hi guys and gals,
we just got back here is my report:
friday,
we arrived late about 5:30, got the car and got on the way, i sent for a map early before we left so we could study it alittle. hubby drives for a living so he took to the driving pretty good right away, we tried to look for the mountain rd [35 i believe] to get out of town but missed it and ended up going thru tutu anyway. it wasn't to bad for traffic, and found the hotel right away. we were staying at sapphire beach resort, all went smooth with check in and everyone was really friendly. we unloaded the bags and headed to red hook for food and some spirits! all went well thanks to bluwater and her great tips, we found the food center no problem and got our shopping done. got back to the hotel and went into island time.
we here hungry and i wasn't cooking, lol, so went for something to eat at the hotel. me being a first timer, i had to try the bushwacker, and made my sister try the painkiller.
i liked the bushwacker and not the painkiller.
we ordered some cabobs with jerk chicken, and some shrimp,both were very, very good. some of the best i ever had.
we did think the prices were high on dinners so decided not to come back. they wanted 42 dollars for a lobster dinner one nite.

saturday
we went north, went to magen's bay, wow what a awesome view and beach.
we didn't stay to long, took some pictures then headed off to mountain top. we found it no problem, [after one wrong turn,] lol and went in and had a look around. what a great place. i found some good deals on shirts and other things. they have a great overlook deck, and some great statues to take pictures with. i had a famous bananna drink. we came home and made dinner and enjoyed the beach.

sunday
we went into red hook to scout out parking sites. also to check out red hook.
we went to duffys, molly malones, and to the pour mans bar. all places were fun, really wanted a drink glass from duffys, but wasn't feeling good that day, to much sun the day before? couldn't bring myself to have a famous drink.

really! it was the sun! lol

went back to sapphire to catch alittle of the beach party. lots of people and a lively band, great time for all.

monday
we took the 7:00 ferry over to st. john and found breakfast at a little cafe. then we went and rented a car for the day and went exploring. we started on the north road went to all the beaches and stopped at the sugar mill. what a view! we wanted to snorkel at trunk,leinster, and go out to waterlemon, but they said at the park no snorkeling on the trail at trunk because of rough waters. and there was some pretty big waves coming in, so i took their advise. so we just stopped at all the beaches and took pictures. and had fun. we ended up at skinney legs after going past it and turning around sometime later. we had a produce truck on our butts the whole time with no where to pull off or let him get around us, husband did great, i was having a heart attack. anyway we made it to saltpond then decided no one wanted to get out of the car, so turned around and went to skinney legs. all was good, we ordered our food, got a couple of drinks. then the septic truck showed up. they must have had a real busy weekend, that they had to pump the septic at noon , when every one is eating lunch. so we took our food and got out of there fast. it was only 50 feet from our table. i guess thats my only complaint about that place, fire that septic company!
so we got on the road and took centerline road, came back and returned the car,[without a scratch] and went shopping at mongoose junction. here we thought the prices were very high so didn't buy much other then magnets for the fridge i think. we stopped at woodys, and the other bar by the ferry. and went back to sapphire by dark. we cooked up some frozen pizzas, and relaxed by the beach.
another great day in paradise. the beaches were awesome.

tuesday

we rented the scubadu boat, a private catamaran out of red hook. we boarded at 9
joe the owner was great, we went to congo snorkeling, it had alot of bait fish, millions, at one point i was freaking out because i was in the middle of them it seemed like.i saw a big fish about a 3 footer. i don't know what it was. i think it was a tarpon. didn't see much else. there was a good current swimming back to the boat, beware, don't know if this is common. then went to jost, went to foxys , we had a great time. nice place, bought a few shirts, good prices again here.then went to ivans, to me this was nothing to write home about,[ i mean ivans] but we had a drink and i rode the tire swing, the bartender at ivans was crabby,i think because i asked him if he carried bud light. but we turned him around. i learned they have it displayed on the shelf behind them what they carry so look for that. then went back to the boat, had a great lunch aboard scubadu and ran out of time to go to the soggy dollar. i was disappointed. i do wish joe would have mentioned that it was alittle better place cause im sure it was. we returned to red hook after a great day, it was great having a private boat only the 4 of us. first time for us, had to spurlge alittle.i would highly recommend scubado and captain joe. anna the first mate did a awesome job to.

