Trip report Days 7, 8 - Trunk/Cinnamon and going home- Long!
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 9:29 pm
STJ Trip report days 7 and 8
Day 7
We were up early and headed to Trunk again. We stopped to try and take a family picture. Since we forgot the tripod we had to try and balance the camera on the vehicle. The one of the kids came out better.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602148260/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/602 ... d6e8fd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt=""></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628256/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/601 ... 180bdf.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 496"></a>
We were the first ones on Trunk again and I think it was 7:30 am!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628420/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/601 ... d1bceb.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 499"></a>
The family was snorkeling too fast ahead of me and I hung back looking at Charlie and then I saw this turtle and I was able to get so close to him. I swam with him a long time and took several pictures. So cool!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601673098/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/601 ... 2af1ea.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 510e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601719878/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/601 ... 756150.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 518"></a>
There were so many fish and the reef is in pretty good condition, which surprises me because of the traffic it gets. I have never been there when the cruise ship people were there. Going early is the key.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628604/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1127/601 ... bc1459.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 505e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601608461/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/601 ... 0185f3.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 567"></a>
We then went on a walk and went back out again.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601512211/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/601 ... 55bcc5.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 533e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601607219/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/601 ... 2ddac0.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="STJ June 2007 539"></a>
The family went up to the snack bar and gift shop and I sat on the beach by myself for awhile and it was nice - the only alone time I really had on this trip. I took my cell phone out and thought about whom I would call to rub it in. I turned it on and it got better reception that at home! I didn't make a call. I hadn't all week. I decided no cell phone or computer all week.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601635055/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/601 ... 0a8195.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 577e"></a>
I decided then that Trunk Bay is my favorite even though it might be cliché.
I told my family that is where I want my ashes spread if it ever comes to that and they better do it early in the morning. I like Waterlemon but I wouldn't make everyone walk out there just for me. Plus the beach isn't so great at Waterlemon, but the snorkeling is one of the best in my opinion..
We swam a little again and took pictures and stopped at the Trunk Bay gift shop where I got a Trunk Bay t-shirt.
Next we headed to Cinnamon again, which is Mary's favorite. We had lunch first at he campground restaurant and it took about 1-1/2 hours. Island time!
The snorkeling on the right side was very good again. We saw a lot of fish.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601635161/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/601 ... 68ac6b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 594e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601976870/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/601 ... d9bbc3.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 604e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601977134/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/601 ... 14090d.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 606e"></a>
I wanted to snorkel around the cay but it is a pretty long swim and no one would go with me and I decided going alone was probably not a good idea. (Another thing to do in November).
We went on a walk along the beach and Mary and I went out and snorkeled again and pretty soon Jim and Michael joined us.
We went back to the villa and quickly got cleaned up and walked to town again. Michael bought a shirt and Mary bought Woody's shorts.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602050252/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/602 ... d972c0.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 645"></a>
We walked along th beach by the beach bar and stopped for a drink and the sunset.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716731/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/601 ... 6bfb01.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 624"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716495/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/601 ... d45ea1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 613"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602049882/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/602 ... 0e189e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 627e"></a>
We ate diner at The Fish Trap. I tried their lime in da coconut drink but it wasn't as good as at the Banana Deck. I had Caribbean Lobster tail; Jim had King crab legs, Michael shrimp and Mary linguini with clam sauce. Mary is a vegetarian, but on this trip decided she would eat some fish. She didn't like it that the clams were in the shell.
Jim had sticker shock when we go the bill.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602050232/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/602 ... f7530c.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 642"></a>
We went back to the villa. Jim and Michael passed out and Mary and I sat on the balcony and talked and looked at the stars, etc. I was feeling kind of sad due to going home tomorrow.
Day 8- going home
We had a 10:00 check out but waited to pack this morning. The villa was a disaster!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082332/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/602 ... 22c13e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 654"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082370/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/602 ... 3da6cd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 655"></a>
We got packed up and put the luggage in the vehicle and walked to town. Our flight didn't leave until 4:15 and we wanted to spend the extra time in STJ.
We said goodbye to our pet Iguana and lizard.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605663803/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/605 ... 09921e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="marys stj 365"></a>
We shopped some more because Michael still had money to spend. He bought a tam hat with dreadlocks.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605672078/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/605 ... dc4265.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="june 2007 002"></a>
We went to St John Spice and Ruth wasn't there again but I bought some Cruz Bay grill rub since everyone raves about it. Mary got a little figurine of a red-headed mermaid.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716421/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/601 ... 7c103d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="STJ June 2007 609"></a>
We walked around and turned in the car and walked to the ferry with luggage in tow.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602114768/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/602 ... 9a1f4e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 668"></a>
We took the 12:00 ferry and everything went fine at the airport. I told Jim about the porter thing, but he thought that we didn't need it. Then we saw all of those people that got to go ahead of us. The people behind us were sure complaining about that.
All of our modes of transportation were on time again and US Airways didn't even lose our luggage.
