beach is strong.

We parked, got our stuff, and headed to the path. The walk to Honeymoon is about 10 minutes. Maybe 12. Not a bad walk at all, mostly flat, and you get to see some of the resort along the way. If you are not staying at Caneel there is a $10 fee to park, but if you purchase anything there they waive the parking fee. POMEGRANATE MOJITO anyone?

Ahhhhh....Honeymoon

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It was very quiet when we arrived and we went all the way to the right of the beach (facing the water) and found a little niche up in the rocks and shade. There is always a great breeze at Honeymoon. The surf is a little rougher, but it is beautiful.

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The little engineer got right to work

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I took a few pictures with my funky iphone setting

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Mini decided it was too rough to snorkel (for her) so she just bobbed along in the water

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While the boys busied themselves

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Construction Zone

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Mama Flip-Flop Lazed away enjoying this view

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Happy Campers

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Beach Buddy takes a break to rest and dry out

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662502571/" title="Beach Buddy by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/566 ... 843f56.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beach Buddy"></a>

Mini did a little rock climbing

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It was another Pbj day and soon enough the natives were hungry

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663527332/" title="LUNCH TIME by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/566 ... bfa42b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="LUNCH TIME"></a>

After lunch the boys took a walk

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662959881/" title="The boys by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/566 ... fec281.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The boys"></a>

And before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Honeymoon and the beaches of St. John for now

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On the way out, I ducked into the bar to grab a drink (a mojito for me and a BBC for my hubby who had fallen in love with this drink on this trip) and took my receipt to get validated so we could park for free. And we took a few pictures around the ruins.

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She looks so happy, He looks so Sleepy!

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The possible culprit of our allergies

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I don't think I am ever as happy or relaxed as I get by day 7-8 on St. John. Absolute JELLO. With my flower from Mini.

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We wanted to head home to clean up before our date with Ms. Ruth (and her pool) at the Grateful Shed. On the way, of course, we did a little more touring. We'd never made it past Love City Mini-mart on that road (I have no idea what the name of it is) in Coral Bay.

We discovered the Coral Bay Garden Center

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662505647/" title="Coral Bay Garden Center by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/566 ... 5128b4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Coral Bay Garden Center"></a>

And interrupted some lunching goats

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You lookin at me?

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Back to the house briefly, cleaned up and we are ready to head out again. No rest on the last day for us!!

Funniest Sign, I had to get a picture

STOP! Hammer Time!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662505909/" title="Best SIGN by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/566 ... 4d105f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Best SIGN"></a>

We took centerline back to town and no lie, I was telling the kids how there are COWS on St. John. Neither believed me. They were all "yeah right mama. Sure!!!" A few curves later we come upon this one and about 4 others!

Mooooo

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663073622/" title="moooooo by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/566 ... 42a54d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="moooooo"></a>

Earlier in the week, when I'd stopped by to see Ruth she'd invited us to see the progress on the house (When I was there last March ... it was still very much a work in progress) and to let the kids have a swim. I didn't want to intrude, but the kids were really missing having a pool and I knew they would be thrilled. She insisted saying they love to see people enjoy the pool. They hadn't gotten in too much recently because it was, get this, "Too Cold!" These people have gone soft!

I love Ruth. She is just about the best thing since sliced bread and Ron is the sweetest, most relaxed guy on the planet. I was excited to see the house - it is AMAZING by the way (I am still waiting on them to finish out the basement for me ... I even told them I'd take it as is ... who needs drywall?). The Grateful Shed is beautiful, it was so nice to see all the furnishings and the filled pool and how much all of the plant life had grown. Belly Flop was intrigued by the veggies Ron was growing - esp. the little tomatoes. He may have sampled a few. We were so busy on the tour and seeing all of the plants still waiting to go in the ground we almost (ALMOST) forgot all about the pool.

Soon enough the kiddos reminded us. Thank you Ruth ... They loved the entire trip but your pool is what I hear about the most. Mini Flip had to write a report (she chose to write about spring break in St. John) and a good portion was dedicated to our visit to you! Thank you so so much!! One of the best things about St. John for me is the people - both those I've met who live there and those I've met through the forum who are as addicted to visiting as I am. I am pretty sure my husband often thinks I am a bit insane, but when he puts faces to names and gets to chat with people like Ruth and Ron and Pia and Les for extended periods of time, he never fails to walk away commenting about how incredibly genuine, nice and relaxed everyone is. Easy company. The best kind!

Happy Happy Girl

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Here's Belly telling/Showing Ms. Ruth how old he used to be (I think)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5690704049/" title="Happier Boy by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/569 ... 480de5.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="Happier Boy"></a>

And the "But I don't want to get out" face

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Eventually it was time to head to town for the Beach Bar gathering. We got the kids out, one more easily than the other, got them changed, and headed to town.

Innervisions was playing tonight and it was quite busy. I wandered down to Joe's Rum Hut to get my drink, I wasn't fighting the crowd at the BB. It was a fairly small gathering. Ruth & Ron, Beth Cruz & hubby, Cypressgirl and her daughter and friend, Bob & Anita, and I am SURE I am forgetting someone...

I enjoyed the music and company and soon enough it was sunset.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663528430/" title="Cruz Bay Sunset by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/566 ... 3cb0a5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cruz Bay Sunset"></a>

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Soon the troops were getting hungry, so we headed over to High Tide for dinner. The service here was great and they were super friendly and accommodating to kids.

