St John 2025

St John 2025h

This year started off rough. Jim had.Chest pressure and was admitted to the hospital overnight for a cardiac workup. All ended up negative and he was cleared to travel.

We went to Chicago on the 11th for park sleep and fly.We ate out at Krafted burgar bar in Elmhurst, had the best Alcopone chicken sandwich , salad and truffel tots which was plenty to share.

Sunday 12th we took the shuttle at 6 am to Ohare. Went to United Lounge for breakfast.We Flew United Direct and arrived at 330. It is a very short landing strip in St Thomas, when I was looking out the window heard a little boy exclaim Mommy there is land.

I Ifelt just like the little boy glad to be back. I love the warm breeze hitting your face as walk off the plane out on the Tarmak. It is quite the ordeal to get to ST JOHN We took a taxi to Red Hook and had our first drink a bushwacker whi;e waiting for the ferry.

Cruz Bay waiting for luggage,

Curtesy was there waiting for us and they took us to do paperwork. We have used them for 17 times and never had one issue with them.
We got a white four-door for the two weeks. We pay cash and he always gives us a discount for being repeat customers. Off to pick up few necessities. No diet coke at 3 stores so got Fresca and enjoyed it for a change. Eggs were 984 for 18. Tried the other dolphen market by Westin still no diet coke but back by deli had great fried chicken breast and got a couple of side dishes for supper.

This is the seventh time we have rented Lunazul. Still my favorite for the view.

Monday Jan 13 80 and sunny

Winds are down to 10=12. Perfect for snorkeling Haulover North. The winds play such a role in snorkeling. The weather forcasts high winds for this week so we took advantage of low winds. Haulover north was clear but alittle bouncy in water.

Up at 530 for my favorite time on the island. Sunrise, coffee, and listening to the awakening of island. Breakfast was a sausage egg mc muffin

We went to East End, so we went to Privateer Bay to read and relax.

Tonight we ate in at villa chicken cordon blue and rice. Full moon tonight.

Tuesday, Jan 14

Eggs and toast for breakfast

We left at 0830 for Francis beach , were the first to arrive at the beach. We usually walk the beach when we first get there to get our steps in. A guy brought 8chairs and set them up and left. He told Jim he was going back to the villa for breakfast. You gota to be kidding me is this like a cruise ship where you have to save a spot? The island is changing.

. We had reservations tonight in Cruz Bay for Morgan Mango sitting at the bar.

We sat next to a fun couple.
Ceviche

Lobster always fresh caught on Tuesdays

Coconut-encrusted, panko fresh grouper

Frajgelica coffee

Morgan Mango key lime pie topped with White chocolate mousse is probably the best we have ever had.

We were sitting there talking when the waiter brought out a piece of pie and sang me Happy Birthday. My mouth flew open cuz I had not told them my birthday was coming up. He said someone called in and told us and by the way, this dinner is on John and Becki. What a surprise and totally a treat from my best friend.

Wed Jan 15

We decided to go to Caneels main beach. We have not been here since 2017 hurricane. We always enjoyed snorkeling from main beach to scott.

Thursday 16TH,

We drove to Groupon and arrived at 0900. the road was very overgrown getting there. Only one here till 1130 , Snorkeling was clear on right side and very calm today.

Tonight we had reservations at Extra Virgin at the bar where you can order from the menu. We had calamari and my favorite mushroom Papadelle and Jim had Choppino.

Would eat at the bar again loved having smaller portions and my grapefruit margarita was delicious.

Friday, Jan

We went to Little Lameshur first to get there at 0900 and got our favorite spot to right in the shade.

Love the ruins

Tonight we made homemade pizza and brought frozen dough from Trader Joe's

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Saturday, Jan 18th was a biscuit and sausage gravy morning.

Trunk day got there at0830 and several large groups were already set up.

Sunday Salt Pond and Rams Head hike. Got here 0800 and the second jeep in the lot

Sat up a place in the shade and started on hike with trekking poles for me. my ankles kill me from arthritis but it is my goal to complete every year. Jim is so patient and we enjoy the views.

