LMG's Trip Report... or as best as I can do at this point :)
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:43 pm
Sorry for the delay on this trip report. It seems work and school and my life make me a bad little forumite.
Originally I wasn't going to write a trip report because I felt it'd be difficult to get through without talking a lot about someone I was traveling with. But that's not fair to anyone, and even though that part of the trip was rough, it was STILL the islands, I was STILL there, and I am STILL a very lucky girl for all I was able to experience.
Just know this: Due to the difficult person, I probably drank more on this trip than I ever have in my life. It was just necessary. Really, it was sort of like those drinking games you'd play in college. Like you're watching a sporting event and every time Bob Costas says "incredible!" or "I tell ya" you'd take a drink. Except this time it was pretty much anytime I heard "oh my gosh, what is with all this sand?!" or "why did I get sunburned? I put sunscreen on once in the morning!" I never knew it was possible to talk TOO loudly at Woody's. I was wrong. Yeah, bring on the rum.
(Sorry to anyone who thinks I'm being mean. Turns out when someone starts insulting places and people I love or complains about sand (on a beach!), I get mean. Who knew?!)
Anyway, my friend, Paula, and I had planned this trip for almost a year. Paula is a long-time Caribbean traveler and has been to STJ several times and though we'd never been down together, I knew she "got it." I have "Got It" Radar. I can just tell.
The rest of this might be a little brief and possibly out of order. (See rum consumption mentioned above.)
We started the trip with three nights planned on Jost Van Dyke. Paula and I had been on day trips (ferry, charter, etc.) before and both thought it'd be great to stay there. We stayed at the Seacrest Inn in Great Harbor, JVD. It was clean, has air, and is great on a budget. I don't know if I'd stay there again, but I'm glad I did once. Waking up to the quiet of Great Harbor was very nice. I was sitting on the deck one morning and thought to myself that I'd better remember this because in 5 or 10 years, it may not be so quiet and I'll say "geez, remember when Great Harbor used to be so quiet in the morning." A sad thought, I know, but an inevitable one I think.
We spent our days on Jost either on White Bay at the Soggy Dollar or Ivan's, and one day on the other side near Little Harbor, the Bubbly Pool, and Foxy's Taboo. (Ask me about all their flavors of daquiris there--yup, tried 'em all!)
Here are some photos:
The view from my chair did not suck:
Ask Captain Brandi (Palm Tree Charters) to tell the story of the "three strange women in the water at White Bay yelling to him. I'd tell it, but he does it so much better.
Bubbly Pool (not so bubbly right now):
Foxy's Taboo:
Best burger on the island:
View from Abe's, Little Harbor:
Ivan also invited us up one day to see his new Guest House:
Great view, and I think we'll be staying there at some point next year.
I loved being on Jost. I loved the immediate decompression that first morning. I loved how friendly the people are (if you're friendly too, of course) and how welcomed I felt. I loved walking into a place and someone recognizing us from earlier that day, or from the day before. I loved hitching rides in the back of BVI government vehicles for five bucks. I loved how I promised Mic at the Soggy Dollar that I'd be back in December and seeing him write it on his calendar (no, not the drink calendar--haha). It was just all great.
A couple of notes: We did Ivan's Thursday Night BBQ and then Foxy's Friday Night BBQ. Both were GREAT! I liked the one at Ivan's better for some reason, which the other gals seemed to agree with.
Also, that night at Ivan's after the barbecue his daughter offered to give us a ride back to Great Harbor (see, nice people!) and just as we were about to leave, the island went black! And no, it wasn't just me, it was all of JVD. It was so dark and so quiet, that I just sat down in the sand and stared up at the sky with my friend. The stars you can see there- WOW. Then they lit candles on the bar and everyone had a "Black Out Drink." I hadn't had anything that day since about 3:00, but who am I to argue?!
On Saturday after some great days on Jost we headed over to STJ. Yay! I know I said this the first time (and the next, and the next), but now I'm really certain it feels like coming home. And, I think everyone should leave one island only to go to another. It really softens the blow.
But I really do hope that mess on the hill is finished and more camflauged or something very soon.
