Uneventful trip down. Had only 43 minutes to make our connection in Charlotte, so was a little nervous, but we made it (US Airways). I believe in January, Northwest will be having direct flights from Detroit so we are looking forward to that. We stayed at Gallow's Point again, 10C this time, 11C last March. I thought 10C was decorated a little nicer than 11C and the furniture cushions were cleaner. Views were excellent as it is on the "point". Ferry traffic doesn't bother us at all. My husband takes his binoculars and enjoys the views. I remembered from Bill's trip report that he said 3 of the dining area chairs in 10C were broken. I may not have otherwise noticed as we rarely sat there but I checked it out and sure enough, 2 were still broken. We were talking to some other guests at the pool who stay frequently at Gallow's and they had the same problem. Her husband had actually taken a spill when he sat down. It really wasn't a pressing issue for us at the time, but we did fill out the evaluation form and reported the problem. Hopefully they will be fixed or replaced. I at least hope Gallow's takes care of it if it is reported. The unit also had a nice selection of books. Of note, "Everyting" is now part of Gallow's Gourmet store and a real estate business is where Everyting used to be. Lots of construction going on at The Grand Bay resort but it is no where complete. It is however, huge. This report is going to get long, but I hope some of you enjoy it.

We arrived in time to take the 3:00pm ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Went to La Tapa for appetizers, we love the escargot there. Then headed back to Gallow's for an evening hot tub and an early night.

Day one, we decided to go to Jost Van Dyke because the ferry only runs Fri-Sat-Sun. This turned out to be a phenomenal day. We met a great couple on the ferry and became fast friends. I will call them S & J. Took a cab from Great Harbor to White Bay. The fancy cab had Perfect Pineapple painted on it. I asked the driver if he worked for PP or owned it. Turned out to be none other than Gregory Callwood, the owner. S & J were interested in a future visit so we asked if we could see one of the units. He graciously said yes, but we never made it back there to see the inside. They do look very cute from the outside and are a minute or 2 from the beach. Then went to The Soggy Dollar Bar. I had been planning for a long time to meet Diane (diverdi) from the TTOL BVI forum. Put her name on the drink board for a painkiller. Met Tish and Jerry, the owners. Tish was extremely nice and showed us all but the bedroom of one of the units and gave us a mini tour of the private area. Mic the bartender and Tish knew that I was hoping to meet Diane, but meanwhile we decided to stroll down the beach to Ivan's. The goat trail is new and improved with stairs now. There is a black lab named Taboo that was hanging out at Ivan's. When we decided to leave, he did too and ran ahead of us. He would then stop, look back and wait for us to catch up. There is also a new dog at The Soggy Dollar named "Dollar" and Trixie who has been around for a while.

When we returned, Mic the bartender informed us that we missed Diane but she had put our names on the drinkboard, so we got our painkillers. A little later we finally did meet Diane. She told us that Mic knew we had went to the beach and he even went to look for us. We thought that was pretty nice. Tish also stopped by our table as we enjoyed the conch fritters and said she was glad we got to meet. Now I see why people say they are treated like family there. We "hung out" with S&J and Diane. Diane gave us a tour of her cottage at the Sandcastle. Basic but nice with an outdoor shower. She said it was very quiet at night. Went down to Seddy's One Love and was amazed when Raquel said Hi and that she remembered my face. We were there in March. She and Seddy have two adorable munchkins who were enjoying squirting us with their hose. We then "bobbed" in the water for a while and were sad that we had to catch the 3:00pm ferry. Overall, just a fantastic day.

Went back to STJ and invited our new friends (we would see a lot of them this week) back to Gallow's Point as they wanted to see our "digs". Had some drinks, enjoyed the pool and hot tub, then went for a very casual dinner with them to Uncle Joes BBQ. We enjoyed their company so much that we decided to invite them on our STJ island tour the next day and they said yes.

