YES... a BUSHWHACKER!!!!

Hi Yolanda,
Yes, I am doing ok.. the wait can be very tough, but thankfully "someone" recommended a "painkiller" to ease the painful wait. Or maybe they meant on my trip, not before 😉 To answer your question- I live 20 min. north of Boston, MA (almost on the NH border). Mostly cows, no traffic signals in town, 2 little convenient stores. I have been here all 33 years! It's nice to have Boston so close. I'm going to St. John in June and I will be there 10 days. The webcam you refer to is great. On my trip planner I have a link to it, it's neat! What part of Florida are you from? At least you are where it is warm, we just got a couple of inches of snow yesterday. On my way home from work I saw at least 4 accidents.

Did you have any more beach recommendations?

As for the Painkillers and Bushwhackers- I will definitely have to try these with caution!!! It's not that kind of drink that sneaks up on you is it? I don't want to get kicked off that island you know, LOL!

Talk to you all later! Off to work.. Have a wonderful New Years everyone!

Darlene

Darlene,
Just spent 7 days in STT & STJ. Got back on Xmas eve. Found myself on line looking at STJ houses to rent for next year last night. We have stayed at the Westin, but would like a house. Love to hear from people about the houses they rent . It is kinda scary to rent site unseen. I too love this site. Got lots of info!! We rented a car from Thrifty in STT. They were GREAT! I rented an economy car for $195 a week. Got to talking to Daniel & he lowered the price to $180. After some more chatting he asked if we wanted a jeep for the same price. Of course we did!!! Those STJ hills are made for jeeps! They are not at the airport. you have to call once you get your bags & they came in 5 minutes. You can take the car ferry from Red hook for $40or $50 round trip depending on the ferry. If you add up the taxi fares to the ferry both ways it probably works out cheaper than the prices on STJ. Also if you have your cars in STT, you can stop for food before the ferry - cheaper & more choices. Of course pack as much food as you can. Prices are high! Remember Hertz does NOT let you take their cars to STJ. We went to Jost & Baths & Marina Cay on New Horizons II out of STT. Take a similar trip from STJ, it is worth the money!

Hi Cocosmom,
I love it, you haven't been back a week and you're already looking!!! We are going to get along well. Although I will not be going until June, I will be sure to let you know how the house works out. It is kind of tough renting when you do not know much about it, but its a start. The rental agent was great and very informative. I can't imagine they would risk their reputation and send me to a dump or someplace sketchy!
The rental car deal sounds great. I considered renting on STT, but I am concerned that most of the flights I have checked out arrive late afternoon. I would hate to miss the car ferry and then try to figure those details out! I will have to research it more.
I would love to hear more about your trip! I can't believe all the info you get from this site!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Darlene

Darlene,
When in June will you be in STJ? We have a group of 5 young adult couples(50ish) that are renting a villa in the Chocolate Hole area June 16 - 23. We were in STT in 2005 and made a day trip to STJ. This time we just want to spend our time on STJ. We would like to get together with other STJ transients at a local establishment and blow the froth off of a few.

Hi,
I will be arriving June 22! I am not sure of the time yet because I haven't booked my flights! But that would be a lot of fun, there are 6 of us! ages vary greatly, of course all young!:) So, we both have a long wait!!! At least there is someone else going in June, I haven't heard of too many yet!

-Darlene

Darlene,

I went to STJ for the first time in Feb. 06, we got married on Cinnamon Bay and fell in love with the island. My biggest suggestion to you is don't try and plan every day. Once you get on the island you transition into a whole new way of life and it's called "relaxation". You just go with the flow and enjoy what the island has to offer. We planned nothing except our wedding morning and the rest just came naturally. My choices for beaches would be Little Cinnamon, although requires a walk through some rugged trail it's tiny, it gorgeous and we were the only ones on it for almost 4 hours. Also try Vi's beach, it's a tiny little beach again nobody around and we had one of our greatest mornings there. There are a ton of beautiful beaches some just for sinking into the sand others for their great snorkeling. Just relax and go with the flow, you won't regret not planning your daily itinerary. We are headed back for our one year anniversary and loved it so much we are staying for almost a month and I can't wait to do absolutely nothing except what flows our way. 31 days and counting. Enjoy!

Hi Jill,
You are absolutely right! I have to do this, that.... trust me, when I get there I will be relaxing! I guess that I feel like ten days is not that long and everyday is precious! I will take it easy but when I do go to a beach, rest assured it is going to be like paradise. The tips you and others have given me ensures that I don't take any unnecessary trips and can utilize my time solely for relaxing and swimming! Even though it sounds as if I have every detail etched in stone, I really don't. Just alot of info tucked away in this brain of mine! I hope to be able to return to the islands each year!

Thanks Jill for the great travel advice!

Darlene

We stayed at this villa in 2004. It has a nice view, nice pool, and great location to see SJ. The airconditioned bedrooms are a real plus. We don't stay anywhere without a/c in bedrooms. We were there in the summer, so the a/c was needed esp for the humidity. We found the villa comfortable for our family of 5. Not terriblly luxurious of a villa, but the people at St John Properties were very nice. Left a gift basket, too! Ask away any questions. We are returning this summer, but opted to stay closer to Coral Bay this time to see other parts of the island. But our favorite places on SJ - Francis Bay and the smoothy van on Centerline Rd!!! My children are counting the days until we return ~~~ esp. for the smoothies!

Hi Swim Mom!
You have made my day! Finally, someone who knows about this villa. I have heard bits here and there but nothing substantial! I will be also be going there in the summer, this June. I have a few questions-
Are there taxi stops near this villa? (In case some are left at the villa w/o a car) Is the pool fairly big? Is there a washer and dryer? How far is it from Cruz Bay? Is the area safe? Private? How far to Trunk Bay? Were the bugs bad that time of year? Is there a particular bug spray that is better than the rest? Why is Francis Bay your favorite? Had enough yet? Sorry, I need to take advantage of this! I may never meet anyone else that has been there.:)
Thank you soooooo much!

