Pre trip freak out questions-thanks for putting up with me!
Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 12:55 pm
Okay, so maybe it's just boredom or the fact that the weather is taking a dip in temp again this week but I think I'm in a little freak out stage since I'm something like 50 days out from my trip.
First, I want to say that all the people* and info here have been great! Despite having the following list of worries/fears, I am happy to say that you've all helped SO much in quelling the rest of my fears.
I mentioned in another thread that I've only been to St. John once before, and only for a day. Still, it was 1) enough to become obsessed with going back but 2) not enough to feel totally comfortable. So here are some of my worries and questions and maybe if anyone has time, they can help (more). Thanks in advance!
1- I'm staying in Coral Bay (found a great little place) and I'm worried about navigating around the island from there. I've got a couple map books and have read other guidebooks so I'm thinking it might be easier than I'm setting myself up for but still, freaking out a little. Do you think I need the Atlas?
2- Most of the reason I'm freaking out is that I'll be on the majority of my trip solo. This brings up a whole host of questions in my mind but I do a lot of solo traveling so I'm aware that if I am smart, I will be fine. Any tips for the solo traveler on STJ? I usually have no problem pulling up a stool and talking with who ever might be at the bar but maybe because this is a "new" place I'm just nervous?
3- Parking- my car is from St. John car rental so I guess I can use their lot if there's a spot. Still, I'm worried that I won't be able to find the right place or that it will begin to get dark and therefore, scary to walk to the car? Like I said, I won't put myself in a scary situation on purpose but it would be good to know ahead of time if there's a spot I ought to avoid.
4- Which brings me to this question: Should I just avoid driving to or from my villa in Coral Bay after dark altogether? Keep in mind, I won't drink and drive at all but still, who thinks this is too dangerous?
5- I'd like to take the ferry to JVD for the day. Some great posters (maybe here and another board) have said that you can take the earliest ferry to and the latest from and have a good 5 hours for the day. That sounds good to me. Another thing I've been told to do is just walk over to White Bay when getting off the ferry. I'm a distance runner so a walk is no problem but it would be nice to know a) how long the walk really is and b) if I'll be able to tell if I'm going in the right direction.
My gosh, I was going to post more about sailing questions but this seems like too much already. I THANK anyone who has any time to respond from the bottom of my heart. I'm SO excited for my trip and I always take the approach of the more you know, the more relaxed you'll be when you get there, which is what I know I will be!
*I'd also really like to say 'hi' to some of you while there so if you're going to be on the end of May first of June, PM me (my dates are on the calendar but I'm not sure it's safe to say when I'll be where).
First, I want to say that all the people* and info here have been great! Despite having the following list of worries/fears, I am happy to say that you've all helped SO much in quelling the rest of my fears.
I mentioned in another thread that I've only been to St. John once before, and only for a day. Still, it was 1) enough to become obsessed with going back but 2) not enough to feel totally comfortable. So here are some of my worries and questions and maybe if anyone has time, they can help (more). Thanks in advance!
1- I'm staying in Coral Bay (found a great little place) and I'm worried about navigating around the island from there. I've got a couple map books and have read other guidebooks so I'm thinking it might be easier than I'm setting myself up for but still, freaking out a little. Do you think I need the Atlas?
2- Most of the reason I'm freaking out is that I'll be on the majority of my trip solo. This brings up a whole host of questions in my mind but I do a lot of solo traveling so I'm aware that if I am smart, I will be fine. Any tips for the solo traveler on STJ? I usually have no problem pulling up a stool and talking with who ever might be at the bar but maybe because this is a "new" place I'm just nervous?
3- Parking- my car is from St. John car rental so I guess I can use their lot if there's a spot. Still, I'm worried that I won't be able to find the right place or that it will begin to get dark and therefore, scary to walk to the car? Like I said, I won't put myself in a scary situation on purpose but it would be good to know ahead of time if there's a spot I ought to avoid.
4- Which brings me to this question: Should I just avoid driving to or from my villa in Coral Bay after dark altogether? Keep in mind, I won't drink and drive at all but still, who thinks this is too dangerous?
5- I'd like to take the ferry to JVD for the day. Some great posters (maybe here and another board) have said that you can take the earliest ferry to and the latest from and have a good 5 hours for the day. That sounds good to me. Another thing I've been told to do is just walk over to White Bay when getting off the ferry. I'm a distance runner so a walk is no problem but it would be nice to know a) how long the walk really is and b) if I'll be able to tell if I'm going in the right direction.
My gosh, I was going to post more about sailing questions but this seems like too much already. I THANK anyone who has any time to respond from the bottom of my heart. I'm SO excited for my trip and I always take the approach of the more you know, the more relaxed you'll be when you get there, which is what I know I will be!
*I'd also really like to say 'hi' to some of you while there so if you're going to be on the end of May first of June, PM me (my dates are on the calendar but I'm not sure it's safe to say when I'll be where).