We stayed at Hillcrest Guest House in Cruz Bay this trip (I have photos if anyone ever wants to see). Staying in Cruz Bay was, well, interesting. It was definitely new to me as I've always stayed on the Coral Bay side ("always." Listen to me. Snob.) and being right in Cruz Bay was a different experience. It was fun, though. So convenient to town, air conditioning, clean clean clean, and Phyllis, the owner, is wonderful. The one and only drawback is that hill. OMG, that hill. It's the steepest hill I've ever seen in my life, and I live at the foot of the Colorado Rockies. The days we didn't have a Jeep were killer!
Anyway, we rented a Jeep from St. John Car Rental (have "always" worked with them. Love them, they're very nice and helpful. Plus you can park in the lot). We just rented for 3 days, which turned out great. Turns out when you're literally being driven to drink, you don't really need to drive anyway. Ha.
During the Jeep days we went just about everywhere.
Here are some photos:
Miss Lucy's Sunday Brunch:
The breakfasts didn't seem quite as good as usual this time. Anyone else notice this?
Early cloudy morning on Jumbie:
Drunk Bay:
At Caneel:
Honeymoon:
From Hawksnest:
(Rain, rain, come on already!!)
Burger at Skinny's:
Salt Pond:
We had a great dinner with Pia and Les at Banana Deck:
Here's some FP:
(Shrimp Curry, Greek Salad, Spring Rolls)
And a great beach day at Maho with R&R:
I am so glad we have started this little tradition, guys!
We also went to the BB forum gathering:
(the ayer photos are MUCH better!)
But at least I have evidence of CaptainJay!
Gymnastika- here's the photo:
(I think they're yours! )
Still not a bad place to be at sunset, if you ask me:
I loved meeting you all! And thanks for the forum stuff, Anthony!
**No pics bonus:
One thing I do have to mention about this trip: We went to Maho one evening at about 9:00 because my friend Paula wanted to check for bioluminescence. She had apparently seen it on her last trip and I was game because, heck, what am I not game for when I'm on STJ?!
We got to Maho and it was deserted, of course, and so dark. I gazed up at the stars in awe, once again, and Paula dragged me to the water. We stepped in about up to our knees and, wow, sure enough, the bioluminescence was there. I don't want to go on and on about this, but IT WAS SO COOL! As you'd move your hands and feet through the water, it was like a glowing trail of fairy dust was following you. We played in the water like kids for probably an hour. I'm sure the boats moored out in the bay thought we'd lost our minds (or were very drunk), but it was wicked cool! If you get a chance, get out there. It may not be happening, but it can't hurt to check!
So this trip was to be Wednesday to Wednesday for me. I said my goodbyes to my friend, Paula, as she was still on island for another 2 nights. We probably cried a little because we are dumb, island loving girls who don't see each other much (she lives in Japan!). Ha ha. I did my normal "last morning on island" routine that Wednesday and got a sandwich to go from Deli Grotto, then went up to see R&R at St. John Spice. I begged them to let me sneak a couple extra things into my order box (I travel carry-on only and sometimes I forget that when I'm buying things). Then I got on the noon ferry to STT. I did my normal tearing up and see ya soon routine, and then promptly feel asleep in the taxi on the ride to the airport.
Getting through the airport was a breeze, I was through customs in about 5 minutes and then to my gate. Delta almost immediately started making announcements that the flight was overbooked. Big surprise. The offers started at $300, with hotel and transport for the night. Then it went up to $400. Then $500. And because I am a sucker, had a room already for two more nights, and I don't really like my job that much right now, I headed myself up to the counter. "$500?" I asked? The agent told me yes, and then it hit me: ask for a Friday flight (2 more nights, duh!) and so I did. (I'd already tried to extend this trip to Friday anyway, and they wanted $900. Oh, heck no. But would I take $500 to stay? Umm, yeah.) I was on the other side of the glass--yeah, you know which side I mean-- and headed back to the taxis in about 20 minutes. Woo hoo!
So, after leaving STJ on the noon ferry, I was headed back on the 3:00 ferry. Delta had given me transportation vouchers, too, so I didn't have to pay again. Woo hoo even more!
I sent my friend a text that I was on my way back, but she didn't believe me until I started giving her orders to find us a boat to go out on Thursday. If I was going to get another full day, I was going to do it right.
(I think I might have also called everyone I know on island, and everyone I know, period. Doesn't take much to excite me.)
So, after a few calls and tips from friends (thanks, Mrs. Captain John Brandi), we had a catamaran sail booked the next day. Yee ha! No trip is complete without a day on the water.
