St. John Trip Report Day 5

Sorry guys but I think the Ram Head hike is going to be the most exciting of my entire report. I don't think I'll be able to top it here. I'll give it a good try!

I can't believe it is Sunday already! Up again early today with the sunrise, that's about 6ish for those who never see the sun rise on St. John. I think the baby boy was afraid he would miss something. He wanted to be sure we got the most out of every day. What a difference a year makes!

How can you mind when he wakes up in a mood like this?



So by 7 am I was itching to call Conrad and find out about the car. I waited until almost 8 am before I just could not stand it and called, finding him already at the car fixing it up. Something about corrosion on the connections of something to something. Not to worry he says, he'll be done soon and can bring it to the house. I give him directions. Pass the Westin, Right on Great Cruz Bay road, up the road over 6 speed bumps, left up the hill. Less than 1/2 an hour later he's there with the car. Yay! Not on island time at all. This man was on top of it.

So I hop in to ride down to the Westin with him since his car is there, only to be asked if I had any paper towels. He wanted to clean the windows. For those who are even thinking about NOT renting from him because of this incident, don't be dismayed. I pick him everytime because he is a bit OCD about his cars. Sometimes that comes out with a tongue lashing to a tourist who he deems is not taking good care of his cars. This problem could happen to any car on STJ and the Liberty we had only had about 6000 miles on it. I asked him how his day had been and he said, "No accidents yet, so it's a good one!" (Of course, this made me think of Kellyanna!)

Window cleaned, I hop in and we are on our way to the Westin. Usually I am a bit timid (ha!) but I start talking to Mr. Sutton to find that he is not the native St. Johnian I expected him to be. He was born on Nevis, coming to St. John in the 60's. I tell him I can't even imagine the changes he's seen and he just smiles. I asked him why he came to St. John and he said it was pure economics. He could make a better living on STJ and then he told me about his first night on St. John. He was sleeping in a house up above where his car lot now is on a cotton cot under a window. He said he slept the same way at home in Nevis, on a cot under a window. When he woke up for his first morning on St. John, he said he looked out that window and it looked like home. (Reinforcing my idea that I would like to see Nevis!) He also told me the Westin used to be a swamp and they dredged and brought in sand to create the beach. We chatted a bit more, I found out he started with just "a car or two" and now has many more than that. I know that others have had less than pleasant experiences with him, but I was almost glad my car had its little trouble and I got to spend this time with him.

After dropping Mr. Sutton at the Westin, I head back up to the house. Our plan for the day was to head to Francis. Another one of my favorites and a great beach for little ones. Jo (very fairskinned girl she is) preferred to stay at the house and agreed to watch the baby boy. We packed the car to head out. Dididididdidididiid the car says. I can't believe it! It started but I was a bit paranoid so I decided to head straight to Conrad's, afraid of being stranded way out on the North shore somewhere.



10 minutes to town and I pull up. He sees me coming and I explain the noise to him and he says, "Don't worry, give me a second and I'll take care of it." He jumps in a 2 door vitara and heads out, returning in about 10 minutes with a new Jeep Liberty. We transfer all the crap and head off to the beach. Now, maybe I am way more lenient than most people would be. Maybe I have a history with them, so I cut more slack. I don't know, but I do know I stayed reasonable and he 100% took care of me and made it right. I was satisfied.

Loaded up in the car and only about 40 minutes delayed, we are on our way to Francis.

This is why I love Francis



The views are amazing. Francis is a little further past Maho, but not far, and there are signs and a little parking lot. If the lot is full you can also park along one side of the road. It is not hard to find. On our last trip, this was the beach where I saw my first turtle and a dolphin and tons of fish. Mr. Flip-Flop and I deemed this our new favorite beach. Note: Flip-Flop has about 4 favorite beaches on St. John, ok maybe 5 each for a different reason! Jumbie for the solitude, Francis for the views, Maho for the kids, Hawksnest for the convenience, Salt Pond for the old school St. John feel. I could go on :)

But today it is Francis



We enjoy the morning & pose for a family picture sans the baby boy who is back at the house entertaining Jo I am sure.



