Our flight (there) was uneventful and took about 4 hours from Chicago. Is it true that St. Thomas has one of the shortest commercial runways in the world? It only took one look out of the window to fall in love; clean, beautiful and blue skies everywhere. The University of the Virgin Islands beckons from the runway. Our cab river (Richie, 340-473-8644) let us know that the next departing ferry would be from downtown instead of Red Hook. It was a longer trip, he informed us, but would get us to Cruz Bay at about the same time. To be on a boat rather than waiting the extra time at a ferry dock sounded appealing to all of us. I found it hard to believe that we were still in the US and that our cell phones worked (for better or worse) in this tropical paradise!

Matt from Lavender Hill met us at the dock in Cruz Bay and could not have been more helpful and accommodating. He helped us with our bags, and provided an introduction to the island. We knew we wanted to do some hiking and he gave us an overview of the trails and what to expect, and told us all about the grocery stores and Happy Hours (very important). We heard many different opinions as to which grocery store was more reasonable in the time we were there, but I have to say that I think the little store that is right across the street from Lavender Hill was cheaper that both of the bigger stores. We became regulars there for water, beer and soda pop, they also have great prices on rum. We hit Trader Joe’s before we left home and had lots of healthy snacks we brought with us.

Staying at Lavender Hill was like having a good friend let us use their condo for a week. It was beautifully appointed, clean, comfortable and the kitchen had every utensil you could want. I would imagine that the unit had just been cleaned as everything smelled so fresh. And the view! We had a deck that surrounded the unit on both sides and everywhere you looked was a view like a water color. Matt said he had just had the trees trimmed back. It really was spectacular. Our unit (7E) also overlooked the pool, to the point that I felt in the evenings that it was just OUR pool. I know that the graveyard was below us, but you could not see it from our unit. The trees and foliage blocked the view. All we could see were paths through the garden. There are washers and dryers for the use of the guests and they even provide detergent. Seriously, everything you could need is there, just like at home. We even had spices in our cabinets, coffee and coffee filters. I grilled a roast on the outdoor grill one night and we ate it on our deck. The round table and 4 chairs fit our family perfectly. But if we need more chairs, they were there too. Beach chairs, comfy lounge chairs, folding chairs all were provided.

The first day we stuck close to Cruz Bay and our wonderful deck. Matt was a little worried about us being such homebodies but we need the downtime. We did walk through town and went to Starfish Market. We laughed about how worried we had been that we would not be able to find our way around. We had been especially concerned that we would not be able to find the park in town where we were supposed to meet Capt. Phil later in the week. We had dinner at the Lizard Lounge. I got the feeling it had recently changed owners and names. They only had one waitress and one cook. The food was okay, once we finally got what we ordered. Mine took three tries! They really need to get their act together or they will not make it in that competitive market. They seemed to be trying.

The next day we had a car reserved at Cool Breeze and my daughter (22) went with me to pick it up. To say that she did not have confidence in my driving would be like saying they have a little sand on the island. She was exhausted from the stress of watching me get gas and drive back to Lavender Hill! She made me promise to let my husband drive the rest of the time. This was NOT a problem as I am (or was) afraid of heights. The rental process was handled very professionally and the car was in perfect condition.

We headed out to the Reef Bay Trail. The trail was beautiful and well worth the trip. My younger daughter (19) was working hard at trying to be a good sport until read the sign that said the hike took two hours each way. It did not seem possible that a 2-hour walk downhill could also be a 2-hour walk uphill....hmmm. She made it though, even better than I did. The petroglyphs were very cool and we ran into a woman at the beach when we were eating lunch that told us that she had learned from the National Park tour that the petroglyphs are backwards so that they reflect in the pool and waterfall in the right direction.

The next day was horse back riding. My daughters met some other girls (early 20’s) that were there with their families. You know, it was nice to see so many older teens and kids in their 20’s traveling with their families. We heard several times from people (some kids traveling with friends, some adults) how great it was to see families with older kids having such a good time. We did have fun together, and laughed a lot. Both my daughters live away so this was precious time for us. I wish I could say that the Carolina Corral experience was good, but it was not. I really do not know how much detail I should provide here, but if someone needs more information please let me know.

Corral Bay is beautiful and of course we went on to Skinny Legs for lunch. What a great place. One of the best tasting cheeseburgers I have ever had. It could have been the atmosphere, the place is everything this message board said, such friendly people and great service. I wish I was there right now!