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St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 8:54 am
by Agent99
May 18-19

It’s been quite a few years since I have written a proper trip report but this year is special since our beautiful St. John and the islands have been dealt such a tremendous blow just a few short months ago. I hope to document this trip for my family so we can read it in years to come and remember our experience. We know it won’t be the same but when is life ever the same? And we are together and safe and not much else really matters. I tend to go into excruciating detail for my own selfish reasons so no one will hurt my feelings by taking a pass on this one. I like to write in real time- otherwise I won’t write at all so this first installment is being written at 32,000 feet as we fly South somewhere a bit west of Bermuda.

Pre- departure:

Travelers : Our 2 twenty something sons, Quinn and Luke and my husband Pete and myself. We live on the North Shore of Boston and were flying Delta out of Logan. If you knew me you’d know that it is not a vacation if not begun by a bit of high drama.

Our Saturday flight was departing at 6am so we decided to book a hotel near the airport for Friday night to save a couple of precious hours of sleep. It’s an extravagance but it tends to kick off vacation a day early and takes the stress out of a pre-dawn hour long drive/dash to the airport the morning of. Thank a merciful God for that decision.

Our sons, both in Boston, would meet us at our hotel- the Airport Hilton. Pete took Friday off so we each wrapped up our work commitments as best as possible, finished packing and greeted the house/pet sitter. Starved and a little too early for hotel check in we decided to stop off for a late lunch. Anyone who has been to the Lynnfield Marketplace can vouch that it is mobbed all of the time but we thought we could get a table at Gaslight at 2:30 on a Friday. As we filed through the single lane with filled parking spaces to our left and right all of a sudden the car went dead. We were Out. Of. Gas. Wonderful. Within seconds there was a que of 6,7 then 8 cars behind us with no option to back up or get around us. I jumped out of the car to explain to the cars behind us and try to direct the next dozen cars to not enter the area we were blocking.

Enter the good samaritan. A young man in the que jumped out of his car and took charge. He helped us push the car out of the way, and into a parking spot and offered to drive Pete to the nearest gas station to fill up a can. Everyone else’s faces looked like they had just eaten a bad oyster and this young man could not have been nicer or more cheerful. We were so grateful and tried to pay him but he refused. He laughed and said he never, ever would be in that retail hell but that he was working all day on a plumbing job and he was starved and decided to grab a burger somewhere. Happily though, he agreed to let us treat him to lunch before getting the gas. I won’t go into detail on our fascinating conversation because it is his story to tell, and he has plans to, but we were blown away. His life took a tragic turn at 16 and he spend the next 20 years dealing with the consequences. While most people would have emerged from the darkness bitter and angry, this man was full of optimism, reflection and determination. We parted feeling as though we’d made a friend and wishing him all the happiness his battered heart can hold.

I must point out how the beginning of our trip would have gone down had we left Rockport at 3:30am Saturday, as previously planned. We would have been stranded in the dark on Route 128 or Route Ugly 1 waiting for Triple A and surely would have missed our flight. From now until forever we will stay in Boston the night before an early flight anywhere.

Preferring to just chill in the room we ordered a room service pizza and it was surprisingly excellent- one of the best pies we’ve had in a long while and I am a pizza snob. The Hilton is particularly convenient to the Delta Terminal 2- just a quick walk over the highway through the sky walk. Moving sidewalks are heaven. We checked our large bag with snorkel gear, the new Neso tent and sundries. Arrived at the gate and boarded within minutes. Smooth as glass. Changeover at JFK and we are wheels up!

So far the flight has been smooth and on time. Reporting from 32,000 on route to our happy place.

TBC

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Sun May 20, 2018 8:56 am
by Agent99
Arrival continued- May 19.

I warned you. I am the opposite of chatty in person- but on paper.....

As is my vacation habit, I am first one up. Every time of day is my favorite here in my happy place. To button up yesterday’s adventures:

Delta all the way. Logan to JFK to STT. Smooth as glass. Late to book we got the last 4 seats on the flight. And last row. Row 45, which could stink but when they pulled the stairs up to the back entrance we were feeling quite lucky. First ones off the plane. Picked up our bag and taxied to Red Hook just before 2.

Luke and I have stalked every single St. John blog that we can find since that legendary day and felt we were better prepared for what we were about to see than our other guys but our cab ride to Red Hook was very encouraging. Sure, there was evidence of the storm, most especially the beautiful church in the interior sitting exposed with one wall just- gone- but all in all St. Thomas looked to be recovering strongly and back in business.