Time to Snorkel




Mr. Flip-Flop and I head out to snorkel leaving Gram and Mini Flip-Flop to float around near the shore. I think they could have both stayed there all day long. I am so glad we brought the little floats. The adults really found them handy. If you stick your head through a child's ring float (I discovered this because I definitely couldn't get it around my waist!) and lean back you have a nice little head rest for floating around and your hat stays mostly dry.

We didn't see much snorkeling this day, mostly because I was a total spaz. When snorkeling (like with scuba) it takes mama Flip-Flop a while to get herself acclimated and it just wasn't working for me this day. I am always better when I see things right away and this day was a bit murky and I could not see squat. There is a such a sweetness to my husband who snorkels and dives like a fish. Me, knowing he wanted so badly to be off exploring, but also knowing he was going to stick with me no matter what. He sets me up with the better mask, the more comfortable fins, carries all the gear! He takes good care of me.

I really don't/haven't/won't snorkel without him. Typically holding onto some part of him, his hand, his shorts, his fins. Something. I know I am coming off as a total wimp, and I really am not. I am tough as nails in many ways, but I know my weaknesses and I trust him to be aware of our surroundings and lead me in the right direction. Mostly just AWAY from danger. He's a master of distraction when he sees something that he knows is gonna totally freak me out. Trust me, it doesn't take much.

I know it is sappy, but when you've known someone your whole adult life (we are college sweethearts - there was a breakup in there but I grabbed hold and would not let go, some call it stalking I call it persistence), there is a certain level of attachment that forms. I do all the laundry, he keeps me from totally freaking out. It works. Again, I digress!

I decided to head for shore and he enjoyed a little solo snorkeling, still not seeing a whole lot other than a feeding frenzy. After a couple of hours, we decide to head back to the house to relieve Jo and have some lunch. We ate lunch in far more often this trip. Which was fine, but I did NOT get to Skinny Leg's for a burger and thus, I must go back.

The Mini Flip-Flop is the BEST big sister ever. She is such a help with the baby boy. She loves to play with him. And kiss him. And talk about how CHUNKY he is. Everyone who saw him commented on how "BIG!" he is. I know I know. He's got rolls on his rolls. So did the mini believe it or not, then she just starting growing up instead of out. Its good to have a reserve, right!



Gram and Jo succumbed to naps, but the rest of us were itching to get out of the house and head to town. Plus, there was the Beach Bar gathering (that wasn't to be) at 4ish. Thanks guys! We head off to wharfside.

Ella finds Ice Cream



And we hang out for a little while on the sand. This is the Ferry Dock from the Beach Bar.



Maybe I scared the Happy Hourer's away with the kids. I don't normally take them to bars, but this IS St. John.



Seeing NO ONE I recognize at the Beach Bar, we decide to hit the shops at Wharfside.

St. John Spice (I don't see Ruth, but also didn't think to ask about her, not knowing her office was upstairs!)



Freebird



Ending up at Paradise Cafe in search of the Cocoberry shake of VickiH fame.



Sadly, they were out of a lot of things and I had to settle for a Bushwacker. Quite the sacrifice! Wow, it was powerful good!



The Mini Flip-Flop doesn't know I can read her mind. Here she is thinking, I know I have ice cream but I wonder if there is a way to obtain MORE ice cream.



I make a quick pitstop back at the Beach Bar, but we are having an early dinner (6pm since we are taking the baby), so I can't really linger and I don't see anyone I know anyway!

Back at the house, we have another bath!



And take in a gorgeous Sunset

Going



Going



Almost Gone



Tonight we have dinner out at Rhumblines with the entire gang, kids and all.

On our way to Rhumblines, they are happy because food soon come!



