USVI-On-Line

I'm sitting in the Charlotte airport--first leg of our trip to STJ from Philly went smoothly. I keep expecting to see flip-flop and family to show up at the gate, but I don't know what airline she's on. It would feel like meeting a celebrity

I am soooo excited to be going back! Two years is too long. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Flip FLop is on Continental Airlines thru Newark NJ and going straight to STT from there. She should land around 2:30 or so at STT.

Not sure when you're getting there. But if you see a 5'9 woman with a blue hawaiian print LL bean rolling bag, a 6 year old a 18 month old (who looks like a little linebacker) and Mr. FF (ultra cool asian dude)then that's them!!

If you see her tell her that Gromit told you to ask her for her autograph!! She will die!!!

Tell Bruce and Jan hello, and enjoy a bushwacker for us.

JIM & DIANA

Have an amazing vacation!

Yay--we're here! Long travel day--we were up at 3:30 AM (argh), took off on time in Philly and also in Charlotte. Pretty smooth flights (little bumpy near Fay), and we got in early! I had an unheard of experience in Philly with USAir--a helpful, friendly USAir employee, who actually told us the best line to get in. She smiled, and was genuinely interested in helping. Wow. Maybe they are really trying to get their act together???

Jim, Luna Vista is amazing, and Bruce and Jan are just as nice as can be. Frankie and Barney are also fab (doggies). The sun was setting as we arrived so we didn't get the full view effect, but I'm looking forward to seeing it tomorrow. I just walked outside and could see the lights of Roadtown in the distance--beautiful.

New experience for us: renting on STT and taking the car barge. Discount was fabulous, and we got the best rate from them. Helpful people always with a smile, and Austin was the best. One thing I need to clarify, though--even though their website says they are open until 10, I think that just means they answer the *phone* until 10. The office seems to close at 5, but I'll bet they would do later pickups if necessary. The ride to Red Hook was a lot easier than I thought it would be (it helped that there were no cruise ships in port today), and we even managed to back onto the barge without putting dents in the car! Ride over was wonderful and breezy, with great views of STJ as we came into the barge dock. One thing that we didn't do that we planned to: we had NO room in the Liberty for any groceries, so we didn't buy any on STT. Too tired to deal today (and I brought some staples with me), so I'll go shopping tomorrow. Our hosts left a full bottle of dark Cruzan and a 6-pack of Carib (and limes!)--what more do I need?

I took some good pics today, but I'm too tired to figure out how to post them, so maybe I'll get to that tomorrow.

Only concern right now: the mosquitos are out in FULL FORCE, due to the big rainstorm a little over a week ago (pre-Fay). The breeze up here on the mountain is keeping them at bay, but I know we're gonna go through a lot of bug spray this time. Ruth, I am SO stopping by tomorrow to get one of those swatters (or 3 or 4!). We have one at home that we bought last time at Maho, but we stupidly left it there. But this way we'll be giving you more business, which is always a good thing! I also need to stock up on Cruz Bay Spice Rub....mmmm.

Flip-flop and Neeners (and Ruth and Pia), if you're reading this, we're going to try to get to the Beach Bar Sunday evening. Maybe see you there! We're the middle-aged couple with the two 13-year-old boys.

So happy to be here!

with the two 13-year-old boys.

Two 13-year old boys--you have my prayers.

Amy, It sounds like you're on your way to having a great time...roll with it.

Amy....y'all have a fabulous time!!! Looking forward to your trip reports & pics.

bayer--tee hee! Actually, both boys (my son and his best friend) are great kids who LOVE the island and snorkeling, so we'll all have a good time. Before we collapsed last night we had a fun game of Scrabble.

Woke up to sun and wonderful breezes this morning. Hubs is getting a massage this morning to soothe his sore neck from the travel day, while we go grocery shopping. Then home for lunch and a beach this afternoon, probably Maho or Cinnamon. The wind at Cinnamon might keep the bugs away.

Thanks for the well-wishes, everyone!

Lucky duck! While you're at Maho/Cinnamon today, I'll be doing chores! Guess my turn will soon come . . . hurry vacation!
Keep us posted of your adventures!
Cheers to you & yours!