We were all hungry by then so grabbed a delicious lunch at Fish Tales just outside the ferry terminal. Had a very Shipwreck Landing vibe- we’d never eaten here before but it was excellent and our waitress was super nice. Wahoo was just caught so we all had that in one form or another. Excellent and of course the inaugural rum punch toast. 3 pm ferry- oh yay!

Never having traveled here this late in the season I expected humidity and slightly higher temps but the air was light as a feather and the breeze was divine. I can’t believe we are here.

As usual, the Gallows Point open van was waiting to give us a lift. Gideon and the front desk crew warmly greeted us and soon we were standing in our home for the next few days 10 C. This is a harbor unit just to the right of 15 C facing the water. There is still an open view of STT and of course back to Cruz Bay. The resort looks incredible. It’s like a glamorous movie star known for her long luxurious locks of hair who went away for a minute and came back with a bob. The gorgeous bone structure is still there and the trim looks almost as lovely as the mane. And it will grow back.

There are some new details but the room is as beautifully appointed as ever. The skylight is gone and frankly it was time. They were cloudy and seagulls had made sport of decorating so no loss there. The new pool is a stunner. It looks modern and fabulous but somehow they managed to keep it feeling the same. If you had only been here once you might not even notice the difference. Beautiful upgrade. Travertine is beautiful but slippery when wet so maybe a tweak needed there.

Gallows would not work for many families of 4 because it is a living area with a bedroom loft. There is a pull out couch downstairs and they bring a cot for the 4th person. So we are basically glamping in one big drop dead gorgeous tent. See Harry Potter 4 - the Weasley’s magic tent. It works for us, what can I say? Over the years we have tried to talk the boys into a villa where everyone has their own room and a real bed not a pull out and cot but when it is just the 4 of us they lobby for Gallows every year. They never have to ask me twice. I get the bed. I love that we all hang out in the same space and it really, really feels like we are coming home.

Jeep from Bougainvilla- a little intimidating- not going to lie because the jeep is so new it looks like it has 12 miles on it. We’ll be careful. Starfish for necessities. Note to Sibyl if you are reading. Yes to heavy cream but no MCT Oil. There is unflavored coconut oil if that can sub. I said the hell with it and am having my coffee the old fashioned way. No Java Mon at Gallows yet. :( The liquor/gourmet shop across from Starfish is closed and the booze moved over to Starfish. The real estate place moved across the hall to fill the space. Looks like Starfish expanding into the old real estate place.

Being a Virgo I unpacked everyone much to their amusement because I don’t want to see a suitcase, let alone a messy suitcase until absolutely necessary. Decompression commence. Joe’s BBQ tasted better than ever. I’ll say it again. I still think their macaroni salad is the star of the show. Remarkably smooth and easy travel day. Feeling so blessed to be back.

TBC

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 9:19 am
by Agent99
Part 3 May 21- early morning.

Did I mention that I am the first one up? Love the quiet of the morning here. Ruth’s Kiss of the Jumpie coffee on the balcony and the only sounds are the gentle waves and Pearly Thrashers.

Yesterday was so good I am going to tell it backwards so I can savor every second. Not going to lie. I think we were all feeling our prosecco by 9ish. The wedding was so much fun I feel like we were there. We kind of were. First it was just me, then Luke then Q then Pete and pretty soon, even before the music started we all were watching from our balcony at 10C and toasting the bride and groom’s happily ever after. I’m sure Meghan and Harry are quite pleased with their gig but they’ve got nothing on the Boston couple at Gallows. Cheers!

Back up to sometime after the vows and before the best wedding band/DJ ever. P, L and I were feeling peckish and walked downtown for a bite. Q opted for a nap- the beauty of staying near town. We had never been to Longboard. I know they are in their 3rd year but the last I remember the space was a diner that we had never tried. I’d heard that Longboard was very good but the main reason I wanted to go was because I’d read how they rallied during the troubles and fed - um- everybody. For weeks.

We live on Cape Ann. The home of the Gloucester fisherman. Insert ‘Perfect Storm’ dialog here: “Glousta, They are always from Glousta!” Wicked Tuna is my favorite show. I see the guys occasionally in town at restaurants or when buying my prosecco. The Longboard’s sushi rivals and surpasses anything I’ve had at home. They use soy paper instead of nori which sealed the deal for me. Best sushi I have had, ever. And not just saying that because everything tastes better here. Who’d have thunk?