Rhumblines is big on atmosphere. Not fancy, and unexpected from the street, but once you enter the courtyard there are tons of twinkling lights and glowing tiki torches. The tables are set around like you are in someone's intimate and cozy backyard. It is casual and relaxed with a few swings scattered at the bar between the stools. Rhumblines is a great choice if you want something nicer but still kid friendly. I see why Kenny and Renee chose it for their pre-wedding party.

The gang tried to figure out what to eat.



We were lucky enough to also enjoy live music the evening we were there. I am not sure who this lovely lady was, but she was very enjoyable. I was a little afraid when I saw her setting up, since we had the kids. But the music was mellow and lowkey and perfect. There was one couple who got VERY into the music making out BIG TIME right there next to our table. At least I hope they were an actual couple. They were very, very intoxicated and it would have been great if they would have gotten a room, or a bathroom, or an alleyway, or a beach. Anything other than in the middle of the courtyard right in front of the musician that everyone was focused on. We could not help laughing at them. I know its rude to laugh at others, but they were asking for it. I really wish I had snapped a picture!

The Music



And of course, the food was very good. Not outstanding, but very good. A warning, just about everything was fairly spicy. Not make your mouth hurt spicy, but spicy. Not a bad thing or a good thing, just something to know. Of course, the kids options are not!

Warning: Food Porn coming up

I had decided on the Blackened Mahi, but was told by our waitress that it was the spiciest thing on the menu. I like spicy, but this discouraged me, so I ordered this instead.

BBQ shrimp, sweet potato chips, sweet slaw and julienned veggies



It was yummy and the baby boy loved the veggies.

Mr. Flip-Flop went for one of the specials, Island Pad Thai, which he said was very spicy but he's asian, he likes super spicy!



Gram went for the lime pork, which she declared good but very limey



Jo had a steak with horseradish potato thing and veggies



Barbo did a selection of smaller bites from the pupu platter menu



And finally Jim got soup(?) and a salad and a red stripe



The baby boy and I are happy that our tummies are full!



And the mini decides the napkin makes an excellent headdress



Jo & the Mini Flip-Flop do their best boy scout impersonations



I promise you ... all smiles all the time.



And with that we headed back to the house and called it a night!

Tomorrow: Morning rain, 1/2 the gang goes to STT to shop the other 1/2 goes to Coral Bay & Dinner at Zozos!

St. John Trip Report Day 4

When people say the Ram Head hike (corrected from Ram's Head, because I am sure JT is probably right) is hot, believe them. It is HOT. Even though a large part of it is not in the direct sun, significant stretches are. Even though you go at 7 am, it is still hot. Especially the return trip. Is what? Hot. That's right. JT you might want to skip the next several paragraphs if you are reading.

That said, if you are even marginally in shape (not that I claim to be), do it! I am SO glad we did. Every trip I try to do at least 1 thing outside of my comfort zone. Last time it was scuba diving with Colette off of Haulover (I hyperventilate everytime I put my face in the water ... I think it is the sound of the breathing in my head and me reminding myself don't forget to breathe that does it ... but she got me down 30 feet!). This time the out of my comfort zone experience was to be the Ram Head hike. I do not hike! I don't pretend to be outdoorsy. I am so NOT a hiker that I forgot to bring any appropriate footwear. Now that I think of it, I am SO NOT a hiker that I don't think I even own appropriate footwear. (If they aren't cute, they don't go on my feet). Thankfully I have a practical and sensible husband, and Mr. Flip-Flop brought his tevas and his sneakers!

I had prescheduled 80 minute massages with Nomadic Spa for Barbo and I back at the villa at 11 am. In hindsight, not quite enough of a time cushion, even for an early morning hike. We were up and out of the house by 7 am. A small miracle. Jo & Gram tag-teamed the little ones so that we could do this hike unencumbered. Of course, only if you don't count me.

We hoped to have enough time to do the hike and take a break in Salt Pond before heading back to the house for our well earned massages. Honestly we would have probably had time, had we not gotten a little lost. Twice.

