April 26 - May 4 - Trip Report (Part II)
Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 11:04 pm
Trip Report Part II (April 26, 2013 to May 4, 2013)
Tuesday – BVI Day
We managed to all get up and out of the house and down to the dock by about 8:20 a.m. Capt. Rick from Lion in da Sun picked us up at 8:30 sharp. We had to wait some time for fuel but finally got underway. Capt. Rick took us up the north shore and we got to see a number of beaches that we’ve never seen before – Salomon, Honeymoon, Jumbie – then to some we have but from a different perspective – Hawksnest, Trunk, Cinnamon, Maho and Frances. Caneel – never saw it up close before. Capt. Rick gave some great stories and history lessons.
My husband is like a kid in a candy store playing first mate at the Captain’s stand. 
Captain really knows his stuff or maybe just a good story teller. We stopped in Leinster Bay at a place called Three Buoys. Capt Rick claims the snorkeling is better than Waterlemon. I’ve never snorkeled Waterlemon so I’ll take his word for it. Our girls in life vests in tow by a noodle we ventured for some wonderful snorkeling! We are all pretty novice snorkelers but saw some beautiful fish (that’s a technical term) and purple coral (another technical term). Was enjoying my snorkel when my 5 year old wanted a try and that was it – she was hooked and now I was being pulled by the noodle. No problem here – I was so proud of my girl. 
Later in the week we rented her own gear and it was her best part of the trip (second to cannon balls in the Leeward pool).
After a nice snorkel we piled back into the boat and off to Jost Van Dyke to check in at Great Bay. Pictures at the sign – Capt Rick was great about taking everyone’s camera and cell phone to take pictures. Raining a little when we arrived but nothing that a drink at Foxy’s couldn’t cure. Great vibe. Good amount of people. The legend himself was there. Last time we were there we arrived so early no one was there. Bought some great things at Foxy’s gift shop - new styling hat and beaded ring for me, cheetah flip flops for the snorkeler girl, UV shirts for hubby and newbie. Capt Rick moved the boat over to Foxy’s and time to head out for lunch.
Captain Rick suggested we go to Foxy’s Taboo over in Diamond Cay on the East End. We were greeted in the Cay by the large yacht, the Neckerbelle, Sir Richard Branson’s boat. And tied up to the Taboo dock was Neckerbelle’s dinghy… will we have a sighting??
Well no, but apparently some very well to do travelers having lunch [we looked it up and the 4 bedroom yacht goes for a mere $110,000/week plus provisions..] Anyway, we shared Mediterranean Salsa with homemade chips, hummus, pizzas (excellent) and mahi sandwiches and some cold drinks of course. Good food. Capt Rick suggested the Bubbly Pool if we were up for a bit of a hike. We were and it was AWESOME – except for me being a little worried about my 5 year old on the cliff and the girls starting to get worn out from hiking. My little one got horsey back rides most of the way.
After some pics we got back on board, made a quick stop at Sandy Spit but didn’t get out (a little regretful we didn’t) then off to White Bay! We’ve never been there later in the afternoon, it was packed. We started at Soggy Dollar of course (it was Mic’s day off) painkillers for everyone (virgin painkillers for the kids), then down beach to One Love! This place is awesome. Great music vibe, rum punch kicking in, girls writing their names on the bar.. Really dig this joint!
Then one last stop at Gertrude’s for a mix it yourself drink. Yee haaa! This mama knows how to pour a drink! Everything just tastes better when you’re on the island.. you know what I mean?? Capt. Rick was great about giving us plenty of time on White Bay. We snapped some picture of the girls on the beach (when we were there in 2009 my 5 year old was 20 months ) . Back on the boat to make our way to Cruz Bay and through customs. Little tipsy from my make-it-yourself drink and always feel a little bit like a criminal going through customs. Why is that??
Back to the villa. The guys make us a smorgasbord dinner of Sam & Jack’s Deli items, leftover pizza from Foxy’s Taboo and Margaritas. This is living!!
Wednesday!
Up early for pictures! We hired Eliza Magro to take some family pictures on the beach at Maho. We hired a photographer last year in Orange Beach Alabama and we loved them so much we decided to do it again this year. Unfortunately on the way there the dirt and grime from the seatbelt of the car (the beloved Explorer) soiled my husband’s brand new cream colored button down shirt. THANKFULLY he had a brown t-shirt in his bag and could change. Lots of pictures on the beach with the girls, our babysitter, hubby and I and combinations thereof. We saw a little shark swimming near the shore. Still freaks me out even when they are small. It was starting to get hot and the girls distracted.. hopefully we got some good ones. We decided instead of beaching it we would take a little drive over to Coral Bay. It was a lovely day and we had had great weather so far. The north shore beaches had been a tad rough but not bad. We just needed a little break from the beach. Despite frequent bug repellent and sunscreen, our little one had some no-seeum bites and little rosy cheeks (perfect for pictures) (I have a nice blotchy red pattern from the spray sunscreen which is now in a full peel mode). Over in Coral Bay we decided an early lunch at Aqua Bistro. The waitress couldn’t have seemed more bothered by our presence or that we wanted to order things and actually be served. The portions were large, flavors decent but I was really turned off by the service. When she delivered some food - gave her a “thank you” and no response. Nothing. No “you’re welcome,” “no problem”, “you got it” nothing. THEN they add an 18% gratuity. OK we have 3 adults and 2 kids at this meal and you add a 18% gratuity. She was luke warm at the end – thankful I’m sure that we were leaving… but no extra tip!