After dinner Luke and I walked over to St. John Spice for some Kiss of the Jumbie and who did we see but the Lady Herself! I know she is way more likely to be seen in the morning so it was such a nice surprise for us. The last time Ruth saw Luke he was maybe 8 years old? We caught up for the next few minutes and it felt really good to connect with someone who prevailed and emerged victoriously. The store looks great and the Kiss of the Jumbie smells as intoxicating as ever.

Luke and I took our time and looked around. While we were standing on the street looking at what was and will soon be The Beach Bar I said to Luke- “Kenny’s new song just popped into my head. It’s Gonna Be All Right.” He said “MOM! I just had that same exact thought!” Hand to God that very second that exact song came on across the street at Drink. I know. I know. That song probably comes on every 10 seconds all over the island but for us it was kismet. We decided to stop for a traveler but the bartender saw us- said “just a minute and ignored us for a half an hour while while chatting it up with his friends. His loss- we had prosecco at home.

By the time we got home the wedding DJ ws kicking it up and it felt as though we selected the playlists ourselves. We danced on the balcony- all 4 of us like when the boys were little. We will have very fond memories of that young couple’s sweet wedding.

Earlier that day we enjoyed a late breakfast at CBL. Huevos Rancheros and Crab Cake Bennie. Nice. Then off to our first glimpse of the North Shore. We are taking it in baby steps. Stopped off at the Caneel overlook. I might have mentioned I feel as though Luke and I were better prepared to see the reality than Q or Pete simply because we’ve been glued to every bit of news, blogs and personal stories that we have been able to find since 9/6/17. But to see it in person is a blow. I am a pretty live and let live gal but I am angry at the powers that should not be at Caneel and I think they stink. Moving on.

Gibney. Our most special place. Kind of feels sacred. This observation may sound callous but it is the way I feel and this is my perspective so don’t judge me. On approach the pretty white picket fence is right where it should be. It looks completely repaired/rebuilt- fresh and new and in no time at all there will be a waterfall of hot pink bougainvillea spilling over the top. Sunday afternoon - 1ish and not a soul in sight- pulled right up to the gate.

Maybe it was because I’ve read so much about it all- watched drone videos and FEMA air footage, etc. etc. I can’t explain my reaction but at that moment I was not the least bit sad, or shocked or upset. It felt as though I was seeing the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. I immediately felt that we were seeing the Gibney home like it must have been- what? 50? 60? 70? years ago? Cleared of all the dead brush and palm fronds that had, frankly, littered the property for years, the beautiful architecture and placement of the estate is now visible. The beach is glorious, moreso than ever if you can even imagine. As always, we situated all the way to the opposite end of the Community house. I mentally bowed to the departed palm and its tire swing. Now the fun begins.

We brought a Neso tent. LOL. It’s all on video but I stopped filming when the swears started flying. I shall not even attempt to describe the comedy that ensued. I will leave that task to 54B. I have faith in you sir! Just please wear the coconut bra while assembling. Let’s just leave it at this. There was a stiff breeze at the time and no one was really interested in my helpful suggestions. Remember- I had read all the Trip Advisor threads from those who had NESO’d before us. “Fill the anchors with WET sand.” “Stretch the corners super taut and line up the poles with the corners”. ”Bury the wet sand anchors”. When will they learn that I have mad skills? We were the only ones on the beach so we had plenty of shade with the surviving grape tree and thankfully no witnesses to the “NEStivities".

I know there is controversy over the coconut palms but a few newly planted palms will not kill anyone and I hope some manifest over the next few years.


Really nice, fun day. And it really is going to be All Right. I heart Kenny! :)

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 8:42 am
by CinnBay
Thank you so much Agent99 for your trip report. Always loved your writing style. Sounds like you are having a fantastic time creating new memories with your family. Look forward to reading more!!

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 9:11 am
by Agent99
My pleasure Cinnbay!

May 21

Yesterday was another picture perfect day weather wise. The air is light and the breeze has been gentle and constant- just perfect unless you are doing battle in NESO hell. But I am not. Sitting here in 10C with my morning Kiss of the Jumbie and the doors thrown open to my favorite view in the universe. A pearly eyed thrasher is staring me down with his other eye on the bag of Doritos on the counter.

So pleased to see how much of the vegetation survived at Gallows. The pretty flowering tree between 10 and 15 looks in great shape and provides privacy between the buildings which is really nice. The massive banyon is also alive and well.

