Trip Report 11/25-12/2/06 - Part 6 CORAL BAY

ATG · Post by **ATG** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:30 pm

This trip report has taken on a life of its own, and the last installments are way overdue - thanks to work, Christmas, traffic, etc. If only I could recapture that relaxed laid back feeling of being in St. John....well I'll try:

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Today we decided to take a ride over to Coral Bay via Centerline Road. So out of Cruz Bay we go, past the Myra Keating Health Center, past the intersection with Gift Hill Road, and in and out of National Park territory. Just past the Reef Bay trailhead we pulled over and got this shot of Cinnamon Bay:

Made it to the Bordeaux Mountain look out area and there were about 5 taxi trucks filled to the brim with cruise ship peoples (there were 6 ships in that day). Still managed to get this shot:

Does anyone know, that road to the right of the Chateaux Bordeaux restaurant, is that Boreaux Mountain Road? We wanted to take a ride up it, but weren't sure how long it would stay paved. How far can you go, and what do you see along the way? Deciding to forgo that adventure, we headed down the mountain into Coral Bay. Then we start driving aimlessly, not sure where we want to have lunch. Head out toward Ship Wreck Landing, then decide to turn around. Some sights along the way:

(Just Classic!)

Decide to check out the new shopping center, where the Acqua Bistro restaurant is. Checked out the grocery store there, pretty well stocked, sure had every variety of candy known to man, so if you are a chocoholic, you will get your fix...

Started driving toward the East End, past Estate Zootenvaal, when we start getting hungry and start wondering how far we are going to go. Manage to turn around and stopped at Skinny's. Here is the menu:

This place does not look like much, but they do make a mean cheeseburger! Had to stop here on the way out:

I know, I know, I'm such a tourist...

Headed back to the condo to suit up for the beach, and went to Trunk. I do have to say, regardless of its popularity and crowdedness (it really isn't that crowded, even on the crowdiest day (is that a word?), especially when you compare it to an August day at the Jersey shore), this really is the perfect beach. Nice walking paths, tropical foliage everywhere, showers, bathrooms, gear rental, snack bar, snorkel trail, powdery white soft sand, turquoise blue water, the one place I do not mind my tax dollars at work. I couldn't believe, just as I was taking the camera out to snap some pictures, this cruise ship was passing by:

Ate dinner that night at Panini Beach. Really nice, relaxing setting right on the beach in Cruz Bay, pretty good food too. Had to get back to watch Survivor. Kept thinking if Survivor was on a beach on St. John, I could easily become the Sole Survivor...

Laura T · Post by **Laura T** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:37 pm

Thank you for your trip reports and pictures (even after all the instructions on this forum, I can't figure out how to post pictures).

In answer to the question "Does anyone know, that road to the right of the Chateaux Bordeaux restaurant, is that Boreaux Mountain Road?"...we stayed at a villa down that road a few years back. Never took the road to the end (I think it turns into a dirt road that may lead to Coral Bay, but I am not sure). I do know that you hit the top of the Bordeaux Mountain Trail if you head down the road a mile (plus) or so. A very unused trail. Worth a visit if you like to hike (and have plenty of water!) - it's all downhill...until you have to come back up.

Thanks again for your lovely postings...

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:32 pm

I just love the pictures you're posting and the story you're telling with them! Thanks!

mfaughey · Post by **mfaughey** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:20 am

Great pics!!!

Kentuckygirl · Post by **Kentuckygirl** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:10 am

Thanks for the trip report! I love that you posted your pictures along the way! It makes me feel like I'm there. Thanks!

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:13 am

I love your report and pictures!

As to Bordeaux Mountain "road," I am fairly positive that it is not driveable--parts of it are, but when you get to the top you can't get all the way up. It's just in too bad of a condition.

John absolutely covets that stained glass flying elvis that you can see to the left of the surfboard menu at Skinny Legs. He's been trying to find a similar one for a couple of years.

sea-nile · Post by **sea-nile** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:16 am

Thanks for the pictures! I really needed them on this rainy, foggy, dreary day.

parafins · Post by **parafins** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 11:56 am

I'm so homesick after seeing those pictures!Thanks for sharing.Merry Christmas,The Benyi family [parafins]

Bart Wailes · Post by **Bart Wailes** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:40 pm

Bordeaux Mountain Road is about 95% driveable. If you enter from Chateau Bordeaux Rest. your on a paved road for over one mile. When you come to a fork in the road you go right and up a paved section and then the road goes to dirt. Diveable but dirt. Proceed another 1/2 mile and go left at the next fork in the road, proceed 1/4 mile and you then start down towards Coral Bay. It is this 600 foot dirt portion I don't feel safe driving. If you have some GUTS once you are past that section you hit a paved switchback, .2 miles of dirt road and the rest is paved to Island Blues.

silverheels · Post by **silverheels** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 3:03 pm

Liamsaunt:
I do believe that the stained glass elvis that you are referring to is actually the New England Patriots symbol.

ATG · Post by **ATG** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 7:19 pm

Re the Bordeaux Mountain Road, are there any good views to stop and see along the way?

usvi-on-line