We got home at 1 am.
I can't wait to go back in November.
Closing thoughts:
Did I hook the family? Well, they liked it, but they don't see the need to go back soon, so I guess not. I am sure the kids would go, but they aren't begging to...yet.
Jim likes it there too, but still feels the need to go other places and he isn't planning the next trip like I am. So I guess they liked it but are not obsessed. Do you have to be obsessed to get it? I glad I have SOTB in November.
Picture taking: It is very difficult to get good pictures, so those of you with so many beautiful pictures, I congratulate you. You are talented and patient. My daughter wants to be a photographer and brought her Canon Rebel XT, but she didn't want to take it to the beaches very often, to town, etc. so she did not get as many pictures as I would have liked. She felt better with it in the safe.
Here are a few of her pictures:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605663861/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1341/605 ... 918315.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="marys stj 371"></a>
My underwater case for my Canon SD 600 was great! I think I did get some good shots, but I need to learn how to edit them better. Most of my pictures were with the case on so that might have affected them. I would bring my other camera next time and use it for the non-underwater shots.
Villa Cielomar:
Good points: reasonable price, easy walk to town, nice pool, clean and adequate size for a family of 4-5, washer and dryer in villa, nice gas grill and a fully equipped kitchen. We did not hear the car barge or the water treatment plant at all.
Bad points: Air conditioning only in master bedroom, view only from small balcony off of kid's bedroom and a lot of it blocked by foliage. It was nice foliage, however!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082410/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/602 ... 23c94f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 659"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602114736/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/602 ... 933907.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 664"></a>
Beaches:
Favorites:
Michael: Maho
Mary: Cinnamon (she never found any boys though, so that disappointed her).
Jim: Trunk
Me: Trunk for the beach, Waterlemon for snorkeling
Surprises:
The kids were up early and swam and walked a lot and did very well.
We never brought chairs to the beach and never sat down much.
The kids like the shopping and wanted to do it more than Jim and I did.(However, I could have spent thousands of dollars on shopping. Five rooms in my house and my office at work are decorated with the island/ocean theme).
I liked the Coral Bay side of the Island a lot and Skinny Legs was a lot nicer than I thought it would be.
Our luggage wasn't lost.
We never saw one donkey!
My family didn't become obsessed, but maybe there is still hope...
I really enjoyed writing these reports. It made me remember the trip and relive it. Sorry if this one was so long! Thanks for sharing it with my family!
If I ever get all of my best pictures on a photo website I will share them.
Day 7
We were up early and headed to Trunk again. We stopped to try and take a family picture. Since we forgot the tripod we had to try and balance the camera on the vehicle. The one of the kids came out better.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602148260/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1243/602 ... d6e8fd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt=""></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628256/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/601 ... 180bdf.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 496"></a>
We were the first ones on Trunk again and I think it was 7:30 am!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628420/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/601 ... d1bceb.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 499"></a>
The family was snorkeling too fast ahead of me and I hung back looking at Charlie and then I saw this turtle and I was able to get so close to him. I swam with him a long time and took several pictures. So cool!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601673098/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/601 ... 2af1ea.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 510e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601719878/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/601 ... 756150.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 518"></a>
There were so many fish and the reef is in pretty good condition, which surprises me because of the traffic it gets. I have never been there when the cruise ship people were there. Going early is the key.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601628604/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1127/601 ... bc1459.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 505e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601608461/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/601 ... 0185f3.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 567"></a>
We then went on a walk and went back out again.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601512211/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/601 ... 55bcc5.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 533e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601607219/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/601 ... 2ddac0.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="STJ June 2007 539"></a>
The family went up to the snack bar and gift shop and I sat on the beach by myself for awhile and it was nice - the only alone time I really had on this trip. I took my cell phone out and thought about whom I would call to rub it in. I turned it on and it got better reception that at home! I didn't make a call. I hadn't all week. I decided no cell phone or computer all week.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601635055/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/601 ... 0a8195.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 577e"></a>
I decided then that Trunk Bay is my favorite even though it might be cliché.
I told my family that is where I want my ashes spread if it ever comes to that and they better do it early in the morning. I like Waterlemon but I wouldn't make everyone walk out there just for me. Plus the beach isn't so great at Waterlemon, but the snorkeling is one of the best in my opinion..
We swam a little again and took pictures and stopped at the Trunk Bay gift shop where I got a Trunk Bay t-shirt.
Next we headed to Cinnamon again, which is Mary's favorite. We had lunch first at he campground restaurant and it took about 1-1/2 hours. Island time!
The snorkeling on the right side was very good again. We saw a lot of fish.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601635161/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1257/601 ... 68ac6b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 594e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601976870/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/601 ... d9bbc3.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 604e"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601977134/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/601 ... 14090d.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 606e"></a>
I wanted to snorkel around the cay but it is a pretty long swim and no one would go with me and I decided going alone was probably not a good idea. (Another thing to do in November).