We never quite made it to the beach yesterday which is not at all like us. Not feeling any pressure tho since we have a couple of more days here than we usually do and it feels good to just decompress. It usually takes me a couple of days. No one is saying it but I am quietly wondering if we are all delaying the inevitable. We saw the Lumberyard and Caneel and know what’s coming. Maybe that’s why we are not in so much of a rush to take it all in. I don’t want to see homes destroyed and Shipwreck Landing flattened but everyting is gonna be all right.

Had a nice lunch at Ocean Grill and wandered around Mongoose Junction for a little bit. The place looks great and 100% open for business. A little villa gravity- or at least pool gravity and a good book and that’s about it.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Thu May 24, 2018 1:52 pm
by Teresa_Rae
The Animal Care Center just posted this on their FB page so I thought I'd pass it along, since you're there:

The ACC is looking for escorts for kittens to Boston. The kittens will fly in soft sided carriers below the seats. Escorts on American and Delta can take 2 kittens per carrier. One kitten per carrier on Jet Blue. If you are flying to Logan in the near future please email us at info@stjacc.org or PM our page for more information.

I'm also going to PM you with a question :)

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Thu May 24, 2018 5:09 pm
by jmq
Good stuff - keep it up. Always enjoy your contributions here.

I too am bracing myself for what we will see on our favorite beaches on our trip coming in a month now.
I know I know - still beautiful, yadda yadda - but (and maybe this is just my imagination) it seems like most videos and photos tend to avoid showing what the tree line REALLY looks like on some of the beaches. That's what my eye goes to and where my happy place is - sitting with a good book in the dappled shade of a sea grape tree near the waters edge at Maho or Gibney.

I know will it be different, and have to trust (and hope) that the magic is still there to be found - like you are doing right now.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Sat May 26, 2018 8:09 am
by Nancie-Pa
Love reading your posts! Feels like I'm right there with you! :D

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:15 am
by Agent99
Theresa-Ray thanks so much for that info! I will call ACC today!

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:20 am
by Agent99
My biggest problem just this minute? I left my No Shoes Nation cowboy hat in the back seat of the car that is parked in the Logan parking lot. S. H. I. T.!!!! If I could have 2 husbands I would marry Kenny. Even tho I am old enough to be his sexy babysitter. Does anyone know if they sell them on island?

Last night might be a little blurry but I can’t be sure because I can’t remember. Never good, but I heard we had a marvelous time. Everyone seems infatuated with Longboard so someone thankfully ran down for take-out fortifications- wings they said were excellent. The shishito peppers I do remember and they were good but I would like to see somebody fill a shisito pepper with an an herbed ricotta/cojito blend and deep fry it like a zucchini flower. But what do I know- I hardly cook but appreciate fun food. And I would eat that.

Up the North Shore road we go, past Gibney and Hawksnest and land at Jumbie. It’s been a few years since we’ve been here. It was never my favorite years ago because I was forever stubbing my toes on exposed rocks/coral or buried tree stumps chasing the kids around. My mind is changed. It was just beautiful and much bigger than I remember. No one or nothing to chase but our self esteem from yesterday's NESO moment(s).

Twas super breezy and therefore extra challenge approacheth. 15 knot breeze is going to make or break this experience. Progress was made last night over a melding of ingenious minds when everyone decided to agree with me. Yay!! I do love when that happens- because it does not happen often. But when I am right I am right. “Fill the anchors with WET sand.” “Stretch the corners super taut and line up the poles with the corners”. ”Bury the wet sand anchors”. It worked. It worked very well and withstood the wind. The one helpful tip I had read that I forgot about was to take a few elastic hair ties and wrap them around the circular pole top where it pushes through the tent ceiling. This will keep it from shifting when the mid changes direction.

We shared the beach with 2 other couples but we could not see them because they were tucked in to the remaining foliage.

Sam and Jack’s fed us with some delicious ‘Jacksons’ that we called ahead for and picked up on the way. The Jackson sandwich is pretty much a Muffaletta which I have always wanted to try on a visit to New Orleans where we have never been but not until after a beignet drenched in powdered sugar with coffee for breakfast. Now we can go to St. John and have a Mufaletta in the most beautiful place on earth. The Beignets will have to wait for another day unless we just throw powered sugar on a hush puppy. That could work.

Beyond Trunk. Yeah, not going to push my impressions on that. I really think everyone is going to have their own thoughts and feelings. Most people reading here have read everything and every single feeling is legit.