Shrimp Diablo for my hubby (SPICY)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663074026/" title="Shrimp Diablo from High Tide by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/566 ... 8c67f3.jpg" width="500" height="388" alt="Shrimp Diablo from High Tide"></a>

Grilled Shrimp kabobs for me

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663074156/" title="Shrimp and veggies from High Tide by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/566 ... 2205fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Shrimp and veggies from High Tide"></a>

The kiddos both had pasta and loved it. Cleaned their plates.

And, of course, you can't round off a trip without an ice cream from ISCREAM. Chocolate with chocolate sprinkles. Her grandmother would be proud!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663529440/" title="I Scream by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/566 ... 30c1a0.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="I Scream"></a>

Our day was almost done. We headed back to Coral Bay to rest, watch a movie, and finish up the packing. A few minutes into the movie I walked in to this

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I think we'd successfully worn them both out!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5710376606/" title="POOPED by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/571 ... 073fb8.jpg" width="500" height="490" alt="POOPED"></a>

I finished packing up a few things and read a book until pretty late. Sleep never comes easy for me on my last night.

Tomorrow: Bye Lameshur Cottage & Coral Bay, Bye Ruth, Bye Cruz Bay

Day 1: Friday - Getting there is NOT 1/2 the fun, Overnight in STT, Hotel Mafolie
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20137

Day 2: Saturday - Breakfast at Mafolie, Pool Time, and Heading to St. John and the Lameshur Cottage
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20143

Day 3: Sunday - Maho, Skinny Legs, and Woody's
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20151

Day 4: Monday - Francis, Tap Room, and Island Blues
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20170

Day 5: Tuesday - Mini Flip-Flop's 1st Snorkel, A Trip to Myra Keating, and Date Night @ Shipwreck
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20178

Day 6: Wednesday - Beach, lunch at Tourist Trap, dinner at the Beach Bar
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20197

Day 7: Thursday - Vie's Beach, Skinny Legs and a Quiet Night In
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20210

Day 8: Friday - Dog Walking, Pancake Eating, Donkey Diner Day
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20238

Day 9: Saturday - Maho, Coral Bay Cones, Date Night with the Pias
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20254

Where is the Coral Bay garden center? Don't remember seeing it last trip and can't think of where it might be. I like the "you lookin at me?" Awesome sunset pictures.

Flip-Love, love your TR!! From a Mom of 3 boys to another who travels with kids, I could so relate to your comments!! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. It sounds like it was perfect!!

Our daughter (twin to yours) had the same reaction to swimming at the Shed. It was the highlight of the trip for her and all she talks about still.

"I want to go back to see Miss Ruth and Mr Ron"

There's a reason we all love her so...

Wow, you guys had a gorgeous sunset! I am so loving your report and all the pictures of your adorable kiddos. I am sorry there is only one installment left though!

Good on ya Flip Flop for getting the very most out of your last full day...I've noticed that the last full day is typically the one day of the trip my wife and I get up a little later and move a little slower, almost like we're trying to stop time or prolong the trip simply by refusing to acknowledge that it's our last full day.

This year I'm going to try to reverse that by scheduling an excuse to get out and about even earlier than usual on our last day. I also scheduled a later flight out this year so now we don't have to leave STJ until like 11am on travel day...hopefully that will prevent us from feeling like we need to spend much time on our last full day doing much packing.

Thanks again for the all the reports.

Directions to Coral Bay Garden Center (St. John Style)

Drive to Coral Bay. Where you can go straight or turn right, turn right. Pass the gas station where there isn't actually any gas. Just before (or sort of at) the dumpsters, take a right onto the road that goes to Love City mini mart (You can see Love City Mini mart from the intersection). Continue on that road. Eventually Coral Bay Garden Center will be on your left.

Pip - We definitely sync a trip eventually and get the twins together. I am sure they would love it!

We have so enjoyed your trip reports! Your pictures are AWESOME! Did you take them all with your iPhone? We are leaving on the 20th for TEN days!!!

Those are stunning sunset photos!

Your pictures show how much they enjoyed themselves.

Our son starts real school this fall and our next, next trip will likely be dictated by the spring break schedule.

once again, delightful...I must be on facebook too much lately, because as soon as I get done reading I start looking for the "like" button to push!....actually, on your TR and photos I would need the "love" button!....Especially the sunsets and Honeymoon. Wow, Wild, and Wonderful!

Thanks again everyone for your kind words. We had a blast! I want to go back ... now ... waaaaa....

The pictures are a mix of iphone and real camera. Most sunset photos were actually taken with the iphone. My regular camera is pretty crappy.

Im getting teary eyed knowing the reports are going to end...

Thanks for the great report!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your TR. I wish you could go to STJ more often just so I could read more of trip reports.

thanks!
John

We lucked up last year and saw the famous pig + cow IN ACTION(from FFF). We also discovered Honeymoon last year, and I enjoyed every slurp of my pay-for-parking-at-Caneel-BBC. Mmmmmmm!

Really enjoying your trip report. Your kids are adorable. Bacon Boy cracks me up. Sooo missing my little slice of serenity. Don't know if the reports are helping or hurting!

Curious about something...is the parking fee at Caneel something new they have implemented? In all our trips to STJ and Caneel to hit Honeymoon/Solomon, we've never had a parking fee.

Certainly won't stop me from going, just wondering.