Monday, I had arranged an island tour with Pam Gaffin, the author of Feet, Fins, and 4WD. What a dynamic woman. She is a wealth of information about STJ. She is also a great storyteller and has traveled the world. She taught survivalist training in the Andes and has lived in the Austarlian Outback building a road. Tough cookie. We started out on Centerline Road and stopped twice to see some ruins. At one point, she pulled off the side of the road and said there was a trail. After a few minutes of searching, she found it and off we went down the "trail" for a short hike and some sugar mill ruins. She really knows the history. It was near the 4 mile marker, not sure if they had a "name". We then went to what she called the "end of the island", Privateer Point. Went past Vie's, but she wasn't open as it was Monday. Then a snorkel spot on the east end. She said it was Long Bay, but there was some dispute over the name. It was a rocky beach. My DH and S went snorkeling with Pam while J and I hung out in the water at the beach. They saw a stingray and Pam pointed out an octopus hole. She said she knew it was an octopus because they are "bad housekeepers". She tried to pull it out, but it was too far back. My husband also said she came up with a sea urchin in her hand. We also found some dead coral which Pam said make great soap dishes since they are porous and absorb the excess water. On the coral note, one thing that I didn't notice last time is that much of the beautiful stone work on STJ has coral and shells in it. We then drove the beautiful North Shore Road and the tour was over.

Went to the Lime Inn for lunch with S&J. The mussels appetizer in lemon garlic cream sauce with bread for dipping was excellent last time and did not disappoint this trip. S&J had just purchased a time share, so after lunch, they invited us to The Westin to see it. They purchased a studio and it was nice. Grounds at The Westin are nicely groomed with tons of iguanas. They have feeding times for them, so they are not too shy. We then went out on one of the Hobie Cats, but couldn't catch much wind. Boy would that change! Later met S&J and one of their friends who works at the Westin at The Banana Deck. They have an excellent rib eye steak topped with various butters. Jerk, pine nut, roasted garlic etc. I loved the pine nut one.

Up early, met S&J at Deli Grotto for a quick breakfast before heading to Cinnamon Bay Beach. This was the beginning of the Christmas Winds that we would have the rest of the week. Water was rough today. I got toppled pretty good once. I have never taken on so much sand, even in my ears. Had to hit the showers after that. Cinnamon Bay Campground is beautiful. I love the overgrown paths to the beach. That said, it would be way too rustic for me. The showers are cold water with a pull chain. I saw a woman who was covered from head to toe with bites while on the way to the shower. She said they were getting her horribly at night. The guys also tried some boogie boarding in the rough surf. I compared my pictures of Cinnamon from March and there was a big difference. Did a little shopping on the way home, got home about 6:30pm and we were a done deal. Ordered a pizza from Ronnie's. Just OK, but they deliver.

Wednesday morning we were supposed to go to The Westin to meet S&J and take one of the Hobie Cats out but we were completely lazy. No wonder as we had been on the go so much. Went to The Lime Inn for lunch and relaxed at the pool. The wind was definitely picking up today. Went to Cafe Roma for dinner. Maybe it is just me, but it was dark in there. I could barely read the menu, but the food was good. Met our friends for drinks at High Tide before calling it a night.

Thursday- Did a little shopping again and split a cheeseburger in paradise and went to Trunk Bay. Still quite windy today with rough surf. DH snorkeled around the little Cay and said he saw alot of fish. Visibility wasn't optimal though. Went to The Banana Deck again for the steak with pine nut butter. It came with steamed broccoli and a baked potato.

Friday- We had planned to go to Jost Van Dyke again today, but awoke early to bad weather. Overcast, raining with very rough seas so we decided not to go. It did clear up a bit but it was already early afternoon so we just went to the pool and went to lunch at JJ's which wasn't very good. We have never had very good food there, so don't think I would return. While we were eating at JJ's, we began to notice that we were seeing the same local bums with their "bottles" hanging out in the park. If someone got a new "bottle", the others would scramble to find a cup so they could have some. We didn't see them bother anyone but each other or try to "bum" cigarettes from people. Just not the most attractive thing to see in the heart of Cruz Bay. Went for our last dinner at cafe Roma again. Good spaghetti and meatballs which we shared with salad and wilted spinach.