Miss Lucy’s looks awesome. We forgot to stop for cash so we all shared a round of rum punches- we do have priorities- and 2 bowls of the delicious soups Callalloo Crab and Conch Chowder and had enough left for a nice tip. I will never forget that they cooked for 4 days after the storm and fed everyone in the community who needed a meal and a warm hug. This island gets Love.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:21 am
by Agent99
May 23

Not much of a report this morning because- bacon.

There was a fair amount of Sargassum floating in the bay at Miss Lucy's yesterday but there was no odor at all other than a non-offensive fresh seaweed smell. Driving away as the road began to rise we did catch an odor that seemed to be more of what people describe but can't be positive of the source. We were pleasantly surprised to see that ballfield had been cleared of debris and the roadside was pretty much cleared as well- certainly improved over the photos I had seen.

Saw our first donkeys of the trip hugging the edge of the road on the way back. They looked healthy and robust despite the best efforts of locals to deprive them of Doritos. Just kidding. We never, ever did or will feed them. True story- Luke's best friend had half of his index finger bitten off by a pony when he was 2 years old. Hand to God- it grew back.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:21 am
by Agent99
May 24

Yesterday was very chill. Luke opted for villa gravity and the rest of us grabbed a quick lunch at Greengos, then on to Hawksnest. We shared the Taquitos and chips and dip. Tasty. I had an excellent Margarita that was served in a giant vessel- I don't know how big exactly- more than a pint less than a gallon. Maybe a quartish and just the ticket on an empty stomach before noon. The drink made me less frugal than normal so the guys bought new flip flops at Big Planet and I found a beautiful skirt in a peacock pattern across the way at Bamboula. The kid at Big Planet from Olympia, WA was very nice and relates totally to our pigmental challenges and the lady at Bamboula was a pleasure to chat with. Whoever does the buying there is my spirit animal. I love everything in that store.

Hawksnest was beautiful. The beach does appear wider with the absence of so many trees. The Park Service has done a beautiful job pruning and restoring. And there are a few baby coconut palms- hopefully under the radar. Gibney looks harsher from the Hawksnest view. Standing on Gibney with your back to the water the estate layout is so pretty and such a different perspective I did not focus so much on the tree loss. From the Hawksnest view it really hits home. The beautiful narley grapes trees are pretty much skeletons- beautiful and architectural but still skeletons. I imagine people smarter than me have examined every tree and determined which ones will come back and which ones won't. Several decapitated palms still stand as well.

The NESO tent rocks. The guys have assembly down pat and it stands even in a stiff breeze. It would not be at all practical or polite on a crowded beach because it is not a small footprint with the anchors but there was no one between us and the Gibney side of the beach- about a half a football field between us and the rocks and almost the same on the other side. About 20 people in all. We keep forgetting our snorkel gear back in the room.

Returned to Gallows and chilled at the pool with a book I don't want to finish because I know it does not end happily. I'm a little Bradley Cooper in Silver Lining Playbook about Hemingway but I can't stop reading it. A woman at the pool said that a helicopter was coming and going the other day. Hmmmm....just checking a certain concert schedule.....

Take out pizza and Fettuccini Alfredo from Cafe Roma was delicious and just what the doctor ordered. Love Cafe Roma. We were here when it burned and they have risen from the ashes from all of it.

We are definitely vacationing differently than normal- more mindfully if that makes sense? Maybe it's also that we have a little more time than usual but the quietness of the island feels different. It may sound strange but there seems to be a gentleness for lack of a better word from everyone around. We have always felt that warmth from the nice people at Gallows but not islandwide like now. Speaking for myself only there is also less of a feeling of urgency to do everything, see everything, taste everything. It's just really good to be here.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:22 am
by Agent99
Picked up lunch again- this time at North Shore Deli. Like Sam and Jacks, they also do a great job and both carry 54B's favorite chips. The boys got sandwiches- Italian and chicken salad and me a Ceasar salad. We arrived at Trunk just a little past noon and there were about 15 cars in the lot and a few empty cabs. Surreal. It might seem a bit of a cliche but that beach truly has to be one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. So many different shades of blue. We walked all the way to the left and set up beyond the outcropping of rocks where it turns into a little cove. We did see another Neso tent, this one bright orange and it seemed to be working well for them, also.