Is it me or does this donkey look like he's thinking "Lost dumbasses!"



First, we headed right past the turn for 104 which was going to connect us to Centerline. We were almost to Fish bay before I started thinking this is not right. Ok, my fault. I was giving directions poorly. I found the most dangerous thing is thinking you know what you are doing! No harm, no foul, we get turned around & finally found and headed up 104, making our way out to Coral Bay.

We turn onto 107 and drive and drive and pass Concordia (wow, that is way out there) and the pass a little lot with a sign (that doesn't say anything). Turns out that was the Salt Pond lot. For the uninitiated there are no signs. We didn't realize that the lot we passed was for Salt Pond until we hit Lameshur.

U-turn #2 and finally we arrive at what we hope is the Salt Pond lot. I strap on Mr. Flip-Flops tevas, only a size or two too big, as tightly as I can and we are off to find & conquer Ram head. Even I was not stupid enough to try this hike in flip-flops. That would have been a disaster.

They almost fit!



As we had wasted so much time just getting there the hike itself was similar to a death march, only probably faster. We headed down the road from the parking lot to Salt Pond and now I see
why people whine about it. I was too focused on Ram Head to think this is gonna totally suck coming back up. It seemed long going down and WAY longer heading back to the car. I think because there is no beautiful view to distract you.

We emerge from the road onto Salt Pond and take in the view. Just gorgeous. Only 2 people on the beach. One of whom we ask, pointing to the end of the beach, Is that the way to Ram head?, to which we got a hearty yes. Confident we were finally on the right track we headed across Salt Pond and onto the trail. How hard can a 1.2 mile hike be? I will not lie, I am pretty strong but pretty out of shape - if that makes any sense - and I found the hike was not easy, but it wasn't brutal either. It is far more fun and dramatic for me to make it seem like I almost died, I didn't. But it was not easy. Of course my husband kept saying This is not so bad! And I kept saying on the inside Shut up already, Mr. Flip-Flop! It really was all for him, well him and the view at the end!

It was HOT but the hiking itself was not treacherous. There are a few iffy spots for me (the chronically balance challenged) that required some help from Mr. Flip-Flop but nothing really scary.

There are beautiful rewarding views along the way as well.




I think Barbo was thinking of ways to kill me in this picture. She went because her husband really wanted to and probably because I kept saying, I heard on the forum its not so bad and its relatively flat and short!



We trek on and find ourselves at Blue Cobblestone beach, which is quite cool, but short on time we head on across. The biggest mistake was scheduling ourselves too tight. It would have been much easier and more enjoyable if we weren't in such a hurry. I know ALL wrong!



From here you can see Ram Head and I begin to think to myself, There is no way I am going to make it up there! Still, I was in the lead and I pressed on. I felt bad because the Barbos at this point had fallen a little behind but I could not slow down. I knew if I did it would be all over but the crying. I had to keep pushing. I didn't care how long it took anyone else, but the more quickly I went the quicker I would be done!

Me, smiling so that I won't cry.



So we cross the blue beach and head on up the trail. This part was the hot part. Partially exposed and a couple of steep switchbacks. I am dripping sweat at this point. I don't like to sweat, but it was pouring off of me. By this time I had downed an entire large bottle of water & had one of the two neoprene frozen bottles we'd brought strategically placed to keep cool (between the girls - if you need more explanation than that I fear I am too shy to elaborate, but it really works). We keep on keeping on.

We come across this little guy. Brightly colored means poisonous, right?





Eventually we see the light at the end of the tunnel. We get to a high point and I say out loud, This must be it! to which Mr. Flip-Flop gives me the surely you must be kidding look as if to say we've come this far, we are not stopping. I really hoped to convince him we were at the summit but no here come some even earlier hikers heading down toward us. Damn them!
So we continue up, and I am so glad we did! We hit the top of Ram head and soak in the view. We were up there all by our lonesome!

