Sorry so late in filing report. We arrived at STT and had a car arranged through Budget. Reason for Budget was could drop the car at the ferry dock in Frenchtown. We checked into Island Beachcomber and was greeted like long lost family. Of course this is the 8-9the time staying there. We always opt for a room on the bottom floor either 100 or 101 which puts us feet away from the beach. We love the people at the Beachcomber, rooms are clean, beach close and very relaxing. Over to the bar for a quick Mango colada. If you have not been to their beach bar I highly recommend it. Decided that the peanuts on the planes were not sufficient so drove into CA to the Greenhouse for a quick bite. After reading that there had been a crack down on street people, I was surprised to be hit up walking from our car to the Greenhouse. Fish sandwiches and more coladas, did a little shopping in town. Decided to stop at the Pueblo on our way back to the room and was surprised how it had degraded since our last trip. Met a couple from Denmark at hotel and after being up for 36 hours slept soundly.
Day 2. Breakfast of banana pancakes at the hotel and headed out for early morning trip to Brewers Bay. Fun watching the planes taking off while lying on the beach. One of our tasks before our charter is to provision for the other 3 couples that would be joining us later in the week. Drove over to Kmart to pick up paper goods. Prices very reasonable. First time we had driven since they had expanded the highway and found it very easy. We had dinner that night at Betsy's one of our favorite hangouts in the past. I thought it had lost some of it charm since moving from the old location and miss the patio. Food and drinks were great.
Day 3 More time on the beach, shopping in CA and a trip to Cost U less for canned goods. We had planned to use the tram to go to the Mtn Top for cocktails and dinner, but could not find a place to park. Continued to Red Hook and had a great meal at Molly Malones. It is the first time that it seemed that Red Hook was not under construction. Drive back across the island was uneventful , even at night.
Day 4. Dropped off our luggage at CYOA and the paper and canned goods. Headed for Plaza Extra for the rest of the provisioning, first time we had been there. I felt best selection and prices on the Island. 2 shopping carts later and several hundred dollars we headed back to Frenchtown to load the boat. If you are chartering in the VI's we highly recommend CYOA, the staff is great, the boats first rate and very competitive prices. Our friends arrived and we decided to eat at Craig and Sally's. Great meal, wine was outstanding and stopped at Hook Line and Sinker for a night cap. When you are on Island you will notice that most blended drink are made in a machine and the mixes come from Island Oasis. They have great mixes but do not sell retail. We found that we were able to talk a couple of bars into selling us the mixes prior to our charter.
I will continue as I have more time.