We went on a walk along the beach and Mary and I went out and snorkeled again and pretty soon Jim and Michael joined us.
We went back to the villa and quickly got cleaned up and walked to town again. Michael bought a shirt and Mary bought Woody's shorts.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602050252/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/602 ... d972c0.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 645"></a>
We walked along th beach by the beach bar and stopped for a drink and the sunset.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716731/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/601 ... 6bfb01.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 624"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716495/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/601 ... d45ea1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 613"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602049882/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/602 ... 0e189e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 627e"></a>
We ate diner at The Fish Trap. I tried their lime in da coconut drink but it wasn't as good as at the Banana Deck. I had Caribbean Lobster tail; Jim had King crab legs, Michael shrimp and Mary linguini with clam sauce. Mary is a vegetarian, but on this trip decided she would eat some fish. She didn't like it that the clams were in the shell.
Jim had sticker shock when we go the bill.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602050232/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/602 ... f7530c.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 642"></a>
We went back to the villa. Jim and Michael passed out and Mary and I sat on the balcony and talked and looked at the stars, etc. I was feeling kind of sad due to going home tomorrow.
Day 8- going home
We had a 10:00 check out but waited to pack this morning. The villa was a disaster!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082332/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/602 ... 22c13e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 654"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082370/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/602 ... 3da6cd.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 655"></a>
We got packed up and put the luggage in the vehicle and walked to town. Our flight didn't leave until 4:15 and we wanted to spend the extra time in STJ.
We said goodbye to our pet Iguana and lizard.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605663803/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1089/605 ... 09921e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="marys stj 365"></a>
We shopped some more because Michael still had money to spend. He bought a tam hat with dreadlocks.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605672078/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/605 ... dc4265.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="june 2007 002"></a>
We went to St John Spice and Ruth wasn't there again but I bought some Cruz Bay grill rub since everyone raves about it. Mary got a little figurine of a red-headed mermaid.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/601716421/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1040/601 ... 7c103d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="STJ June 2007 609"></a>
We walked around and turned in the car and walked to the ferry with luggage in tow.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602114768/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/602 ... 9a1f4e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 668"></a>
We took the 12:00 ferry and everything went fine at the airport. I told Jim about the porter thing, but he thought that we didn't need it. Then we saw all of those people that got to go ahead of us. The people behind us were sure complaining about that.
All of our modes of transportation were on time again and US Airways didn't even lose our luggage.
We got home at 1 am.
I can't wait to go back in November.
Closing thoughts:
Did I hook the family? Well, they liked it, but they don't see the need to go back soon, so I guess not. I am sure the kids would go, but they aren't begging to...yet.
Jim likes it there too, but still feels the need to go other places and he isn't planning the next trip like I am. So I guess they liked it but are not obsessed. Do you have to be obsessed to get it? I glad I have SOTB in November.
Picture taking: It is very difficult to get good pictures, so those of you with so many beautiful pictures, I congratulate you. You are talented and patient. My daughter wants to be a photographer and brought her Canon Rebel XT, but she didn't want to take it to the beaches very often, to town, etc. so she did not get as many pictures as I would have liked. She felt better with it in the safe.
Here are a few of her pictures:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/605663861/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1341/605 ... 918315.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="marys stj 371"></a>
My underwater case for my Canon SD 600 was great! I think I did get some good shots, but I need to learn how to edit them better. Most of my pictures were with the case on so that might have affected them. I would bring my other camera next time and use it for the non-underwater shots.
Villa Cielomar:
Good points: reasonable price, easy walk to town, nice pool, clean and adequate size for a family of 4-5, washer and dryer in villa, nice gas grill and a fully equipped kitchen. We did not hear the car barge or the water treatment plant at all.
Bad points: Air conditioning only in master bedroom, view only from small balcony off of kid's bedroom and a lot of it blocked by foliage. It was nice foliage, however!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602082410/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/602 ... 23c94f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="STJ June 2007 659"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9208674@N05/602114736/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/602 ... 933907.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="STJ June 2007 664"></a>
Beaches:
Favorites:
Michael: Maho
Mary: Cinnamon (she never found any boys though, so that disappointed her).
Jim: Trunk
Me: Trunk for the beach, Waterlemon for snorkeling
Surprises:
The kids were up early and swam and walked a lot and did very well.
We never brought chairs to the beach and never sat down much.
The kids like the shopping and wanted to do it more than Jim and I did.(However, I could have spent thousands of dollars on shopping. Five rooms in my house and my office at work are decorated with the island/ocean theme).
I liked the Coral Bay side of the Island a lot and Skinny Legs was a lot nicer than I thought it would be.
Our luggage wasn't lost.
We never saw one donkey!
My family didn't become obsessed, but maybe there is still hope...
I really enjoyed writing these reports. It made me remember the trip and relive it. Sorry if this one was so long! Thanks for sharing it with my family!
If I ever get all of my best pictures on a photo website I will share them.
So I get one more chance to ~bond~ with another child of mine!! AND go on a cruise!!