From the point I was ready to give up to the actual real top was maybe 2 minutes. It was hot up there, but absolutely gorgeous. By this time I was sure I had totally sweated off all sunscreen and I can't tell if my red skin is sunburn or a result of me going into respiratory arrest! Just kidding. I was panting a little. But mostly just because we were moving fast.

I did think several times along the trail, I really hope no one hurts themselves because if they do there is NO way we are getting them out of here. Perhaps Medivac. Then I started to think, hmmmmmmm medivac, an airlift out of here sounds pretty good. Maybe a minor injury isn't such a bad idea. Who should we hurt? Just kidding!

We spent about 10 minutes at the summit, wondering what the hell are Everest expeditionists thinking!

Jim lost his mind and went further out to investigate.

The hike back down was uneventful, and HOT. Did I mention it was hot? And it was only 9 am! We hit the trail at about 8 am and were back at the car by 10 am. We needed to be back at the house by 11 for our massages. Barbo told me that the only thing getting her through was the thought of that massage.

All in all, the hike was great. I am 100% glad that we did it. Mr. Flip-Flop was shocked and pleased that I had planned this portion at all. If the memory ever dulls enough (sort of like childbirth, surely you forget or else you would not do it again) and I decide to do it again I would set out even earlier, aiming to hit the trail by 7 am. The views are amazing and it is not to be missed if you are capable of it. It was harder than I thought a 2.4 mile hike would be but totally doable, even for an out of shape, flip-flop wearing, non hiking mama like me.

We make the walk back across Salt Pond and up the hell walk to the car and head for the house, getting back to the house around 10:45 only to find out that the gals from Nomadic Spa had called and were not coming! They had overshot the house, hit dirt road and split a tire. Needless to say, they weren't going to make it, resulting in a few rounds of phone tag with Casey to get things rescheduled. We were totally bummed and still hot and sweaty and decided to hit the pool for cooling off! I have absolutely no idea what we did for lunch. I think it might have been hot dogs on the grill. Villa & pool gravity took over until it was time to get ready to go to the Westin for the annual Flavors of St. John.

Max got a bath in the sink, even he gets in the nekked spirit. I know he is only 10 months old but this dude gets it. He is me through and through. Totally a mama's boy & I am so fine with that. It was just beyond precious to me to be able to share these moments with him.

On to Flavors of St. John. Thank you to Gromit for the heads up & to all the on islanders who said that I should make a point of going to the Flavors of St. John. A big fundraising event for the Rotary and the place to see and be seen. This was an event not to be missed. Due to the ticket price, only my husband and I decided to partake. It was $100 per ticket but for that you got an evening of unlimited wine tasting, food sampling, live music and a little peek at who's who on St. John. Not that I knew anyone! We arrived at the Westin and were taken to the event by a very nice guy (who said he was head of security) on a golf cart.

Not this one but I had to snap a picture.

We got our wristbands and proceeded to meander around taking in the set-ups of all the restaurants that soon we would be sampling. From 6:30-7:30 was general mingling and wine, from 7:30 on the food tastings were available.

A few, not so great pictures

The food and wine flowed until at least 9:30. I was very impressed that the event was not overcrowded, that there was plenty of food and the general quality and serious level that all the participants too it to.

Soon after arriving I spotted Naturegirl and her husband who had already secured a spot to watch the happenings and wait for the food tastings to start.

I made a joke about her husband being Rick Flair. Does anyone get this joke or am I totally off the reservation? Maybe we were the only kids growing up who had nothing better to do to entertain ourselves than watch WWF wrestling & practice figure fours on each other - but I digress. We chatted for a while about our experiences thus far. She had almost rented Hale Lani but was deterred by the lack of reviews. Boy did she miss out! Sorry Naturegirl! It was great meeting up with a forumite in person. Finally.

The event was held under two tents & it was quite a warm, muggy evening. And I apologize but I have NO good food porn from this night! I was too busy eating and drinking to stop long enough to take photos. EVERYTHING was good. I didn't have a bad dish. Some were more outstanding than others. Everything from one simple dish, to a couple of selections, to huge spreads (Katilady, the Westin, Caneel).

