USVI-On-Line

Our last beautiful morning!



Bye cute little critters.



All packed up, we decided to go ahead and abandon house at about 9 to head to Cruz Bay. We first headed to the Marketplace complex to hit Surf da Web (I just love the guys there ... very competent and friendly) to print our boarding passes out. Less than $5 for internet time and printing. Another bonus for Continental, when you check in to the first leg of our flight you can sign up for them to automatically check you in for your return flight. I was suspicious that it was really work. You tell them where to email your boarding passes and, in theory, they do. Well, I checked my email and sitting in my inbox were my boarding passes. It seems like a small thing, but it saved us time and the hassle of remembering codes and what not. Very nice.

We finished up at Surf da Web, and I again lamented that Nest wasn't open. It looks like a great little shop. Oh well, not meant to be.

Next we headed to Connections to drop off the bags. So convenient. With time to spare before needing to return the car to Conrad's we headed to Mongoose. We hit Deli Grotto for a 2nd breakfast - we had cereal at the house!

I promise I usually don't allow oreos for breakfast, but it was our last morning, we all needed something to ease the pain.



And for me the breakfast of champions or those with a long travel day ahead, Deli Grotto iced tea and the chocolate coconut bar!



Before we knew it, it was 10:30 so we headed to Conrad's to drop off the car. We planned to get the 12 noon ferry, though we cold have made the 11 am, we hadn't said hi to Ruth yet! So we made a pit stop in St. John Spice.



For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Ruth, do meet her. She is the real deal. So very nice and the goods in St. John Spice are NOT to be missed. We picked up some tea for my tea-loving mama who was picking us up at the airport later. And of course, more candy for the Mini Flip-Flop. We chatted about their plans to build a little place of their own and I tried to talk Ruth into starting her own blog about that process! I think it would be a great read!!!! Their plan sounds wonderful and I, for one, would love to rent a week of STJ from her

Next we moved over to St. John Kids. The kids entertained themselves with all the toys and fun stuff. Even the big kid (aka Mr. Flip-Flop) found a little something he couldn't live without. Toys purchased we decided it was time to go retrieve the bags and head for the ferry.

Tempting ... so tempting ... and I am qualified!







Fully stocked and ready to roll, literally. For the parents of little ones out there, this jeep stroller is great.



My guys passing the time.



I wonder how much this little guy will change in the next 9 months until our next trip...hopefully only for the better!



Soon we were loaded up in the ferry and on our way back to Red Hook. Ira was there about 5 minutes after we arrived and we headed for the airport. We arrived at about 1 to find no lines at the continental desk, and having packed so lightly, no need to grab a porter. We were through security and customs in less than 1/2 an hour. Another good thing about going in the real off-season, I suppose.

Our flight left on time and 3 and they fed us again! Burgers this time. Pretty good burgers too ... I mean not Skinny Leg's level or anything but edible. We were hoping the little guy would crash but I think we missed the nap window and he wasn't the happiest of campers on the first leg. Not horrible, just not unconscious as I'd hoped! The flight home seemed VERY long. We landed in Newark without incident and were back in the air about an hour later headed for DC.

We had another wonderful trip and I can't wait to return in June. I think having a trip planned prior to returning eased the pain of re-entry a little. Not a lot. I absolutely loved staying in Coral Bay. Loved the house. Loved Conrad Sutton and Christy's. The beaches were as beautiful as ever. Great food. It was so quiet and peaceful and a perfect way to spend a week!

I am counting the days until we return!

Thank you for sharing your trip with us. It seems like you had a great time.

I have enjoyed reading your reports and looking at the pictures.

So sorry your trip's over. I enjoyed the ride. "No slobs or alcoholics" made me laugh. Thanks for the pics and reports.

I've been reading all of your installments, and haven't replied until now. Thanks so much for your entertaining and informative posts, and the fabulous pictures. We're headed to Coral Bay (also on Howard's Way) in December, and just reading your reports have made it a little easier to be patient, butalso sweetening the anticipation. Safe journeys.

How have I never made it to Deli Grotto? That will change in about 60 days from now!

Flip flop-
I really enjoyed reading about your stay , and (sadly) your departure.
You're so right about having the next trip in your sights while on your current vaca. It's a priceless feeling to know you'll be back soon.
We were in Seabiscuit this past April; Great home, eh?! One night we deemed ourselves "too much under the influence" to drive to Island Blues, so we walked down that steep driveway, and hill. We had the time of our lives! -Then we realized we had to walk back up to the house .That night was the best three days I've ever had on STJ. ...-
Gorgeous! Thanks again for the pix and report.
Smiles-
MJ

Another great and oh so cute installment. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. We'll have to hook up in June. I'll for sure PM you and arrange it. Hitting a beach with the kids sounds like fun. My hubby and I leave on June 9th. Our kids come 2 days later. Don't forget to put yourself on the user vacation calendar so we know when you're there.

I too have held off responding until now, but I've read each of your installments. Thank you for the wonderful trip report and pictures. My husband and I are close to starting a family, and I am as determined as you to still travel with small children. It's a great inspiration and you show that it can be done.

As my trip is now a scant 21 days away (and as I'm depriving myself so as not to overspill my bikini), your pictures are a great reminder of how lovely St. John is during the off season.

Here's to keeping those dreaded H-storms away.

Thank you for your report. I am sad it is over so quickly. Are you heading back to Coral Bay in June?

great stuff! thanks!

Great reports. Thanks. I am almost as sorry that your trip ended as you are. It's been great reading the reports. Agree on Ruth. We met her in June when we had the MIL with us. She's warm and friendly from the moment you say hello.

I waited 'til the end to reply also. Your trip reports were great! I think that it is really wonderful that you include the children in your adventures. They seem very independent, and at ease with the surroundings there, not to mention their cuteness is through the roof!

Thanks ya'll. I very much appreciate the kind comments

Liamsaunt - We'll be headed to Coral Bay in June ... Carolina Ridge. I think I found the road we are going to be on but not the actual house this past week. My main 09 concern is the motion sickness intensifying. We were fortunate to not have any actual hurling ... we were not so fortunate on Mini's first trip there at 3.

Hey Flip! Enjoyed your report and the pics!! I cannot believe how big Mini has gotten! Belly Flop is just so adorable...looks like he fits right in with Island Time...
Glad you had a good time and now you have another visit to look forward to...it doesn't get better than that

Enjoyed all your installments! So sorry to see them end.

Maybe we'll see you in June!