I have finally completed part 2! I hope to get part 3...the final part posted by the end of the month.

7-26-2009 (Sun-STX)

Hubs and I wake up early, but decide to let the kids sleep in. Coffee and breakfast on the lanai, nothing beats it. We rarely go out to breakfast during vacation due to everybody's sleep schedule and it saves money buying good old cereal. Another benefit is it saves calories so you don't have the extra guilt when indulging in that Bushwhacker (or two) later. We don our swimsuits and float around like amoebas without a care in the world. We take note of a few bees on the ladder at the other end of the pool but they don't bother us...we don't bother them. Kids are awake by lunchtime, it is time to explore. We first head to the most eastern point of the US. The views from Point Udall are amazing! Husband wants to have lunch at Chicken Charlies, but for some odd reason we cannot seem to find it even though we pass it several times...guess we are color-blind to bright yellow buildings. We make our way to Green Cay Marina instead which was probably better. The Mahi sandwich was excellent as well as the fish and chips and steak Caesar. We drive around North, South, East and West of the island taking note of where things are for future reference. We even spot a deer and a couple of pigs, but not sure if they were of the beer drinking variety although they did swerve in and out of the road when they walked. Got back to the villa and have a "fend for yourself" dinner and log in more pool time.

7-29-2009 (Mon-STX)
Again decide to hang around and do absolutely nothing but float. Call the vet to check on my cat, Doc and I decide that she will stay until Thursday when she has completed her meds and then I will have a friend pick her up. At noon the fam agrees on visiting the Cruzan Distillery for some education on rum making and some complimentary tasting. Firstly...I do not know what I was expecting (too much watching "How Things are Made" on the cable channels) but the place is a lot smaller than I envisioned and a lot less complicated. Our guide was knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions adequately but severely lacked ambition/personality. The only time she cracked a smile was when another employee acknowledged her. It would have been more enjoyable if it did not seem like we were inconveniencing her. Just a little constructive criticism...I do understand island time and all that, but maybe they rely a little too much on the drinks at the end of their tour for their tip. We do enjoy the end of tour tasting...I highly recommend the strawberry cheesecake shot which really does taste like the real thing. Stop at Sharky's Bait Shop for lunch. Looks like a local hangout complete with pool tables and TVs. The food is so-so, but must admit they serve the best tater tots...very crispy.
Explore more of the West end. Duggan's for dinner which is just at the bottom of the hill of our villa and sits right on the water. The lobster is yummy as well as the steak my son had. No complaints.

7-28-2009 (Tues-STX)

Today we are up early because we are going on an Eco-Kayak tour. Upon arrival we are greeted by what sounds like a friendly lady but turns out to be a parrot with a very large vocabulary...very cool. Brian is our guide for the tour. He is very knowledgeable about the history of St. Croix, particularly the era of Christopher Columbus. I sure wish I had a professor like him when I was in school. His passion for history and his love for the island is apparent. He also fills us in on the local politics (which I am not going to go into) laws and environmental concerns associated with St. Croix. I am also now an advocate for pedal kayaks. It was great being on the water and relishing nature in such a quiet and relaxed manner. For those who are considering taking a kayak tour but are having doubts, I highly recommend it. We decide to have lunch at "Off the Wall" which is delicious...can't beat the view and from my son's resources (he asked about everyone who waited on us) IS the best place to catch the "Green Flash" if conditions are right. They were not while we were there due to clouds and dust coming from Africa. Get back to the villa for swimming and down time. Hubs, while floating on a raft, gets stung by on the hand by a bee. This really pisses him off because he had even saved a few from drowning (thinking he was helping with pollination and so forth) and they show zero appreciation! From this time forward it is a declared massacre on the bees! Drive to Schooners to pick up grub for dinner (spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread if you were wondering) and stay put for the rest of the evening. One last note...got an e-mail from my friend who informs me that Monet (my toothless cat) is home...HUH?