On the way back stopped at Bordeaux Mountain for a new silver Petroglyph bracelet, earrings, turtle necklace, and other goodies and to snap some photos of that amazing view. Wow! Hubby loves the hand painted art and thankfully didn’t break the bank with a few moderate purchases. Drove back to the villa for some swimming before a night out for the adults!
[On Wednesday the newbies hiked the Cinnamon Bay Trail and hiked to Jumbie. They stopped for a new car (with a working horn) but still with the added features of squeaky brakes and a check engine light on. But a horn at least for exiting the driveway.]
We got all duded up and parked at Slimman’s. We had a 6:30 reservation at The Terrace. As you may know, hubby and I had been there on his birthday when it was the old Stone Terrace two days after we got married in St Thomas back in 2006. That was our first foray to St John – the day that changed our lives forever!! Anyway, we are from the Madison, Wisconsin area and the chef and husband went to UW-Madison, where “the Terrace” is THE hangout on the water for sipping beer and eating popcorn or brats on a beautiful summer day.. so we knew we had to go to this restaurant. We start in the bar for some wine and fascinating conversation about life on the island with the handsome bartender Drew. As the sun began to set we took our table (same table we had 7 years earlier..aww..).
Our server, Michael, was a hoot, but super knowledgeable and friendly. We ordered a nice bottle of chardonnay and the Oysters Rockefeller to start, followed by Scallops and Vichyssoise. All delicious. Warm Bread with three kinds of compound butter. For salads we shared the beet salad and lobster salad. Both outstanding. For our entrees, two of us had the tuna and two had the crab stuffed prawns. Presentations were lovely and quality was really top notch.
Excellent dinner. We had the great fortune of having the Chef Erica Miner come to our table. My husband is in the food business going back 20+ years and he and Erica knew many people in common back in Madison and he’s sure they met in the past. She spent a good long time talking with us and was as sweet as they come! I hope they do well – couldn’t find nicer people. We saw a guy with a giant fish over his shoulder walking into the back – sure don’t see that every day!
After a wonderful dinner we wanted to get a night cap so walked over to the new hipster spot, Motu. They use freshly squeezed fruit juice in their drinks. The best drink so far of the week was the Skinny Rita - a tequila drink with freshly squeezed juices, agave nector and tequila! Back to the villa so the designated driver (pas moi) could have a drink. Checked on the babysitter to see if she wanted to join us. The babysitter and two girls sound asleep in the king bed downstairs!
Part III to come... Sorry the pics are so small, I don't know how to make them bigger but I think you can click on them to enlarge.. killed too many brain cells already trying.
Tuesday – BVI Day
We managed to all get up and out of the house and down to the dock by about 8:20 a.m. Capt. Rick from Lion in da Sun picked us up at 8:30 sharp. We had to wait some time for fuel but finally got underway. Capt. Rick took us up the north shore and we got to see a number of beaches that we’ve never seen before – Salomon, Honeymoon, Jumbie – then to some we have but from a different perspective – Hawksnest, Trunk, Cinnamon, Maho and Frances. Caneel – never saw it up close before. Capt. Rick gave some great stories and history lessons.
Captain really knows his stuff or maybe just a good story teller. We stopped in Leinster Bay at a place called Three Buoys. Capt Rick claims the snorkeling is better than Waterlemon. I’ve never snorkeled Waterlemon so I’ll take his word for it. Our girls in life vests in tow by a noodle we ventured for some wonderful snorkeling! We are all pretty novice snorkelers but saw some beautiful fish (that’s a technical term) and purple coral (another technical term). Was enjoying my snorkel when my 5 year old wanted a try and that was it – she was hooked and now I was being pulled by the noodle. No problem here – I was so proud of my girl. Later in the week we rented her own gear and it was her best part of the trip (second to cannon balls in the Leeward pool). After a nice snorkel we piled back into the boat and off to Jost Van Dyke to check in at Great Bay. Pictures at the sign – Capt Rick was great about taking everyone’s camera and cell phone to take pictures. Raining a little when we arrived but nothing that a drink at Foxy’s couldn’t cure. Great vibe. Good amount of people. The legend himself was there. Last time we were there we arrived so early no one was there. Bought some great things at Foxy’s gift shop - new styling hat and beaded ring for me, cheetah flip flops for the snorkeler girl, UV shirts for hubby and newbie. Capt Rick moved the boat over to Foxy’s and time to head out for lunch.
