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Trip report Nov 7 – 16th 2007
Hi everyone I just wanted to give you our trip report to St John, we had an exceptional time and the weather was just perfect. One day of clouds and one day of rain, the rest was blue skies and warm water.
I will start with the house, we stayed with Viva Vacations in a villa called Orion’s hill it was a very beautiful house with just a few drawl backs. Unfortunately for us the owners were on vacation (and I say that because we needed them) we had a pesky mouse that visited every night, the grill had no propane. The air-condition units would turn on in the morning and shut off at night. That was the downside of the home.
The upside was everything else: Big living space up and downstairs, bedrooms were the same size with the upper having a better view of coral bay and sunrises. We loved the top of the roof you can go up there at night and see so many stars. in the morning you can see almost a 360 view of St. John. It was extremely private with not a soul around (but a mouse…ha ha) the house is under-rated, it could be rented every week, the pictures do it no justice. Two things the house is missing is king size beds and an outdoor shower. Other than that, it’s perfect.
Wednesday Nov 7th: we arrived on time in STT, caught the 5:30 ferry from CA to Cruz Bay. Called the car company 3 times to let them know we would be late (make sure you do this if your not getting on the island until after 6:00) spent the first night in the villa tried to cook out but had to cook in. (all was good, how can it be bad your in St. John)
Thursday Nov 8th: started our day with the most beautiful sunrise over coral bay, then packed up the jeep and went to hawksnest. The reef is awesome out there and very easy for my daughter (14) who has only snorkeled once. We decided to try and do another beach the same day and went to cinnamon, very nice beach long snorkel out with my daughter but she did well and loved it. Went to the house to clean up and and went to dinner at trap fish. We all liked our meals.
Friday Nov 9th: went to water lemon hiked till we hit a sandy spot dropped our bags and went on further down through the woods to go around the cay…very nice snorkeling, saw a black tip shark (just a little guy 3 feet long) the we ended our day at trunk bay. I already knew that most of the coral out on the reefs were dead so I stayed back and enjoyed my views of the beautiful shore line. While we were there someone got up on the rocks and were standing (hello did you read the signs with reef killing?) I think people should be fined if they kill coral (it will make them more aware of what they should and shouldn't’t do)
Saturday Nov 10th: went to Via’s beach…oh this was a wonderful day, we enjoyed it so much. Her beach has a fantastic reef and the beach provides a lot of privacy, with chairs to enjoy. We had her conch fritters and her garlic chicken we really liked it. We normally don’t do fried food but we were on vacation and once in a great while it won’t kill you. We stayed until the sun went down.
Sunday Nov 11th: decided to be a little more adventurous and packed a cooler full of beer and food and headed to brown bay trail. (the trail is hard with a cooler if your not in shape) made it to brown bay, it was awesome. That’s all I’m going to say! Ended our day at shipwreck….were not real satisfied with our meal, but who’s complaining….I’m not cooking so all is good!
Monday Nov 12th: wow 5 days of beautiful weather perfect skies and weather. We went to Francis Bay. We saw a photo shoot (Jade) I’m not sure who she was but it looked like she was filming for her video. We saw the biggest turtle yet with 2 sucker sharks (I’m not sure what they were) on it’s back, he let my daughter and I go and touch it several times. Awesome! Lot’s of bugs on the beach, went to a store and they didn't’t sell bug spray we just stayed in the water (like everyone else). Fun day!
Tuesday Nov 13th: first day of rain, it didn't’t stop us any. We went to Jumbie hung out there until 1:00 (sorta cold in the water) went to Caneel for lunch found some of there hidden beaches on there property (Turtle & Scott). Visited honeymoon, Wrapped up the day at Skinnylegs (great bushwhackers) to much fun…this day made me think of my new business that I will be planning….cant wait till I can get it together.
Wednesday Nov 14th: Beautiful day…HOT! Went on Palm Tree Charters with captain John. Virgin Gorda, snorkeled the Indians and went to soggy dollar. The best day ever my daughter still says. It was fun, were going to book again with him in July when we go back.
Thursday Nov 15th: Ended our vacation on Gibney Beach. Perfect day, perfect location, and a great ending to our favorite destination. We stayed until the sun went down went back to the house packed up our stuff and went down to coral bay to I think aslore….I could be wrong, it had an out door bar and we all had sandwiches very good!
Friday Nov 16th: went down to the docks didn’t have to leave the island until 2:00 had one of the guys there watch our luggage while we shopped we tipped him pretty good and sat at some little bar and drank our last few hours away.
It’s sad to be back in Ohio…everyone here is sick with colds and we haven’t seen sunshine since the day we left St. John.
Hope you enjoy my report, see ya all soon!
Samantha
i'm going to try and put my pictures on here let me know if it works
http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=185138637/a=52148323_52148323/t_=52148323
Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation 🙂
Just would like to mention to you (and others that may be reading this) to please not touch the turtles as we have an oil on our fingers that can be harmful to them 🙁
Pia
For anyone who is interested here is a quote from the West Indies Marine Animal Research and Conservation Service
http://www.wimarcs.org/news_WhatAreSeaTurtles.htm
"All species are either threatened or endangered, and are thus protected by law. The Virgin Islands are home to green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. These three species may be found in the surrounding waters as well as on local beaches. Sea turtles are unique reptiles that should be appreciated and enjoyed by all -- residents and tourists alike. Just remember to look, not touch! "
Pia
Samantha,
Thanx for sharing! Great trip report!
Interesting to hear about the a/c system! Never heard of anyone doing this! I knew of a villa that had switches on the bedroom doors, if the doors were open to the main house, the a/c would shut down. Doors had to be closed in order for a/c's to work in the bedrooms. People are usually out by day and in by night.....hmmm.
Sounds like you had a great time!
I was able to get to the pictures, but couldn't open the album. Glad you had a great trip!