wednesday
cloudy day, overcast with small rain. needed something to do so we went back to mountain top, or tried! lol got lost and ended up out on west end, ran into an old couple and they drove us there! what a sweet couple. we got there the first time better when we didn't know where we were going! lol we couldn't believe we got lost. them signs like to hide! again bought some more stuff, and just enjoyed the day. on the way back we got lost again and ended up in charlotte in the back alleys. we found our way out and went back to the hotel and cooked supper and enjoyed the beach, they had volleyball right outside our door, so got in on the games.

thursday
we took a taxi into red hook, it was my husbands birthday we were going on the limnos boat today. we had captain scott, he and the crew did a great job. explaining things and places, and helping people. they dock at virgin gorda, spanishtown, which was great for my sister who does not swim. then took a taxi to the baths. which they prearrange. we walked down the short trail to the baths and down to the beach. wow what an amazing place. i'm glad we went, very cool. i think the hubby really enjoyed himself. on the way back we got to see dolphins next to the boat. great boat, great crew. i would go with them again. we got back to the hotel, made some supper and headed for ladys nite at the bar. and danced the nite away, had lots of fun. it was the husbands birthday, he had to put us all to bed! he gave me some fun crap in the morning, and i just seen the video that i don't remember him taking! pretty funny.

friday
today we had to go home, bummer. we went to coral world and walked around and seen everything. i was happy that we saved this for last so we could waste a few hours, because our plane didn't leave til late. then went to the airport early and returned the rental car and sat around for awhile. i was happy we got there early.
the flight went smooth but was very long. we figured it out and we were on that plane for 8 hours. oh well, things you have to do to get to paradise! i might have to break down and buy one of those portable dvd players for the next ride.

tips for first timers:

the person that is the most confident should drive, and try to keep going with the flow of traffic, that way no one gets mad at you. also let people in that are trying to get out of turns.they have the horn system, use it to let people get out or get by.

to save some money do your own cooking, i brought food from home, also did some local shopping which was not really expensive. i think milk was the worst at 6:99 a gallon. otherwise not bad on everything else.
beer was about the same as the states. booze was way cheaper. cigs to, but not the same cigs. alittle different. but thought these were the closest yet compared to other countries.

NOSEEUMS
i got a millon bugs bites, they love me,but this is usual for me, this is the first the hubby got them though after quite a few trips. we got home and went to the doctor because we were going crazy,we got some stuff for them and are healing now. the doctor said use lots of bug spray, benedryl tabs, and ointment cream. you have to take the pills to stop the scratching from the inside out. [ better then cream.] but the neosporen helped to for instant relief.
the doctor gave us some stronger stuff, but this is an over the counter remedy that i found out for my sister and called and told her, she had them worse them me.

take a charter of some sort and get on the water
big boat or small boat just do it! you won't regret it.

everyone i found was very friendly, just remember to mind your manners and they are friendly back. respect goes along way.

and of course be careful at nite, just like at home, we all watch and be careful where were at at certain times, its no different here.

closing remarks:

i would highly recommend sapphire beach resort, step out right on the beach, air worked good, maid service excellent,friendly people, all was good. not crowded on the beach.

scubadu private boat charter was very reasonable for 4 people. highly, highly recommend joe.
and limnos boat charter does a fantastic job also. both boat charters served lunch on the boat. no extra cost.

all in all it was a great trip, wish i went for 10 days instead of 7. what does arnie say? I'LL BE BACK! LOL

and i just want to say a note of thanks to all the fine people on this board that got back to me on questions and helped out.we couldn't have had better direction. thank you, thank you,
scooby