Captain Rick suggested we go to Foxy’s Taboo over in Diamond Cay on the East End. We were greeted in the Cay by the large yacht, the Neckerbelle, Sir Richard Branson’s boat. And tied up to the Taboo dock was Neckerbelle’s dinghy… will we have a sighting??
Well no, but apparently some very well to do travelers having lunch [we looked it up and the 4 bedroom yacht goes for a mere $110,000/week plus provisions..] Anyway, we shared Mediterranean Salsa with homemade chips, hummus, pizzas (excellent) and mahi sandwiches and some cold drinks of course. Good food. Capt Rick suggested the Bubbly Pool if we were up for a bit of a hike. We were and it was AWESOME – except for me being a little worried about my 5 year old on the cliff and the girls starting to get worn out from hiking. My little one got horsey back rides most of the way.
After some pics we got back on board, made a quick stop at Sandy Spit but didn’t get out (a little regretful we didn’t) then off to White Bay! We’ve never been there later in the afternoon, it was packed. We started at Soggy Dollar of course (it was Mic’s day off) painkillers for everyone (virgin painkillers for the kids), then down beach to One Love! This place is awesome. Great music vibe, rum punch kicking in, girls writing their names on the bar.. Really dig this joint!
Back to the villa. The guys make us a smorgasbord dinner of Sam & Jack’s Deli items, leftover pizza from Foxy’s Taboo and Margaritas. This is living!!
Wednesday!
Up early for pictures! We hired Eliza Magro to take some family pictures on the beach at Maho. We hired a photographer last year in Orange Beach Alabama and we loved them so much we decided to do it again this year. Unfortunately on the way there the dirt and grime from the seatbelt of the car (the beloved Explorer) soiled my husband’s brand new cream colored button down shirt. THANKFULLY he had a brown t-shirt in his bag and could change. Lots of pictures on the beach with the girls, our babysitter, hubby and I and combinations thereof. We saw a little shark swimming near the shore. Still freaks me out even when they are small. It was starting to get hot and the girls distracted.. hopefully we got some good ones. We decided instead of beaching it we would take a little drive over to Coral Bay. It was a lovely day and we had had great weather so far. The north shore beaches had been a tad rough but not bad. We just needed a little break from the beach. Despite frequent bug repellent and sunscreen, our little one had some no-seeum bites and little rosy cheeks (perfect for pictures) (I have a nice blotchy red pattern from the spray sunscreen which is now in a full peel mode). Over in Coral Bay we decided an early lunch at Aqua Bistro. The waitress couldn’t have seemed more bothered by our presence or that we wanted to order things and actually be served. The portions were large, flavors decent but I was really turned off by the service. When she delivered some food - gave her a “thank you” and no response. Nothing. No “you’re welcome,” “no problem”, “you got it” nothing. THEN they add an 18% gratuity. OK we have 3 adults and 2 kids at this meal and you add a 18% gratuity. She was luke warm at the end – thankful I’m sure that we were leaving… but no extra tip!
On the way back stopped at Bordeaux Mountain for a new silver Petroglyph bracelet, earrings, turtle necklace, and other goodies and to snap some photos of that amazing view. Wow! Hubby loves the hand painted art and thankfully didn’t break the bank with a few moderate purchases. Drove back to the villa for some swimming before a night out for the adults!
[On Wednesday the newbies hiked the Cinnamon Bay Trail and hiked to Jumbie. They stopped for a new car (with a working horn) but still with the added features of squeaky brakes and a check engine light on. But a horn at least for exiting the driveway.]
We got all duded up and parked at Slimman’s. We had a 6:30 reservation at The Terrace. As you may know, hubby and I had been there on his birthday when it was the old Stone Terrace two days after we got married in St Thomas back in 2006. That was our first foray to St John – the day that changed our lives forever!! Anyway, we are from the Madison, Wisconsin area and the chef and husband went to UW-Madison, where “the Terrace” is THE hangout on the water for sipping beer and eating popcorn or brats on a beautiful summer day.. so we knew we had to go to this restaurant. We start in the bar for some wine and fascinating conversation about life on the island with the handsome bartender Drew. As the sun began to set we took our table (same table we had 7 years earlier..aww..).
After a wonderful dinner we wanted to get a night cap so walked over to the new hipster spot, Motu. They use freshly squeezed fruit juice in their drinks. The best drink so far of the week was the Skinny Rita - a tequila drink with freshly squeezed juices, agave nector and tequila! Back to the villa so the designated driver (pas moi) could have a drink. Checked on the babysitter to see if she wanted to join us. The babysitter and two girls sound asleep in the king bed downstairs!
Part III to come... Sorry the pics are so small, I don't know how to make them bigger but I think you can click on them to enlarge.. killed too many brain cells already trying.