We sailed Thursday with Calypso and though it was the JVD trip, I was obviously not disappointed with that. Whenever I started to have a little guilt, I thought about where I!
Originally I wasn't going to write a trip report because I felt it'd be difficult to get through without talking a lot about someone I was traveling with. But that's not fair to anyone, and even though that part of the trip was rough, it was STILL the islands, I was STILL there, and I am STILL a very lucky girl for all I was able to experience.
Just know this: Due to the difficult person, I probably drank more on this trip than I ever have in my life. It was just necessary. Really, it was sort of like those drinking games you'd play in college. Like you're watching a sporting event and every time Bob Costas says "incredible!" or "I tell ya" you'd take a drink. Except this time it was pretty much anytime I heard "oh my gosh, what is with all this sand?!" or "why did I get sunburned? I put sunscreen on once in the morning!" I never knew it was possible to talk TOO loudly at Woody's. I was wrong. Yeah, bring on the rum.
(Sorry to anyone who thinks I'm being mean. Turns out when someone starts insulting places and people I love or complains about sand (on a beach!), I get mean. Who knew?!)
Anyway, my friend, Paula, and I had planned this trip for almost a year. Paula is a long-time Caribbean traveler and has been to STJ several times and though we'd never been down together, I knew she "got it." I have "Got It" Radar. I can just tell.
The rest of this might be a little brief and possibly out of order. (See rum consumption mentioned above.)
We started the trip with three nights planned on Jost Van Dyke. Paula and I had been on day trips (ferry, charter, etc.) before and both thought it'd be great to stay there. We stayed at the Seacrest Inn in Great Harbor, JVD. It was clean, has air, and is great on a budget. I don't know if I'd stay there again, but I'm glad I did once. Waking up to the quiet of Great Harbor was very nice. I was sitting on the deck one morning and thought to myself that I'd better remember this because in 5 or 10 years, it may not be so quiet and I'll say "geez, remember when Great Harbor used to be so quiet in the morning." A sad thought, I know, but an inevitable one I think.
We spent our days on Jost either on White Bay at the Soggy Dollar or Ivan's, and one day on the other side near Little Harbor, the Bubbly Pool, and Foxy's Taboo. (Ask me about all their flavors of daquiris there--yup, tried 'em all!)
Here are some photos:
The view from my chair did not suck:
Ask Captain Brandi (Palm Tree Charters) to tell the story of the "three strange women in the water at White Bay yelling to him. I'd tell it, but he does it so much better.
Bubbly Pool (not so bubbly right now):
Foxy's Taboo:
Best burger on the island:
View from Abe's, Little Harbor:
Ivan also invited us up one day to see his new Guest House:
Great view, and I think we'll be staying there at some point next year.
I loved being on Jost. I loved the immediate decompression that first morning. I loved how friendly the people are (if you're friendly too, of course) and how welcomed I felt. I loved walking into a place and someone recognizing us from earlier that day, or from the day before. I loved hitching rides in the back of BVI government vehicles for five bucks. I loved how I promised Mic at the Soggy Dollar that I'd be back in December and seeing him write it on his calendar (no, not the drink calendar--haha). It was just all great.
A couple of notes: We did Ivan's Thursday Night BBQ and then Foxy's Friday Night BBQ. Both were GREAT! I liked the one at Ivan's better for some reason, which the other gals seemed to agree with.
Also, that night at Ivan's after the barbecue his daughter offered to give us a ride back to Great Harbor (see, nice people!) and just as we were about to leave, the island went black! And no, it wasn't just me, it was all of JVD. It was so dark and so quiet, that I just sat down in the sand and stared up at the sky with my friend. The stars you can see there- WOW. Then they lit candles on the bar and everyone had a "Black Out Drink." I hadn't had anything that day since about 3:00, but who am I to argue?!
On Saturday after some great days on Jost we headed over to STJ. Yay! I know I said this the first time (and the next, and the next), but now I'm really certain it feels like coming home. And, I think everyone should leave one island only to go to another. It really softens the blow.
But I really do hope that mess on the hill is finished and more camflauged or something very soon.
We stayed at Hillcrest Guest House in Cruz Bay this trip (I have photos if anyone ever wants to see). Staying in Cruz Bay was, well, interesting. It was definitely new to me as I've always stayed on the Coral Bay side ("always." Listen to me. Snob.) and being right in Cruz Bay was a different experience. It was fun, though. So convenient to town, air conditioning, clean clean clean, and Phyllis, the owner, is wonderful. The one and only drawback is that hill. OMG, that hill. It's the steepest hill I've ever seen in my life, and I live at the foot of the Colorado Rockies. The days we didn't have a Jeep were killer!