Zozo's got my vote with their pumpkin gnocchi OMG it was so so so good. Served very hot in a cream sauce that was to die for. I went back - only twice. Ted's Supper Club got my husband's vote with their seared seasoned scallop with a balsamic reduction and a small pan fried potato round. Also outstanding. We didn't realize until later that Ted's Supper Club was THE Ted of Tage. No wonder it was so damn good. A 2nd close to Zozo's for me. We went back - three times! Shameful I know.

The highlight of the evening for me (other than the food and the wine) was meeting Governor DeJongh. It didn't occur to me that he would be there, but about 1 hour into the evening I noticed a few guys in NICE suits. I thought to myself, what the heck. Then I noticed the earpieces and said to my hubby, don't know who is here, but SOMEONE is here. Scanned the room and though I'd never seen even a picture of the governor I immediately knew who he was. Now I will admit I know nothing of USVI politics. I have my assumptions, but I don't know this guy from Adam. He was very handsome and seemed very young! He claimed he was 50s but he looked about mid-30s. Working the crowd in a very low key manner, he eventually made his way to our table and we chatted for a good 10 minutes or so. Very charming guy. Politician for sure, but charming. We talked about how he gets around the islands (government boat, helicopter or public ferry), his age, and how much money we were spending on STJ, and how he could possibly be in such a nice suit and not sweating even a single bead of sweat. I was thoroughly charmed.

Let's see what else I can remember. Starfish Gourmet was there with a selection of cheeses, fresh bread and meat. YUM. Simple, but delish. Ocean Grill had a crab and puff pastry dish that was good. There were at least 2 dozen restaurants and caterers there. There were several entries of Indian/Asian foods that were all great. I can't keep straight who had what but there was a curried fish that was wonderful and cold spring rolls, I think from East West catering, very reminiscent of the Vietnamese summer rolls that I love at gatherings with my husband's family. Everything was fresh and of top notch quality. The Westin won I think. Their presentation was wonderful but I felt the actual flavor was a a little dull. Zozos was robbed!

After a few hours of eating, drinking and sweating we decided to call it a night. We said goodbye to Naturegirl and her hubby and headed back to the car. Unfortunately, it wouldn't start! We just kind of looked at each other like what do we do? My husband is very handy but I think we were so exhausted that we had nothing in us left. At first I thought the battery was weak or the starter was going, but it was just making a weird ticking sound and would not start. I didn't have anything with me. No cell phone, no purse, nothing. We were just coming to the event and going home and our tickets were prepaid. What could I possibly need?

Thankfully, Conrad puts bumper stickers with his phone number on all the cars and I memorized the number (no pen either) and headed into the Westin lobby to give him a call. At 10 pm. I was convinced either 1) there would be no answer or 2) I was about to get yelled at! Again, I have NEVER had anything but great experiences but I have heard the rumors. So I was scared. But I was also stranded! So I sucked it up and called. Of course, my husband ever the laid back person he is decided to take the Westin up on their free internet and started surfing the web. MEN! I was too tired to even yell at him! I just rolled my eyes and dialed the number I had committed to memory.

Conrad's wife answered and I was even more intimidated, so I started by apologizing for calling so late and then explaining my situation. She said Talk to Conrad and handed him the phone. He was very pleasant, apologetic and down to business. Where is the car? Can you get home? I'll be there first thing in the morning to check it out and will call you. What more could he have done? I suppose he could have come and fixed it right then (which in hindsight the next day he said he should have done because he had just worried about it all night), but honestly I was in no mood to hang out there any longer. We grabbed a taxi and headed home, luckily our villa was just a 5 minute cab ride from the Westin. We returned to find everyone in bed so we followed suit and promptly passed out.

A bonus for those of you who read the whole thing ... video of me at the top & more importantly the view.

