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Food from the mainland

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:29 am
by Carrichester
Hi everyone, will be returning to St. John in February with my husband. My first trip was back in 2003! I was with my sister and family and remember us bringing frozen meats and a few other items that we packed and checked like luggage. Would like to do this but without checking. Any suggestions about a good cooler backpack that would work? We would really like to cook a good steak on Valentine’s Day! Any tips, suggestions welcome! Husband was never been and I’ve been wanting to come back ever since 2003!

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:46 pm
by Chris @ Work
Not sure what your flight details are (duration, stopovers, etc.) but we travel from Houston which typically means 2 hour flight, 1 stop minimum and 2-3 hour layover, 2 hour flight and 1-2 hours from CA to villa. We use Polar Bear backpack (18 cans + 10 lbs ice size) so we can easily carry it around while on island for drinks, etc. It keeps everything frozen for the trip and is leak proof. Fits easily in overhead assuming there is available space.
We vacuum pack whatever we want to bring for 2 weeks. We use reusable cooler blocks rather than ice which we can also use when on island. Remember you cannot use dry ice although I know some have said they do without issue. We used to use all the time before 9/11.
On a related note, we are not bringing as much food this time. I know you can save some money as we have in the past but given the financial hit STJ took we feel any additional help we can bring via purchase in local grocery stores and more eating out at various restaurants, etc. is money well spent.
Have a great time. We arrive in June

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:56 pm
by Carrichester
Thank you for the info Chris. We are leaving out of Jackson, MS and have mimanal layovers. Will look into the Polar Bear. Plan on a lot of shopping and dining out also! Look forward to seeing the islands get back on there feet and thankful we have that opportunity! Enjoy your trip too, less than a month and we will be there!

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:06 pm
by Chris @ Work
Polar Bear also has carry on style which we also considered but the back pack was really convenient while chasing our granddaughter through the airport and we like to hike on island.
Safe travels. I would add enjoyable but that's a given.

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 11:49 pm
by Carrichester
Chris, on my first trip there I was with kids, sister and brother in law, we had rented a truck with bench seats in the back and it had a canvas top . Packed lunches, drinks and snorkel gear and we were off for the day. It was like the Clampets had come to St. John! Lol! Husband and I enjoy hiking and I am looking forward to exploring that part of the island. Any suggestions?

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:46 pm
by Chris @ Work
Our favorites are Reef Bay, Ram Head, Lameshur Bay and America Hill trails.
Reef Bay
We took the Parks Department Tour from Centerline to Petroglyphs, Reef Bay ruins and return to CB via boat. Given the hit to the park by Irmaria and this stupid Wall business that option is probably not available to you. That means the return is an uphill one.
Ram Head
If you only do one, this is it. You go past Blue Cobble beach and the views from Ram Head are wonderful. The history behind the place is that more impactful when you get there. If you have anything left, before you make that uphill walk to the car from Salt Pond Bay, take the short Drunk Bay spur which takes you past the salt pond to Drunk Bay beach. You'll find whimsical rock people sculptures and a great site for sea glass.
Lameshur Bay
Takes some getting to the trailhead by car but the hike is worth it. If you go, take the short spur north to the Reef Bay Great House ruins. You can combine this with the Petroglyphs and Reef Bay mill ruins if not doing the Reef Bay version mentioned earlier.
America Hill
This is a relatively short albeit steep hike from Cinnamon Bay area with a Great House ruin and amazing views at the top. Not sure what Irmaria did to the ruins but the views are probably less obstructed now.

We hope to do the Johnny Horn, L'Esperance Road and Fish Bay Gut trails in June but will see how that fits between sand, sea and rum :lol:

Here is a great site for trail information. Happy hunting
http://seestjohn.com/st-john-virgin-islands-trails-2/

Re: Food from the mainland

Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 6:54 am
by Carrichester
Chris,
Thanks for all the info. Only 17 more days for us!