Saturday morning, time to leave . We stopped at Paradise Cafe in Wharfside Village which we had passed umpteen times and never tried. They had the most awesome breakfast sandwich there. Hot and delicious. Wish we had discovered this sooner, because at $4.00, it is a bargain. Much, much better than the breakfast sandwich at Deli Grotto. Took the 11:15 ferry to Charlotte Amalie and off to the airport. Ran into S&J yet again there and said our good-byes. We had exchaged e-mail addresses, so I'm sure we will be in touch. They are thinking of going back to their time share at The Westin same time next year which is our usual travel time so who knows, we may meet them again.

Well, this very lengthy report is finally over. Overall, we had a fantastic time. STJ will be the destination for next November. We're just not tired of it yet .

Thanks for your report-- and glad you had a good time despite some windy conditions. This Sunday, we're heading to Caneel and then Gallows; have been to each several times and always enjoy them. Am a bit concerned about the condition of the units at Gallows. I think we'd be pretty annoyed if things were even shabbier than last time. The spot is so good-- the views, the walking distance to town, etc-- but I think we'd not return if the units aren't in better shape than they were last time. (We like building 3 for the privacy and relative quiet.)
Is Frank still there?

Brenda, glad you had a good trip. Sorry to hear the weather wasn't so cooperative. I'm still working on our TR for Jamaica. Hopefully have it posted tomorrow.

Where's the pics????

Thanks Kelly, I'll be watching for your report also. The weather wasn't that bad, just windy the latter part of the week. I haven't downloaded all of my pictures yet but will send you a couple.

poss, Who is Frank? The General Manager? There was the same kind of heavy set guy that was the GM in March. 40ish with glasses and brown hair combed straight back. Good luck with your unit. I have always read good reviews about building 3, particularly 3C. I agree, the location of Gallow's Point can't be beat if one likes Cruz Bay.

Thank you Brenda for your TR! My 2 favorite places!! I always had the impression that Gallows was a very upscale place...have only been there to wander the grounds just a bit and to check out the store.
Perfect Pineapple, Gregory Callwood is Foxy's son, I believe. We will be staying there for a couple of nights in a few weeks, so I loved hearing about it.
I have only had day trips to JVD and am so excited to "live" there for a couple of days!

Thanks brenandg for the great TR. Next August our family of ten will be at Caneel for a week. Would it be possible to have Pam take our family on an island tour? I suppose that many people would be the problem. Do you have an e-mail address? I'm also keeping reviews of "eats" because we will not be eating dinner at Caneel!!! This will be a different trip for us as we usually spend all of our time at Caneel. I also want to take them on a day trip to the BVI's. Who did you go with to Jost? Thanks again for all the information. Owa

Frank (as in Frank Bay) is that big barracuda that hangs out around the swim float!

owa,
I found Pam's website completely by accident one day while "surfing" around. It is pamgaffin.com and has her e-mail address on it. She will do 4 hour tours for up to 6 people. Maybe you could even do it in 2 groups because she will customize the day to whatever your group likes which could be very different with that large a group. In March we did NH II to Jost which just gives a small taste. We now just take the ferry to give us the maximum amount of time there. It is $50pp RT and covers immigration fees. As you probably know, there are lots of day trips/sails there as well that would include some snorkeling. BTW, in regard to the "eats", I didn't mean to diss Deli Grotto. They have some very nice sandwiches and salads for lunch at the beach.

mahobaygirl,
Have fun on your trip, I know you will. I remember when you were researching for places to stay and we were trying to figure out the name and website for PP. I'll be waiting for your trip report.

poss,
I was typing at the same time as you. Guess you got me there! I had no idea you were referring to a barracuda. DH didn't snorkel there because the water was kind of rough as the week wore on.

Enjoyed reading your trip report. Thanks for posting.