Ram Head Video

Tomorrow: A Conversation with Conrad, Car #2, Francis, Wharfside/Beach Bar & Rhumblines

Ram Head Trail Video

I figured out youtube, yoohoo!

Video of Me & the View from Ram Head, St. John, USVI.

Still a little surprised I did this hike.

I've been podcasted

This was not my own doing. Upon my return from vacation I had a message from Frank Barnako who does a little epub about St. John called News of St. John. He had seen my flurry of activity on the STJ forum that I am addicted to and asked if I'd be willing to talk to him a little bit about our trip. Well I said yes. This is the result.

I sound like a total goofball, but it is kind of cool! Flip-Flop's Podcast

St. John Trip Report Day 3

Day 3: Maho, in Search of Mosquito Bites, Jo Arrives & Candi's BBQ

I love Maho!



For our first day we picked Maho for its beauty, calmness & ease of parking. We didn't manage breakfast at the house, so decided to drop off Mr. Flip-Flop and the mini Flip-Flop and head to Coral Bay to pick up breakfast eats at Mosquito Bites. Neither complained.

The parking at Maho




A happy girl




I had heard rumblings of issues with Mosquito Bites but did not realize it was already gone. We got to Cocolobo, looked around, couldn't find it, asked someone and was told nonchalantly, "It is gone but the Big Belly Deli is there in its place." So we made our way up the stairs to the right & ordered three breakfast sandwiches and two breakfast burritos for the Barbos, who also picked up sandwiches for the beach. It was pretty barren in there. One of my big goals for the week was the orange cake at Mosquito Bites, so I was a bit bummed, but I rallied when I got my yummy sandwich.

As we waited for the food (which was a bit slow coming) we wandered around the shops. I love Big Fish and Little Fish. Great selection & very fun stuff. We also hit Lilly's for some extra snacks and water and were pleasantly surprised with the prices and selection.

Waiting for Food, the Boy is in charge of watching the cooler. Bad mama :oops:




About 20 minutes or so later, Gram had food in hand




We loaded back up and headed back to Maho. Quick pit stop at the Coral Bay overlook




Then, for real, back to Maho where we spent the better part of the day limin' away. The Barbos suited up for their first snorkel.




There were Chickens to chase




Best Use of a Float & Learning to Skip Rocks




Does it get any better than this?




Even the baby boy got in the spirit and took his first STJ beach nap




After a few hours, it was time to head back to the house, make some lunch and hang out in the pool until it was time to go pick-up Jo at the ferry dock.

Bye Maho




On our way back to the house I noticed my favorite sign of the trip.




Spent some time hanging in the pool enjoying the view.




Jo called around 5 to say she was on her way over on the Redhook Ferry, so Gram, mini Flip and I headed to the dock. The plan was to stop at Candi's BBQ on the way to put in our order. Just past Starfish, heading to Cruz Bay on your right is Candi's. Just beyond the BIG TRUCKS. 2 orders of chicken, 2 orders of ribs with 2 of each side -- corn, rice & beans, cole slaw, and and potato salad in, we headed on to the ferry dock.

I circled a few or 10 times (too freaked out to park questionably due to rumors of $1000 tickets!), but finally scored good parking. We waited for the Ferry to arrive while the Mini played on the beach. Collected Jo and her luggage, headed back to Candi's to find our order ready and waiting, and were off to the house to chow.

4 orders easily fed 6 adults, (Sorry no food porn) and we even had a little left over. It was the best deal of the week. $45 to feed 6 people! Still, contrary to what others have said, for us, Candi's is no Uncle Joe's. The quality of the meat was about the same, maybe slightly better on the ribs side, but the flavor and sauciness was just not the same. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it was NOT Uncle Joe's. Sorry folks, just my opinion! And my husband's too. Remember he is the one who thinks that not having Uncle Joe's at least one time per trip is grounds for divorce!


We were all exhausted from our various long days & were soon off to bed with our full tummies.


Tomorrow: Ram's Head Hike, NO massages & Flavors of St. John!