Glad to see the mooring balls were removed close to shore. We snorkeled on the left I was also glad to see the AED device is attached to the outside toilet. Going back up to Jeep is always a little harder than coming down. We stayed in and had carrots brought from the garden, chicken cordon blue, and potatoes

Monday Jan 20th 68th birthday,

Was greeted by early sunrise was delightful followed by quick rain
we had pancake juice and bacon,

We decided Oppenheimer was calling our names The three spots were full at the gate so Jim dropped me off and went to the one spot down the ro and parked and walked back. We talked to some people on the beach who got there at 730 to get a parking spot. It was a reading and daydreaming type of day on one of our favorite beaches. Had a 10 minute rain shower followed by rainbow.

Lunazul where we are staying was sold so this is last year for Edward and Dorthy. The new owners are going to rent out their house below. We went down to check it out and feel it will be a good fit since we will be there alone and only need one bedroom. We will miss them but wish them well in building a new house back in the states.

Reservations at La Tapa for 6

Came home to watch the our homel team ND play for the National Football Championship. Started off rough got way behind, came back but lost to Ohio State by 11

Tuesday 21,

Had potatoes, toast, and eggs.

We got to Maho at 0830, Set up chairs in shade on right. Snorkeling was calm and clear. When we left at 3 the beach was the busiest have ever seen. The turtle a volunteer walked the beach informing them not to touch turtles.

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Came back to people sitting stadium-style squeezed next to us

We tried to go to Skinnys but everyone had the same idea. It would of been a long wait so went back to the villa and made a salad and had Pasta left over from yesterday

Wed, Jan 22

Went to Hawknest. We walked the beach and saw that they were doing yoga on the beach. Every Wed .

The water was a little rough but clear. I went out snorkeling by myself;

Through the years have always liked Lime Inn. Last year we went to Lime out. For me the experience was fun but a one and done for us. We made a reservation for 445. The happy hour is 3-5 and a two-for-one for the same person. I Love the Danger drink spicey. and my husband the Hunter both are favorites. We will definitely come back.

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We had tuna tartare for an appetizer and each had a taco

We walked to Frank Bay to watch the sunset. It did not disappoint

Thursday, Jan 23

Had sausage and egg mc muffin

Went to the East End to Haulover South. The snorkel to the right was exceptional, Saw the biggest Angel fish I have ever seen, barracuda, ray and squid and lots of fish.

Stopped at Skinny's and shared a burger and a basket of chips. only 250. I am not sure why but I always crave chips on the island. ink of day was painkiller with banana and coconut rum

Friday 24th

Pancake for breakfast

Went back to Frances and arrived at 0845 it was a very quiet day here, Finished my book who came to visit

And we left for waterlemon at the mooring balls

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We would definitely do this at the bar again. Sitting at the bar chatting with bartenders, Liked ordering smaller portions from the menu Liked everything except 20 dollar dessert. We came here during covid and had a full 4-course menu. It was good but just way too much food for us.

Potato encrusted

Saturday is our last day, Typically we do not snorkel our last dayWinds down so had to go back to Haulover North. Great last snorkel except for people walking all over the coral when we were getting out. It infuriates me the lack of respect for or knowledge of what they are doing. I did say something but they seemed oblivious to what they were doing. I tried to tell them nicely,

Our last beach is usually Denis Bay,

the trail was really cleaned out and very easy we enjoyed our afternoon saying goodbye to our favorite place.
Tonight had smoked sausage, Potatoes, and salad.

Saturday, 26

Dorthy and Edward came up to say goodbye and hugs. I just had to share the two special hosts. They also were going to lunch on this Yacht with their good friends today. Congratulations and may your new adventures begin.

Lunazul for next year we will be trying out the cottage below where Edward and Dorthy lived for two week, the kids are coming back and we will be staying at Le Mer above Lunazul.