If I had to guess I would say that half of the people who were there were locals. First of all you can tell by the cars. You hardly see any locals running around in spanking new brightly colored jeeps. I bet many locals who would have avoided Trunk at its busiest are now able to enjoy it. It is amazing to experience such a beautiful beach practically empty but I too have mixed feelings. We stayed for several hours and the crowd never seemed to increase.

The breeze died down in the late afternoon as it does so often when the light is all silvery and for the first time the heat did hit us all. We felt the humidity that I'd beed denying so closed up the windows and doors, put on the A/C and played some music while everyone dressed for dinner. I wore my pretty new peacock skirt and we all walked down to Rhumblines arriving just before 7. There was only one other table seated and no one at the bar. Maybe I spoke too soon about the restaurants doing well. The food and service were excellent as usual. They lost the back row of tables up on the porch but otherwise seemed to have fared all right. We all shared a bunch of the Pu Pu small plates and spicy noodles. Love those. Fortunately, by the time we left there were more guests seated. I'd say close to a third full not counting the 6 or 7 tables that are gone. The stores were mostly closing up by 8 so we strolled back to Gallows and put on Arrested Development and cracked up at the antics of Tobias and Job.

It's Denis today. I have not heard any reports about how the coral fared there so will report back.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:23 am
by Agent99
May 25

Well, I was just informed that my reporting contains a glaring error. The take-out pizza and Alfredo we had the other night did not come from Cafe Roma—it was Da Livio. Cafe Roma was closed but Luke was told they are just closed for the week. No confirmation on that, so hopefully we'll be able to go before we leave.

Denis still looks beautiful, but a bit battered. The coral piles have grown some at the point where you enter the beach. A lot of broken coral washes up on that beach so it's really easy to stub your toe if you are busy looking at the beautiful view instead of watching where you put your feet. Poor NESO was a comedy of errors because the wind was coming from two different directions—simultaneously, it seemed. I think two extra poles would have been helpful but we were able to tuck into the shade of a large grape tree that had taken a beating but survived. There were about eight other people on the beach—two couples and a few ladies that appeared to be staying at the home down at the end, which you can now see a bit of. I did not realize that there were ruins on Dennis as well because it must have been covered in foliage before. We stayed clear of that end of the beach knowing there is a private home there.

The coral was pretty beat up. A lot of fan coral survived. Some of it was torn, but the little flamingo's tongues were plenty. Lots of broken or toppled elk horn. Not much brain coral either, but there was quite a bit of that washed up on the beach. Not quite as many fish but that is not surprising since their environment has been so traumatized. Q saw a young Moray eel for the first time poking out of the reef in the center. Glad I did not!

The hike back up was hot and I was huffing and puffing even though I had the lightest load. A quick trip to Dolphin Market to replenish supplies and then back to Gallows. The pool was deserted so I enjoyed a solitary dip while the guys flirted with Duke, the resident cat (who is awesome).

Happy news—we called Ocean 362 for a 7-o'clock reservation and they were booked until 8:30. Instead, we booked for tomorrow because the guys want to watch the Celtics tonight. I think there is another wedding coming in this weekend—at least I hope so. We've never had so much fun at somebody else's wedding as we did last week.

Re: St. John 2018 Still So Good!

Posted: Mon May 28, 2018 9:24 am
by Agent99
Last night we walked down to Lime Inn and town was hopping. The Terrace looked almost full, Drink had a crowd, Banana Deck was bustling. The New Chops looked super quiet though. Not sure they were open but we've seen his truck there every day and they appear to be working hard getting up and running. It looks very inviting out on the back porch and we look forward to trying that. Lime Inn was 3/4 full and the bar was full with people, many locals and a few guys from Missouri working on the lines. They must really love Friday nights when they can enjoy the fruits of their labor! Dinner was great and our server Lu, was super nice. By the time we left around 8:30 the bar had quieted down but it was still boisterous on the walk back up to Gallows. Celtic's lost of course. I know, I know. Cry me a river.

I was the first to bed and the last to rise this morning so I feel great while the guys might be a little worse for the wear. One easy suggestion to first timers in the upper Gallows units; even without the skylights the light does pour in to the arches and louvers after sunrise. I brought a little sleep mask with me and it makes all the difference if you are a light or late sleeper. I don't know when the last time I slept until 8:30. Like Mike I feel like I slept half the day away!

Not sure what we'll do today. Probably a NS beach then out to Coral bay for a late lunch. Jenn from News of St. John has a nice article up, with photos, about the tremendous clean up effort we noticed a few days ago. I can't even believe how they were able to move that debris so fast.