Anyway, we rented a Jeep from St. John Car Rental (have "always" worked with them. Love them, they're very nice and helpful. Plus you can park in the lot). We just rented for 3 days, which turned out great. Turns out when you're literally being driven to drink, you don't really need to drive anyway. Ha.
During the Jeep days we went just about everywhere.
Here are some photos:
Miss Lucy's Sunday Brunch:
The breakfasts didn't seem quite as good as usual this time. Anyone else notice this?
Early cloudy morning on Jumbie:
Drunk Bay:
At Caneel:
Honeymoon:
From Hawksnest:
(Rain, rain, come on already!!)
Burger at Skinny's:
Salt Pond:
We had a great dinner with Pia and Les at Banana Deck:
Here's some FP:
(Shrimp Curry, Greek Salad, Spring Rolls)
And a great beach day at Maho with R&R:
I am so glad we have started this little tradition, guys!
We also went to the BB forum gathering:
(the ayer photos are MUCH better!)
But at least I have evidence of CaptainJay!
Gymnastika- here's the photo:
(I think they're yours!
)Still not a bad place to be at sunset, if you ask me:
I loved meeting you all! And thanks for the forum stuff, Anthony!
**No pics bonus:
One thing I do have to mention about this trip: We went to Maho one evening at about 9:00 because my friend Paula wanted to check for bioluminescence. She had apparently seen it on her last trip and I was game because, heck, what am I not game for when I'm on STJ?!
We got to Maho and it was deserted, of course, and so dark. I gazed up at the stars in awe, once again, and Paula dragged me to the water. We stepped in about up to our knees and, wow, sure enough, the bioluminescence was there. I don't want to go on and on about this, but IT WAS SO COOL! As you'd move your hands and feet through the water, it was like a glowing trail of fairy dust was following you. We played in the water like kids for probably an hour. I'm sure the boats moored out in the bay thought we'd lost our minds (or were very drunk), but it was wicked cool! If you get a chance, get out there. It may not be happening, but it can't hurt to check!
So this trip was to be Wednesday to Wednesday for me. I said my goodbyes to my friend, Paula, as she was still on island for another 2 nights. We probably cried a little because we are dumb, island loving girls who don't see each other much (she lives in Japan!). Ha ha. I did my normal "last morning on island" routine that Wednesday and got a sandwich to go from Deli Grotto, then went up to see R&R at St. John Spice. I begged them to let me sneak a couple extra things into my order box (I travel carry-on only and sometimes I forget that when I'm buying things).
Then I got on the noon ferry to STT. I did my normal tearing up and see ya soon routine, and then promptly feel asleep in the taxi on the ride to the airport.Getting through the airport was a breeze, I was through customs in about 5 minutes and then to my gate. Delta almost immediately started making announcements that the flight was overbooked. Big surprise. The offers started at $300, with hotel and transport for the night. Then it went up to $400. Then $500. And because I am a sucker, had a room already for two more nights, and I don't really like my job that much right now, I headed myself up to the counter. "$500?" I asked? The agent told me yes, and then it hit me: ask for a Friday flight (2 more nights, duh!) and so I did. (I'd already tried to extend this trip to Friday anyway, and they wanted $900. Oh, heck no. But would I take $500 to stay? Umm, yeah.) I was on the other side of the glass--yeah, you know which side I mean-- and headed back to the taxis in about 20 minutes. Woo hoo!
So, after leaving STJ on the noon ferry, I was headed back on the 3:00 ferry. Delta had given me transportation vouchers, too, so I didn't have to pay again. Woo hoo even more!
I sent my friend a text that I was on my way back, but she didn't believe me until I started giving her orders to find us a boat to go out on Thursday. If I was going to get another full day, I was going to do it right.
(I think I might have also called everyone I know on island, and everyone I know, period. Doesn't take much to excite me.)
So, after a few calls and tips from friends (thanks, Mrs. Captain John Brandi)
, we had a catamaran sail booked the next day. Yee ha! No trip is complete without a day on the water. We sailed Thursday with Calypso and though it was the JVD trip, I was obviously not disappointed with that. Whenever I started to have a little guilt, I thought about where I!