-Darlene

P.S
Any tips on airfare that time of year?

Beachluvers? Are you still there? Since we're both newbies to the island I would love to hear about some of the info you have so neatly organized! This site is so great! All of the people here are so friendly. I went to the bookstore today to research St. John and I thought to myself, I don't even have to do this, the people on this site know more about this island than some of those books, LOL and it's all up to date. You can't get much better than that. Plus, the guy at the bookstore told me that they didn't have anything St. John specific, only books on the Virgin Islands in general. I have purchased the St. John Beach guide, and I plan on purchasing another book from this site just so I have something to bring with me for reference but I really like you idea of cutting and pasting. Please let me know how it's going.

-Darlene

Ok, here goes!! I did not see any taxi stops, but was not looking for any. Might be able to get one at the intersection of Gifft Hill Rd and Centerline. Pool was plenty big for 3 kids and floats. Washer and dryer worked perfectly. Actually located under the house by the cisterns. Nice, big ones! Cruz Bay was about 10 mins away by car. I would say the area was fairly safe. But when we arrived, after delayed flights, the house had been opened up for us and the stereo was playing. Could not figure out why. But whenever we left, we left the stereo on - kind of as a deterrent to anybody who thought the place was empty. There is a snack bar type of "restaurant" in a trailer at the intersection of the main road, so there were plenty of people around. On the weekend nights, there were many hanging out. Read in a guide book about the place so we were ready for it. Is it private? Yes and no. Very close to other permanent homes, but on a ridge by itself. Bugs - never had any problems with them. But one night we inadvertently left the outside lights on all night, and there were flying ants all over the place. The next morning, many in the pool. We did not leave the lights on again, and had no problems. Flights? We are traveling on US Air, from Washington Dulles via Charlotte for under $300 a person. Its off season, but we went then the last time and found it great for these reasons: warm water to snorkel in for hours; no waves at beaches so easy snorkeling; no crowds in town; deserted beaches; less money for rentals; no winter clothes to travel with!! Francis is our favorite because it is picturesque, private, lots of shade, great snorkeling, has a bathroom, and is just plain gorgeous. All three children picked it as their favorite beach in the world - and that is saying a lot since we went to Kauai this summer, Akumal Mexico last summer! Ask more questions, I am happy to help. Enjoy!!

I am a native New Englander so I am happy to help! And of course, GO PATS!!!!!!!!

'I am a native New Englander so I am happy to help! And of course, GO PATS!!!!!!!!"<-- You also just made my husbands day who is the biggest Patriots/Redsox fan I have ever known. That is another way people will know who we are on the island. Our wardrobe consists or Redsox/Patriot apparel, thanks to my husband who loves to surprise me with his version of a beautiful sweater (a big Redsox sweatshirt, one he figures will fit him too) . Thank you so much for the info. The washer and dryer will cut my packing in half. I plan on bringing as little as possible ( I want to bring more home) . I'm glad about about the bugs not being that bad. I read a series of posts here about "bugs" with pictures and I have to admit they made me squirm, and I am an outdoors person but just not used to such BIG spiders! I am also looking forward to that time of year too. We love the heat! And I am hoping to find it less crowded, as I mentioned in previous posts the beaches up here are soooo crowded that it will be nice to be able to avoid that. I also found the people at St. John Properties great, I kind of new it the minute I spoke with them, very personable and informative. I am just glad to hear from someone who has actually stayed there. As for the view it was difficult to envision, the pics on their website are kind of small, how were they at night? Do you have any pics of the home? Thanks so much Swim Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Darlene

P.S. I have four days off from work and plan on fully utilizing this forum!;)

Hi Darlene, I just love the picture of you on this site.Over the next few days I plan on catching up on all the latest news.I talk to you later, love Mom.

Hi Darlene
If you wat I can get you some outside shots I'm staying at a villa close by will be there next Sat.
Tom

Hi Tom,
That would be great! I can't thank you enough! Your trip is almost here! Are you all packed or do pack the same day like my husband! LOL! Are staying right there on Gift Hill?

-Darlene

Hi Darlene
there will be a total of 12 of us with 8 staying here http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/cygnus/cygnus.html
and 4 staying here http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/allesandra/index.html

I know where your villa is so if Island time dosen't take completely over and I leave some of the rum alone I'll get over there to take some pics for you. By the way the sun set pics I posted for you ar from the deck of Allesandra. Last May
Tom

Those two villa's are incredible, especially the second one! I know my view is not going to be like that one! The pool, the hot tub! Beautiful views!! How can you leave a place like that, I'm almost afraid to go! Rummmmm, is it true they hand it to you right off the plane? 12 people, that sounds like a lot of fun, how many cars do you rent when you have that many? I want to rent two jeeps for 6 of us, 4 in one two in the other, but then where do you put the luggage? Are they big enough? I may have to rethink this, any suggestions?

-Darlene

Tom,
I was going to ask you where you were staying, but this answered my question. They both look great!

Isn't if fun planning the trip? 🙂

Hi Darlene
We will have 4Jeeps available to us 1 wrangler 1 Cherokee and 2 monteros. Were lucky we have friends on Island so we only have to rent 2. When you get into the terminal on your left will be the free rum punch stand make sure you partake you have time have a few your bags won't be there right away. If your renting hard tops bring some light rope or bungee cords and you can throw them on top but remember you don't have to pack much. I'm not sure if I'm coming back or not. But I guess I have to be here till my son is out of college only one more year then again he could visit
Tom