Oooh, I'm so happy to be reading your trip report first thing online this morning! You warned that it might be long, but it wasn't long enough in my opinion. Glad you had such a fantastic time down there again.
I think I recall that last year you were so smitten that you rebooked right away. Same case this year?

brenandg,
thanks for reporting back!!!

i'm so jealous

like you, I was so elated with my 1st visit to JVD (also via NH II), that I also hope for a much longer return trip like you just did.

it was also exciting to read about your trip with Pam Gaffin, and glad to hear you're not sick of STJ after a 2nd trip.

Dear Brenda,

Welcome home and thanks, as always, for a GREAT trip report ! I know your memory is much younger than mine , but I still marvel at your attention to detail !

It is a nice experience to meet other kindred spirits when travelling and it sounds like you had the proper balance of private time and shared experiences.

My weather map tells me you'd like to have some of those rainy/windy days on STJ rather than what we know is in store for us.

Stay warm and take care !

Marion

Nice trip report Brenda! I was thinking of you last week while you were enjoying the little latitudes. Welcome home and happy holidays!

brenandg: Long trip report? There's no such thing IMO when it comes to STJ! Anyways, so nice to read that you had a pretty good trip despite a couple of brow-wrinklers. Those bums are always around in Cruz Bay. There are a couple of colorful characters in Coral Bay too. IMO, they are actually harmless if somewhat obnoxious (if I were a smoker, I'd hate people bumming cigs all the time). To me, I don't mind that they remind me that this Paradise is still a place on earth. And I could write at least a short story about each of the cards out in Coral Bay. I guess I love that part about STJ. Life is funny... why not laugh? Anyways, I'm going there this weekend for a very quick trip to check on work. Thanks for your little treat to tide me over until then.

Tux
One of your Coral Bay characters does not happen to be an artist, with a little dog, does it??

Brenandg: Thanks for sharing memories of your fantastic time in St. John. My husband for some reason has wanted to go to JVD for a very long time. We may do a Virgin Islands trip next summer and do JVD as a day trip. Welcome back.

Thanks everyone for your replies. It makes writing the report worthwhile!

ej, I would like to go back the same time next year. Only glitch is that I accepted a new (and much nicer) position a few months ago at the hospital I work at. Unfortunately, that puts me on the bottom of the totem pole for vacation requests . I have to see how that pans out. As far as I know, no one takes vacation on a regular basis for around that time, but I'll have to wait a bit. They graciously let me have my scheduled vacation when I took the position.

Tuxedocat, I'm sorry if I gave the impression that we were bothered by the "bums". I'm going to shamefully admit that we found their antics a bit entertaining , but all might not feel that way. I think they probably bother each other more than anyone else. The one who has the bottle sure is popular. Enjoy your trip! BTW, do you know Pam Gaffin? Seems like everyone who lives there knows everone else. Her home is on the east end of the island. We drove past it. Seems to me, we weren't too far from Estate Zootenvaal.

caribtraveler, If you make it to the VI's, definitely recommend Jost. White Bay is my personal favorite beach. There are shaded areas, hammocks and plenty of chairs to use along the beach. It's just a beach experience like no other that I have been to.

thanks for your report, makes me yearn to return ( plan to in march ) soon..my 2 favorite places...st.john and jost!! on one of our annual trips to st. john yrs ago we "discovered" jost on a day trip and from then on we try to split our trips between the 2 islands. on st. john we rent a villa or condo..on jost, sandcastles or ivans. white bay is wonderfull/beautiful and all the people we have met add to the perfect time we always have there. imo...jost is the BEST place to relax !! we continue to love st. john, it'll always have a special place in our hearts...but jost...is special.

brenandg: I think I've been introduced to her once by one of our neighbors, but that was a while ago. If you went to Privateer Bay, then you definitely went right by Estate Zootenvaal. It's close to Vie's. Too bad you missed her. I hope to catch her this time out.
Mahobaygirl: Artist with little dog? That's like half of Coral Bay! No... the characters I have in mind are... well, more bizarre. One local lady is elderly and walks all over the east end and Coral Bay area alone, day or night, and I mean, I've seen her out at 3 a.m. (don't ask why I'd be out at 3 a.m.) and she wears only white... so I refer to her as "the White Lady" People don't seem to know or want to talk about her much. How's that for a premise for a story?